Chartered Business Coach® (ChBC®)

ChBC is an evidence-based WABC credential held by professionals around the world. As a highly coveted, world-class distinction, ChBC positions you as being among the best of the best in the business coaching profession worldwide. ChBC demonstrates your significant impact and influence with your senior expertise, specialized knowledge and professional competence to take on the most challenging business coaching engagements.

Overview

Chartered Business
Coach® (ChBC®)

Demonstrate your significant impact and influence with your senior expertise, specialized knowledge and professional competence and take your place among the top of the field as a chartered business coach. 

As the first-ever chartered status for business coaching professionals, WABC’s Chartered Business Coach (ChBC) credential is the industry’s most coveted credential designed exclusively for elite business coaches. 

Chartered-level business coaches are senior business coaching professionals who have achieved senior expertise, specialized knowledge and professional competence. As a leading member of the business coaching community, ChBC affords you the opportunity to share your learning and confirm your role as an influential thought leader in the field. Regardless of what professional role you have (e.g., leader, manager, internal or external business coach, external consultant), if you’re doing business coaching, WABC offers different training options via WABC Accredited (Level 4 – ChBC)® programs to become a ChBC, based on your level of experience.

Once you earn ChBC, you will also become part of our global community, where professional business coaches from across the globe come together to enhance their skills, expand their professional networks and influence the business coaching industry more broadly.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATEs

ChBC is Designed for Chartered Business Coaches

ChBC gives you a superior competitive edge, and tells the market you have achieved a very senior level of specialized knowledge and professional competence to apply business coaching in a wide variety of contexts.

The ChBC credential is for individuals who are extremely experienced in business coaching, who support leaders on the most complex business challenges, and who want to position themselves at the top of business coaches in their field.

Because WABC credentials specifically prepare you for coaching to support businesses or organizations, an appropriate professional background from working within businesses and organizations is essential to ground your training in real-world situations. Your professional experience is the foundation for pursuing a WABC credential.

On average, ChBCs have a minimum of 15-20 years of business coaching experience, and a minimum of 20-25 years of business and organizational experience.

ChBC may be right for you if:

  • You want to take your place among the very top business coaches in the world today
  • You’re a senior leader or manager heavily utilizing business coaching, or
  • You’re an internal business coach who works at senior levels of management and provides the same level of expertise expected of senior external coaches within the confines of your own organization (you may have gained experience across a range of organizations), or
  • You’re an external business coach who works across a range of organizations and at senior levels of management, and
  • You have a minimum of 5 years of senior and intensive business coaching experience, plus a minimum of 7 years of business and organizational experience, and
  • You also possess:
    • The ability to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of business coaching, professionalism, leadership and significant achievements in the field, and a commitment to contributing to your and others’ professional development
    • The ability to evidence significant profile within the field
    • A reflective ability to meet the high assessment standards.

TOP BENEFITS

Why ChBC

CREDIBILITY

Gain credibility with a specialized and highly coveted, world-class distinction

CONTRIBUTE

Contribute your senior expertise, specialized knowledge and research to the business coaching profession

INFLUENCER

Take your place among the best of the best and broaden your impact as an influential business coach

LEARNING OUTCOMES

What You’ll Know How to Do

As a ChBC, you embody the highest level of professional practice, and contribute significant influence and leadership within organizations and the business coaching industry.

By engaging your specialized knowledge and professional competence, you’re able to apply business coaching in a variety of contexts, the outcomes of which may be unpredictable. 

You also exercise substantial personal autonomy along with significant influence, leadership and contribution within your organization, the profession or academic settings.

As a ChBC, among other things, you’ll know how to:

  • Demonstrate your specialized knowledge and elite professional competence
  • Illustrate your use of broad sources of critical information and original knowledge
  • Apply business coaching in a wide variety of contexts, the outcomes of which may be unpredictable
  • Exercise substantial personal autonomy and significant influence, leadership and contribution within your organization, the profession or academic settings
  • Self-reflect and synthesize learnings gathered throughout your professional development, including career-spanning experiences, influences, leadership, and education
CREDENTIAL PROCESS & PROGRAMS

Your 4 Steps

STEP 1

Ensure ChBC is the Right Credential for You

The credential you choose will be based on your previous coaching experience, skill level, ambition, professional development goals and your client needs. Not sure if ChBC is right for you? See Compare Credentials for further guidance.

STEP 2

Enroll in a WABC Accredited Program

WABC Accredited (Level 4 – ChBC) programs and options are available for you to earn ChBC. The WABC Accredited program provider will determine your eligibility and suitable program option during an initial screening interview.

Upcoming WABC Accredited Programs

Start Date Provider Program Format Location Language

New program coming in 2025.
Contact WABC if you would like to be added to a wait-list.

TBA TBA TBA TBA English
STEP 3

Earn ChBC

To earn ChBC, you must meet these requirements:

  • Pass a screening interview with a WABC Accredited (Level 4 – ChBC) program instructor, and
  • Have at least five years of business coaching experience, and
  • Meet minimum WABC membership requirements for ChBC (currently WABC Full Member), and
  • Be a current WABC member in good standing, and
  • Successfully complete a WABC Accredited (Level 4 – ChBC)   program. Completion includes submitting a self-directed portfolio project (or other suitable deliverable) and passing a final examination by an Assessment Board.
WABC MEMBERSHIP
  • Learn about ChBC and membership in our FAQS 
  • Learn more about WABC Membership at JOIN WABC
STEP 4

Maintain ChBC

To provide ethically sound and expert guidance, professionals in all areas of practice must keep up to date on the latest research, evidence and opinion on how to effectively serve their clients’ needs.

A clear professional development strategy allows business coaches to stay relevant and innovative in providing the best possible expertise to their clients.

As a professional certification credential, you have a few ongoing requirements to maintain your credential that are designed to complement your coaching practice as an opportunity for learning and growth.

As a ChBC, you must:

  • Maintain your WABC membership: Join and renew your membership every year to remain in continuously good standing, and
  • Re-certify your ChBC: Submit and pass your Professional Development Record (PDR) five years from the date you graduate from your WABC Accredited (Level 4 – ChBC) program, and every five years after that.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Learn Even More

Getting Your Credential

What are all the fees associated with earning my ChBC?

Earning your ChBC involves the following fees:

  • WABC Accredited (Level 4 – ChBC) training program (fees are set by the training provider)
  • WABC membership*
  • Your ChBC certificate*

*These fees may be included in the training program pricing. Otherwise, you can find the WABC fees in JOIN WABC.

Maintaining your ChBC:

Please see “Maintaining Your Credential” below.

What do you mean when you say “no prerequisite credential required?”

Each WABC credential is intended to be a stand-alone credential, which enables business coaches to pursue the credential that is right for their ambition, professional goals and client needs at any point in their careers.

Our non-linear training approach is purposefully designed to suit the diverse needs of business coaches with flexible and responsive learning options and credentials.

If the program I completed was recently accredited by WABC, am I eligible for a ChBC credential?

If your WABC Accredited (Level 4 – ChBC) program was recently accredited by WABC, check with your program instructor on your eligibility for ChBC.

How long after completing my WABC Accredited (Level 4 – ChBC) program do I have to join WABC to be granted my ChBC?

You have one year from your graduation date to become a WABC member, as long as you meet the minimum WABC membership requirements for ChBC.

What if my WABC membership expires before I complete my program? Can I still get my ChBC?

If you were already a WABC member while taking an WABC Accredited (Level 4 – ChBC) program but allowed your membership to lapse prior to program completion, you’ll be required to rejoin WABC and pay the associated fees before receiving your ChBC.

Maintaining Your Credential

What is certification?

Certification is a voluntary process by which a nongovernmental body recognizes an individual who has successfully met predetermined qualifications. As an advanced, evidence-based credential, ChBC falls within this type of qualification

What is unique about a professional certification credential?

It is the most rigorous level of professional credentialing available for individuals. Professional certification credentials that follow industry best practice require validation, carry re-certification requirements and are subject to revocation. ChBC adheres to these best practices.

Why do I have to re-certify my ChBC?

ChBC is a professional certification which means it is a “working or applied” credential. Unlike certificates and degrees which transfer knowledge and skills, professional certifications measure how an individual uses knowledge and skills in real-life situations. By certifying that the holder is able to currently practice at a certain level, certification maintains public trust in the delivery of service.

For a professional certification credential to remain valid, the holder must stay relevant with current practice and theories. That’s why it’s a certification best practice for holders to meet ongoing requirements, such as continuing professional development, to maintain their certified credentials.

Are there fees to maintain my ChBC?

In order to maintain your ChBC credential, there are two ongoing requirements which both require fees:

As a ChBC, you must:

  • Maintain your WABC membership: Join and renew your membership every year to remain in continuously good standing (fees depend on member level), and
  • Re-certify your ChBC: Submit and pass your Professional Development Record (PDR) five years from the date you graduate from your WABC Accredited (Level 4 – ChBC) program, and every five years after that. There are fees associated with reviewing your PDR.
What if I plan to take a sabbatical?

Taking a sabbatical during your career may affect your ChBC credential.

Can my ChBC credential be revoked?

Yes, your ChBC credential can be revoked under certain circumstances.

Promoting Your Credential

How should I list my ChBC credential?

ChBC may be listed in several ways. Please log in to your dashboard for further guidance and access to applicable WABC logos.

How can I promote my ChBC credential?

After you become a ChBC, you’ll get access to a digital badge to easily verify and promote your credential on websites, email signatures and other marketing materials.

COMPARE CREDENTIALS

All WABC Credentials

Each WABC credential is intended to be a stand-alone credential. The credential you choose will be based on your  previous coaching experience, skill level, ambition, professional development goals and your client needs.

PRACTITIONER
RCC
ADVANCED
CBC
MASTER
CMBC®
ELITE
ChBC®
Level of Credential Level of Credential Level of Credential Level of Credential
RCC is an evidence-based WABC credential held by professionals around the world.

As a highly respected global credential, RCC raises your credibility and positions you as a practitioner business coach with specialized business coaching skills. RCC enables you to support a range of business-oriented and organizational goals and objectives.
CBC is an evidence-based WABC credential held by professionals around the world.

As a highly respected global credential, CBC positions you as an advanced business coach with specialized business coaching skills. CBC enables you to support a wider range of business-oriented and organizational goals and objectives.
CMBC is an evidence-based WABC credential held by professionals around the world.

As a highly esteemed, world-class distinction, CMBC positions you at the leading edge of your field in both expertise and training. CMBC enables you to confidently tackle complex goals that may impact broader business and organizational outcomes.
ChBC is an evidence-based WABC credential held by professionals around the world.

As a highly coveted, world-class distinction, ChBC positions you as being among the best of the best in the business coaching profession worldwide. ChBC demonstrates your significant impact and influence with your senior expertise, specialized knowledge and professional competence to take on the most challenging business coaching engagements.
Eligible Candidates Eligible Candidates Eligible Candidates Eligible Candidates
  • You have no business coaching experience and are looking to start your career in coaching, or
  • You have some business coaching experience but have never taken a formal evidence-based business coach training program and now wish to consolidate your practice fully with best practice, or
  • You’re a senior leader or manager wishing to engage with leadership coaching, or you are moving to a development role within your organization or to freelance work as a business coach, or
  • You’re an internal business coach developing your practice, or
  • You’re an external business coach who works with clients within limited areas of service, or
  • You’re an external consultant wishing to enhance your coaching offer, and
  • You have a minimum of 7 years of business and organizational experience.
  • You have some business coaching experience and want to enhance your client services, and
  • You’re a senior leader or manager wishing to engage with leadership coaching, or you are moving to a development role within your organization or to freelance work as a business coach, or
  • You’re an internal business coach who works beyond the level of manager-ascoach and provides the same level of service expected of external coaches within the confines of your own organization (e.g., coaching to key areas of the organization outside your own line management responsibility), or
  • You’re an external business coach who works with clients within limited areas of service, or
  • You’re an external consultant wishing to enhance your coaching offer, and
  • You have a minimum of 7 years of business and organizational experience.
  • You have extensive experience with business coaching and want to position yourself as a high performer in your industry, and
  • You’re a senior leader or manager wishing to engage with leadership coaching, or you are moving to a development role within your organization or to freelance work as a business coach, or
  • You’re an internal business coach who works at senior levels of management and provides the same level of service expected of external coaches within the confines of your own organization (you may have gained experience across a range of organizations), or
  • You’re an external business coach who works across a range of organizations and at senior levels of management, or
  • You’re an external consultant wishing to enhance your coaching offer and often work across a range of organizations and at senior levels of management, and
  • You have a minimum of 5 years business coaching experience, plus a minimum of 7 years of business and organizational experience.
  • You want to take your place among the very top business coaches in the world today, and
  • You’re a senior leader or manager heavily utilizing business coaching, or
  • You’re an internal business coach who works at senior levels of management and provides the same level of expertise expected of senior external coaches within the confines of your own organization (you may have gained experience across a range of organizations), or
  • You’re an external business coach who works across a range of organizations and at senior levels of management, and
  • You have a minimum of 5 years of senior and intensive business coaching experience, plus a minimum of 7 years of business and organizational experience, and
  • You also possess:
    • The ability to demonstrate an indepth knowledge of business coaching, professionalism, leadership and significant achievements in the field, and a commitment to contributing to your and others’ professional development
    • The ability to evidence significant profile within the field
    • A reflective ability to meet the high assessment standards.
Program Duration & Hours (approx.)Program Duration & Hours (approx.)Program Duration & Hours (approx.)Program Duration & Hours (approx.)
DURATION
1.5–3 months

HOURS
Up to 75–150 total learning hours
DURATION
4.5–9 months

HOURS
Up to 300–600 total learning hours
DURATION
12–24 months

HOURS
Up to 1200–1800 total learning hours
DURATION
3–12 months

HOURS
Up to 900 total learning hours
Program Options AvailableProgram Options AvailableProgram Options AvailableProgram Options Available
  • Full length
  • Fast track
  • Assessment only (this will be less than the duration and hours shown above)
  • Full length
  • Fast track
  • Assessment only (this will be less than the duration and hours shown above)
  • Full length
  • Fast track
  • Assessment only (this will be less than the duration and hours shown above)
  • Full length
  • Assessment only (this will be less than the duration and hours shown above)
Program Modes Available Program Modes Available Program Modes Available Program Modes Available
Many modes available depending on program enrolled in (e.g. in-person, virtual, blended)Many modes available depending on program enrolled in (e.g. in-person, virtual, blended)Many modes available depending on program enrolled in (e.g. in-person, virtual, blended)Many modes available depending on program enrolled in (e.g. in-person, virtual, blended)
Program Supervision Program Supervision Program Supervision Program Supervision
Appropriate supervision is providedAppropriate supervision is providedAppropriate supervision is providedAppropriate supervision is provided
Program Completion DeliverablesProgram Completion DeliverablesProgram Completion DeliverablesProgram Completion Deliverables
  • Written assessment
  • Performance assessment
  • Written assessment
  • Performance assessment
  • Written assessment
  • Performance assessment
  • Self-directed research project
  • Self-directed portfolio project (or other suitable deliverable)
  • Final examination by an Assessment Board
Re-certification RequirementsRe-certification RequirementsRe-certification RequirementsRe-certification Requirements
There are no requirements to maintain your RCC credential
  • Remain a WABC member in good standing as, at least, a WABC Affiliate Memberand
  • Submit your Professional Development Record (PDR), including client input, for approval five years from the date you graduate from your WABC Accredited® program option, and every five years thereafter
  • Remain a WABC member in good standing as, at least, a WABC Full Member and
  • Submit your Professional Development Record (PDR), including client input, for approval five years from the date you graduate from your WABC Accredited® program option, and every five years thereafter
  • Remain a WABC member in good standing as, at least, a WABC Full Member and
  • Submit your Professional Development Record (PDR), including client input, for approval five years from the date you graduate from your WABC Accredited® program option, and every five years thereafter
WABC Standards WABC Standards WABC Standards WABC Standards
Legal Legal Legal Legal
WABC reserves all rights in connection with the Registered Corporate Coach (RCC) credential, including the right to change the requirements of RCC credential, and to replace RCC credential.WABC reserves all rights in connection with the WABC Certified Business Coach (CBC) credential, including the right to change the requirements of CBC credential, and to replace CBC credential.WABC reserves all rights in connection with the WABC Certified Master Business Coach (CMBC) credential, including the right to change the requirements of CMBC credential, and to replace CMBC credential.WABC reserves all rights in connection with the Chartered Business Coach (ChBC) credential, including the right to change the requirements of ChBC credential, and to replace ChBC credential.
THE MARK OF DISTINCTION

WABC Accredited® Means Better Business Coaching

When you earn any of WABC’s credentials for business coaches—RCC, CBC, CMBC® or ChBC®—you will enroll in a WABC Accredited program. All WABC Accredited programs undergo rigorous independent initial assessment, and providers are regularly reviewed to ensure they continue to meet our standards of excellence. This ensures their programs continue to be relevant to the market and meet our exacting global standards for business coach training programs.

ChBC TESTIMONIALS

In Their Own Words

YOUR NEXT STEPS

Chartered Business Coach®

ChBC® positions you as being among the best of the best in the business coaching profession worldwide.

Become a ChBC®

Let’s get started!

Find a listing of our programs below or reach out to us if you’d like some further guidance.

Explore All WABC Credentials

If ChBC® isn’t quite the right fit for you, we’ll have a WABC credential that is.

Whether you are beginning your coaching journey (RCC), enhancing your professional services (CBC), mastering coaching specialties (CMBC®) or taking on the most demanding coaching assignments in the market (ChBC®), WABC has a credential to suit your ambition, professional goals and client needs.