Many are trying to master the fashion profession, called coaching. Some believe that this can be done independently. Others are looking for a teacher or mentor. Still others choose coaching courses. Of all these methods, only the latter allows you to really become a specialist. There is a whole coaching school that combines different areas. But is it easy to get there? How long does it take to study? How to become a coach if there is no possibility of personal attendance? And how does the learning process go? Let's talk about this in more detail.
How to become a coach?
Trying to answer the question "how to become a coach?", It is advisable not to forget that this is the same specialty as the doctor or teacher. It is unlikely that anyone will turn to self-taught in one of these professions. Everyone wants a graduate who has undergone fundamental training, has the necessary certificates and customer reviews. The situation is similar in coaching.
The only difference is that there is no legal responsibility for conferring on oneself such qualifications. Therefore, a large number of “charlatans” multiply, who call themselves coaches but have never visited a coaching school. In addition to the possible harm to the client, such impostors inflict significant damage to the image of coaching, undermining public confidence in this discipline with their “clumsy” methods.
Coaching courses - an indispensable stage on the way to the development of this profession. Training programs are developed and provided by many organizations. Preparation, as a rule, passes on modular system. Each module lasts from several days to a week. Breaks between them are about a month. The total duration of training in various schools can vary from a few months to a year or even more.
By the way, coaching training does not always involve classroom instruction. Very often, preparation takes place online, for example, using Skype. So, even a resident of a remote village can enter a coaching school. The main thing is that he has enough money for it, since each module will cost from 800 UAH to 6000 UAH, and sometimes even higher.
In between modules, students practice in conducting coaching sessions. To do this, they are divided into small groups and try to force each other. In the final stages of training, there may already be real practice with the client. A certificate or diploma is issued only after completing a full course of coaching. In addition, the learner may be required to provide feedback from their clients. Most often, we are talking about 3-5 responses.
Upon completion of training, a coach is assigned one of three professional levels:
- ACC - Associate Certified Coach;
- PCC - Professional Certified Coach;
- MCC - Certified Master Coach.
Consider them separately.
Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
The basic level of coaching, the possession of which allows you to engage in this activity. Can be compared with a bachelor's degree in higher education. It implies at least 60 hours of training and more than 100 hours of practice, with at least eight clients. There are three ways to achieve the level of ACC. The most difficult is ACTP (Accredited Coach Training Program) - enhanced training, after which the exam and 10 hours of mentor sessions, which are held together with a mentor, are taken. The ACSTH (Approved Coaching Specific Training Hours) program is an average level of training. Express method CEE (Continuing Coach Education), which is more like a correspondence department.
Professional Certified Coach (RCC)
Understanding the principles of coaching, which is comparable to the qualifications of a specialist. Issued after 125 hours of training and 500 hours of practice with at least 25 clients. It can also be obtained in three ways: ACTP, ACSTH and CEE. The confirmation of the RCC degree requires specific practical skills and results. The exam is taken once, upon receipt of the previous level of ACC.
Certified Master Coach (MCC)
In-depth knowledge of this profession. If the training took place in an ordinary university, the MLS could be counted as a master's degree. Issued after 200 hours of study and 2500 hours of practice. The number of customers increases to 35 people. It does not imply reduced coaching courses, unlike ACC or RCC. A person who owns coaching at the MCC level is really a master who can call himself a coach or a coach.
Coaching Schools
The international community of coaches seeks to unify its direction, standardize it at the level of various countries. To this end, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) was formed. This structure unites more than 24 thousand specialists worldwide, with more than 50 participating countries. It is she who sets the tone for all coaching schools and curricula. By the way, the possession of one of the certificates of the ACC, RCC or MCC does not mean membership in this organization. It is voluntary and does not affect the quality of education.
The most famous coaching schools are Erickson’s International Coaching University, the International Coaching Center and the International Coaching Academy.
In the first place, of course, is Erickson International Coaching University (ESI), which has already trained over 40 thousand graduates from 33 countries of the world. This educational institution began its work since 1982, its founder is a doctor of psychology, Marilyn Atkinson. At one time, she was inspired by research by an American psychotherapist, Milton Erickson, after whom the university was named. In 2000, this educational institution was accredited as an educational institution.
Education at ESI is based on three basic principles, voiced by Milton Erickson:
- A person has the ability to solve their problems;
- Each of us has the power to transform our lives;
- Changes are possible, you just want this.
The coaching school is built on eight basic components of human nature: material and spiritual, strategies and innovations, plans and relationships, as well as creativity and science. In training coaches, all these areas are updated, which they then transfer to their clients.
Coaching courses are an integral component in the training of specialists. How to become a coach if you do not learn this? On your own, you can be a good mentor, coach, consultant, but not a coach. Indeed, over the decades of its existence, this profession has already managed to acquire its own rules and traditions. So, everyone who wants to master this discipline is opened by the coaching school. Moreover, the training in it takes incomparably less resources compared to the opportunities that open to a professional coach.
