FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many candidates are in each cohort?
In order to provide the most customized experience and build a true community, each cohort is limited to no more than 36 participants, with typically a 1:2 teacher to student ratio. Our international programs tend to have smaller cohorts; the Berkeley program has occasionally sold out.
Can you tell me more about the candidates?
The program typically attracts an extremely global and diverse candidate pool. Historically, about 50% of the candidates are residents of the region where the program is held (US, Europe, Asia). The entire program is conducted in English. Typically, about half of the participants are currently senior leaders (director and up) looking to add coaching to their leadership skill-set; the remaining half are independent executive coaches or looking to transition into an independent coaching practice. Participants come from many industries and a variety of functional areas.
Where do the client practicums take place?
At the end of Part 1 of the program, candidates conduct several live coaching sessions with business professionals under the supervision of our faculty. These are live coaching sessions - not role plays - with organizations that we’ve either worked with in leadership development programs, or where our ECI alums works. In the in-person program, we typically visit the client organization in person. Online, we use Zoom to host the client.
What are the accommodations?
Accommodations are single rooms in business-class hotels. Breakfast and lunch as well as some dinners will be provided. Exact program details and travel suggestions will be shared approximately 60 days in advance of the program. Participants are required to book and pay for their own travel to the location. We suggest purchasing trip insurance - avoid non-refundable travel arrangements.
What happens during the six months follow-on after the immersion program?
After the 10-day immersion program, candidates have six months to complete the certification requirements. These include:
50 hours of coaching with clients of their choice (may be paid, pro bono, barter etc.);
Completing coaching hours with their faculty coach (typically 6 additional hours as coachee);
Passing an oral exam with their faculty coach;
Submitting a video recording of one hour of coaching and receiving passing feedback;
Writing their final exam, which includes short answer and reflection essays;
Attending four video conferences on topics of interest to the cohort (live or recorded).
Please note: requirements are subject to change and will be announced to each cohort in advance. Successful completion is evaluated by the Berkeley ECI faculty and Faculty Director Jennifer Caleshu.
How does the application process work?
Before you apply, we would like to learn more about you and answer any questions you have about the program: book time with Jennifer Caleshu, ECI Faculty Director. During this conversation, we'll want to know a bit about your background and why you're seeking coaching certification through our program. We will confirm with you if we think our program will meet your expectations and let you know if you are accepted into the program. After the conversation, you'll complete our online application form and submit your deposit to reserve your place.
How is this program certified?
University of California Berkeley Executive Education certifies candidates as executive coaches upon successful completion of the 10-day residential program and the six-month follow-on, including completing coaching hours and the final exam.
Due to the nature of our organization (we are a non-degree, non-accredited organization offering certificate programs), our programs do not hold any credit unit equivalency, letter grades, Continuing Education Units (CEUs), or transcripts. Rather, you will receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program.
Can I get ICF Certification through your program?
Some candidates seeking an additional credential choose to submit the program for review directly to the International Coaches Federation (ICF) as coach-specific training hours when applying for an ICF credential via the ICF Portfolio Path, and we are happy to provide supporting materials for this. Our program will provide 93 hours of coach-specific training — additional requirements include 10 hours of ICF Mentor Coaching that you can complete as an optional program with us, as well as documentation of coaching hours, an audio coaching recording, and their online exam.
What is the refund policy?
Cancellation requests must be received in writing and must be received by the following schedule: if the participant cancels before 60 days in advance, the sponsoring organization or organization is entitled to a refund of 50% of the program fees paid. No refunds will be allowed for cancellations made between 0 - 60 days before the program. No refunds will be provided for any unused portion of the program. Registrations may be transferred between programs without charge before 60 days in advance of the program. After 60 days, registrations may be transferred but will incur a $1,000 transfer fee.
Do you have any scholarships or payment plans available?
Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute offers limited scholarship funding to participants who are members of a diverse population that historically has been marginalized in the coaching and leadership development profession. Note that scholarship funds are extremely limited and we are unable to honor every request.
A deposit is due upon enrollment in the program, and you will receive an invoice for the balance due. Partial payments may be made online toward the balance at any point before the due date, however all fees must be paid by the due date.
I have more questions...
Feel free to reach out to jennifer@berkeleyeci.com to schedule a conversation with Jennifer Caleshu, ECI Faculty Director and VP of Marketing & Operations. She can also connect you with previous participants to hear their perspectives.