There is no regulation of the coaching industry at the moment, though that could be changing.

The lack of regulation means that, technically, anyone can set themselves up as a coach and sell their coaching services to clients.

Many have done this. Some have been great, some haven't. This has given the industry a poor reputation.

When it comes to coaching courses...

Again, there's nothing to stop a company setting up a coaching course and setting up their own accreditation body.

And it might be a great course.

The thing is, it's hard to tell.

So you're better off heading for a coaching course that's accredited by an independent body. Or at least recommended by someone you consider to be a good coach.

Most accrediting bodies have a website and they list the courses they have approved.

Be sure to check what "accredited" or "certified" means. There are several bodies out there who certify based on a 150 word description of the course and a hefty administration fee... That wouldn't give you confidence.

The good news is that there is a Europe-wide move by the European Mentoring & Coaching Council to standardise the accreditation of coaching qualifications. This is great news for the industry. As and when it happens, you'll hear about it here!

Here are some of the most reputable accreditation bodies you may come across:

		International Coaching Federation The largest, international body. Wide range of certified coaching courses.

		European Coaching Institute Covers life coaching, business coaching and executive coaching in its standards. Not many accredited course providers.

LOGO NEEDED HERE!!!		The Association For Coaching Actively aims to advance and promote the best practice in coaching. A membership organisation which lists accredited coaches and training courses.

Note: Many coaching training providers are not members of any regulatory bodies. This doesn't mean they're providing poor quality courses. But it does mean you have to do more homework to check the standard of their training.

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