CPD or Continuing Professional Development in life coaching simply means learning and improving your skills and knowledge to be a better coach.
CPD involves taking part in activities like:
- Attending workshops and seminars
- Completing additional courses or certifications
- Participating in webinars or online training
- Engaging in self-study or research
- Networking with other professionals in the field
The goal is to make sure life coaches like you stay updated with the latest industry trends and best practices so you can provide the best possible service to your clientele.
But how does CPD in life coaching differ from CPD in other professional occupations?
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Difference between CPD in Life Coaching vs Other Jobs
In many traditional professions like medicine, law, or teaching, CPD often has more standardized CPD processes.
For example, doctors might need to complete specific training, earn continuing education credits, and pass exams to keep their licenses.
Lawyers often take accredited courses to stay updated on legal changes. Teachers might attend seminars, take courses, and engage in peer reviews to improve their teaching skills.
In life coaching, CPD is usually more flexible. It is more self-directed and adaptable to individual needs and interests, meaning there is no single CPD training path that coaches must follow to become certified professional coaches.
They might take courses on new coaching techniques, attend workshops and conferences, read books and articles, and join practice sessions with other coaches.
CPD in life coaching emphasizes personal growth and staying current with industry trends to better support clients.
What Is an Accredited CPD Training Program?
CPD is often used in the context of accreditation, so let’s talk about the relationship between these two.
An ‘accredited CPD training program’ is basically a program that is evaluated and approved by a recognized CPD accrediting body.
It is a form of reassurance to coaches that the program has been carefully reviewed and that it delivers high-quality education.
There are several CPD accrediting bodies for life coaching that you need to take note of. Here are two of the most well-known ones:
International Coach Federation (ICF)
The International Coaching Federation or simply ICF offers accreditation for coaching education programs through its Continuing Coach Education (CCE) program.
If you participate in any ICF-accredited training, you’ll earn CCE units, which count towards your overall CPD requirements.
This is beneficial if you hold or plan to hold ICF credentials like the Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Master Certified Coach (MCC).
To maintain these credentials, you need to renew them every three years. Learn more.
Check out this article for the top ICF-accredited coaching programs.
European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC)
EMCC provides accreditation for coaching and mentoring programs for individuals across Europe and beyond.
The organization offers two main accreditation levels: the MCC Global Individual Accreditation (EIA) and the EMCC Global Quality Award (EQA).
The EIA recognizes individual competence and professionalism, while the EQA ensures training programs meet EMCC’s high standards.
EIA and EQA are both valid for five years, after which renewal is required.
Some more examples of organizations that provide CPD accreditation include Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE), International Association of Coaching (IAC), and Association for Coaching (AC).
CPD vs CEU Credits
CPD and CEU credits both refer to ways life coaches can keep learning and improving their skills after they become certified.
CPD involves various activities, such as attending workshops, seminars, online courses, and reading relevant books.
CEU credits are a more formal way to measure this ongoing education.
One CEU generally represents ten hours of participation in a structured continuing education activity.
How to Get CPD Certification as a Life Coach
To be a CPD-certified coach, follow these simple steps:
1. Choose a CPD-Accredited Course and Complete It
Find a life coaching course accredited by a recognized CPD body. Make sure the course fits your professional goals.
CPD-accredited training helps you earn CPD credits. These credits show how much educational activity you’ve completed for professional development.
Usually, one CPD credit equals one hour of learning.
We recommend Transformation Academy because of its self-paced, affordable courses. They offer over 35 certifications, all CPD accredited. Here are some examples of their courses and the CPD/CEU credits you can earn:
- Life Purpose Coach Certification: 15 CPD/CEU credits
- NLP Practitioner and Life Coach Certification: 50 CPD/CEU credits
- Professional Life Coach Certification: 25 CPD/CEU credits
You can request CPD credits for a small fee of $6.99 per course.
Special Offer: Get 50% off all certification programs at Transformation Academy by clicking our link or entering code LIFECOACHMAG at checkout.
2. Track Your Progress
Keep a record of all the CPD activities you’ve completed—certificates, attendance records, etc.
3. Apply for Certification:
Once you’ve completed the necessary hours and training, apply for CPD certification through the provider and submit all required documentation.
4. Maintain Your Certification:
Continue to update your knowledge and skills by taking courses and attending workshops. Record these activities to maintain your certification.
Conclusion
CPD in life coaching helps you stay updated and improve your skills to better support your clients. Unlike other professions, CPD in life coaching is flexible and can be customized to your interests and needs.
By participating in CPD activities, tracking your progress, and maintaining your certification, you can keep growing as a life coach.
Ready to get started? Check out Transformation Academy for affordable, self-paced CPD-accredited courses. Or Coach Training Alliance, if you’re looking for something ICF-accredited.
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