What is a Christian Coaches Network International Coaching Credential?

Using core coaching skills established by the ICF, CCNI offers the premier Christian coaching credential in the industry. With a CCNI credential, the public is assured that you have mastered basic coaching skills and qualifications for industry-standard Christian coaching. To obtain the credential coaches must:

  • Be a current member in good standing with CCNI.
  • Comply with rigorous accountability to ethical standards of practice.
  • Demonstrate true coaching experience (real clients, not just scenarios or role-plays).
  • Receive qualified mentor coaching from an instructor who has obtained professional credentials.
  • Require professional references from peers in the coaching industry.

How is Credentialing Different from Certification?

A credential is sometimes called a certification which can create some confusion.  The key difference is that the credential is awarded through an objective third party other than a specific training school. Credentials demonstrate you have met the standards of competency for the industry as a whole as compared to distinct requirements of your training school which vary greatly. Here is a quick summary of nuances between credentialing and certification:

 

Credentials:

  • Confirm you have met the standards of competency for the industry.
  • Are a voluntary process of validating knowledge, skills, and abilities beyond the scope of your coaching school.
  • Use standardized requirements for coaching skills proficiency.
  • Measure your skill development against the industry standard.
  • Are nationally recognized because they are awarded by a 3rd-party, unbiased organization.

Certification:

  • Is the process of providing a certificate to show completion of your studies in a certain subject. A certificate enhances your professional expertise in the proficiencies outlined by your school.
  • Prepares you for a certain level of skill proficiency as defined by the school/program.
  • Measures your skill development against school/program standards.
  • Shows that you have satisfactorily met the requirements of your school/program.

CREDENTIALING FAQs

How Will Credentialing Help Me?

  • It illustrates a serious command of coaching within the Christian realm to provide assurance to potential clients that your approach is both faith-based and rigorously accountable.
  • It separates you from an unskilled coach and demonstrates an investment in coaching education and practice.
  • It is an indication of your credibility and commitment to excellence in the ethics and standards of Christian coaching.

How is a CCNI Credential Different than ICF, IAC, or CCE Credentials?

Our alignment with industry standards is congruent. Where we differ is our focus on how faith integrates with coaching. No other coach credentialing organization addresses issues of faith and its influence in the coaching practice. As Christians our ethical conduct is measured by an additional standard. We are duty-bound to live the tenets of our faith and we have the highest respect for all people.

What Credentialing Options Are Available Through CCNI?

  • CCC – Certified Christian Coach (60 training hours, 100 client hours).
  • CPCC – Certified Professional Christian Coach (125 training hours, 500 client hours).
  • CMCC – Certified Master Christian Coach (200 training hours, 1500 client hours).

Application Requirements

The application process is different depending on if the applicant has  a prior active coaching credential.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO EARN THE CCNI CREDENTIAL?

First Credential (No other Coaching Credential exists)

 
CREDENTIAL TYPE
REQUIREMENTS
CCC
CPCC
CMCC
Coach Training
60 hours
125 hours
200 hours
Coaching Experience
100 hours
500 hours
1500 hours
Mentor Coaching
10 hours
10 hours
10 hours
References
Required
Required
Required
Recording/Transcript
Required
Required
Required
Fees
$200 member
$400 non member
$450 member
$650 non member
$450 member
$650 non member
Renewal
Time: 3 years
CCEU: 40 hours+
Member $75
Non-Member $275
Time: 3 years
CCEU: 40 hours+
Member $75
Non-Member $275
Time: 3 years
CCEU: 40 hours+
Member $75
Non-Member $275

 

Adding CCNI Credential to Existing ICF, EMCC, IAC, CCE Credential

 
CREDENTIAL TYPE
REQUIREMENTS
CCC
CPCC
CMCC
Coach Training
N/A*
N/A*
N/A*
Coaching Experience
N/A*
N/A*
N/A*
Mentor Coaching
N/A*
N/A*
N/A*
References
Required
Required
Required
Recording/Transcript
Required
Required
Required
Fees
$200 member
$400 non member
$350 member
$550 non member
$500 member
$700 non member
Renewal
Time: 3 years
CCEU: 40 hours+
Member $75
Non-Member $275
Time: 3 years
CCEU: 40 hours+
Member $75
Non-Member $275
Time: 3 years
CCEU: 40 hours+
Member $75
Non-Member $275

* Submit proof of ICF, EMCC, IAC,  CCE credential in place of this requirement.

  • NOTE: If you are adding a Christian coach credential to existing, same level ICF or CCE
    credential, you can skip the first three requirements by providing a copy of your unexpired ICF,
    IAC, EMCC or CCE credential.
  • If you are seeking a higher CCNI credential then what you already possess, completes all five requirements.

How Do I Apply For a CCNI Credential?

The application process is different depending on if you’ve already received an ICF, CCE, EMCC, or IAC credential. Click on the arrow below to see more specific information regarding which process applies to you. 

Requirement Descriptions

Coach Training Classroom hours from coach training programs recognized by the ICF, the IAC, EMCC, CCE, or a recognized CCNI program.
Coaching Experience Provide a log of coaching hours that includes contact information of clients. We will spot check these connections. This needs to be on an Excel spreadsheet or in table format in Word or PDF. Include these column headings: Client Name, Client Address, Client Phone or Email, Agreement Begin Date, Agreement End Date, Number of total hours coached (including pro bono, barter, or paid). Ten percent (10%) of those coaching hours need to be within 18 months of the date of application.
Mentor Coaching Six months or 10 hours with a professionally trained coach at or above the credential (if any) of the applicant.  Provide proof in the form of a letter from your coach stating the mentor coaching relationship and timeframe or certificate of completion of mentor coaching class.
References

CHARACTER REFERENCE

A letter of reference from your pastor or church leadership indicating proof of your consistent Christian character. Provide proof in the form of a letter of reference. This letter of reference must be dated no more than 18 months prior to the date of application.
Recording / Transcript

This is an oral exam where you demonstrate your coaching skills in a previously recorded coaching conversation. This exam is graded by seasoned professional coaches who hold any of the following credentials: MCC, PCC, CMCC, CPCC credential.

MEASUREMENTS

Christian coaching is the expression of the Biblical worldview within the coaching conversation. As Christians who coach Christians, we allow for the expression of faith to be manifested and to guide client relationships and resulting coaching conversations. Therefore we are measuring both of the following:

  • Your coaching skill effectiveness against industry standards.
  • Your ability to allow for and coach around expressions of faith without crossing the boundaries of professional coaching.

RECORDING SPECIFICATIONS

Content: Applicant will submit one recording for the CCC, CPCC or CMCC credential. For the purposes of this oral demonstration, this recording must incorporate the elements and distinctions of the Christian faith. If you have any questions on what those might be, please see these Christian Coaching Competencies.

Time: The length should be 30-45 minutes.

Transcript: A transcript of the conversation is required.

Release: The client signs a release and there is a verbal note of that release also in the introductory comments of the recording.

Sample release wording: “I, client name, authorize coach name to record this coaching session on date and agree to make it available to Christian Coaches Network International for the purpose of assessing his coaching skills.”


ASSIGNMENT OF ASSESSORS CCC

The Director of Credentialing will assign assessors. Should an applicant fail the exam, a second assessor who does not have previous knowledge of the first assessment will provide a separate assessment.

ASSIGNMENT OF ASSESSORS CPCC, CMCC

The Director of Credentialing will assign two assessors, each providing their independent findings. In the case of different outcomes, a third assessor will be assigned who does not have any previous knowledge of the first assessment.

 
Renewal

The credential is active for three years. To renew a credential you will need to acquire 40 hours of continuing coach education and submit that log to the CCNI office electronically. Twenty of those hours must be from CCNI events.

The cost to renew is $75 for members; $275 for non-members.

 

 

Application Process

Here is the application process.

      • Read the requirement descriptions (above).
      • Gather the documents needed to apply.
      • Complete the online application all at one time.
      • Upload the required documents into the online application.
      • Submit payment.
      • CCNI will review your application to ensure all requirements are met.
      • Assessors are assigned.
      • The assessor will provide a written assessment to the Director of Credentialing.
      • The Director of Credentialing will notify applicant of the results.

 

Award Process

Approval

If approved, the Director of Credentialing will notify the applicant of their achieved credential designation, issues the logos and accreditation letter to applicant and issues press release of applicant achievement.

Denial

An applicant who has been advised of non-qualification for the CCNI credential mayappeal the decision to the Credential Review Board (CRB).

The appeal should be submitted in writing, along with a detailed reasoning for qualification, to be the dircredentialing@christiancoaches.com.  The CRB will issue their determination at the next scheduled board meeting. The final determination will be communicated via email to the applicant from the Director of Credentialing.

Alternately, the applicant may submit new recordings and transcripts within 6 months for re-assessment. An additional fee of $125 per recording will be charged.

 

Policy Revised: 12/16/2019

 

Credential Renewal Process

Credential Renewal Policies The CCNI credential is active for three years. To renew a credential, you will need to acquire 40 hours of continuing coach education and submit the log to the CCNI office electronically. Twenty of those hours must be from CCNI events.

Visit Renew Your Credential to download a continuing education log.   The continuing education log can be submitted in Word or Excel format but must contain these headings:

  • Coach Name
  • Coach Credential
  • Current Date
  • Name of Course
  • Name of Instructor
  • Date of Course
  • Total CCEU/CCE/CE per Course

Click the Apply Now Button below. Fill out, Save and Email to dircredentialing@christiancoaches.com.

Apply Now!

To renew your credentials, please send an email to:

dircredentialing@christiancoaches.com

Renew Your Credential

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