Purpose
The CMBC designation:

• Sets international standards for experienced business coaches through a master designation, and clearly identifies these standards for buyers of business coaching
• Provides an independent, robust, transparent assessment process that recognizes appropriate levels of education and continuing professional development for mastery in business coaching
• Promotes high-caliber business coaching services for the benefit of clients
• Contributes to the definition, development and self-regulation of the business coaching profession

Overview
The WABC Certified Master Business Coach (CMBC) designation is intended for master-level business coaches. It is an international designation that recognizes business coaches who apply their coaching to a broad range of organizations. Business coaches at this level are equipped to operate at all levels of an organization and to deal with the ambiguity of an open coaching agenda. The CMBC is an independent credential (no prerequisite credential required) and is the second, or advanced, level of certification.

The CMBC designation can also lead to a fully accredited master's degree. The Master of Arts in Professional Development (Business Coaching) program is offered and delivered by PDF, an academic partner of Middlesex University, based in the UK. The degree is validated and awarded by Middlesex University. There are no residency requirements for this degree program, and it is open to CMBC holders.

Guiding standards
The CMBC designation is the product of rigorous research, development and testing. The program is guided by a definition of business coaching and a set of master-level coaching competencies developed by WABC through extensive study and industry consultation. CMBC is an evidence-based designation that undergoes a comprehensive annual review to ensure that it stays relevant and continues to set the highest international standards for master-level business coaches.

Granting institution
The CMBC designation is awarded by WABC, headquartered in Canada. To keep the process transparent and independent, candidates undertake a program and assessment with a third-party WABC Accredited (Master Level) training provider. For training providers to become accredited by WABC, they must be evaluated by third-party assessors from the Professional Development Foundation (PDF) in the UK.

How to obtain the CMBC designation
You are an ideal candidate for the CMBC if you actively practice as a master-level business coach. Specifically, you must meet these requirements:

• Must have at least five years of business coaching experience (external or internal coaching or a combination of both);
• Must be a WABC Full Member in good standing (you have five years from the date you graduated from the WABC Accredited (Master Level) program to become a Full Member); and
• Must successfully complete a WABC Accredited (Master Level) program.

How to list the CMBC designation
Current holders may list this WABC designation in full as follows: WABC Certified Master Business Coach™ or as initials without periods as follows: CMBC™ or both ways as follows: WABC Certified Master Business Coach™ (CMBC™).

Please Note: WABC members who any hold any educational degrees, or any professional designations from organizations other than WABC, must have these credentials (now and in the future) verified by WABC if they wish to list them in any materials that display WABC trademarks (e.g., WABC name, logo, designations). This requirement applies to members' own materials (e.g., marketing and promotional material, résumés, business cards, website, email signature block) that contain WABC trademarks as well as to WABC materials (e.g., website, member correspondence). For full details, refer to our Use of Designations Policy, Trademarks and Logo Use Policy and Logos and Guidelines.

How to maintain the CMBC designation
You must renew the CMBC every five years. Renewal is strict but not onerous. You must meet the following requirements: