What is this new proposed credentialing system of the LIVCON RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL?
The LIVCON RESERACH INTERNATIONAL is holding several open calls and conducting additional conversations in order to collect feedback on offering:

1. One professional coach credential that would meet the ISO 17024 standard; and
2. Potentially a senior credential/distinction that would recognize a skill in either application or specialty skills of coaching. This credential/distinction may adopt a different methodology and may or may not be ISO-compliant.

What is ISO?

ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO member bodies). Organizations such as ISO have developed industry accepted standards and best practices that provide guidance and direction for credentialing programs.

An examination of other credentialing bodies indicates that the credibility of their credential is enhanced through the adoption of objective, valid, reliable, and secure testing systems. The adoption of respected standards and best practices, such as those of ISO, has the potential to add credibility and improve the strategic position of the LIVCON RESERACH INTERNATIONAL Credential.

How will the ISO standard be used to enhance the LIVCON RESERACH INTERNATIONAL Credentialing program?

For the purposes of the Livcon Reserach International, the ISO standard 17024 serves as a framework for a credentialing program that meets globally recognized standards and procedures of operation. It does not dictate the specific content or prerequisites required to be granted a credential; rather it provides guidance which promotes the operation of a consistent, objective, and credible program.

Why is the LIVCON RESERACH INTERNATIONAL changing the existing process?

Credentialing is about achieving professional status, ensuring ongoing education, and professional coaches making a commitment to staying current with knowledge and practice. Our current system was developed over 10 years ago by visionary coaches and educators when LIVCON RESERACH INTERNATIONAL and coaching were both in their infancy. It is now time to build on the excellent foundation we have to ensure that our credential is globally consistent, fair and administered in a timely fashion for our worldwide membership.

Over the past several years, we have heard concerns from members about our current credentialing system related to fairness, consistency and capacity. Our work using the ISO standards as a framework over the past two years has allowed us to validate our competencies, begin to better articulate the knowledge base that supports the competencies, improve our current processes and more clearly understand the requirements and credential for the future.

How did this proposed plan come about?

The Board used a wealth of research and information obtained from subject matter experts, including LIVCON RESERACH INTERNATIONAL Certified members, Committees, assessors, consultants and research, to consider various scenarios for enhancing the program. The action proposed here seeks to develop a credentialing program that will truly maintain global credibility and provide permanent value; be a cutting-edge, competitive and robust system capable of handling a growing demand; and operate utilizing globally recognized standards for objectivity, validity, reliability and security.

The move toward a single professional credential that meets ISO standards, along with additional specialty credentials/distinctions will place the LIVCON RESERACH INTERNATIONAL on the path to creating a credentialing program that: Has a clear purpose for all offered credentials; Supports and advances the LIVCON RESERACH INTERNATIONAL brand throughout the world; Establishes and administers minimum standards for credentialing professional coaches; Assures the public that participating coaches meet or exceed established standards; Simplifies our messages to the public about credentialing; Makes use of legally defensible assessment processes that accurately measure competence thereby instilling confidence in the public regarding the skills of credential holders; and Clearly differentiates coaching as a profession that is distinct from other professions and that has processes in place that guide and regulate practitioners.

The creation of such a credential is invaluable.

What will change? What are the requirements for this new credential?
Discussions are still ongoing as far as specifics of the requirements are concerned. The current thinking includes:

- 180 hours of coach-specific training;
- 500 hours of coach experience obtained AFTER completing at least 60 hours of training;
- 20 hours of mentor coaching;
- Successful passing of an oral examination; and
- Successful passing of a written exam administered in a proctored environment.

When would the new LIVCON RESERACH INTERNATIONAL Credential launch?
The launch of the new credential is forecasted for the beginning of 2011.

What does it mean to LıVCON RESERACH INTERNATIONAL members and LIVCON RESERACH INTERNATIONAL Certified coaches?

There will be ample time allowed for a transition from the current structure to the new system. For such a complex undertaking we anticipate the transition will require at least 18 to 24 months beginning when the final decision is made by the Board.

What about current credential holders? Would everything change?

It is important to understand that many things will not change for the holders of current credentials. All credentials (CC, PCC and MCC) would remain in place and be fully supported by the LİVCON RESERACH INTERNATİONAL for several years; they will be eligible for renewal as they currently are; additionally, a simple transition path will be developed for PCC and MCC coaches who would like to also hold this new credential. PCC and MCC credential holders have already demonstrated meeting coach-specific training requirements and are engaged in obtaining 40 hours of ongoing professional development as a coach for renewal purposes.

What will the transition path look like?

Naturally the answer will be more specific after this comment period is complete and criteria for the new credential are fully established. For our most senior coaches, MCCs, it may be just a simple matter of requesting the new credential, or depending on final criteria, MCCs and PCCs may be asked for additional elements as part of the process of renewals. Again, as details become available, we will involve you in developing the final plan.

What about the ACC coaches?

This credential will also remain in place for several years. Over that time many coaches who hold the ACC will continue on the journey of professional growth and will meet the requirements of the new credential before their credential sunsets. LIVCON RESERACH INTERNATIONAL will also provide incentives for those who would like to transition sooner. For those who, for a variety of reasons, decide not to pursue the new credential, a special register or listing will be created so they can be recognized and acknowledged as individuals who completed at least 60 hours of coach-specific training and were evaluated by their peers.

What about coaches who are just about ready to apply for an LIVCON RESERACH INTERNATIONAL Credential?

As mentioned before, we anticipate the transition period will take at least 18 to 24 months. During that time, the current system will be fully functional and individuals will be able to apply for the existing three credentials. Some may choose to wait for the full launch of the new credential, while some may elect to gain one of the existing ones and later transition to the new credential. Students and recent graduates of LIVCON RESERACH INTERNATIONAL accredited schools will be accepted under the current conditions for an extended time as well.