Board Certified Coach Exam Study Guide (BCCE)

A Board Certified Coach (BCC) is a professional designation for coaches awarded by the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE). The CCE is a credentialing organization that focuses on providing certifications for various professionals, including coaches.

To become a Board Certified Coach, individuals typically need to meet specific education and training requirements. This may include completing a certain number of coach-specific training hours, participating in mentor coaching, and adhering to ethical guidelines set by the CCE.

The BCC certification is designed to recognize coaches who have demonstrated a certain level of competence and professionalism in their coaching practice. It provides a standard for the coaching profession and aims to enhance the credibility and quality of coaching services.

It is important to note that certifications and requirements may change over time, so it's advisable to check the latest information on the Center for Credentialing & Education's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date details on the Board Certified Coach credential. Click here to learn more about the documentation guidelines as a board certified coach and click here to learn 15 ways to build your coaching toolkit.

Are you interested in becoming a Board Certified Coach? Check out our BCC training by clicking here!

BCC vs ICF

This blog post is all about exam preparation. If you would like to learn more about how to become a Board Certified Coach, click here. The link goes to the CCE website to review the requirements. A bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement for obtaining the Board Certified Coach (BCC) designation. Compared to the high cost associated with International Coaching Federation (ICF) certification, pursuing BCC certification is a more cost-effective option, especially for those with a solid educational background. While ICF is often considered the "gold standard," anyone can label themselves as a coach without formal education and certification. Seeking certification distinguishes you from others in the field. For therapists, it ensures that your state licensing board recognizes your ability to differentiate between therapy and coaching. Given the significant financial investment in education, opting for BCC over ICF provides a satisfactory and economical alternative. CCE offers a list of approved BCC courses to choose from. We also have a CCE-approved BCC training! Learn more by clicking here.

How to Prepare for the BCCE

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get ready to take and pass the BCCE. This is not a comprehensive guide but more an outline of how to gather materials and mentally prepare. If you want a more comprehensive guide, keep reading.

1. Thoroughly Review the BCCE Candidate Handbook and Examination Content Outline: The BCCE Candidate Handbook and Examination Content Outline are essential resources that provide detailed information about the exam format, content areas, and scoring criteria. These documents can be accessed through the CCE-Global website.
2. Choose an Accredited Coach Training Program: Completing an accredited coach training program will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful on the BCCE. Look for a program that is accredited by a recognized organization, such as the International Coach Federation (ICF) or the European Coaching & Mentoring Council (EMCC).
3. Gain Coaching Experience: The BCCE requires you to have at least 1,000 hours of paid coaching experience within a two-year period. This experience will allow you to practice your coaching skills and gain valuable feedback from clients.
4. Utilize Official BCCE Study Resources: The CCE-Global website offers a variety of official study resources, including sample test questions, practice exams, and a selected reading list. These resources can help you familiarize yourself with the exam format and content.
5. Join a Study Group or Find a Mentor: Connecting with other coaching professionals who are also preparing for the BCCE can be a valuable source of support and encouragement. You can share study tips, practice coaching skills together, and offer each other feedback.
6. Develop a Study Plan: Create a personalized study plan that outlines your goals, timeline, and study materials. This will help you stay organized and focused throughout your preparation process.
7. Take Practice Tests: Taking practice tests is a great way to assess your knowledge, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and build your confidence. The CCE-Global website offers several official practice exams.
8. Manage Your Stress: Preparing for the BCCE can be stressful. Be sure to take time for yourself to relax and de-stress. This could include exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
9. Stay Positive and Focused: Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. Remember that you have been preparing for this moment and you have the knowledge and skills to pass the BCCE.

BCCE Content Update

CCE has announced a revised content outline for the BCCE, with the new exam version starting in January 2025. The outline was developed by 12 Board Certified Coach subject matter experts (SMEs) following a comprehensive job analysis of nearly 400 practicing coaches. This analysis ensures the exam content is current, relevant, and reflective of best practices in the field. The updated BCCE will have 120 questions across six content areas, currently, the BCCE has 150 questions covering four content areas, emphasizing ethical considerations and the distinction between coaching and related fields. The new exam will feature scenario-based questions to assess practical skills better. The changes aim to maintain the value and utility of the BCC credential, with the content outline released in advance to help applicants prepare. Read more information about the new BCCE outline from the CCE by clicking here and click here to preview the BCCE new content outline.

Get THE Study Guide

If you want a comprehensive and confidence-boosting preparation for the BCCE, this might be the solution for you. I have crafted a detailed BCCE study guide that delves into nearly every concept you might encounter on the exam – even preparing you for the new BCCE. I noticed a serious lack of BCCE prep materials and decided to create my own. Since I am a BCC holder who managed to pass on my very first try; you can too and my study guide is designed to assist you in doing that. Learn more by clicking here for the study guide and clicking here for the flashcards.

Ready to become a Board Certified Coach? Check out our training! Click here to learn more.

Ready to get your Board Certified Coach continuing education? Click here to learn more.

Have your coaching hours but need them verified for your BCC application? Click here to learn about our verification of experience package.

Don't have any coaching experience for your BCC application? Click here to learn more about our coaching supervision.

More Resources

If you are interested in learning more, click here. For more information on this topic, we recommend the following:

• What is a Board Certified Coach?
• How to Become a Board Certified Coach
• Board Certified Coach Personal Endorsement
• Board Certified Coach Supervision
• Board Certified Coach Verification of Experience
• Board Certified Coach Continuing Education

About the Author

Jessica Taylor is a licensed therapist and board certified coach who contributes to the promotion of mental health and addiction awareness by providing educational resources and information.