What is a CCA Credential?
A CCA Credential is a professional certification issued by the Canadian Coaching Association that signifies you have met stringent competences designed to enhance and refine your coaching expertise. It demonstrates your dedication to upholding high ethical competences and your commitment to continual professional development. This credential not only assures clients and peers of your competence but also distinguishes you as a leader in the coaching industry.
The Importance of a CCA Credential
In today’s competitive coaching market, holding a recognized credential is paramount. Studies, such as the 2022 Global Consumer Awareness Study, reveal that a significant majority of coaching clients consider certification an essential marker of a coach’s capability and trustworthiness. Earning a CCA Credential provides you with immediate credibility and increased exposure, thereby strengthening your professional reputation and client trust.
CCA Credential Levels
The Canadian Coaching Association offers a tiered credentialing system that reflects the depth of education and the extent of practical coaching experience:
| Associate Certified Coach (CAC) | Professional Certified Coach (CPC) | Master Certified Coach (CMC) |
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Requires the completion of 60 hours of coach-specific education and a minimum of 100 hours of client coaching experience. |
Requires 125 hours of coach-specific education along with at least 500 hours of direct coaching experience. |
Reserved for those who hold or have held a CMC Credential, this level demands 200 hours of coach-specific education and a minimum of 2000 hours of client coaching experience. |
What Does It Take to Earn a CCA Credential?
Earning a CCA Credential is a comprehensive and rigorous process that underscores the legitimacy and high competences of our coaching professionals. The pathway to credentialing comprises five key components:
| 1. Education | 2. Experience | 3. Mentor Coaching | 4. Performance Evaluation | 5. Exam Board |
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Complete coach-specific education that adheres to the CCA’s defined coaching framework, core competencies, and ethical competences. |
The Canadian Coaching Association (CCA) mandates that all applicants fulfill specific coaching experience benchmarks to be eligible for each credential level. The experience requirement reflects not only the amount of time spent coaching but also the depth and quality of that coaching engagement. Accumulate a specified number of coaching hours, ensuring that these hours commence after the initiation of your coaching education program. |
The Canadian Coaching Association (CCA) regards mentor coaching as a crucial pillar in the professional development of aspiring and practicing coaches. Mentor coaching provides personalized feedback and guidance, ensuring that individuals refine their coaching competencies, uphold ethical standards, and deliver transformative experiences for their clients. |
The CCA’s Performance Evaluation is a cornerstone of the credentialing journey. It ensures that coaches not only understand the core principles of professional coaching but can also exemplify them in practice. By engaging in authentic coaching sessions, receiving expert feedback, and refining their approach, candidates develop the competence, confidence, and ethical foundation needed to thrive in today’s coaching landscape. |
The Department for Credentialing and Education (DCE) reviews all certification recognition requests and forwards them to the Exam Board (EB) for consideration. Once the EB has completed its evaluation and granted approval, the candidate is officially awarded the certificate. Candidates pursuing the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) or Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential must also complete a 45-minute defense of their coaching competencies. During this session, they will demonstrate their skills in a simulated scenario under the scrutiny of the Exam Board. |
Learn More
For additional information on the credentialing process, please explore the following resources:
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- CCA Core Competencies
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- Find a Mentor Coach
Not Sure How to Start Your Credential Application?
Book a 20-minute consultation meeting with a CCA accredited agent or visit the “Get Certified” page to learn more about the application process. When you are ready to embark on your credentialing journey, begin by enrolling in your relevant education on the CCA LMS.
Credentialing Pathway for External Applicants Without Prior CCA Training or Credentials
This pathway provides a structured, inclusive route for experienced or aspiring coaches who have not formally studied at the Canadian Coaching Association (CCA) and do not hold coaching credentials, but who seek professional recognition based on their knowledge, experience, and potential. CCA is committed to ensuring the integrity of the coaching profession by offering three credentialing levels:
CAC- Certified Associate Coach
CPC- Certified Professional Coach
CMC- Certified Master Coach