SECP Certification Criteria

One primary credential: SECP Certified Executive Coach. A Master designation is available for longer track records. Formal training hours are not required when substantial executive coaching experience is demonstrated.

Eligibility & Evidence Requirements

Requirement Standard Path High-Experience Path
Years of Executive Coaching Minimum 5 years working primarily with senior leaders / executives (manager level and above) 10+ years may qualify for Master designation and lighter review
Documented Coaching Hours / Engagements 500+ hours or equivalent volume of paid executive coaching engagements Higher volume or clear multi-year retainers accepted as substitute
Client / Sponsor References 2–3 professional references (clients or organizational sponsors) Same; strong references can reduce other documentation
Case Evidence 2 anonymized case summaries describing context, approach, and outcomes 1–2 high-quality cases sufficient for experienced practitioners
Formal Training Optional. Prior training is noted but not required Fully waived when experience thresholds are clearly met
Ethics & Insurance Signed commitment to SECP Ethics Code + current professional liability insurance Same
Key principle: Real-world executive coaching experience is the primary qualification. Training hours, exams, and multi-year pipelines are not gatekeeping requirements. The process is designed to be completed in weeks, not months, at a fraction of the cost of traditional credentialing programs.

Application Process

  1. Submit application — Complete the form with experience summary, references, and case materials.
  2. Review — SECP reviewers examine the portfolio (typically 1–2 weeks).
  3. Possible brief conversation — A short interview or case discussion may be requested for clarification.
  4. Decision & listing — Approved coaches receive the SECP Certified Executive Coach designation and are added to the public directory.
  5. Renewal — Annual renewal with light continuing practice confirmation (industry work, peer learning, or client work counts).

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