If you’re stepping into the world of coaching, you’ve probably come across the terms certification and accreditation—and let’s be honest, it can get a little confusing.
Are they the same thing? Do you need both? And why does it all seem so complicated?
I remember staring at these terms when I first entered the coaching space, wondering which one mattered most. Spoiler alert: they both do, but in very different ways.
If you’re serious about building credibility, gaining recognition, and working as a professional coach, understanding these distinctions is key. Let’s break it down.
Why Does This Matter?
If you’re investing time and money into training, you want to ensure it holds weight in the industry.
Understanding certification vs accreditation can help you:
- Choose the right training pathway that aligns with your coaching goals.
- Understand what clients and businesses look for when hiring a coach.
- Identify which coaching bodies best suit your career aspirations.
It’s not just about collecting certificates—it’s about proving your competence and professionalism in a crowded coaching industry.
What is Certification?
Think of certification as the stamp of approval that confirms you’ve completed a training course and passed the necessary assessments.
It’s like earning a qualification that says, “Yes, I’ve done the work, and I understand the methodology.”
A certified coach has:
✅ Completed formal training from a recognised provider.
✅ Met the assessment criteria (which could include exams, case studies, or observed coaching).
✅ Gained a recognised certificate or diploma.
Who Certifies Coaches?
There are several organisations that certify coaching courses to validate the learning process:
- CPD Certification Service – Ensures training meets Continuing Professional Development (CPD) standards.
- ILM (Institute of Leadership & Management) – Well-known for leadership and coaching qualifications.
- ACCPH (Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists & Hypnotherapists) – A UK-based professional body that offers certification and membership for coaching professionals.
- Training Providers (like coaching schools) – Many training providers certify their own courses to validate learning outcomes.
Some certified courses also incorporate coaching practice hours, making it easier to transition to accreditation.
For example, the Paseda360 Master Practitioner Diploma includes 60 hours of coaching practice, which allows you to be certified at diploma level and accredited as a Foundation Coach with the Association for Coaching (AC).
However, if you already have previous coaching hours, you might be eligible for a higher accreditation level, such as Professional Coach.
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation goes beyond certification—it’s about proving your experience as a practising coach.
It’s not just about learning coaching techniques—it’s about applying them with real clients, under supervision, and demonstrating competency in real-world settings.
To become accredited, you need to apply through a coaching body and meet their rigorous professional standards.
This often includes:
- Completing a minimum number of coaching hours.
- Attending regular supervision to reflect on and refine your coaching practice.
- Ongoing professional development (CPD) to continue growing as a coach.
Who Accredits Coaches?
There are several major accrediting bodies:
- Association for Coaching (AC) – A global coaching body focused on professional standards and ethical practice.
- International Coaching Federation (ICF) – One of the most recognised coaching organisations worldwide.
- European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC) – Focuses on coaching and mentoring at all levels.
Each has different membership and accreditation levels, but the core process involves logging coaching hours, attending supervision, and ongoing professional development.
Keeping Accreditation Up to Date
Accreditation isn’t just a one-time achievement—you have to maintain it.
Each coaching body has its own renewal requirements, but typically, you need to:
✅ Continue logging coaching hours—Some bodies require proof that you’ve actively coached over the past few years.
✅ Complete a set number of CPD hours—Professional development is key to staying accredited.
✅ Engage in ongoing supervision—Many accreditation bodies require evidence of working with a mentor coach or supervisor.
✅ Renew membership—Most coaching bodies require annual fees to maintain accreditation.
Failing to meet these requirements can result in losing your accreditation, which means you’d have to go through the process again.
How Much Does Accreditation Cost?
Accreditation isn’t free, and costs vary depending on the coaching body and level of accreditation.
Here’s a general breakdown of costs you might expect:
| Accreditation Level | ICF (Approx. Cost) | AC (Approx. Cost) | EMCC (Approx. Cost) |
| Foundation/ACC Level | £300 – £600 | £200 – £400 | £250 – £500 |
| Professional/PCC Level | £600 – £1,200 | £500 – £1,000 | £500 – £1,200 |
| Master/MCC Level | £1,500+ | £1,200+ | £1,500+ |
On top of this, you may need to pay for:
- Coaching Supervision (£50 – £150 per session).
- CPD Courses & Training (£200 – £1,000 per year, depending on the courses you take).
- Annual Membership Fees (£100 – £300 per year).
Accreditation is an investment, but it can set you apart as a professional, trusted coach.
Certification vs Accreditation: The Key Differences
| Certification | Accreditation |
| Earned after completing a training course | Earned after gaining experience and supervision |
| Proves knowledge of coaching methods | Proves you’ve coached real clients |
| Assessed by the training provider | Assessed by an external coaching body |
| One-time achievement | Requires ongoing CPD and renewal |
Do You Need Both?
Not necessarily—but if you want to be taken seriously as a professional coach, accreditation adds credibility.
✅ Certification proves you’ve learned the skills.
✅ Accreditation proves you can apply them with real clients.
Which Coaching Body is Right for You?
Your choice of coaching body depends on:
- Your long-term coaching goals.
- Where you want to be recognised (globally, in the UK, in corporate settings, etc.).
- Which accreditation levels align with your experience.
Some key differences:
- ICF – Best for those seeking an internationally recognised credential.
- AC – A strong choice for coaches looking for a flexible and inclusive accreditation process.
- EMCC – Ideal for those blending coaching with mentoring and supervision.
Final Thoughts: What’s Your Next Step?
If you’re just starting out, certification is your first milestone. But if you’re serious about coaching as a profession, accreditation will help you stand out.
Your journey doesn’t end when you complete training—it’s just the beginning.
Investing in the right accreditation can open doors, increase your credibility, and ensure you stay at the forefront of professional coaching.
