WABC Full Membership—advancing business coaching excellence and professional practice—is designed for experienced active professional business coaches.
WABC Full Membership—advancing business coaching excellence and professional practice—is designed for experienced active professional business coaches.
WABC Full Membership is our advanced-level for experienced active professional business coaches who represent many professional roles (e.g., leader, manager, internal or external business coach, external consultant).
Professional business coaches at this level have an appropriate professional background, training in evidence-based business coaching and a minimum of 3 years of business coaching experience. And, virtually all hold at least one WABC business coaching credential (RCC™, CBC™, CMBC®, ChBC®) based on meeting eligibility requirements.
Once you become a WABC Full Member, you’re part of our global community, where professional business coaches from across the world come together to enhance their skills, expand their professional networks and influence our business coaching profession more broadly.
WABC Full Membership is our advanced-level for active professional business coaches.
Because WABC membership at the appropriate level is required for all WABC business coaching credentials, and because our credentials specifically prepare 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.
Mastery comes over time and diverse experiences—simply counting coaching hours doesn’t accurately measure impact.
No matter your business or organizational context, your professional experience is the foundation for pursuing this membership level and any WABC business coaching credential.
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, knowledge and skills. Currently WABC offers two levels of membership for active professional 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. We highly prefer that you have successfully completed a WABC Accredited® Program or WABC Portfolio Pathway and earned a WABC credential(s), or are currently enrolled in a WABC Accredited Program or WABC Portfolio Pathway to earn a WABC credential commensurate with your level of business coaching experience. If you wish to be considered for membership and do not hold, or are seeking to earn, a WABC credential, you must have successfully completed an appropriate formal evidence-based business coaching training program or assessment from another organization.
Yes. Your WABC Membership is connected to you as an individual, not your organization. So even if your employer paid for your membership, it is fully portable should your employment change and you continue to meet WABC’s eligibility requirements.
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.
As a WABC Member, you’ll receive your personalized WABC Member Promo Package (digital package including a letter, certificate, badge and personalized verification page) enabling you to promote your membership on websites, email signatures and other marketing materials.
For WABC Accredited Programs: Learn about the best time to join in the Applying & Fees section.
For WABC Portfolio Pathway: Yes, as you’ll be required to join WABC before registering in the Portfolio Pathway.
Choosing your membership level will be based on your business coaching experience
Let’s ensure WABC Full Membership is right for you:
Timing is everything – when you join depends on your professional goals and if you’re currently pursuing a WABC credential through a WABC Accredited® Program or Portfolio Pathway
Let’s find the best time for you …
You have successfully completed an appropriate formal evidence-based business coaching training program or assessment and are actively providing business coaching services.
It’s time to join – proceed to step 3!
You have enrolled in a WABC Accredited Program.
Pause: See Enrolled in a WABC Accredited Program?
If joining now is right for you, proceed to step 3!
You have completed WABC’s exploratory stage and have been invited to enroll in the WABC Portfolio Pathway pending your acceptance as a WABC Full Member.
It’s time to join – proceed to step 3!
Applying to become a WABC Full Member is very straightforward – you’ll submit an application and make your payment
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*.
Are you enrolled in, or have graduated from, a WABC Accredited Program?
If yes, you are exempted from providing a résumé or CV and exempted from providing five verifiable references.
Are you a pre-approved applicant in the WABC Portfolio Pathway?
You have completed WABC’s exploratory stage and have been invited to enroll in the WABC Portfolio Pathway pending your acceptance as a WABC Full Member.
If yes, you are exempted from providing a résumé or CV and exempted from providing five verifiable references.
Payment: We offer a variety of ways to make payment (e.g., credit or debit cards). (Check if payment already made)
When enrolled in a WABC Accredited Program to earn RCC™ , CBC™ or CMBC®:
Please ask your training provider if a WABC Membership and WABC Credential Promo Package were included in their program fee.
NOTE: It’s also possible that your employer has made joining arrangements on your behalf. Please inquire with them before proceeding.
Don’t hesitate to contact WABC if you’d like further guidance at this early stage and before you start the application process.
Our review commences once all required information (e.g., application, résumé or CV (if applicable), five references (if applicable)) 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.
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.
Available to graduates of WABC Accredited (Level 1 – RCC) Programs only
OPTION1:
US$540
WABC Full Membership
+ NEW Member Promo Package
+ NEW RCC Promo Package
OPTION 2:
US$505
WABC Full Membership
+ NEW RCC Promo Package
Available to graduates of WABC Accredited (Level 2 – CBC) Programs only
OPTION 1:
US$540
WABC Full Membership
+ NEW Member Promo Package
+ NEW CBC Promo Package
OPTION 2:
US$505
WABC Full Membership
+ NEW CBC Promo Package
Available to graduates of WABC Accredited (Level 3 – CMBC) Programs only
OPTION 1:
US$540
WABC Full Membership
+ NEW Member Promo Package
+ NEW CMBC Promo Package
OPTION 2:
US$505
WABC Full Membership
+ NEW CMBC Promo Package
Available to new members, re-joining members and pre-approved applicants in the WABC Portfolio Pathway (RCC, CBC, CMBC or ChBC)
OPTION 1:
US$505
WABC Full Membership
+ NEW Member Promo Package
Available to current WABC Full Members who successfully completed the WABC Portfolio Pathway (RCC) – US$35
Available to current WABC Full Members who successfully completed the WABC Portfolio Pathway (CBC) – US$35
Available to current WABC Full Members who successfully completed the WABC Portfolio Pathway (CMBC) – US$35
Available to current WABC Full Members who successfully completed the WABC Portfolio Pathway (ChBC) – US$35
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:
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.
I have been a member of many professional associations of the years, and none have made as strong of an impression as the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches.
What impressed me the most about the WABC is the level and quality of interaction from leadership. A website inquiry led to a personal call from the WABC founder, Wendy Johnson. She took a personal interest and gave sound guidance regarding membership options, as well as credentialing suggestions and explained the unique value of business coaching, which had been my focal point. This personal touch was a fresh and welcome approach, instantly making me feel a sense of belonging. There are a myriad of coaching avenues, but it was divine intervention and a fellow Registered Corporate Coach™ (RCC™) who led me to WABC.
As a member of WABC, I truly feel part of a family of exceptional highly professional colleagues dedicated to delivering the highest standards in Business Coaching. I have expanded on my prior experience and knowledge, incorporating models, processes and understanding using evidence-based standards that are sound, reputable, relevant and, especially in these times, critical for organizations and leaders.
WABC offers a wealth of business coaching support, through networks, directory exposure, resources, along with foundational tools for coach development, executive education, and coaching selling platforms, but the personal touch is what is by far the most unique in the industry.
I am honored to be WABC credentialed and vetted. Yes, membership requires a precise verification of all third-party credentials, which adds tremendous credibility and value to WABC’s Business Coach Locator directory. After years of confusion around certification and affiliation, I am forever grateful to WABC for the challenge, knowledge, and opportunity to obtain a greater depth of neuroscience and evidence-based methodologies that allows me to grow my passion for coaching and to serve clients alongside a sophisticated coaching community.
Having been in the coaching business for nearly 20 years, I have seen the coaching sector grow exponentially and witnessed the rise of many professional bodies. I am an advocate for WABC as there is a beautiful clarity that sits at the essence of all they do—they serve the needs of business coaches. This is in a large part to the clarity of leadership provided by Wendy Johnson, unwavering in her vision and boundaries about WABC’s place in the coaching world.
As a professional business coach, I can tell my clients that I am a member of a credible business coach professional body which acknowledges and recognizes the needs of coaches working in their sector. I have found the experience of re-certification a rigorous and provocative activity which has had me reflect meaningfully on my coaching practice. The benefit of this is being able to tell my clients, with integrity, that I have earned the right and provided the evidence to retain my WABC certification which is additive to my business coaching credentials.
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.
and professional practice with exclusive credentials, thought leadership and resources
and access our global community
to your clients, employer and organizations
WABC Affiliate Membership—advancing business coaching excellence and professional practice—is designed for newer and part-time active professional business coaches.
WABC Affiliate Membership—advancing business coaching excellence and professional practice—is designed for newer and part-time active professional business coaches.
WABC Affiliate Membership is our entry-level for newer and part-time active professional business coaches who represent many professional roles (e.g., leader, manager, internal or external business coach, external consultant).
Professional business coaches at this level have an appropriate professional background, training in evidence-based business coaching and less than 3 years of business coaching experience (although they could have more). And, virtually all hold at least one WABC business coaching credential available to them (RCC™, CBC™) based on meeting eligibility requirements.
Once you become a WABC Affiliate Member, you’re part of our global community, where professional business coaches from across the world come together to enhance their skills, expand their professional networks and influence our business coaching profession more broadly.
WABC Affiliate Membership is our entry-level for active professional business coaches.
Because WABC membership at the appropriate level is required for all WABC business coaching credentials, and because our credentials specifically prepare 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.
Mastery comes over time and diverse experiences—simply counting coaching hours doesn’t accurately measure impact.
No matter your business or organizational context, your professional experience is the foundation for pursuing this membership level and any WABC business coaching credential.
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, knowledge and skills. Currently WABC offers two levels of membership for active professional 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. We highly prefer that you have successfully completed a WABC Accredited® Program or WABC Portfolio Pathway and earned a WABC credential(s), or are currently enrolled in a WABC Accredited Program or WABC Portfolio Pathway to earn a WABC credential commensurate with your level of business coaching experience. If you wish to be considered for membership and do not hold, or are seeking to earn, a WABC credential, you must have successfully completed an appropriate formal evidence-based business coaching training program or assessment from another organization.
Yes. Your WABC Membership is connected to you as an individual, not your organization. So even if your employer paid for your membership, it is fully portable should your employment change and you continue to meet WABC’s eligibility requirements.
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.
As a WABC Member, you’ll receive your personalized WABC Member Promo Package (digital package including a letter, certificate, badge and personalized verification page) enabling you to promote your membership on websites, email signatures and other marketing materials.
For WABC Accredited Programs: Learn about the best time to join in the Applying & Fees section.
For WABC Portfolio Pathway: Yes, as you’ll be required to join WABC before registering in the Portfolio Pathway.
Choosing your membership level will be based on your business coaching experience
Let’s ensure WABC Affiliate Membership is right for you:
Timing is everything – when you join depends on your professional goals and if you’re currently pursuing a WABC credential through a WABC Accredited® Program or Portfolio Pathway
Let’s find the best time for you …
You have successfully completed an appropriate formal evidence-based business coaching training program or assessment and are transitioning into or actively providing business coaching services.
It’s time to join – proceed to step 3!
You are new, with no formal business coaching experience and have enrolled in a WABC Accredited Program with the intention of providing business coaching services over the next year.
Pause: See Enrolled in a WABC Accredited Program?
If joining now is right for you, proceed to step 3!
You are new, with no formal business coaching experience and have not yet enrolled in a WABC Accredited Program with the intention of providing business coaching services over the next year.
Pause: See RCC to enroll in a WABC Accredited Program
You have completed WABC’s exploratory stage and have been invited to enroll in the WABC Portfolio Pathway pending your acceptance as a WABC Affiliate Member.
It’s time to join – proceed to step 3!
Applying to become a WABC Affiliate Member is very straightforward – you’ll submit an application and make your payment
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*.
Are you enrolled in, or have graduated from, a WABC Accredited Program?
If yes, you are exempted from providing a résumé or CV.
Are you a pre-approved applicant in the WABC Portfolio Pathway?
You have completed WABC’s exploratory stage and have been invited to enroll in the WABC Portfolio Pathway pending your acceptance as a WABC Affiliate Member.
If yes, you are exempted from providing a résumé or CV.
Payment: We offer a variety of ways to make payment (e.g., credit or debit cards). (Check if payment already made)
When enrolled in a WABC Accredited Program to earn either RCC™ or CBC™:
Please ask your training provider if a WABC Membership and WABC Credential Promo Package were included in their program fee.
NOTE: It’s also possible that your employer has made joining arrangements on your behalf. Please inquire with them before proceeding.
When enrolled in a WABC Accredited Program to earn CMBC®:
You’ll join us as a WABC Full Member.
Don’t hesitate to contact WABC if you’d like further guidance at this early stage and before you start the application process.
Our review commences once all required information (e.g., application, résumé or CV (if applicable)) 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.
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.
Available to graduates of WABC Accredited (Level 1 – RCC) Programs only
OPTION 1:
US$340
WABC Affiliate Membership
+ NEW Member Promo Package
+ NEW RCC Promo Package
OPTION 2:
US$305
WABC Affiliate Membership
+ NEW RCC Promo Package
Available to graduates of WABC Accredited (Level 2 – CBC) Programs only
OPTION 1:
US$340
WABC Affiliate Membership
+ NEW Member Promo Package
+ NEW CBC Promo Package
OPTION 2:
US$305
WABC Affiliate Membership
+ NEW CBC Promo Package
Available to new members, re-joining members and pre-approved applicants in the WABC Portfolio Pathway (RCC or CBC)
OPTION 1:
US$305
WABC Affiliate Membership
+ NEW Member Promo Package
Available to current WABC Affiliate Members who successfully completed the WABC Portfolio Pathway (RCC) – US$35
Available to current WABC Affiliate Members who successfully completed the WABC Portfolio Pathway (CBC) – US$35
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:
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.
I have been a member of many professional associations of the years, and none have made as strong of an impression as the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches.
What impressed me the most about the WABC is the level and quality of interaction from leadership. A website inquiry led to a personal call from the WABC founder, Wendy Johnson. She took a personal interest and gave sound guidance regarding membership options, as well as credentialing suggestions and explained the unique value of business coaching, which had been my focal point. This personal touch was a fresh and welcome approach, instantly making me feel a sense of belonging. There are a myriad of coaching avenues, but it was divine intervention and a fellow Registered Corporate Coach™ (RCC™) who led me to WABC.
As a member of WABC, I truly feel part of a family of exceptional highly professional colleagues dedicated to delivering the highest standards in Business Coaching. I have expanded on my prior experience and knowledge, incorporating models, processes and understanding using evidence-based standards that are sound, reputable, relevant and, especially in these times, critical for organizations and leaders.
WABC offers a wealth of business coaching support, through networks, directory exposure, resources, along with foundational tools for coach development, executive education, and coaching selling platforms, but the personal touch is what is by far the most unique in the industry.
I am honored to be WABC credentialed and vetted. Yes, membership requires a precise verification of all third-party credentials, which adds tremendous credibility and value to WABC’s Business Coach Locator directory. After years of confusion around certification and affiliation, I am forever grateful to WABC for the challenge, knowledge, and opportunity to obtain a greater depth of neuroscience and evidence-based methodologies that allows me to grow my passion for coaching and to serve clients alongside a sophisticated coaching community.
Having been in the coaching business for nearly 20 years, I have seen the coaching sector grow exponentially and witnessed the rise of many professional bodies. I am an advocate for WABC as there is a beautiful clarity that sits at the essence of all they do—they serve the needs of business coaches. This is in a large part to the clarity of leadership provided by Wendy Johnson, unwavering in her vision and boundaries about WABC’s place in the coaching world.
As a professional business coach, I can tell my clients that I am a member of a credible business coach professional body which acknowledges and recognizes the needs of coaches working in their sector. I have found the experience of re-certification a rigorous and provocative activity which has had me reflect meaningfully on my coaching practice. The benefit of this is being able to tell my clients, with integrity, that I have earned the right and provided the evidence to retain my WABC certification which is additive to my business coaching credentials.
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.
and professional practice with exclusive credentials, thought leadership and resources
and access our global community
to your clients, employer and organizations
ChBC—held by professionals around the world—is the first-ever chartered status for professional business coaches and the industry’s most coveted, world-class distinction. Position yourself as being among the best of the best in our profession worldwide as a professional business coach with elite-level expertise, specialized knowledge, coaching skills and professional competence.
ChBC—held by professionals around the world—is the first-ever chartered status for professional business coaches and the industry’s most coveted, world-class distinction. Position yourself as being among the best of the best in our profession worldwide as a professional business coach with elite-level expertise, specialized knowledge, coaching skills and professional competence.
Chartered Business Coach (ChBC), grounded in research-informed best practice, demonstrates you possess specialized knowledge, professional competence and mastery of the competencies as a professional business coach at elite-level. As you support the highest levels of leadership, you’ll be able to apply a wide range of business coaching initiatives and activities to tackle complex business and organizational challenges across a wide diversity of contexts and open agendas, the outcomes of which may be unpredictable. Furthermore, at this highest level of professional practice, you’ll be able to exercise substantial personal autonomy along with your significant influence, leadership and contribution within businesses, organizations and the profession. Being a ChBC means you can provide a substantial professional offering.
As the first-ever chartered status for professional business coaches, you’ll confirm your role as an influential thought leader in the field.
Regardless of what professional role you have (e.g., leader, internal or external business coach), if you’re doing business coaching at this level, WABC offers its Portfolio Pathway as the exclusive route to become a ChBC.
Once you earn ChBC, you’re part of our global community, where professional business coaches from across the world come together to enhance their skills, expand their professional networks and influence our business coaching profession more broadly.
Chartered Business Coach (ChBC), grounded in research-informed best practice, demonstrates you possess specialized knowledge, professional competence and mastery of the competencies as a professional business coach at elite-level.
Mastery comes over time and diverse experiences—simply counting coaching hours doesn’t accurately measure impact.
Because the ChBC 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.
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 ChBC is right for you:
WABC Portfolio Pathway is the exclusive route to earn ChBC
Achieving our highest credential is not about taking more training, but rather about demonstrating your senior expertise, specialized knowledge and professional competence. Open to eligible professionals, you’ll engage in our Portfolio Pathway, a self-directed process that guides you through your examination and evidence of six ChBC learning outcomes. Your journey culminates in the submission and evaluation of your ChBC 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 Portfolio Pathway, as a WABC Full Member™.
Your Next Step: If you’d like to explore the Portfolio Pathway, see below for guidance and how to contact us. Offered directly by WABC, your eligibility is determined via an exploratory screening stage.
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.
You’ll become a Chartered Business Coach once you:
*To prove your excellence to the world, you’ll receive your personalized ChBC Promo Package (digital package of letter, certificate, badge and personalized verification page (linked to your badge)) enabling you to promote your Chartered Business Coach (ChBC) credential on your website, email signature or social media platforms.
Earning your ChBC involves the following fees:
*See the WABC Portfolio Pathway information provided to you
**See WABC Full Member
Maintaining your ChBC: 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.
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 ChBC Candidate Portfolio pass date to meet all applicable requirements (e.g., re-join as a WABC Full Member, complete the final administrative needs).
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 ChBC.
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
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.
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.
Yes, to maintain your ChBC, there are two ongoing requirements which both require fees:
Taking a sabbatical during your career may affect your ChBC credential.
Yes, your ChBC credential can be revoked under certain circumstances.
The Chartered Business Coach (ChBC) credential must be listed in a specific way. Please log in to your dashboard for further guidance and access to your ChBC 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® |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credential: About | Credential: About | Credential: About | Credential: About |
| Registered Corporate Coach™ (RCC™)—held by professionals around the world—is a highly respected evidence-based global credential that raises your credibility and positions you as a professional business coach with practitioner-level knowledge and specialized coaching skills.
RCC, grounded in research-informed best practice, enables you to access a strong foundation and the competencies and knowledge as a professional business coach at practitioner-level. As you support clients, co-workers and organizations, you’ll be able to apply your specialized skills to a range of fixed agendas that are directly related to business and organizational goals and objectives. Being an RCC means you can provide a professional offering. |
WABC Certified Business Coach™ (CBC™)—held by professionals around the world—is a highly respected evidence-based global credential designed for professional business coaches. CBC positions you as a professional business coach with advanced-level knowledge and specialized coaching skills.
CBC, grounded in research-informed best practice, enables you to access a broader and deeper range of competencies and knowledge as a professional business coach at advanced-level. As you support clients, co-workers and organizations, you’ll be able to apply your specialized skills to more diverse, although largely fixed, agendas that are directly related to business and organizational goals and objectives. Being a CBC means you can provide a fuller professional offering. |
WABC Certified Master Business Coach® (CMBC®)—held by professionals around the world—is a highly esteemed, world-class distinction that positions you at the leading edge of your field with master-level expertise, specialized knowledge and coaching skills.
CMBC, grounded in research-informed best practice, demonstrates your mastery of the competencies and knowledge as a professional business coach at master-level. As you support senior levels of leadership, you’ll be able to apply your specialized skills to tackle complex business and organizational challenges with open agendas, the outcomes of which may impact broader business and organizational goals and objectives. Furthermore, you may be accountable for critical analysis, diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation and you may also choose to specialize. Being a CMBC means you can provide a significant professional offering. |
Chartered Business Coach® (ChBC®)—held by professionals around the world—is the first-ever chartered status for professional business coaches and the industry’s most coveted, world-class distinction. Position yourself as being among the best of the best in our profession worldwide as a professional business coach with elite-level expertise, specialized knowledge, coaching skills and professional competence.
ChBC, grounded in research-informed best practice, demonstrates you possess specialized knowledge, professional competence and mastery of the competencies as a professional business coach at elite-level. As you support the highest levels of leadership, you’ll be able to apply a wide range of business coaching initiatives and activities to tackle complex business and organizational challenges across a wide diversity of contexts and open agendas, the outcomes of which may be unpredictable. Furthermore, at this highest level of professional practice, you’ll be able to exercise substantial personal autonomy along with your significant influence, leadership and contribution within businesses, organizations and the profession. Being a ChBC means you can provide a substantial professional offering. |
| Eligible Candidates | Eligible Candidates | Eligible Candidates | Eligible Candidates |
NOTE: If you have a minimum of 1 year of business coaching experience, you will be able to consider either a WABC Accredited Program or WABC Portfolio Pathway. |
|
|
|
| ROUTES AVAILABLE: Options, Duration & Hours |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Options, Duration & Hours |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Options, Duration & Hours |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Options, Duration & Hours |
| WABC Accredited Program Option: Full Length Duration: 6–12 months* Hours: 150* Option: Fast Track WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Option: Full Length Duration: 9–18 months* Hours: 400* Option: Fast Track WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Option: Full Length Duration: 18–24 months* Hours: 1200* Option: Fast Track WABC Portfolio Pathway |
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 |
|
WABC Accredited Program Each program chooses from a range of formats–In-person, virtual or blended. WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Each program chooses from a range of formats–In-person, virtual or blended. WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Each program chooses from a range of formats–In-person, virtual or blended. WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Portfolio Pathway Virtual self-directed |
| ROUTES AVAILABLE: Supervision |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Supervision |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Supervision |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Supervision |
|
WABC Accredited Program Appropriate supervision is provided WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Appropriate supervision is provided WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Appropriate supervision is provided WABC Portfolio Pathway |
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 |
WABC Accredited Program Pass a written and performance related assessment WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Pass a written and performance related assessment WABC Portfolio Pathway |
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 |
|
|
|
| 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.
I have been a member of many professional associations of the years, and none have made as strong of an impression as the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches.
What impressed me the most about the WABC is the level and quality of interaction from leadership. A website inquiry led to a personal call from the WABC founder, Wendy Johnson. She took a personal interest and gave sound guidance regarding membership options, as well as credentialing suggestions and explained the unique value of business coaching, which had been my focal point. This personal touch was a fresh and welcome approach, instantly making me feel a sense of belonging. There are a myriad of coaching avenues, but it was divine intervention and a fellow Registered Corporate Coach™ (RCC™) who led me to WABC.
As a member of WABC, I truly feel part of a family of exceptional highly professional colleagues dedicated to delivering the highest standards in Business Coaching. I have expanded on my prior experience and knowledge, incorporating models, processes and understanding using evidence-based standards that are sound, reputable, relevant and, especially in these times, critical for organizations and leaders.
WABC offers a wealth of business coaching support, through networks, directory exposure, resources, along with foundational tools for coach development, executive education, and coaching selling platforms, but the personal touch is what is by far the most unique in the industry.
I am honored to be WABC credentialed and vetted. Yes, membership requires a precise verification of all third-party credentials, which adds tremendous credibility and value to WABC’s Business Coach Locator directory. After years of confusion around certification and affiliation, I am forever grateful to WABC for the challenge, knowledge, and opportunity to obtain a greater depth of neuroscience and evidence-based methodologies that allows me to grow my passion for coaching and to serve clients alongside a sophisticated coaching community.
Having been in the coaching business for nearly 20 years, I have seen the coaching sector grow exponentially and witnessed the rise of many professional bodies. I am an advocate for WABC as there is a beautiful clarity that sits at the essence of all they do—they serve the needs of business coaches. This is in a large part to the clarity of leadership provided by Wendy Johnson, unwavering in her vision and boundaries about WABC’s place in the coaching world.
As a professional business coach, I can tell my clients that I am a member of a credible business coach professional body which acknowledges and recognizes the needs of coaches working in their sector. I have found the experience of re-certification a rigorous and provocative activity which has had me reflect meaningfully on my coaching practice. The benefit of this is being able to tell my clients, with integrity, that I have earned the right and provided the evidence to retain my WABC certification which is additive to my business coaching credentials.
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.
ChBC positions you as being among the best of the best in our profession worldwide as a professional business coach with elite-level expertise, specialized knowledge, coaching skills and professional competence.
CMBC—held by professionals around the world—is a highly esteemed, world-class distinction that positions you at the leading edge of your field with master-level expertise, specialized knowledge and coaching skills.
CMBC—held by professionals around the world—is a highly esteemed, world-class distinction that positions you at the leading edge of your field with master-level expertise, specialized knowledge and coaching skills.
WABC Certified Master Business Coach (CMBC), grounded in research-informed best practice, demonstrates your mastery of the competencies and knowledge as a professional business coach at master-level. As you support senior levels of leadership, you’ll be able to apply your specialized skills to tackle complex business and organizational challenges with open agendas, the outcomes of which may impact broader business and organizational goals and objectives. Furthermore, you may be accountable for critical analysis, diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation and you may also choose to specialize. Being a CMBC means you can provide a significant professional offering.
Set your extensive experience and skills apart and establish yourself as a leader in the business coaching global 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’re part of our global community, where professional business coaches from across the world come together to enhance their skills, expand their professional networks and influence our business coaching profession more broadly.
WABC Certified Master Business Coach (CMBC), grounded in research-informed best practice, demonstrates your mastery of the competencies and knowledge as a professional business coach at master-level.
Mastery comes over time and diverse experiences—simply counting coaching hours doesn’t accurately measure impact.
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.
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.
No programs are currently available — please check back anytime as our calendar is frequently updated.
No programs are currently available — please check back anytime as our calendar is frequently updated.
Full length programs are ideally suited for professionals with business coaching experience
Add custom message when needed.
Fast-track programs are ideally suited for professionals with business coaching experience
Add custom message when needed.
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® |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credential: About | Credential: About | Credential: About | Credential: About |
| Registered Corporate Coach™ (RCC™)—held by professionals around the world—is a highly respected evidence-based global credential that raises your credibility and positions you as a professional business coach with practitioner-level knowledge and specialized coaching skills.
RCC, grounded in research-informed best practice, enables you to access a strong foundation and the competencies and knowledge as a professional business coach at practitioner-level. As you support clients, co-workers and organizations, you’ll be able to apply your specialized skills to a range of fixed agendas that are directly related to business and organizational goals and objectives. Being an RCC means you can provide a professional offering. |
WABC Certified Business Coach™ (CBC™)—held by professionals around the world—is a highly respected evidence-based global credential that raises your credibility and positions you as a professional business coach with advanced-level knowledge and specialized coaching skills.
CBC, grounded in research-informed best practice, enables you to access a broader and deeper range of competencies and knowledge as a professional business coach at advanced-level. As you support clients, co-workers and organizations, you’ll be able to apply your specialized skills to more diverse, although largely fixed, agendas that are directly related to business and organizational goals and objectives. Being a CBC means you can provide a fuller professional offering. |
WABC Certified Master Business Coach® (CMBC®)—held by professionals around the world—is a highly esteemed, world-class distinction that positions you at the leading edge of your field with master-level expertise, specialized knowledge and coaching skills.
CMBC, grounded in research-informed best practice, demonstrates your mastery of the competencies and knowledge as a professional business coach at master-level. As you support senior levels of leadership, you’ll be able to apply your specialized skills to tackle complex business and organizational challenges with open agendas, the outcomes of which may impact broader business and organizational goals and objectives. Furthermore, you may be accountable for critical analysis, diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation and you may also choose to specialize. Being a CMBC means you can provide a significant professional offering. |
Chartered Business Coach® (ChBC®)—held by professionals around the world—is the first-ever chartered status for professional business coaches and the industry’s most coveted, world-class distinction. Position yourself as being among the best of the best in our profession worldwide as a professional business coach with elite-level expertise, specialized knowledge, coaching skills and professional competence.
ChBC, grounded in research-informed best practice, demonstrates you possess specialized knowledge, professional competence and mastery of the competencies as a professional business coach at elite-level. As you support the highest levels of leadership, you’ll be able to apply a wide range of business coaching initiatives and activities to tackle complex business and organizational challenges across a wide diversity of contexts and open agendas, the outcomes of which may be unpredictable. Furthermore, at this highest level of professional practice, you’ll be able to exercise substantial personal autonomy along with your significant influence, leadership and contribution within businesses, organizations and the profession. Being a ChBC means you can provide a substantial professional offering. |
| Eligible Candidates | Eligible Candidates | Eligible Candidates | Eligible Candidates |
NOTE: If you have a minimum of 1 year of business coaching experience, you will be able to consider either a WABC Accredited Program or WABC Portfolio Pathway. |
|
|
|
| ROUTES AVAILABLE: Options, Duration & Hours |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Options, Duration & Hours |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Options, Duration & Hours |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Options, Duration & Hours |
|
WABC Accredited® Program Option: Full Length Duration: 6–12 months* Hours: 150* Option: Fast Track WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited® Program Option: Full Length Duration: 9–18 months* Hours: 400* Option: Fast Track WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited® Program Option: Full Length Duration: 18–24 months* Hours: 1200* Option: Fast Track WABC Portfolio Pathway |
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 |
|
WABC Accredited Program Each program chooses from a range of formats–In-person, virtual or blended. WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Each program chooses from a range of formats–In-person, virtual or blended. WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Each program chooses from a range of formats–In-person, virtual or blended. WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Portfolio Pathway Virtual self-directed |
| ROUTES AVAILABLE: Supervision |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Supervision |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Supervision |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Supervision |
|
WABC Accredited Program Appropriate supervision is provided WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Appropriate supervision is provided WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Appropriate supervision is provided WABC Portfolio Pathway |
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 |
WABC Accredited Program Pass a written and performance related assessment) WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Pass a written and performance related assessment) WABC Portfolio Pathway |
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 |
|
|
|
| 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.
I have been a member of many professional associations of the years, and none have made as strong of an impression as the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches.
What impressed me the most about the WABC is the level and quality of interaction from leadership. A website inquiry led to a personal call from the WABC founder, Wendy Johnson. She took a personal interest and gave sound guidance regarding membership options, as well as credentialing suggestions and explained the unique value of business coaching, which had been my focal point. This personal touch was a fresh and welcome approach, instantly making me feel a sense of belonging. There are a myriad of coaching avenues, but it was divine intervention and a fellow Registered Corporate Coach™ (RCC™) who led me to WABC.
As a member of WABC, I truly feel part of a family of exceptional highly professional colleagues dedicated to delivering the highest standards in Business Coaching. I have expanded on my prior experience and knowledge, incorporating models, processes and understanding using evidence-based standards that are sound, reputable, relevant and, especially in these times, critical for organizations and leaders.
WABC offers a wealth of business coaching support, through networks, directory exposure, resources, along with foundational tools for coach development, executive education, and coaching selling platforms, but the personal touch is what is by far the most unique in the industry.
I am honored to be WABC credentialed and vetted. Yes, membership requires a precise verification of all third-party credentials, which adds tremendous credibility and value to WABC’s Business Coach Locator directory. After years of confusion around certification and affiliation, I am forever grateful to WABC for the challenge, knowledge, and opportunity to obtain a greater depth of neuroscience and evidence-based methodologies that allows me to grow my passion for coaching and to serve clients alongside a sophisticated coaching community.
Having been in the coaching business for nearly 20 years, I have seen the coaching sector grow exponentially and witnessed the rise of many professional bodies. I am an advocate for WABC as there is a beautiful clarity that sits at the essence of all they do—they serve the needs of business coaches. This is in a large part to the clarity of leadership provided by Wendy Johnson, unwavering in her vision and boundaries about WABC’s place in the coaching world.
As a professional business coach, I can tell my clients that I am a member of a credible business coach professional body which acknowledges and recognizes the needs of coaches working in their sector. I have found the experience of re-certification a rigorous and provocative activity which has had me reflect meaningfully on my coaching practice. The benefit of this is being able to tell my clients, with integrity, that I have earned the right and provided the evidence to retain my WABC certification which is additive to my business coaching credentials.
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.
CMBC positions you at the leading edge of your field with master-level expertise, specialized knowledge and coaching skills.
CBC—held by professionals around the world—is a highly respected evidence-based global credential that raises your credibility and positions you as a professional business coach with advanced-level knowledge and specialized coaching skills.
CBC—held by professionals around the world—is a highly respected evidence-based global credential that raises your credibility and positions you as a professional business coach with advanced-level knowledge and specialized coaching skills.
WABC Certified Business Coach (CBC), grounded in research-informed best practice, enables you to access a broader and deeper range of competencies and knowledge as a professional business coach at advanced-level. As you support clients, co-workers and organizations, you’ll be able to apply your specialized skills to more diverse, although largely fixed, agendas that are directly related to business and organizational goals and objectives. Being a CBC means you can provide a fuller professional offering.
In this increasingly competitive industry filled with un-credentialed coaches, it’s time to set yourself apart.
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 2 – CBC)® Programs or the WABC Portfolio Pathway to become a CBC, based on your experience.
Once you earn CBC, you’re part of our global community, where professional business coaches from across the world come together to enhance their skills, expand their professional networks and influence our business coaching profession more broadly.
WABC Certified Business Coach (CBC), grounded in research-informed best practice, enables you to access a broader and deeper range of competencies and knowledge as a professional business coach at advanced-level.
Mastery comes over time and diverse experiences—simply counting coaching hours doesn’t accurately measure impact.
Because the CBC 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.
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 CBC is right for you:
WABC Accredited (Level 2 – CBC)® Programs and WABC Portfolio Pathway are routes to earn CBC
WABC Accredited (Level 2 – CBC) 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 2 – CBC) 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 either a WABC Affiliate Member™ or 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 CBC learning outcomes. Your journey culminates in the submission and evaluation of your CBC 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 either a WABC Affiliate Member or 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.
Full length programs are suited for professionals with business coaching experience
No programs are currently available — please check back anytime as our calendar is frequently updated.
Fast-track programs are suited for professionals with business coaching experience
No programs are currently available — please check back anytime as our calendar is frequently updated.
Full length programs are suited for professionals with business coaching experience
Add custom message when needed.
Fast-track programs are suited for professionals with business coaching experience
We’re excited to announce that a new program will be available in mid-2027!
You’ll become a WABC Certified Business Coach once you:
*To prove your excellence to the world, you’ll receive your personalized CBC Promo Package (digital package of letter, certificate, badge and personalized verification page (linked to your badge)) enabling you to promote your WABC Certified Business Coach (CBC) credential on your website, email signature or social media platforms.
Earning your CBC involves the following fees:
*Fee set by the training provider
**See the WABC Portfolio Pathway information provided to you
***See WABC Affiliate Member™ or WABC Full Member™
Maintaining your CBC: 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 2 – CBC)” mark, then you would be eligible to earn CBC assuming you have successfully completed all Program requirements and met all WABC requirements within applicable deadlines.
For WABC Accredited (Level 2 – CBC) Program: You must be a current WABC Affiliate Member or WABC Full Member to earn CBC. You have one year from your Program pass date to meet all applicable requirements (e.g., join/re-join as a WABC Member, complete the final administrative needs).
For WABC Portfolio Pathway: You must be a current WABC Affiliate Member or WABC Full Member before registration in the Pathway. If you have allowed your membership to lapse, you have one year from your CBC Candidate Portfolio Pass date to meet all applicable requirements (e.g., re-join as a WABC Member, complete the final administrative needs).
For WABC Accredited (Level 2 – CBC) Program: If you were already a WABC Affiliate Member or WABC Full Member while taking your Program but allowed your membership to lapse prior to Program completion, you’ll be required to re-join WABC and pay the associated fees before receiving your CBC. Also see FAQ above.
For WABC Portfolio Pathway: Being a current WABC Affiliate Member or 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 and pay the associated fees before receiving your CBC. 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, CBC 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. CBC adheres to these best practices.
CBC 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 CBC, there are two ongoing requirements which both require fees:
Taking a sabbatical during your career may affect your CBC credential.
Yes, your CBC credential can be revoked under certain circumstances.
The WABC Certified Business Coach (CBC) credential must be listed in a specific way. Please log in to your dashboard for further guidance and access to your CBC 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® |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credential: About | Credential: About | Credential: About | Credential: About |
| Registered Corporate Coach™ (RCC™)—held by professionals around the world—is a highly respected evidence-based global credential that raises your credibility and positions you as a professional business coach with practitioner-level knowledge and specialized coaching skills.
RCC, grounded in research-informed best practice, enables you to access a strong foundation and the competencies and knowledge as a professional business coach at practitioner-level. As you support clients, co-workers and organizations, you’ll be able to apply your specialized skills to a range of fixed agendas that are directly related to business and organizational goals and objectives. Being an RCC means you can provide a professional offering. |
WABC Certified Business Coach™ (CBC™)—held by professionals around the world—is a highly respected evidence-based global credential that raises your credibility and positions you as a professional business coach with advanced-level knowledge and specialized coaching skills.
CBC, grounded in research-informed best practice, enables you to access a broader and deeper range of competencies and knowledge as a professional business coach at advanced-level. As you support clients, co-workers and organizations, you’ll be able to apply your specialized skills to more diverse, although largely fixed, agendas that are directly related to business and organizational goals and objectives. Being a CBC means you can provide a fuller professional offering. |
WABC Certified Master Business Coach® (CMBC®)—held by professionals around the world—is a highly esteemed, world-class distinction that positions you at the leading edge of your field with master-level expertise, specialized knowledge and coaching skills.
CMBC, grounded in research-informed best practice, demonstrates your mastery of the competencies and knowledge as a professional business coach at master-level. As you support senior levels of leadership, you’ll be able to apply your specialized skills to tackle complex business and organizational challenges with open agendas, the outcomes of which may impact broader business and organizational goals and objectives. Furthermore, you may be accountable for critical analysis, diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation and you may also choose to specialize. Being a CMBC means you can provide a significant professional offering. |
Chartered Business Coach® (ChBC®)—held by professionals around the world—is the first-ever chartered status for professional business coaches and the industry’s most coveted, world-class distinction. Position yourself as being among the best of the best in our profession worldwide as a professional business coach with elite-level expertise, specialized knowledge, coaching skills and professional competence.
ChBC, grounded in research-informed best practice, demonstrates you possess specialized knowledge, professional competence and mastery of the competencies as a professional business coach at elite-level. As you support the highest levels of leadership, you’ll be able to apply a wide range of business coaching initiatives and activities to tackle complex business and organizational challenges across a wide diversity of contexts and open agendas, the outcomes of which may be unpredictable. Furthermore, at this highest level of professional practice, you’ll be able to exercise substantial personal autonomy along with your significant influence, leadership and contribution within businesses, organizations and the profession. Being a ChBC means you can provide a substantial professional offering. |
| Eligible Candidates | Eligible Candidates | Eligible Candidates | Eligible Candidates |
NOTE: If you have a minimum of 1 year of business coaching experience, you will be able to consider either a WABC Accredited Program or WABC Portfolio Pathway. |
|
|
|
| ROUTES AVAILABLE: Options, Duration & Hours |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Options, Duration & Hours |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Options, Duration & Hours |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Options, Duration & Hours |
| WABC Accredited Program Option: Full Length Duration: 6–12 months* Hours: 150* Option: Fast Track WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Option: Full Length Duration: 9–18 months* Hours: 400* Option: Fast Track WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Option: Full Length Duration: 18–24 months* Hours: 1200* Option: Fast Track WABC Portfolio Pathway |
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 |
|
WABC Accredited Program Each program chooses from a range of formats–In-person, virtual or blended. WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Each program chooses from a range of formats–In-person, virtual or blended. WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Each program chooses from a range of formats–In-person, virtual or blended. WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Portfolio Pathway Virtual self-directed |
| ROUTES AVAILABLE: Supervision |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Supervision |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Supervision |
ROUTES AVAILABLE: Supervision |
|
WABC Accredited Program Appropriate supervision is provided WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Appropriate supervision is provided WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Appropriate supervision is provided WABC Portfolio Pathway |
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 |
WABC Accredited Program Pass a written and performance related assessment WABC Portfolio Pathway |
WABC Accredited Program Pass a written and performance related assessment WABC Portfolio Pathway |
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 |
|
|
|
| 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.
I have been a member of many professional associations of the years, and none have made as strong of an impression as the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches.
What impressed me the most about the WABC is the level and quality of interaction from leadership. A website inquiry led to a personal call from the WABC founder, Wendy Johnson. She took a personal interest and gave sound guidance regarding membership options, as well as credentialing suggestions and explained the unique value of business coaching, which had been my focal point. This personal touch was a fresh and welcome approach, instantly making me feel a sense of belonging. There are a myriad of coaching avenues, but it was divine intervention and a fellow Registered Corporate Coach™ (RCC™) who led me to WABC.
As a member of WABC, I truly feel part of a family of exceptional highly professional colleagues dedicated to delivering the highest standards in Business Coaching. I have expanded on my prior experience and knowledge, incorporating models, processes and understanding using evidence-based standards that are sound, reputable, relevant and, especially in these times, critical for organizations and leaders.
WABC offers a wealth of business coaching support, through networks, directory exposure, resources, along with foundational tools for coach development, executive education, and coaching selling platforms, but the personal touch is what is by far the most unique in the industry.
I am honored to be WABC credentialed and vetted. Yes, membership requires a precise verification of all third-party credentials, which adds tremendous credibility and value to WABC’s Business Coach Locator directory. After years of confusion around certification and affiliation, I am forever grateful to WABC for the challenge, knowledge, and opportunity to obtain a greater depth of neuroscience and evidence-based methodologies that allows me to grow my passion for coaching and to serve clients alongside a sophisticated coaching community.
Having been in the coaching business for nearly 20 years, I have seen the coaching sector grow exponentially and witnessed the rise of many professional bodies. I am an advocate for WABC as there is a beautiful clarity that sits at the essence of all they do—they serve the needs of business coaches. This is in a large part to the clarity of leadership provided by Wendy Johnson, unwavering in her vision and boundaries about WABC’s place in the coaching world.
As a professional business coach, I can tell my clients that I am a member of a credible business coach professional body which acknowledges and recognizes the needs of coaches working in their sector. I have found the experience of re-certification a rigorous and provocative activity which has had me reflect meaningfully on my coaching practice. The benefit of this is being able to tell my clients, with integrity, that I have earned the right and provided the evidence to retain my WABC certification which is additive to my business coaching credentials.
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.
CBC raises your credibility and positions you as a professional business coach with advanced-level knowledge and specialized coaching skills.
We invite experts and researchers worldwide to apply their expertise to the subjects impacting business coaching, which integrates the work of many adjacent disciplines, including neuroscience, psychology, behavioral science, ethnography, among others.
WABC applies the highest possible standards to business coaching. Extensive research on the topics currently shaping both coaching and business more broadly enhances our knowledge on subjects influencing business coaching standards, programs and practices.
As part of our goal to apply the highest standards, WABC constantly seeks robust research to enhance our evidence base on “what works” or “what is promising” in contemporary business coaching worldwide, while also considering the professional expertise/expert opinion of business coaching professionals.
We invite experts and researchers worldwide to apply their expertise to the subjects impacting business coaching, which integrates the work of many adjacent disciplines, including neuroscience, psychology, behavioral science, ethnography, among others.
Whether you are a business coach, leader-as-coach, client, training provider or member of the public, WABC enhances coaching confidence by delivering relevant, robust and reliable academic and professional principles and standards. Our best-in-class benchmarks reward excellence and build discipline in the business coaching industry and its subspecialties towards research and sound practice.
By leveraging their experience, skills and knowledge, a WABC business coach partners with people to identify gaps and strengths within themselves, their teams and their businesses and organizations to access new insights, unblock their performance challenges and seize new opportunities.
As the business world accelerates in complexity, it is paramount for business leaders and individuals to identify opportunities quickly and shift to meet new performance demands.
Adaptability, agile decision-making, resilience, managing paradoxes and building accountability are just a few of the key issues that people face to succeed in an environment of unprecedented global change.
Setting a strategic course and rising to meet these evolving needs takes disruptive thinking, a learning mentality and the sustained commitment to change at every level of an organization. Yet aligning business priorities and individual performance presents challenges that flex organizational muscles in new ways.
As leaders and managers seek interconnected development strategies to equip individuals with new skills, business coaching can support the activation of individual and team performance towards organizational goals.
At its most fundamental, business coaching takes an individual, team or organization from where they are now, to where they want to be.
By leveraging their experience, skills and knowledge, a qualified business coach partners with people to identify gaps and strengths within themselves, their teams and their organizations to access new insights, unblock their performance challenges and seize new opportunities.
Business coaching is a distinct discipline that addresses the needs of both the individual and the organization they work within.
A business coach may go by many names, including executive coach, leadership coach, corporate coach, organizational coach or SME coach, yet each one is focused on achieving desired business goals—those shared by both the individual and their organization, no matter the client. This dual focus separates business coaching as a distinct practice from all other kinds of coaching.
Business coaching can be performed in any type of business, organization, or institution. By nature, business coaching is a disruptive, collaborative and supportive role designed to enable change, drive desired results and increase accountability.
Business coaches are strategic partners who build your business and operational success. Among the broad array of service offerings, business coaches may help:
At WABC, we believe that business is a potent force for solving social problems, and we are committed to building the credibility of business coaching as a global industry.
As the first global organization to create evidence-based standards for business coaches, we expect all WABC credential holders and members to adhere to our standards including the WABC Professional Standards for Business Coaches and WABC Code of Business Coaching Ethics and Integrity.
These standards are not only essential to how we conduct our business, but how business coaching should be performed at the highest professional standard.
Navigate ambiguity and quickly evolving market conditions with the support of a trusted, safe confident and sounding board. Business coaches help leaders find or reclaim their resolve, courage and confidence to face issues head on, challenge the status quo and transform how organizations are run, including future-proofing the business model your company is built on. Clarify your vision, align your organization, and embrace considered change for sustainable success.
Foster enhanced productivity, greater collaboration and improved engagement with your employees and within teams. Better align your objectives with your organization’s strategic priorities, and build transformative action plans to best your measures of success.
Determine your client’s needs more clearly and help them realize the strategies, priorities and initiatives for success. Identify the root cause of leadership and structural issues to better address challenges and facilitate business-model changes and organizational transformation. Activate the perspective and behavioral changes to align your client’s business around common goals.
Foster an aligned corporate culture to better support employees and effectively deliver on business strategy. Attract and retain top-tier talent while you improve employee engagement and satisfaction and create more healthy workplaces. Propel behavioral shifts to guide individuals in achieving personal and professional success.
Strengthen adaptability and boost resiliency in businesses and organizations. Further your clients’ ability to integrate their holistic selves and make choices that align with organizational goals and their professional aspirations. More effectively synthesize client business goals and create actionable plans to achieve them. Communicate the value of mental health within a business environment.
We believe there are three broad categories of coaching in the marketplace today: sports, personal and business.
Business coaching is used as an umbrella term to include all types of business and organizational coaching. Thus, business coaching includes both internal and external coaches who work as business coaches, corporate coaches, executive coaches, leadership coaches, organizational development coaches and many more.
The first research papers on business coaching can be traced to performance improvement for sales teams in the 1930s. Business coaching is a hybrid profession informed by related disciplines including coaching, psychology, organizational development, management science and consulting, human resource management, ethics, applied theology, adult learning and training and development. The interdisciplinary nature of business coaching makes it more challenging to define its body of knowledge.
Business leaders, owners, CEOs, entrepreneurs, directors, managers and high potential talent use business coaching. Anyone who has a business-related personal or professional objective and is ready to take action can be a coachee.
A business coach engages in meaningful communication with individuals in businesses, organizations, institutions or governments, with the goal of promoting success at all levels of the organization by affecting the actions of those individuals.
A life skills coach (also referred to as a personal coach) collaborates with their coachee in a highly interactive working partnership for the purpose of assisting the coachee to clarify what they really want from life. Life coaches are seen as strategic partners to enhance life satisfaction.
Together, the life skills coach and coachee work on setting more effective personal goals and new strategic actions, staying focused and accountable so that the coachee may lead a more successful and satisfying life. The coach and coachee co-design a direction and the coachee commits to taking action to succeed. Accountability in coaching is shared between the coach and the coachee.
A mentor is usually an older and/or more experienced person who provides advice, guidance and support to a younger and/or less experienced person for the purpose of personal, professional, spiritual or life growth. In business settings, those groomed for advancement are often formally or informally mentored by senior executives. Mentors are seen as experts and show protégés “the ropes.”
A consultant provides advice or expert knowledge to a client in a particular field or discipline. It’s predominantly one-way communication, with accountability on the consultant for delivering on the outcome. The client is expected to implement the consultant’s recommendations. Business consultants are seen as experts and advise on business issues.
A counselor or therapist focuses on psychosocial issues and/or psychological disorders with an emphasis on the diagnosis and analysis of the client/patient. The focus is exclusively on the client/patient and there’s a low possibility that the counselor or therapist will request feedback. Counselors or therapists are typically seen as experts and try to heal psychosocial dysfunctionality.
Business coaching offers myriad ways to achieve your peak professional performance and organizational objectives. Take the next step towards sustained success on your terms.
Search the WABC Business Coach Locator to find your qualified coaching partner in accelerating your professional or organizational achievement.
WABC offers four levels of credentials that are designed to meet the diverse needs of practicing business coaches.
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.
Are you a champion of business coaching within your organization and want to introduce WABC to your employer to see what’s possible?
Whether your organization has a business coaching program or is interested in building one, WABC accredits in-house programs to ensure that your employees are trained to coach using the latest research-informed best practice and global standards.
Many organizations see the value in using business coaching to unlock the potential within their organization, but don’t know where to start.
WABC offers a range of consulting and business services to identify opportunities and improve business coaching within organizations.
CLAC—held by professionals around the world—is a highly respected evidence-based global credential that positions you as a leader-as-coach with certified-level knowledge and specialized coaching skills.
CLAC—held by professionals around the world—is a highly respected evidence-based global credential that positions you as a leader-as-coach with certified-level knowledge and specialized coaching skills.
WABC Certified Leader-as-Coach (CLAC), grounded in research-informed best practice, enables you to access a strong foundation and the competencies and knowledge as a leader-as-coach at certified-level. As you support the development, empowerment and accountability of others in your organization, you’ll be able to apply your specialized skills to improve the performance in the delivery of strategic business and organizational goals and objectives. Being a CLAC means you can lead with results.
Exceptional leadership includes incorporating specialized coaching skills within your professional role.
Regardless of what professional role you have (e.g., leader, manager, supervisor), if you’re already doing, or want to start doing, leader-as-coach coaching, WABC offers WABC Accredited (Level 2 – Leader-as-Coach)® Programs to become a CLAC.
Once you earn CLAC, you become part of our global community of business coaches and leaders-as-coaches!
WABC Certified Leader-as-Coach (CLAC), grounded in research-informed best practice, enables you to access a strong foundation and the competencies and knowledge as a leader-as-coach at certified-level.
Because the CLAC credential specifically prepares you for leader-as-coach 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 credentials.
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 CLAC is right for you:
WABC Accredited (Level 2 – Leader-as-Coach)® Programs is the route to earn CLAC
WABC Accredited (Level 2 – Leader-as-Coach) 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 leader-as-coach coaching training rooted in real-world organizational and business needs.
All WABC Accredited (Level 2 – Leader-as-Coach) Programs engage in a continuous three-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 leader-as-coach training programs.
Your Next Step: If you’d like to explore our programs*, 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.
Calendar is frequently updated, so please check back anytime.
Full length programs are suited for leaders, managers and supervisors wishing to incorporate coaching into their professional role
| Start Date | Provider | Program | Format | Location | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FEB 20, 2026 | KasKor Business Coaching |
The Blueprint: How to Lead with a Coach Approach – Credential Edition |
Virtual | International | English |
| MAY 1, 2026 | KasKor Business Coaching |
The Blueprint: How to Lead with a Coach Approach – Credential Edition |
Virtual | International | English |
| SEP 18, 2026 | KasKor Business Coaching |
The Blueprint: How to Lead with a Coach Approach – Credential Edition |
Virtual | International | English |
| OCT 30, 2026 | KasKor Business Coaching |
The Blueprint: How to Lead with a Coach Approach – Credential Edition |
Virtual | International | English |
Full length programs are suited for leaders, managers and supervisors wishing to incorporate coaching into their professional role
Add custom message when needed.
You’ll become a WABC Certified Leader-as-Coach once you:
*To prove your excellence to the world, you’ll receive your personalized CLAC Promo Package (digital package of letter, certificate, badge and personalized verification page (linked to your badge)) enabling you to promote your WABC Certified Leader-as-Coach (CLAC) credential on your website, email signature or social media platforms.
Earning your CLAC involves the following fees:
*Fee set by the training provider
**US$35.00
Maintaining your CLAC: 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 2 – Leader-as-Coach)” mark, then you would be eligible to earn CLAC assuming you have successfully completed all Program requirements and met all WABC requirements within applicable deadlines.
You have one year from your Program pass date to complete the final administrative needs (e.g., agree to the WABC Certified Leader-as-Coach (CLAC) Standards, purchase your WABC CLAC Promo Package).
Certification is a voluntary process by which a nongovernmental body recognizes an individual who has successfully met predetermined qualifications. As an evidence-based credential, CLAC 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. CLAC adheres to these best practices.
CLAC 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 confirming your continuing engagement in leader-as-coach coaching, to maintain their certified credentials.
Yes, to maintain your CLAC, there is one ongoing requirement which requires a fee:
Yes, your CLAC credential can be revoked under certain circumstances.
The WABC Certified Leader-as-Coach (CLAC) credential must be listed in a specific way. Please log in to your dashboard for further guidance and access to your CLAC Promo Package.
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.
I have been a member of many professional associations of the years, and none have made as strong of an impression as the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches.
What impressed me the most about the WABC is the level and quality of interaction from leadership. A website inquiry led to a personal call from the WABC founder, Wendy Johnson. She took a personal interest and gave sound guidance regarding membership options, as well as credentialing suggestions and explained the unique value of business coaching, which had been my focal point. This personal touch was a fresh and welcome approach, instantly making me feel a sense of belonging. There are a myriad of coaching avenues, but it was divine intervention and a fellow Registered Corporate Coach™ (RCC™) who led me to WABC.
As a member of WABC, I truly feel part of a family of exceptional highly professional colleagues dedicated to delivering the highest standards in Business Coaching. I have expanded on my prior experience and knowledge, incorporating models, processes and understanding using evidence-based standards that are sound, reputable, relevant and, especially in these times, critical for organizations and leaders.
WABC offers a wealth of business coaching support, through networks, directory exposure, resources, along with foundational tools for coach development, executive education, and coaching selling platforms, but the personal touch is what is by far the most unique in the industry.
I am honored to be WABC credentialed and vetted. Yes, membership requires a precise verification of all third-party credentials, which adds tremendous credibility and value to WABC’s Business Coach Locator directory. After years of confusion around certification and affiliation, I am forever grateful to WABC for the challenge, knowledge, and opportunity to obtain a greater depth of neuroscience and evidence-based methodologies that allows me to grow my passion for coaching and to serve clients alongside a sophisticated coaching community.
Having been in the coaching business for nearly 20 years, I have seen the coaching sector grow exponentially and witnessed the rise of many professional bodies. I am an advocate for WABC as there is a beautiful clarity that sits at the essence of all they do—they serve the needs of business coaches. This is in a large part to the clarity of leadership provided by Wendy Johnson, unwavering in her vision and boundaries about WABC’s place in the coaching world.
As a professional business coach, I can tell my clients that I am a member of a credible business coach professional body which acknowledges and recognizes the needs of coaches working in their sector. I have found the experience of re-certification a rigorous and provocative activity which has had me reflect meaningfully on my coaching practice. The benefit of this is being able to tell my clients, with integrity, that I have earned the right and provided the evidence to retain my WABC certification which is additive to my business coaching credentials.
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.
CLAC positions you as a leader-as-coach with certified-level knowledge and specialized coaching skills.
