Retirement Life Coach Certification Standards.

To be awarded the Retirement Life Coach Certification, participants must meet the following standards, which align with Retirement Life Plan’s commitment to quality training and the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Core Competencies.

1. Participation & Professionalism

  • Attend and actively participate in all required course modules.

  • Engage in thoughtful, respectful dialogue during discussions and group sessions.

  • Demonstrate a willingness to learn, self-reflect, and apply course concepts to real-life coaching scenarios.

2. Demonstration of Coaching Skills

Participants must demonstrate proficiency in the following areas, aligned with ICF Core Competencies:

  • Establishing and maintaining agreements: Create clear coaching agreements and clarify roles and responsibilities with clients.

  • Embodies a coaching mindset: Demonstrate self-awareness, curiosity, and commitment to ongoing development.

  • Building trust and safety: Foster a supportive, nonjudgmental environment for clients.

  • Maintaining presence: Be fully present and adaptable during coaching conversations.

  • Active listening and powerful questioning: Use reflective listening and open-ended questions to support insight and learning.

  • Evoking awareness and facilitating growth: Guide clients toward meaningful action through reflection, insight, and accountability.

Demonstration may include:

  • Participation in live or recorded practice coaching sessions.

  • Submission of coaching reflections, case studies, or role-play exercises.

  • Meeting quality standards in module quizzes and assignments.

3. Completion of Coursework

To be eligible for certification, participants must:

  • Complete all required modules and exercises.

  • Submit all assignments and assessments demonstrating understanding of course content.

  • Meet minimum score thresholds on quizzes and knowledge checks, where applicable.

4. Final Submission and Review

Upon completing the course:

  • Participants must submit final coursework or a summary reflection as specified.

  • Submissions will be reviewed to ensure demonstration of coaching competency and integration of course material.

5. Certification Decision

Certification is not automatically granted. Retirement Life Plan reserves the right to determine, based on submitted work and participation, whether a participant has demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and coaching competency required to earn the designation of Certified Retirement Life Coach.

6. Use of Certification Badge

Graduates who receive certification may use the official Retirement Life Plan Certified Coach badge in accordance with the current course guidelines and terms of use. This includes use in professional marketing materials, websites, and email signatures. The badge may not be altered beyond resizing and must not be used to imply endorsement beyond certification.