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, totaling 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.
Who Should Enrol in the Certificate in Executive Coaching?
This 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 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.
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.
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.
Skills and Knowledge
Graduates of the certificate in Executive Coaching will be able to:
- Apply evidence-based coaching models and practices in executive contexts.
- Design and deliver structured executive coaching programs tailored to C-Level clients.
- Use assessment tools to evaluate leadership competencies and identify development needs.
- Guide executives in planning and managing their personal and professional growth.
- Reflect on their effectiveness as coaches and continuously improve their practice.
- Build credibility as professional executive coaches with recognized credentials.
- Develop a performance focus
- Apply strategic thinking techniques
- Create engagement with corporate strategy
- Apply strategic theory to decision making
- understand how to effectively use a range of leadership styles
- understand the core leadership theories required of an executive level manager
- Understand and successfully apply action centered leadership
- Apply transformational leadership theory effectively
- understand organization structures
- know how organization structures influence workforce culture
- influence organization culture to improve workforce productivity
- understand the core theories on organization culture
- Plan personal leadership develop needs
- know how to shape organization culture
- know how to promote a learning culture
- know how to use situational leadership
- know how to use servant leadership
- know how to create a compelling organization vision to inspire staff commitment
- know how to communicate direction and strategic priorities to the wider organization
- understand ethical principles of and the importance of leading with integrity
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.
