Description
Executive coaching is now one of the most impactful methods for developing senior leaders. Executive coaching is a specialized, one-on-one developmental partnership between a professional coach and a senior executive (often C-level, Director, or VP) within an organization. Organizations increasingly recognize the value of personalized coaching for executives who operate in high-stakes environments where decisions have wide-reaching consequences. The Global Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching is a comprehensive online program designed for HR professionals, learning and development specialists, and senior managers seeking to transition into a career in executive coaching.
This program consists of four in-depth courses, totalling 80 hours of learning, and is delivered entirely online with 24/7 on-demand access. Participants gain both the theoretical foundation and practical coaching skills required to work effectively with C-Level leaders, Directors, and Vice Presidents. The program equips learners with the knowledge and tools to design, deliver, and evaluate executive coaching engagements, preparing them to succeed in a field that requires professional credibility, advanced interpersonal skills, and an ability to navigate complexity.
Program Details
- Level: H-R / Learning and Development Professionals and Senior Managers seeking a career change.
- Courses: 4 (see course details below)
- Learning: On Demand 24/7
- CPD Hours: 80 Hours (each course takes approx. 20 hours to complete)
- Duration: 4 Months
- Certification: GMA Professional Credentials
Certificate in Executive Coaching – Key Benefits
On completing the Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching, you will be awarded Professional Credentials which verify your knowledge and expertise in coaching, leadership and best practices in coaching C-Level executive leaders in the organization. You will also be able to use a wide range of assessment tools with your clients, to help them identify their leadership and strategic management competencies, and you will have the knowledge to help them plan and manage their future learning, and realize their career ambitions. You will also be able to guide your clients through a program of self-development, using the comprehensive range of downloadable tools provided in the program. Finally, you will be able to share your credentials (your certificate and badges) with your peers and prospective clients on social media.
Who Should Enrol?
The Certificate in Executive Coaching program is particularly relevant for:
- HR and Learning & Development Professionals who want to enhance their impact by providing executive-level coaching within organizations.
- Senior Managers or Leaders considering a career transition into executive coaching.
- Experienced Coaches seeking to formalize their knowledge with a recognized credential and strengthen their ability to work with executives.
- Consultants who want to add executive coaching services to their portfolio.
Whether you are aiming to establish yourself as an independent executive coach or bring advanced coaching skills into your current organization, the certificate in Executive Coaching provides a structured, practical pathway to success.
Program Content
The certificate in Executive Coaching comprises four interconnected courses. Each course builds on the previous one, ensuring participants gain both foundational understanding and advanced application skills.
COURSE 1: FOUNDATIONS IN COACHING
This course introduces the core principles of coaching and helps participants develop the skills to conduct coaching sessions with individuals and teams. Learners explore established coaching models and frameworks, gaining insight into how to plan, deliver, and evaluate effective coaching. The course also covers the essential interpersonal skills required for one-to-one coaching, such as active listening, questioning, and feedback. By completing this course, participants will be able to structure coaching sessions, apply appropriate coaching models, and support clients in developing their professional capabilities.
COURSE 2: EXECUTIVE COACHING IN PRACTICE
Executive coaching requires a distinct set of approaches tailored to the needs of senior leaders. This course focuses on designing, planning, and delivering structured executive coaching programs. Participants learn how to engage C-Level clients, build trust, and facilitate development in contexts characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). The course emphasizes strategies for managing sensitive coaching relationships, measuring outcomes, and positioning oneself as a credible executive coach. It prepares learners to handle the unique challenges that arise when working with executives whose roles carry organizational and strategic significance.
COURSE 3: PROFESSIONAL COACHING SKILLS
This course provides participants with a comprehensive toolkit of coaching skills applicable across organizational levels. Learners acquire practical tools to plan, deliver, and evaluate coaching programs. Key topics include assessment methods, feedback techniques, and evaluation processes. Participants also learn to reflect on their effectiveness as coaches and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. By completing this course, learners gain both the confidence and the professional competence to deliver impactful coaching engagements.
COURSE 4: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
Coaches must also understand the development needs of senior executives in leadership positions. This course equips participants with a personal and professional development toolkit focused on strategic leadership competencies. Learners explore frameworks for identifying leadership gaps, planning career development, and supporting executives in achieving long-term goals. The course helps participants guide their clients through self-reflection, development planning, and skill acquisition, ensuring coaching engagements deliver lasting value.
Outcomes and Professional Competencies
Graduates of the Certificate in Executive Coaching will leave the program equipped with a powerful blend of coaching expertise, leadership knowledge, and strategic insight. They will be able to apply evidence-based coaching models and practices within executive contexts, ensuring that their approach is both professional and impactful. Participants learn how to design and deliver structured coaching programs tailored specifically for senior leaders and C-Level clients, providing support that is both personalized and results-driven.
A critical element of the program is the ability to use assessment tools to evaluate leadership competencies and identify areas for growth. Graduates will be confident in guiding executives as they plan and manage their personal and professional development, while also learning to reflect on their own effectiveness as coaches and continuously improve their practice. This self-awareness, combined with internationally recognized credentials, helps graduates build credibility as trusted executive coaches.
The program also develops a strong performance focus, with participants gaining skills in strategic thinking and decision-making. They will understand how to create engagement with corporate strategy, applying strategic theory in ways that help executives align their personal goals with organizational priorities. By mastering a range of leadership styles—including action-centered leadership, transformational leadership, situational leadership, and servant leadership—graduates will be able to adapt their coaching approach to meet the needs of different executives and organizational contexts.
In addition, the certificate provides deep insights into organizational culture and structure. Learners will understand how structures influence workforce behavior and how culture can be shaped to improve productivity. They will explore core theories of organizational culture and learn how to promote a learning culture that supports continuous development. With these skills, executive coaches are well-positioned to influence positive change at both the individual and organizational level.
Finally, the program emphasizes the importance of vision, communication, and integrity. Graduates will know how to help leaders create a compelling organizational vision that inspires commitment, and how to communicate direction and strategic priorities effectively to the wider organization. Ethical principles and integrity are highlighted as essential qualities for both leaders and coaches, ensuring that graduates model and promote responsible leadership.
Whether the goal is to establish an independent executive coaching practice or to integrate advanced coaching skills into an existing leadership role, the Certificate in Executive Coaching provides a structured and practical pathway to success.
Career Impact of the Certificate in Executive Coaching
The certificate in Executive Coaching opens doors to a variety of professional opportunities. Graduates may pursue roles as:
- Independent Executive Coaches serving corporate and private clients.
- Internal Coaches within organizations, supporting leadership development programs.
- HR Leaders or Consultants specializing in executive development.
- Organizational Development Practitioners who integrate executive coaching into wider leadership initiatives.
As demand for executive coaching continues to grow worldwide, earning the certificate in Executive Coaching positions you as a credible and capable professional in a competitive market.
