Professional Coach Certification

Coaching is “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.” (ICF) Both an art and a science, an understanding of how to listen and ask powerful questions is essential to help clients generate real results.

With a focus on leadership and personal growth, the Professional Coach Certification Program (PCCP) at Duquesne University equips individuals with the skills needed to inspire, guide, and empower others to reach their full potential—whether in private coaching practice, management, or organizational development.

If you've ever wanted to be a motivating force for those around you, professional coaching may be your calling.

Applications are open from January 6, 2025 to July 20, 2025. The program starts in mid-August and ends in mid-April. Calendar coming soon! 

About the PCCP-ICF Level 2 Accredited Program

The PCCP is an eight-month, virtual synchronous program designed for individuals seeking to become professional coaches and other professionals. The program is designed for, but not limited to:

• Individuals who wish to become professional coaches in a private practice.
• Managers who want to enhance their innate coaching skills to fundamentally improve their organization’s talent retention and relationship with employees.
• Internal trainers and organizational development professionals charged with training other managers and sharing their coaching expertise.
• Near-retirees preparing for a rewarding career they can pursue for many years to come.
• Practicing coaches who want to take their certification to a higher level.

Whether you’re preparing for a new career in coaching, improving your leadership effectiveness, or looking to apply coaching in an organizational setting, this program provides a robust foundation for success. The PCCP is accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and upon completion, it offers the classroom and mentor hours required to pursue either the ACC (Associate Certified Coach) or PCC (Professional Certified Coach) credential once you’ve gained the necessary coaching experience.

What Makes the PCCP unique? 

The PCCP is the first university-based ICF-accredited coaching program in Pennsylvania that offers a combination of academic rigor, evidence-based curriculum, and practical application. The program is delivered live via Zoom and consists of five core weekend modules, weekly webinars, mentoring, and a Capstone day—all designed to accommodate working professionals. Participants also engage in rich discussions and collaborative learning with peers, fostering a supportive, inclusive community of over 300 alumni coaches.

The Curriculum

The PCCP incorporates scientific evidence from positive psychology, neuroscience, and coaching theories to help you become a highly impactful coach. The program is divided into five (5) core modules that progressively build on the knowledge and skills introduced in earlier stages. Ethics and mindfulness is also woven into the modules.

Module 1: Context—Transitioning into the coaching mindset by exploring core relational coaching.
Module 2: Discovery—Helping clients uncover vision, values, and strengths.
Module 3: Possibilities—Supporting clients in overcoming limiting beliefs and expanding perspectives
Module 4: Action—Fostering accountability and learning by guiding clients through goal setting and action planning.
Module 5: Expansion—Applying coaching skills across emotional, social, and sensory realms, integrating advanced techniques for transformative growth.

The PCCP also has features two (2) areas of specialization for all participants:

Organization and Relationship Systems Coaching—Teaches systemic coaching skills for optimizing team and family dynamics, promoting alignment, teamwork, and effective communication, and providing practical tools for conflict resolution and positivity.

Executive and Leader Coaching—Teaches the essential skills for executive coaching, focusing on leadership development, ethical coaching practices, and the unique processes required to coach organizational leaders effectively in corporate environments.

Capstone—Participants complete final assessments and demonstrate their mastery. Together, they celebrate the conclusion of the program and the beginning of their coaching journeys. 

Mentoring and Certification

A critical aspect of the PCCP is the Mentoring Module, where you will coach real clients and receive personalized feedback from expert instructors. This mentoring process allows you to refine your approach, ensuring that you're ready to excel as a coach.

Once you complete the program and gain the necessary coaching hours, you can apply for the ICF's ACC or PCC credential, depending on your experience level. The PCCP provides 141.5 hours of training, meeting the ICF's requirements for both certification levels.

Why Choose the PCCP?

In a world of constant change and increasing demands, coaching is more important than ever. Duquesne’s PCCP offers a university-backed program with a strong foundation in evidence-based coaching practices, equipping you to navigate the complexities of modern professional environments.

Whether you’re looking to make a career shift, enhance your leadership abilities, or deepen your coaching practice, the PCCP provides the training, community, and support needed for long-term success.