One of the joys of writing this column is that it gives me the excuse to pause and reflect upon my recent learning about research and practice and to consider how it may be of interest to you, my readers. Over the last month or so I have been particularly taken by what it means to be a master practitioner and how research can help us attain that level of practice. It started with my recent move to Middlesex University (England) as Director of Programs for their Professional Doctorate Program. The candidates in this program undertake a doctorate in and through their own practice. Unlike the conventional doctorate where the focus is on academic knowledge, this doctorate’s focus is on practice itself, including all the messiness of real life and context. Within my new role, I have the opportunity to work with senior practitioners from a range of professions and talk with their professors and senior academics. It is fascinating to note that we are all intrigued by the question, “What makes mastery?”

All of us are struck by the great similarities between different disciplines–it seems that the process is the same, although the technical knowledge may be vastly different. For example, I had the delight of working with Dr. Susan Melrose, a professor of the performing arts, and I loved her perspective–to quote: “Disciplinary mastery is always relational: it is undertaken somewhere, by and for someone, with reference to (and thereby rearticulating the terms of) one or another disciplinary tradition”–this has a resonance for me when thinking about coaching. As we meet with our clients we are co-constructing a ‘performance’ with them. As we seek to probe what mastery really looks like and how it can be acquired, we are in the same realm as the performer seeking to construct a depiction of Hamlet or Sleeping Beauty which communicates and explores anew some aspect of what it means to be human.

The question of mastery has real power for coaching when we consider where we are as a profession. If we are to construct the boundaries of what constitutes our body of knowledge and practice, we need to be able to articulate in a clear manner what it means to be a master practitioner in our field. Here we differ from a performance artist in that we need to differentiate ourselves from other related disciplines. The academic requirements, i.e., the amount of stuff we need to know, are relatively straightforward. They are not easy, but they are straightforward. There may be differences in the focus of some courses depending upon the preference of the professors teaching them–but the amount and depth of study are monitored by the university accreditation boards and audited against the standard of a current body of knowledge in the area. However, with all due respect, we know that passing a master’s degree is not indicative of mastery in a profession. A master’s degree identifies that you have the required technical knowledge, NOT that you have the required professional knowledge and skills. For this we need to develop–through practice–the professional know-how and ‘gut feel’ indicative of a seasoned practitioner. This is the elusive but necessary ingredient of mastery.

So what might it be? The literature shows us a variety of perspectives and comes up with ‘practice wisdom’ and ‘expert intuition,’ both of which try to identify the process by which a practitioner produces a decision or constructs a flexible innovative intervention within the context they find themselves, i.e., their particular client or situation. It is relational, as Susan Melrose says. Let us take a moment to reflect: When was the last time you surprised yourself in practice and thought, “I wonder where that came from? Why did I do that? It worked but where did I get it from?” Probably quite recently! Your expert intuition was in full flight. You probably rationalized your decision or design AFTER the event, but it arrived like magic at the time. As Schön1 would have said, you were ‘knowing in action.’

We are starting, as researchers, to get some sense of what is happening in practice wisdom so we can help practitioners attain the holy grail of mastery. It is not appropriate to call it ‘intuition’ –expert or not–as this is a catchall phrase suggesting it is innate and without rational basis. My own view is that we are working with a kaleidoscope (I thank one of my students, Steve Wigzell, for this metaphor), each color contributing to the pattern is one aspect of what we are bringing to the interaction. For instance, we will bring technical knowledge from various disciplines: learning theory, change management, etc., but also our knowledge of context, the pragmatics in operation, our own values and beliefs, our experience in similar situations, etc. All these and more are part of the color spectrum we have in our kaleidoscope. For each client and situation, we rotate the kaleidoscope again to produce a pattern unique and specific to that client and situation.

The creation of each new pattern has to happen fast and effortlessly ‘in the moment’ through ‘reflection in action,’ and, as such, is the result of using images, examples, and understandings achieved through practice. A person’s performance nearly always uses several kinds of knowledge (technical, experiential, etc.) in some integrated form and is influenced by both context and feelings.

What recent research has shown is that the transition from novice to competent practitioner can happen when one or two areas of work are mastered. The transition from competent to master practitioner needs the practitioner to not only be using a broad and deep knowledge base, but also to be actively creating knowledge by applying their expertise in new arenas. To create new knowledge, experts must be well versed in the problems and methodologies of the field in which they work and actively engaged in problem finding. These experts are posing questions and instituting investigations that push the boundaries of their work.

So there we have it–if you want to develop expertise and be a Master Practitioner, you must be a problem finder and hence a researcher!

Enjoy your problem finding!

This article first appeared in Business Coaching Worldwide (October Issue 2010, Volume 6, Issue 3).


Footnotes

1 D. Schön, The Reflective Practitioner (Basic Books: New York, 1983) An old one but a good one and well worth a read


Dr. Annette Fillery-Travis

Dr. Annette Fillery-Travis is a senior researcher and education coach with the Professional Development Foundation. The author of more than 60 research articles and studies, her book. The Case for Coaching, presenting a literature review with research case studies and interviews from over 20 organizations on coaching efficacy, was published in 2006 by CIPD, UK.

WABC Full Member

Elevate your professional development and your reputation with the support of WABC’s global community. WABC Full Membership is our professional advanced level membership and is ideal for experienced and active business coaches.

Overview

WABC Full Member

WABC Full Membership is our professional advanced level membership for individuals. It recognizes those who are experienced business coaches, who are active practitioners in the field and who represent many professional roles (e.g., leader, manager, internal or external business coach, external consultant).

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

WABC Full Membership is Designed for Experienced Business Coaches

WABC’s individual memberships are professional level. Because of our specialized work as business coaches, an appropriate professional background from working within businesses and organizations is essential to ground your business coaching in real-world situations. Accordingly, your professional experience is the foundation for pursuing all WABC membership levels.

You are eligible for WABC Full Membership if you:

  • Are actively engaged in business coaching in alignment with the WABC Business Coaching Definition;
  • Are providing business coaching services (e.g., one-on-one or team coaching) and possibly other related services and activities (e.g., business coach training, speaking engagements, publishing and/or research about business coaching);
  • Have enrolled in or successfully completed an appropriate formal evidence-based business coaching training program or assessment (WABC Accredited® programs highly preferred)*;
  • Have in place appropriate business coaching service agreements with your business coaching clients, coachees and/or business coach training participants;
  • Have at least 3 years of business coaching experience (includes coaching in the private, public and nonprofit sectors);
  • Have at least 7 years of business or organizational experience (includes coaching and non-coaching work in the private, public and nonprofit sectors);
  • Have provided business coaching services to at least 15 recipients in the last 3 years;
  • Prove, with verifiable references, that you have provided business coaching or business coach training to 5 recipients in the last 12 months. Your 5 references can come from:
    • EITHER 5 business coaching clients and/or coachees
    • OR 3 business coaching clients and/or coachees plus 2 business coach training participants

You can gather these 5 references yourself or ask your employer (or the person managing your coaching contract) to submit declarations about your references. Instructions and templates to fulfill this references requirement will be provided.

Your application must include a current résumé/CV or outline verifying your background experience. Please also familiarize yourself with our Credential Verification Policy.

*If you have not enrolled in or successfully completed an appropriate formal business coaching training program or assessment (WABC Accredited routes highly preferred), then you may be asked to participate in a membership eligibility interview.

TOP BENEFITS

Why WABC Full Membership

CREDIBILITY

Gain credibility with acceptance as a WABC member

VERIFIED

Enhance your professionalism by getting your credentials verified for inclusion in our Verify a Credential/ Member and WABC Business Coach Locator directories

EXCLUSIVITY

Access our member- exclusive content and events

KNOWLEDGE

Expand your thinking by engaging with the ideas shaping the future of business coaching

CONTRIBUTE

Contribute to WABC on topics in your area of expertise, including articles, webinars, videos and research

BUSINESS COACH LOCATOR

Build your professional reputation with an enhanced promotional profile page in our global WABC Business Coach Locator directory

COMMUNITY

Belong to our global community where members enhance their skills, expand their professional networks and influence the business coaching industry more broadly

SERVE

Influence business coaching by serving on select WABC committees as suitable opportunities become available

VALUE-ADDED

Be eligible for industry awards and exclusive WABC opportunities, including client leads, media referrals, publicity, publishing and special pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn Even More

Becoming a WABC Member

Do I need a coaching credential to become a member of WABC?

As the business coaching industry has evolved, having an evidence-based business coaching credential is often expected by diverse clients in markets around the world. Virtually all current WABC members hold at least one WABC credential because our clients understand that our work is specialized and requires the right experience, skills and knowledge. Currently WABC offers two levels of membership for active business coaches at various stages in their careers.

WABC seeks to have an inclusive member community, and base our requirements on business experience, coaching experience and references. If you wish to be considered for membership and do not hold a WABC evidence-based business coaching credential, you may still apply for membership and must participate in an in-depth membership interview to further assess your eligibility and ability to meet WABC’s core standards and policies.

Can I continue my membership if I leave my current organization?

Yes. Your WABC membership is connected to you as an individual, not your organization, and is fully portable should your employment change and you continue to meet WABC’s eligibility requirements.

How long is my membership term?

The membership term is valid for one year from the date your application is approved and your full payment is processed.

Memberships are required to be renewed on an annual basis.

Is there a money back guarantee if I don’t like the membership offerings?

You may request a refund of your membership fees, less the applicable administrative fee, within the first 30 days of membership at any level with these exceptions and conditions:

  • If you joined to obtain the Registered Corporate Coach (RCC) credential, no refund is available.
  • If you joined to obtain the WABC Certified Business Coach (CBC), WABC Certified Master Business Coach® (CMBC®) or Chartered Business Coach® (ChBC®) credential, a refund is available, less the applicable administrative fee, within the first 30 days of membership. The CBC, CMBC or ChBC will be denied (if it has not been granted yet) or revoked (if already earned).

Since WABC has historically had an extremely low rate of new member withdrawal, members requesting refunds are asked to participate in a short exit survey.

There are no refunds available for renewing members.

Can I promote my WABC membership?

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

Getting Your Credential

Do I need to be a WABC member to maintain my credential?

It’s dependent on the type of credential you hold. To maintain your CBC, CMBC® or ChBC® credential, you must meet these two ongoing requirements, which both require fees:

  • Remain a WABC member in good standing as, at least, a WABC Affiliate Member (for CBC) or a WABC Full Member (for CMBC and ChBC), and
  • Submit a record of your Professional Development Record (PDR) for approval five years from the date you graduate from your WABC Accredited® program option, and every five years thereafter
Can I become a WABC member before I graduate from my WABC Accredited® program?

Yes! It’s common for program participants to join WABC while they’re taking a WABC Accredited program. Please keep in mind that if you join during your program and allow your membership to lapse prior to program completion, you’ll be required to rejoin WABC and pay the associated fees before receiving the applicable WABC credential.

How long after completing my WABC Accredited program do I have to join WABC to be granted my credential?

The length of time you to have to join depends on the level of the program and credential:

  • For RCC – you have one year from your graduation date to become a WABC member (minimum level is WABC Affiliate Member)
  • For CBC – you have one year from your graduation date to become a WABC member (minimum level is WABC Affiliate Member although most members opt for WABC Full Member)
  • For CMBC – you have up to five years from your graduation date to become a WABC member (minimum level is WABC Full Member)
  • For ChBC – you have one year from your graduation date to become a WABC member (minimum level is WABC Full Member)  

In all cases, graduates of WABC Accredited programs must meet all WABC’s standards for membership at the time they submit their applications and agree to all applicable terms and policies.

APPLYING & FEES

Your 3 Steps

The general process to apply for WABC Full Membership

Review Membership Requirements

Our WABC Full Member Standards fully describe the requirements for this level.

Submit Your Application

We’ll first ask you some pre-qualifying questions to ensure this membership level is right for you. If it is, the application will ask you about your business coaching activities and other related information. Your application will be supplemented by an appropriate résumé or CV and five references. (You may be exempted from providing the supplemental information. See RÉSUMÉ & REFERENCES.)

Make Your Payment

We offer a variety of ways to make payment (e.g., credit or debit cards).

Are you currently pursuing a WABC credential?
If yes, click here.

ARE YOU PURSUING A WABC CREDENTIAL?

We look forward to having you as our member. If you are already enrolled in a WABC Accredited program to earn RCC, CBC, CMBC® or ChBC®, please check with your trainer or employer to determine if joining arrangements have already been made on your behalf. If you’re not sure, please Contact WABC and we’ll be happy to guide you along at this early stage and before you start the application process.

RÉSUMÉ & REFERENCES

Résumé

If you are currently enrolled in, or have graduated from a WABC Accredited program, then you are exempted from providing a résumé or CV.

References

If you are currently enrolled in, or have graduated from a WABC Accredited program, then you will be exempted from providing five verifiable references if the training provider has screened for WABC Full Membership.

APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS

Our review commences once all required information (e.g., application, résumé or CV, five references) and payment is received. The full review time period is varied as it depends on when all suitable references are received, if additional information is required and if WABC is observing a bank holiday or scheduled break. See WABC’s office closure dates.

FEES

As the world’s leading business coaching association, sharing your affiliation with WABC can build your professional reputation. Our new membership and promo packages are designed to enhance your credibility, verify the authenticity of your affiliation, and share your accomplishment with your network.

MEMBERSHIP & EARNING RCC

Available to graduates of WABC Accredited Level 1 programs only

OPTION1:
US$540

WABC Full Membership 
+ NEW Membership Promo Package
+ NEW RCC Promo Package

OPTION 2:
US$505

WABC Full Membership 
+ NEW RCC Promo Package

MEMBERSHIP & EARNING CBC

Available to graduates of WABC Accredited Level 2 programs only

OPTION 1:
US$540

WABC Full Membership 
+ NEW Membership Promo Package
+ NEW CBC Promo Package

OPTION 2:
US$505

WABC Full Membership
+ NEW CBC Promo Package

MEMBERSHIP & EARNING CMBC

Available to graduates of WABC Accredited Level 3 programs only

OPTION 1:
US$540

WABC Full Membership 
+ NEW Membership Promo Package
+ NEW CMBC Promo Package

OPTION 2:
US$505

WABC Full Membership 
+ NEW CMBC Promo Package

MEMBERSHIP & EARNING ChBC

Available to graduates of WABC Accredited Level 4 programs only

OPTION 1:
US$540

WABC Full Membership 
+ NEW Membership Promo Package
+ NEW ChBC Promo Package

OPTION 2:
US$505

WABC Full Membership 
+ NEW ChBC Promo Package

MEMBERSHIP ONLY

OPTION 1:
US$505

WABC Full Membership 
+ NEW Membership Promo Package

ABOUT MEMBERSHIP PROMO PACKAGE:
  • Digital letter to confirm your membership including membership number and granted and renewal dates
  • Digital certificate to demonstrate your membership authenticity and share with your network
  • Digital badge to promote your membership on your website or email signature or social media platforms
  • Digital personalized verification page (linked to your badge) to enhance your credibility in the marketplace
ABOUT RCC, CBC, CMBC AND CHBC PROMO PACKAGES:

Available to graduates of WABC Accredited Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 programs only

  • Digital letter to confirm your credential including granted date 
  • Digital certificate to commemorate your achievement and share with your network
  • Digital badge to promote your credential on your website or email signature or social media platforms
  • Digital personalized verification page (linked to your badge) to enhance your credibility in the marketplace
ABOUT MEMBERSHIP TERM AND FEES:
  • Membership term is one-year
  • New membership fee includes a one-time US$75 administrative fee as long as you remain a continuous member and in continuously good standing
  • If you’re already a current WABC member and not upgrading your membership at the time of earning RCC, CBC, CMBC or ChBC, you will just pay for the RCC, CBC, CMBC or ChBC Promo Package (US$35)
  • Renewal membership fee is US$395 (you may also purchase applicable promo packages(s) for additional fees)
  • Applicable GST/HST taxes apply to Canadian addresses only
REFUND POLICY

30-Day Money Back Guarantee

New Members

Individuals may request a refund of their membership fee, less the applicable promo package(s) and administrative fees, within the first 30 days of membership at any level with these exceptions and conditions:

  • If the member joined to obtain the Registered Corporate Coach (RCC) credential, no refund is available.
  • If the member joined to obtain the WABC Certified Business Coach (CBC), WABC Certified Master Business Coach (CMBC) or Chartered Business Coach (ChBC) credential, a refund is available, less the applicable promo package(s) and administrative fees, within the first 30 days of membership. The CBC, CMBC or ChBC will be denied (if it has not been granted yet) or revoked (if already earned).

Since WABC has historically had an extremely low rate of new member withdrawal, members requesting refunds are asked to participate in a short exit survey.

Renewing Members

No refunds are available.

Please review the Terms of Membership for more details.

membership TESTIMONIALS

In Their Own Words

BENEFITS of membership

Become a WABC Member

Build your network

and access our global community

Expand your thinking

with exclusive thought leadership and resources

Contribute to the industry

and help build coaching excellence


WABC Affiliate Member

Elevate your professional development and your reputation with the support of WABC’s global community. WABC Affiliate Membership is our professional entry-level membership and is ideal for emerging, new and part-time active business coaches.


Overview

WABC Affiliate Member

WABC Affiliate Membership is our professional entry-level membership for individuals. It recognizes those who are emerging, new and part-time business coaches and who represent many professional roles (e.g., leader, manager, internal or external business coach, external consultant). It’s also suitable for those who can’t quite meet the requirements for higher membership.

Once you are accepted as a WABC Affiliate Member, you can upgrade to higher levels of membership once you qualify and at any time during your membership term or at the time of your renewal.


ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

WABC Affiliate Membership is Designed for Newer or Part-time Business Coaches

WABC’s individual memberships are professional level. Even though WABC Affiliate Membership is entry-level, because of our specialized work as business coaches, an appropriate professional background from working within businesses and organizations is essential to ground your business coaching in real-world situations. Accordingly, your professional experience is the foundation for pursuing all WABC membership levels.

You are eligible for WABC Affiliate Membership if you:

  • Are transitioning into a business coaching practice or are practicing part-time* as a business coach, in alignment with the WABC Business Coaching Definition;
  • Are providing, or will provide, business coaching services (e.g., one-on-one or team coaching) and possibly other related services and activities (e.g., business coach training, speaking engagements, publishing and/or research about business coaching);
  • Have enrolled in or successfully completed an appropriate formal evidence-based business coaching training program or assessment (WABC Accredited® programs highly preferred)**;
  • Have, or will put in place once you are accepted as a WABC member, appropriate business coaching service agreements with your business coaching clients, coachees and/or business coach training participants;
  • Have less than 3 years of business coaching experience, though you may have more (includes coaching in the private, public and nonprofit sectors);
  • Have at least 7 years of business or organizational experience (includes coaching and non-coaching work in the private, public and nonprofit sectors);
  • Have a reputation for integrity and sound character;
  • Agree to abide by the Terms of Membership, the WABC Code of Business Coaching Ethics and Integrity, the WABC Professional Standards for Business Coaches, the Terms and Policies and any other standards, terms, conditions, rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines that may be adopted; and
  • Meet other requirements that may be established from time to time by WABC.

Your application must include a current résumé/CV or outline verifying your background experience. Please also familiarize yourself with our Credential Verification Policy.

*Means you intend to provide business coaching services over the next year, or are in the first 3 years of a business coaching practice, or have fewer clients than required for WABC Full Membership.
** If you have not enrolled in or successfully completed an appropriate formal business coaching training program or assessment (WABC Accredited routes highly preferred), then you may be asked to participate in a membership eligibility interview.



KEY BENEFITS

Why WABC Affiliate Membership


CREDIBILITY

Gain credibility with acceptance as a WABC member

VERIFIED

Enhance your professionalism by getting your credentials verified for inclusion in our Verify a Credential/ Member and WABC Business Coach Locator directories

EXCLUSIVITY

Access our member- exclusive content and events

KNOWLEDGE

Expand your thinking by engaging with the ideas shaping the future of business coaching

BUSINESS COACH LOCATOR

Build your professional reputation with an enhanced promotional profile page in our global WABC Business Coach Locator directory

COMMUNITY

Belong to our global community where members enhance their skills, expand their professional networks and influence the business coaching industry more broadly



Frequently Asked Questions

Learn Even More

Becoming a WABC Member

Do I need a coaching credential to become a member of WABC?

As the business coaching industry has evolved, having an evidence-based business coaching credential is often expected by diverse clients in markets around the world. Virtually all current WABC members hold at least one WABC credential because our clients understand that our work is specialized and requires the right experience, skills and knowledge. Currently WABC offers two levels of membership for active business coaches at various stages in their careers.

WABC seeks to have an inclusive member community, and base our requirements on business experience, coaching experience and references. If you wish to be considered for membership and do not hold a WABC evidence-based business coaching credential, you may still apply for membership and must participate in an in-depth membership interview to further assess your eligibility and ability to meet WABC’s core standards and policies.

Can I continue my membership if I leave my current organization?

Yes. Your WABC membership is connected to you as an individual, not your organization, and is fully portable should your employment change and you continue to meet WABC’s eligibility requirements.

How long is my membership term?

The membership term is valid for one year from the date your application is approved and your full payment is processed.

Memberships are required to be renewed on an annual basis.

Is there a money back guarantee if I don’t like the membership offerings?

You may request a refund of your membership fees, less the applicable administrative fee, within the first 30 days of membership at any level with these exceptions and conditions:

  • If you joined to obtain the Registered Corporate Coach (RCC) credential, no refund is available.
  • If you joined to obtain the WABC Certified Business Coach (CBC), WABC Certified Master Business Coach® (CMBC®) or Chartered Business Coach® (ChBC®) credential, a refund is available, less the applicable administrative fee, within the first 30 days of membership. The CBC, CMBC or ChBC will be denied (if it has not been granted yet) or revoked (if already earned).

Since WABC has historically had an extremely low rate of new member withdrawal, members requesting refunds are asked to participate in a short exit survey.

There are no refunds available for renewing members.

Can I promote my WABC membership?

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

Getting Your Credential

Do I need to be a WABC member to maintain my credential?

It’s dependent on the type of credential you hold. To maintain your CBC, CMBC® or ChBC® credential, you must meet these two ongoing requirements, which both require fees:

  • Remain a WABC member in good standing as, at least, a WABC Affiliate Member (for CBC) or a WABC Full Member (for CMBC and ChBC), and
  • Submit a record of your Professional Development Record (PDR) for approval five years from the date you graduate from your WABC Accredited® program option, and every five years thereafter
Can I become a WABC member before I graduate from my WABC Accredited® program?

Yes! It’s common for program participants to join WABC while they’re taking a WABC Accredited program. Please keep in mind that if you join during your program and allow your membership to lapse prior to program completion, you’ll be required to rejoin WABC and pay the associated fees before receiving the applicable WABC credential.

How long after completing my WABC Accredited program do I have to join WABC to be granted my credential?

The length of time you to have to join depends on the level of the program and credential:

  • For RCC – you have one year from your graduation date to become a WABC member (minimum level is WABC Affiliate Member)
  • For CBC – you have one year from your graduation date to become a WABC member (minimum level is WABC Affiliate Member although most members opt for WABC Full Member)
  • For CMBC – you have up to five years from your graduation date to become a WABC member (minimum level is WABC Full Member)
  • For ChBC – you have one year from your graduation date to become a WABC member (minimum level is WABC Full Member)  

In all cases, graduates of WABC Accredited programs must meet all WABC’s standards for membership at the time they submit their applications and agree to all applicable terms and policies.


APPLYING & FEES

Your 3 Steps

The general process to apply for WABC Affiliate Membership


Review Membership Requirements


Our WABC Affiliate Member Standards fully describe the requirements for this level.


Submit Your Application


We’ll first ask you some pre-qualifying questions to ensure this membership level is right for you. If it is, the application will ask you about your business coaching activities and other related information. Your application will be supplemented by an appropriate résumé or CV. (You may be exempted from providing the supplemental information. See RÉSUMÉ.)


Make Your Payment


We offer a variety of ways to make payment (e.g., credit or debit cards).

Are you currently pursuing a WABC credential?
If yes, click here.




ARE YOU PURSUING A WABC CREDENTIAL?

We look forward to having you as our member. If you are already enrolled in a WABC Accredited program to earn either RCC or CBC*, please check with your trainer or employer to determine if joining arrangements have already been made on your behalf. If you’re not sure, please Contact WABC and we’ll be happy to guide you along at this early stage and before you start the application process.

*If you are already enrolled in a WABC Accredited program to earn either CMBC® or ChBC®, you will need to join us as a WABC Full Member. As explained above, please first check in with your trainer or employer before starting the application process.


RÉSUMÉ & REFERENCES

If you are currently enrolled in, or have graduated from a WABC Accredited program, then you are exempted from providing a résumé or CV.


APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS

Our review commences once all required information (e.g., application, résumé or CV if required) and payment is received. The full review generally takes 1 – 2 business days unless additional information is required and/or WABC is observing a bank holiday or scheduled break. See WABC’s office closure dates.


FEES

As the world’s leading business coaching association, sharing your affiliation with WABC can build your professional reputation. Our new membership and promo packages are designed to enhance your credibility, verify the authenticity of your affiliation, and share your accomplishment with your network.

MEMBERSHIP & EARNING RCC

Available to graduates of WABC Accredited Level 1 programs only

OPTION 1:
US$340


WABC Affiliate Membership 
+ NEW Membership Promo Package
+ NEW RCC Promo Package


OPTION 2:
US$305


WABC Affiliate Membership 
+ NEW RCC Promo Package


MEMBERSHIP & EARNING CBC

Available to graduates of WABC Accredited Level 2 programs only

OPTION 1:
US$340


WABC Affiliate Membership 
+ NEW Membership Promo Package
+ NEW CBC Promo Package


OPTION 2:
US$305


WABC Affiliate Membership 
+ NEW CBC Promo Package


MEMBERSHIP ONLY

OPTION 1:
US$305


WABC Affiliate Membership
+ NEW Membership Promo Package


ABOUT MEMBERSHIP PROMO PACKAGE:

  • Digital letter to confirm your membership including membership number and granted and renewal dates
  • Digital certificate to demonstrate your membership authenticity and share with your network
  • Digital badge to promote your membership on your website or email signature or social media platforms
  • Digital personalized verification page (linked to your badge) to enhance your credibility in the marketplace

ABOUT RCC AND CBC PROMO PACKAGES:

Available to graduates of WABC Accredited Level 1 and Level 2 programs only

  • Digital letter to confirm your credential including granted date 
  • Digital certificate to commemorate your achievement and share with your network
  • Digital badge to promote your credential on your website or email signature or social media platforms
  • Digital personalized verification page (linked to your badge) to enhance your credibility in the marketplace

ABOUT MEMBERSHIP TERM AND FEES:

  • Membership term is one-year
  • New membership fee includes a one-time US$75 administrative fee as long as you remain a continuous member and in continuously good standing
  • If you’re already a current WABC member and not upgrading your membership at the time of earning RCC or CBC, you will just pay for the RCC or CBC Promo Package (US$35)
  • Renewal membership fee is US$195 (you may also purchase applicable promo packages(s) for additional fees)
  • Applicable GST/HST taxes apply to Canadian addresses only


REFUND POLICY

30-Day Money Back Guarantee

New Members

Individuals may request a refund of their membership fee, less the applicable promo package(s) and administrative fees, within the first 30 days of membership at any level with these exceptions and conditions:

  • If the member joined to obtain the Registered Corporate Coach (RCC) credential, no refund is available.
  • If the member joined to obtain the WABC Certified Business Coach (CBC), WABC Certified Master Business Coach (CMBC) or Chartered Business Coach (ChBC) credential, a refund is available, less the applicable promo package(s) and administrative fees, within the first 30 days of membership. The CBC, CMBC or ChBC will be denied (if it has not been granted yet) or revoked (if already earned).

Since WABC has historically had an extremely low rate of new member withdrawal, members requesting refunds are asked to participate in a short exit survey.

Renewing Members

No refunds are available.

Please review the Terms of Membership for more details.





membership TESTIMONIALS

In Their Own Words



BENEFITS of membership

Become a WABC Member


Build your network


and access our global community


Expand your thinking


with exclusive thought leadership and resources


Contribute to the industry


and help build coaching excellence




Join WABC

Elevate your professional development and your reputation with the support of WABC’s global community. WABC offers different levels of professional membership to meet the needs of business coaches and leaders in their fields throughout their careers.

ACCELERATE YOUR EXCELLENCE

Membership Means More at WABC

Elevate your professional development and your reputation with the support of WABC’s global community. WABC offers different levels of professional level membership to meet the needs of business coaches and leaders in their fields throughout their careers.

Champion your continued development and industry awareness with access to exclusive thought leadership and research. Connect with professional business coaches from all over the world and amplify your voice as a leader in our industry.

With members from all around the world, our members are committed to business coaching as a distinct profession, with the experience it takes to achieve your coaching potential.

Our members represent everything from Fortune 100s to not-for-profits, entrepreneurs and enterprises, start-ups and small businesses.

Although we work alongside every kind of business and organization, WABC business coaches are united by a commitment to excellence, an ethical compass, and the desire to learn and grow.

DISCOVER WABC MEMBERSHIP

Choose the Professional Membership
that Suits Your Career Path


Entry Level

WABC Affiliate Member

Our professional entry level membership is ideal for emerging, new and part-time active business coaches who represent many roles (e.g., leader, manager, internal or external business coach, external consultant).


ADVANCED LEVEL

WABC Full Member

Our professional advanced level membership is ideal for experienced and active business coaches who represent many roles (e.g., leader, manager, internal or external business coach, external consultant).