We created a list of the best executive coaching certification programs to help aspiring executive coaches and seasoned coaches get the training they need to become the best executive coaches they can be.

There are countless executive coaching programs, types of programs, styles, methodologies, and philosophies to choose from—it can be overwhelming to anyone that may be new to the world of executive coaching.

To help you know how to begin looking, it’s important to lay out the groundwork information regarding the coach training and certifications you need to become a talented executive coach with a successful executive coaching career.

The 3 Different Types of Executive Coaching Certification Programs

First of all, it’s important to know that there is no consensus within the coaching industry about what training and certifications a business coach needs to become a stellar business coach.

However, there is an international agreement that the International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the global hub and gold standard for all things coaching.

When a program or coach is associated with the ICF, they instantly receive more credibility and authority.

A program that is ICF certified means that it has been extensively reviewed by industry experts to surpass the highest ICF standards.

There are 3 types of ICF coach certification programs:

1. Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP)

An ACTP is the most comprehensive type of program for novice executive coaches. It entails a minimum of 125 hours of executive coach-specific training, detailed instruction on ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics, mentor coaching, and a comprehensive final exam to evaluate your competence and ensure you are prepared for executive coaching when you finish your program.

This is a good place to start if you are just beginning in your executive coaching journey and want to ensure you are a well-rounded coach, competent in all areas of coaching.

2. Approved Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH)

This program is a lot briefer than an ACTP. It requires 30 hours of coach-specific training that entails scrutinized coaching sessions and studying the ICF Core Competencies.

With an ACSTH, you have more flexibility in your training; you can choose your mentor and tailor-make your training program and hours to suit your schedule and needs.

3. Continuing Coach Education (CCE)

A CCE program is basically supplemental training for coaches who have already completed other ICF training and certifications and have had their fair share of coaching experience.

This coach training advances a coach’s existing foundation and expands their coaching skills and abilities to keep growing their career.

Best Executive Coaching Certification Programs

Now that you know what type of training you may need let’s take a look at our favorite executive coaching certification program we have chosen based on merit, philosophy, and execution.

1. Co-Active Training Institute

Coach Certificate Program/ ACTP

Program Details:

"Co-Active Coach Training builds on the learning from Co-Active Fundamentals with a series of four courses that explore essential coaching principles: Fulfillment, Balance, Process, and Synergy. This immersive level of training fosters expansive development, at both a personal and professional level. You will establish a reliable coaching framework and gain competency in Co-Active coaching—one of the fastest-growing, most in-demand leadership skills.."

Why We Chose It:

CTI earned its reputation over 28 years of developing coaches and leaders worldwide; it has trained over 65,000 coaches from a third of Fortune 100 companies. It's at the top of everyone's list of executive coaching training programs for a reason.

We love the Co-Active training model which delivers relevant and experiential learning that is truly transformational for each coach trainee—it is also recognized as the most flexible and proven model for coach training out there.

2. ACT Leadership Brown

Next Level Coaching Program/CCE

Program Details:

“The ACT Leadership and Performance Coaching Program incorporates the 11 ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics necessary to become an ACC coach. The program is contextualized in organizational and leadership development.

Participants will develop confidence and competence in being able to coach a range of different personalities within organizations using concepts from disciplines such as Developmental Psychology and Leadership Development.”

Why We Chose It:

The Ivy League prestige of Brown naturally grants this coaching program authority and credibility.

The ACT Leadership program's prestige, focus on ICF Core Competencies, and experienced staff makes it an outstanding program for preparing coaches with a wide range of tools and coaching styles to be able to coach executives and leaders at every level.

3.Center for Executive Coaching

Coach Certificate Program/ACTP

Program Details:

“The Center for Executive Coaching (CEC) is a leading coach training & certification company for professionals seeking success as coaches to leaders, executives, business owners, entrepreneurs, managers, and up-and-coming talent.

We have trained over 2,000 coaches in 32 countries, and now give our members license to use our complete toolkit of two dozen, best practice coaching frameworks. Most coach training programs are not equipped to teach the realities of the market and how to develop solutions that get practical, measurable results for clients. The Center for Executive Coaching is the exception. "

Why We Chose It:

The program is small and selective, which means more personalized training and support. CEC goes a step beyond ICF’s core competencies, has a royalty-free license to 24 coaching toolkits, and offers a phenomenal network of coaches.

It is also an excellent choice for working professionals because of its flexible options in training and mentoring. You can choose how quickly or how long you can finish the training and choose virtual classes and webinars to help you work at your own pace through distance learning.

4. Erickson Coach International

Erickson Solution-Focused Coach Certificate/ACSTH &ACTP

Program Details:

“Through our program, you will develop a solid foundation in the theory and practice of Solution-Focused coaching. Fulfill your purpose to help others realize their potential and assist them to take actions that align with their bigger vision.

As a Solution-Focused Coach, you will demonstrate key competencies that lead to meaningful and productive conversations. You will be to apply highly effective coaching methodologies to support positive and sustainable changes in others."

Why We Chose It:

Erickson Coaching has been around since the 80s; they know executive coaching because they’ve helped pioneer it into what it is today.

Their world renown and trademarked The Art and Science of Coaching approach is the hallmark of their executive coach training operation and is composed of theory in emotional intelligence, mindfulness, core leadership skills, and neuro-linguistic programming.

Erickson coaches are handpicked and carefully trained solution-focused coaches that are skilled in their areas and offer online and in-person training; because high-quality mentors produce high-quality coaches.

5. John Mattone Global, INC

IL Executive Coaching Certification/CCE

Program Details:

“3-Day Immersive online journey in executive and leadership coach development. Ultimately, this comprehensive Program enables external and internal coaches to help leaders and future leaders unlock and unleash their potential so they truly become the best leaders and people they can be.

The IL Executive Coaching Process achieves this by igniting and strengthening a leader's inner-core and outer-core, which enables the leader to realize 4 “game-changing” outcomes that they can leverage as leaders in their business and life: altruism, affiliation, achievement, and abundance (The 4 A’s). The 4 A’s are the seeds to achieving sustained greatness and creating a lasting legacy.”

Why We Chose It:

John Mattone is considered one of the top executive coaches in the world, and as a former executive coach to Steve Jobs, his programs are highly regarded worldwide.

We put this program on our list because it has produced over 300 successful executive coaches worldwide and is full of the leadership knowledge that has propelled Mattone to the top of the executive coaching world.

Although short, the program is jampacked with important pre-work, seminars, discussions, and exercises that teach the life-changing elements of executive coaching.

If you want to learn the unique process, tools, and methodology that enable stellar coaching services, why not get the inside scoop from the best?

6. Academy of Executive Coaching

Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching Certification/ACSTH

Program Details:

“Held over a series of live 3 two-day modules plus an assessment day and supported by an elearning program, your learning will mirror the Beginnings, Middles, and Endings of the executive coaching process.

The experiential style of the four-month-long program allows you to practice coaching skills from day one and learning about the psychological underpinnings will enable you to deepen your understanding of how people function, grow and change.

This program enables you to develop your own coaching model and coaching practice as you deepen your expertise of coaching and coaching techniques.”

Why We Chose It:

This is a rare triple-accredited program by the ICF, EMC (European Mentoring Coach Council), and the AC (Accredited Award in Coach Training).

We love the international appeal to this program that offers in-person training in locations across the globe that are also offered virtually to those who cannot attend.

Their program can be incorporated into group training, professionals at all levels, different career areas, and expertise—at a very affordable rate that is a lot cheaper than a semester in college.

Bottom Line

It’s important to be aware of the differences between the programs to figure out what training you would benefit the most from to become a successful and strategic executive coach.

Coaching organizations usually offer one or two types of programs. Each type of coaching certification has its pros and cons and serves different needs and circumstances depending on the individual executive coach.

Whether you are already in the executive coaching business or want to become an executive coach—there is a successful coach training program to fit your needs.