Type of Designation:
Professional accreditation: For business coach training providers*
Created in 2007 | Status: In pilot stage

Purpose
The WABC Accredited designation aims to:

• Set international standards for business coach training providers, and clearly identify these standards for buyers of business coach training
• Provide an independent, robust, transparent assessment process that recognizes excellence in training
• Promote high-caliber professional development for the benefit of business coaches
• Contribute to the definition, development and self-regulation of the business coaching profession.

Overview
The Mark of Distinction for Business Coach Training Providers™
WABC Accredited is the first international designation for business coach training providers. It recognizes world-class training providers whose programs are credible, reliable and relevant to the industry. Programs can become WABC Accredited at either the Practitioner Level or Master Level. Obtaining this designation involves meeting rigorous international standards for training.
The WABC Accredited designation is now in the pilot stage. The designation is anticipated to be generally available in late 2008 or early 2009.

Guiding standards
The WABC Accredited designation is the product of rigorous research, development and testing. It 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. WABC Accredited is an evidence-based designation that is reviewed annually to ensure it stays credible, reliable and relevant.

Granting institution
The WABC Accredited designation is awarded by WABC, headquartered in Canada. To keep the process transparent and independent, candidates are evaluated by third-party assessors from the Professional Development Foundation (PDF) in the UK.

How to obtain the WABC Accredited designation
You are an ideal candidate for WABC Accredited if you meet either of these general requirements:

• You are a training provider whose program has run to completion at least once; or
• You are a corporation with an internal training program that has produced graduates.

To qualify for WABC Accredited (Practitioner Level), your programs must focus on practitioner coaches: coaches who either practice in one organization or provide defined services to a narrow clientele. Practitioner Level is the first level of WABC accreditation and is roughly equivalent to a post-graduate certificate in business coaching.

To qualify for WABC Accredited (Master Level), your programs must focus on master coaches: coaches who provide broad services at all levels to a range of organizations. Master Level is the advanced level of WABC accreditation and is roughly equivalent to a master’s degree in business coaching.

How to list the WABC Accredited designation
Please refer to our Use of Designations Policy.

How to maintain the WABC Accredited designation
You must renew your WABC Accredited status every five years. Re-accreditation involves submitting a report each year to state that you continue to meet the accreditation criteria, and a detailed report every five years to provide evidence of compliance.

Can the WABC Accredited designation be revoked?
Yes, under certain circumstances. Examples include not meeting the re-certification requirements or being cited for a legal or ethical violation.

More information

*What is accreditation?
Accreditation is a voluntary process by which a nongovernmental body publicly recognizes a training provider that has successfully met predetermined qualifications through initial and follow-up evaluations.

What is unique about a professional accreditation designation?
It is the most rigorous level of credentialing available to training providers. Professional accreditation programs following industry best practices ensure their programs require validation, carry re-certification requirements and are subject to revocation. The WABC Accredited program adheres to these best practices.

WABC Accredited program
Details available in 2008/2009.

Other background information
WABC Business Coaching Definition and Competencies

Meet our Expert Review Panel

New Programs Underway

Other WABC designation programs
WABC Certified Master Business Coach (CMBC)

Registered Corporate Coach (RCC)

WABC reserves all rights in connection with the WABC Accredited designation, including the right to change the requirements of the WABC Accredited designation, and to replace the WABC Accredited designation.