The Personal Development Checklist is a great way of gaining some valuable insight about your life and the way you want to live it.
Coach Training Advice – More information about OCN, NVQ and ICF
Open College Network (OCN)
The Open College Network is a nationally (UK) recognised awarding body that awards learning credits to successful students. Courses that qualify for OCN accreditation have to go through a rigorous and on ongoing moderation process. OCN credits are accepted by universities as proof of prior learning, and by prospective governmental clients who require their coaches to demonstrate the worth of their coaching qualifications.
Be aware that OCN credits come in four levels: entry; 1; 2 and 3. Level 2 is roughly GCSE standard and level 3 is A level standard. You should expect coaching courses to be working to at least level 2 and preferably level 3.
A recent development has been the introduction of NOCN accreditation (National Open College Network). I'm not aware of any coach trainers offering NOCN credits, but they equal in value to OCN credits.
National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
Some UK coach trainers are now looking at offering NVQ accreditation in place of OCN. This may be the first steps towards standardisation (in the UK at least). I’m not aware to date of any coach trainers who have made the switch, but NVQs are nationally recognised and respected qualifications. You’d certainly want to consider any coach trainer who is offering NVQ accredited courses.
International Coaching Federation (ICF)
The ICF does not itself offer coach training, but acts as an independent accreditation agency for many coach trainers from all over the world. Should you seek an ICF accredited course? It’s certainly something to think about. However, do remember that there are many excellent trainers out there who have decided to use other accreditation models. The ICF is a major player in coach accreditation, but it is not the only player.
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