The gold standard for being a coach is membership in the International Coaching Federation (ICF).   The ICF requires 60 hours of training to become a member.  In addition to membership, the ICF offers credentialing – think about it this way: becoming a member of the ICF is much like getting an associates degree, and then earning a credential is much like getting a degree or masters level degree.

The easiest way to explain the process is these two infographics from the website at https://www.coachcert.com/en/about/faqs/how-to-become-a-coach.html

This shows the ICF requirements:

This shows the steps with the Center for Coaching Certification – for the ACC along the bottom arrow and the PCC along the top arrow:

Click each program name here for the program overview, schedule, and application:

Certified Professional Coach: Overview, Schedule, and Application
Certified Master Coach: Overview, Schedule, and Application
Foundational Cohort: Overview, Schedule, and Application
Growth Cohort: Overview, Schedule, and Application
Advanced Cohort: Overview, Schedule, and Application
Mentor Coaching: Overview, Schedule, and Application

CCE Programs:
Science of Positivity: Overview, Schedule, Application
Diversity and Equity in Coaching: Overview, Schedule, Application
Coaching Skills for Professionals: Overview, Schedule, Application