What you need to know about the Coaching Certificate Exam and how to pass it.
Is there a fee to take the Coaching Certificate Exam or to receive the Coaching Certificate?
No. The exam and Coaching Certificate are completely free, just like the Free Coach Training Program.
What designation will the Coaching Certificate give me?
It's called, 'The School of Coaching Mastery Coaching Certificate'. It will confirm that you've completed 28 hours of coach-specific training and that you've passed a challenging exam. It will not mention the word 'free', because some people might think that makes it less valuable and the truth is that it represents a high level of accomplishment.
Can I call myself a School of Coaching Mastery Certified Coach?
No. The training you've received from the Free Coach Training program is more than you'll get from many so-called coaching schools, but standards for recognized coach certifications are much higher. You are welcome to tell people that you have a Coaching Certificate from School of Coaching Mastery and we encourage you to become an SCM Certified Coach or Certified Master Coach, as well.
Is this training and the certificate all I need to become a coach?
Every coach is different. All coaches will benefit from more training and most coaches will need substantial training in order to succeed. (Although the pioneers of coaching did it with out training, the profession has changed. New coaches who are untrained tend to have more trouble succeeding.) We encourage you to be a life-long learner and to get a recognized coach certification with rigorous standards. That will benefit you and your clients and will help you stay competive in the marketplace.
If you want premium training, insider techniques and master coach certification, join the Ultimate Coach Training Program. But the Free Coach Training Program may be all that some coaches will need to at least get started.
Are life and business coaching regulated professions?
So far, in most places, coaching is not regulated. But there are movements afoot all around the globe to change that. Taking the Free Coach Training Program and getting your Coaching Certificate will probably not be all you need in order to qualify if/when regulation comes to where you live. The Ultimate Coach Training Program trains coaches to the highest standards to prepare them for the future of professional coaching.
Why is it School of Coaching Mastery makes this program available for free?
To encourage all coaches to get coach training and to discourage coaches from wasting money on coach certification mills. Our Free Coach Training Manifesto explain it all.
Read our Free Coach Training Manifesto here.
How should I study for the Coaching Certificate Exam?
Listen to all the class audio recordings and read all the guides. Attend free study groups to get some coaching practice. Read the guides through once more just before taking the exam and keep them handy, so you can refer to them in case any questions are tough to answer. Some of the answers can be found in the guides.
Will someone go over the exam with me to help me study?
No. This is a self-directed learning opportunity offered for free.
Which courses should I study most for the Coaching Certificate Exam?
You need to study all of them. The exam will be weighted more or less equally between the five courses. It won't be possible to answer all the questions correctly unless you've taken all the courses.
When can I take the Coaching Certificate Exam?
The Coaching Certificate Exam is only open to members of the Free Coach Training Program and the Open Exam Period occurs once every couple of months. You will be notified by email when the exam is open, but only if you're registered for all five courses. Go here to register for Free Coach Training courses.
What is the format of the Coaching Certificate Exam?
It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that you will answer online.
How long do I have to take the Coaching Certificate Exam?
The Open Exam Period lasts one week. You may take as long as you like, so long as you submit all your answers before your exam period closes.
Do I have to take the Coaching Certificate Exam in one sitting?
Yes. Once you click the 'Submit' button, you will not be able to make any more changes to your answers.
How will I know if I pass the Coaching Certificate Exam?
Your grade will be revealed to you immediately after you click the 'submit' button at the end of your test.
What grade is 'passing'?
76% or 38 correct answers out of a possible 50 is passing.
If I pass, how/when will I get my Coaching Certificate?
About 2 weeks after the open period of exam closes, you'll be emailed your certificate.
Will you notify me which questions I missed and give the answers?
Sorry no. This exam is a measurement tool, rather than a learning tool. You can learn everything you need to pass by taking the classes. This allows you to retake the test, if you don't pass..
If I don't pass, can I take the Coaching Certificate Exam again?
Yes. If you failed by a small margin, by all means retake the test. You'll be sent a 2nd exam link in a follow-up email one-day after your exam closes. Use it to retake the test. If you failed by a large margin, study the courses and watch for the next Open Exam Period. The lower your grade, the more you need to study in order to pass the next time.
If I retake the Coaching Certificate Exam, will it be exactly the same?
No. The exam changes for every open exam period.
If I don't have an internet connection or have some other challenge taking the Coaching Certificate Exam, is there someone at School of Coaching Mastery who can help me with that?
No. We offer this opportunity freely, but we don't have personnel available to assist you. That said, there are free internet connections at your local library and if you are sight impaired, you are welcome to have someone you know read the questions to you. Coaching is all about personal responsibility and we expect those who enter this profession to be highly resourceful.