What is a Board Certified Coach (BCC)?

Direct Answer

A Board Certified Coach (BCC) is a credential awarded by the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE), a corporate affiliate of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). This credential recognizes coaches who have met specific training, experience, and examination requirements. It does not mean a person is a licensed counselor, therapist, or psychologist, nor does it authorize them to provide mental health diagnoses or treatment.

Common Misunderstandings

["People often believe a BCC is a clinical mental health license. The BCC is a coaching credential, not a license to practice psychotherapy or counseling. Coaching focuses on goals and development, while clinical mental health professions address diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.","It is sometimes thought that a BCC can provide addiction counseling or treatment. A BCC does not typically qualify an individual to act as a certified addiction counselor or provide substance use disorder treatment services. These roles usually require state-specific credentials or licenses, such as those issued by state chemical dependency boards.","Another misunderstanding is that a BCC credential ensures a 'therapy alternative.' Coaching, including BCC-credentialed coaching, is distinct from therapy. It does not replace clinical intervention for mental health issues, psychiatric disorders, or substance use disorders."]

In Practice

The BCC credential indicates that an individual has completed specific education relevant to coaching, accumulated supervised coaching experience, and passed a standardized examination. This credential represents a commitment to established coaching competencies and ethical guidelines as defined by the CCE. It is typically sought by professionals who work with individuals or groups on achieving specific objectives, skill development, or performance enhancement.

The BCC credential often requires ongoing continuing education to maintain. This helps ensure that credential holders remain current with coaching practices and ethical standards. Possession of a BCC does not alter a professional's scope of practice concerning activities requiring state licensure, such as diagnosing or treating mental health conditions.

While some BCCs may have backgrounds in mental health fields, the credential itself does not confer authority to perform regulated mental health activities. Their coaching work typically involves support focused on present and future goals, distinct from the past-oriented, diagnostic, and prescriptive nature of many clinical interventions.

What This Does NOT Mean

["This does not mean the individual is authorized to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. Such activities require specific state licensure, for example, as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).","This does not include authorization to provide addiction counseling or substance use disorder treatment without additional, state-specific credentials. In California, this would typically involve certification through entities like CCAPP or fulfilling Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) requirements. In Florida, the Florida Certification Board oversees SUD credentials. In Ohio, the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board issues such credentials. In New York, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) handles credentialing. In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) offers various addiction-related certifications.","This does not guarantee competency in areas outside the defined scope of coaching, nor does it imply expertise in crisis intervention or highly specialized clinical areas. BCCs are not typically trained or authorized to provide services that require a clinical license."]

Scope

This information is for reference only and is not professional advice.