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.
Expand your expertise and tackle a broader range of business and organizational challenges and contribute findings to the business coaching field. Set your extensive experience and skills apart as a master business coach who can serve senior-level leaders in a variety of industries.
WABC Certified Master Business Coach (CMBC) is a highly esteemed, world-class distinction that tells the industry you are at the leading edge of your field in both expertise and training. CMBC enables you to confidently tackle complex goals with non-fixed outcomes that may impact broader business and organizational outcomes. CMBC also affords you the opportunity to contribute your knowledge and research to the business coaching profession and establish yourself as a leader in the business coaching community.
Regardless of what professional role you have (e.g., leader, manager, internal or external business coach, external consultant), if you’re doing business coaching at this level, WABC offers different routes via WABC Accredited (Level 3 – CMBC)® Programs or the WABC Portfolio Pathway to become a CMBC, based on your experience.
Once you earn CMBC, 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.
CMBC gives you a distinct competitive edge, and tells the market you’ve progressed beyond general coach training to build master-level specialized business coaching skills that support a broad range of non-fixed business-oriented and organizational goals and objectives.
The CMBC credential is for individuals who are very experienced in business coaching, who want to achieve mastery and possibly specialize, and who want to position themselves as a business coaching leader in their field.
Because the CMBC credential specifically prepares you for business coaching in any kind of business or organization across sectors and industries, an appropriate professional background is essential to ground your coaching in real-world situations.
No matter your business or organizational context, your professional experience is the foundation for pursuing any WABC credential.
As a CMBC, you can fully explore and contribute to the business coaching dialogue by engaging with current approaches, methodologies and research-informed theories and best practice of business coaching, including that of related disciplines.
By engaging your master-level skills and expertise, you may be accountable for critical analysis, diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation of business coaching activities and you may also choose to specialize.
You’ll also be able to provide business coaching to an open agenda and support a broad range of non-fixed business-oriented and organizational goals and objectives.
Choosing your credential will be based on your professional role, previous coaching experience, skill level, ambition, goals and client and employer needs
Let’s ensure CMBC is right for you:
WABC Accredited (Level 3 – CMBC)® Programs and WABC Portfolio Pathway are routes to earn CMBC
WABC Accredited (Level 3 – CMBC) Programs are third-party programs that have undertaken WABC’s rigorous assessment and committed to ongoing re-evaluation* to ensure they are delivering high quality, evidence-based business coaching training rooted in real-world organizational and business needs.
All WABC Accredited (Level 3 – CMBC) Programs engage in a continuous five-year process lifecycle to ensure they meet our standards of excellence—from initial accreditation through annual monitoring to re-accreditation. This continuous lifecycle ensures the providers’ programs remain relevant in the market and continue to meet our exacting, evidence-based global standards for business coach training programs.
Training is the right route to explore if you:
Joining WABC: You may join before, during or after the Program as a WABC Full Member™:
Your Next Step: If you’d like to explore training***, see the calendar below where you can select a provider and contact them to learn about their program and fee. Your eligibility is determined during their initial screening interview.
WABC Portfolio Pathway is an alternative to a training program. Open to eligible professionals, you’ll engage in a self-directed process that guides you through your examination and evidence of six CMBC learning outcomes. Your journey culminates in the submission and evaluation of your CMBC Candidate Portfolio, which showcases your professional business coaching performance.
Portfolio Pathway is the right route to explore if you:
Joining WABC: You will join before registration in the Pathway, as a WABC Full Member.
Your Next Step: If you’d like to explore the Portfolio Pathway, see the calendar below for guidance and how to contact us. Offered directly by WABC, your eligibility is determined via an exploratory screening stage.
Calendar is frequently updated, so please check back anytime.
Our WABC Portfolio Pathway was introduced on October 17, 2025
We’re fortunate to have an extensive waiting list, so if you’re on it, we’ll be re-connecting with you very quickly. Please contact WABC if you’re visiting here for the first time and would like to explore our Portfolio Pathway.
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Full length programs are ideally suited for professionals with business coaching experience
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Fast track programs are ideally suited for professionals with business coaching experience
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You’ll become a WABC Certified Master Business Coach once you:
*To prove your excellence to the world, you’ll receive your personalized CMBC Promo Package (digital package of letter, certificate, badge and personalized verification page (linked to your badge)) enabling you to promote your WABC Certified Master Business Coach (CMBC) credential on your website, email signature or social media platforms.
Earning your CMBC involves the following fees:
*Fee set by the training provider
**See the WABC Portfolio Pathway information provided to you
***See WABC Full Member
Maintaining your CMBC: Please see “Maintaining Your Credential” below.
Each WABC credential is intended to be a stand-alone credential, which enables you to choose the credential that is right for your professional role, previous coaching experience, skill level, ambition, goals and client and employer needs at any point in your career.
Our non-linear approach is purposefully designed to offer flexible and responsive learning options and credentials.
Generally yes. Once a Program earns the “WABC Accredited (Level 3 – CMBC)” mark, then you would be eligible to earn CMBC assuming you have successfully completed all Program requirements and met all WABC requirements within applicable deadlines.
For WABC Accredited (Level 3 – CMBC) Program: You must be a current WABC Full Member to earn CMBC. You have one year from your Program pass date to meet all applicable requirements (e.g., upgrade to, or join/re-join as, a WABC Full Member, complete the final administrative needs).
For WABC Portfolio Pathway: You must be a current WABC Full Member before registration in the Pathway. If you have allowed your membership to lapse, you have one year from your CMBC Candidate Portfolio pass date to meet all applicable requirements (e.g., re-join as a WABC Full Member, complete the final administrative needs).
For WABC Accredited (Level 3 – CMBC) Program: If you were already a WABC Member while taking your Program but allowed your membership to lapse prior to Program completion, you’ll be required to re-join as a WABC Full Member and pay the associated fees before receiving your CMBC. Also see FAQ above.
For WABC Portfolio Pathway: Being a current WABC Full Member is among requirements to enroll in the WABC Portfolio Pathway, so you’re expected to keep your membership in good standing at all times. If you allow your membership to lapse prior to your Portfolio Pathway completion, you’ll be required to rejoin WABC at the required level and pay the associated fees before receiving your CMBC. Also see FAQ above.
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, CMBC falls within this type of qualification.
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. CMBC adheres to these best practices.
CMBC 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.
Yes, to maintain your CMBC, there are two ongoing requirements which both require fees:
Taking a sabbatical during your career may affect your CMBC credential.
Yes, your CMBC credential can be revoked under certain circumstances.
The WABC Certified Master Business Coach (CMBC) credential must be listed in a specific way. Please log in to your dashboard for further guidance and access to your CMBC Promo Package.
Each WABC credential for professional business coaches is intended to be a stand-alone credential—choose the one that matches your professional role, previous coaching experience, skill level, ambition, goals and client and/or employer needs.
| PRACTITIONER RCC™ | ADVANCED CBC™ | MASTER CMBC® | ELITE ChBC® |
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| 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 |
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| ROUTES AVAILABLE (Options, Duration & Hours) | ROUTES AVAILABLE (Options, Duration & Hours) | ROUTES AVAILABLE (Options, Duration & Hours) | ROUTES AVAILABLE (Options, Duration & Hours) |
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WABC Accredited® Program Option: Full Length Duration: 6–12 months* Hours: 150* Option: Fast Track Duration: 4–8 months* Hours: 75* *Expect some variability based on participants’ experience-level and program’s approach WABC Portfolio Pathway Option: Full Length Duration: 6–12 months* Hours: Highly variable* *Self-directed |
WABC Accredited® Program Option: Full Length Duration: 9–18 months* Hours: 400* Option: Fast Track Duration: 6–12 months* Hours: 200* *Expect some variability based on participants’ experience-level and program’s approach WABC Portfolio Pathway Option: Full Length Duration: 6–12 months* Hours: Highly variable* *Self-directed |
WABC Accredited® Program Option: Full Length Duration: 18–24 months* Hours: 1200* Option: Fast Track Duration: 12–18 months* Hours: 600* *Expect some variability based on participants’ experience-level and program’s approach WABC Portfolio Pathway Option: Full Length Duration: 6–12 months* Hours: Highly variable* *Self-directed |
WABC Portfolio Pathway Option: Full Length Duration: 6–12 months* Hours: Highly variable* *Self-directed |
| ROUTES AVAILABLE (Formats) | ROUTES AVAILABLE (Formats) | ROUTES AVAILABLE (Formats) | ROUTES AVAILABLE (Formats) |
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WABC Accredited Program Each program chooses from a range of formats–In-person, virtual or blended. WABC Portfolio Pathway Virtual self-directed |
WABC Accredited Program Each program chooses from a range of formats–In-person, virtual or blended. WABC Portfolio Pathway Virtual self-directed |
WABC Accredited Program Each program chooses from a range of formats–In-person, virtual or blended. WABC Portfolio Pathway Virtual self-directed | WABC Portfolio Pathway Virtual self-directed |
| ROUTES AVAILABLE (Supervision) | ROUTES AVAILABLE (Supervision) | ROUTES AVAILABLE (Supervision) | ROUTES AVAILABLE (Supervision) |
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WABC Accredited Program Appropriate supervision is provided WABC Portfolio Pathway Not applicable |
WABC Accredited Program Appropriate supervision is provided WABC Portfolio Pathway Not applicable |
WABC Accredited Program Appropriate supervision is provided WABC Portfolio Pathway Not applicable | WABC Portfolio Pathway Not applicable |
| ROUTES AVAILABLE (Completion Deliverables) | ROUTES AVAILABLE (Completion Deliverables) | ROUTES AVAILABLE (Completion Deliverables) | ROUTES AVAILABLE (Completion Deliverables) |
| WABC Accredited Program Pass a written and performance related assessment) WABC Portfolio Pathway Submit and pass your RCC Candidate Portfolio representing your professional business coaching performance) | WABC Accredited Program Pass a written and performance related assessment) WABC Portfolio Pathway Submit and pass your CBC Candidate Portfolio representing your professional business coaching performance) | WABC Accredited Program Pass a written and performance related assessment) WABC Portfolio Pathway Submit and pass your CMBC Candidate Portfolio representing your professional business coaching performance) | WABC Portfolio Pathway Submit and pass your ChBC Candidate Portfolio representing your professional business coaching performance) |
| CREDENTIAL (Ongoing Requirements) | CREDENTIAL (Ongoing Requirements) | CREDENTIAL (Ongoing Requirements) | CREDENTIAL (Ongoing Requirements) |
| There are no requirements to maintain your RCC credential |
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| 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 and its requirements, including the right to change, replace or discontinue. | WABC reserves all rights in connection with the WABC Certified Business Coach (CBC) credential and its requirements, including the right to change, replace or discontinue. | WABC reserves all rights in connection with the WABC Certified Master Business Coach (CMBC) credential and its requirements, including the right to change, replace or discontinue. | WABC reserves all rights in connection with the Chartered Business Coach (ChBC) credential and its requirements, including the right to change, replace or discontinue. |
When you earn any of WABC’s credentials for business coaches (RCC™, CBC™, CMBC®, ChBC®) and for leaders-as-coaches (CLAC™), you’ll enroll in a WABC Accredited Program or WABC Portfolio Pathway. All WABC Accredited Programs undergo rigorous independent initial assessment, and providers are regularly reviewed to ensure they continue to be relevant to the market and meet our exacting global standards of excellence for business coaching or leader-as-coach coaching training programs. The WABC Portfolio Pathway, developed and offered directly by WABC, draws upon our deep insights, knowledge and expertise and offers an alternative, self-directed route for eligible professionals seeking business coaching credentials.
Over the course of my career I have continued my education with numerous credential and professional licenses within the financial services industry, including with a Fortune 100 company. WABC is a rigorous association that keeps high standards on the same level as Investment and Wealth Institute, which offers the CIMA.
I appreciate the in-depth knowledge required to attain the WABC Certified Business Coach™ (CBC™) and the WABC Certified Master Business Coach® (CMBC®) credentials, as the WABC Accredited® programs that lead to these credentials are structured to develop participants into excellent business coaches. WABC’s exclusivity and high standards set the bar for meaningful credentials which can help others through coaching.
My credentials have been extremely rewarding to me and my career. The training and continued focus on business coaching has benefited the teams I have led and their overall success. With the processes and structure of coaching, I have helped individuals identify goals and action plans that help them accomplish more than they thought they could ever accomplish. Coaching has enabled me to communicate more effectively, enhance my recruiting and retention of top talent and increase overall engagement from my teams.
There are many associations that offer credentials for a few hour or weekend course and provide a certificate or credential. This “weekend designation” is detrimental to the industry, as clients may not be certain of the level of knowledge achieved. WABC does a great job on sharing the value, knowledge and overall worth of the credentials that so many great coaches have achieved.
The WABC Certified Business Coach™ (CBC™) and especially the WABC Certified Master Business Coach® (CMBC®) have set my coaching practice on a much higher plane of professionalism and utility. WABC holds their members to a very high level of standards, education and development that differentiate them in the business coaching industry.
I am fortunate to be employed by a Fortune 100 company that places a high value on coaching. The Worldwide Association of Business Coaches provides our leaders who hold the Registered Corporate Coach™ (RCC™), WABC Certified Business Coach™ (CBC™) and WABC Certified Master Business Coach® (CMBC®) credentials with a standard of excellence and credibility in the coaching industry. The CMBC® credential has brought value to my own coaching practice as well as to the customers I support. Intrinsic to that value is the five-year re-certification requirement because it holds me accountable for continuous learning and professional development.
As a highly esteemed, world-class distinction, CMBC positions you at the leading edge of your field in both expertise and training.
Let’s get started!
Visit us in our “EARN CMBC” section above or reach out to us if you’d like some further guidance.
If CMBC isn’t a match, explore our full suite.
Whether you are a supervisor, manager or leader integrating coaching within your professional role (CLAC™), beginning your professional business coaching journey (RCC™), enhancing your professional services (CBC™), mastering your coaching specialties (CMBC®) or taking on the most demanding coaching assignments in the market (ChBC®), WABC has a credential for you.
