Skip to main content
Certified Professional Career Coach CPCC Badge

Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC)

Elevate Your Coaching Skills: The CPCC Program Now Offers Hands-On Live Coaching

For over 20 years, the Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC) program has been the cornerstone of the career services industry, empowering thousands to become successful career coaches. Now, we’re thrilled to announce significant enhancements, including unique live coaching opportunities designed to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. Experience a more comprehensive and hands-on path to becoming a truly effective career coach.

Created by renowned coach Diane Hudson, this comprehensive program has equipped more than 3,000 coaches in over 40 countries worldwide with strategies to guide clients through successful career transitions.

The CPCC program is built on Diane’s Whole Person Theory – a concept that will help your clients discover their true motivations, values, and career aspirations. Whether you’re launching your coaching practice or expanding your credentials, this certification provides the foundation for exceptional career coaching in a competitive job market.

Professional Career Coach Certification Highlights

  • Comprehensive Training: Master effective strategies to guide clients in achieving their goals through proactive career management plans.
  • Live Coaching Sessions: Gain practical experience and mastery through live coaching sessions, applying learned techniques in a supportive environment.
  • Industry-Recognized Credential: Boost your credibility with a certification valued by employers and clients.
  • Flexible Learning Options: Access course materials designed to fit your schedule, and complete the program within 12 months at your own pace.
  • Practical Tools & Resources: Implement templates, frameworks, and actionable tools to support your coaching practice.
  • Expert-Led Curriculum: Learn from a seasoned career coaching expert and industry thought leader with real-world experience
  • Career Growth Opportunities: Expand your service offerings, attract more clients, and elevate your professional brand. Expand your service offerings, attract more clients, and elevate your professional brand.
  • Ongoing Support: Join a global community of certified career coaches for mentorship and networking opportunities.

Enroll in the Certified Professional Career Coach program today and take the first step toward making a lasting impact!

Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC)

Member Cost: $1395
Non-Member Cost: $1570

  • Successful CPCC Candidates Receive:
  • 32 CEUs
  • CPCC Gearbox Marketing Tools
  • Use of CPCC credential after your name to denote the earned certification
  • A CPCC Certificate for display in your office
  • Announcement of your earned credential in the PARWCC Spotlight.
  • The CPCC logo, as shown above, for use in printed material and online.
Register Now

Your Path to a Professional Career Coach Certificate

Becoming a Certified Professional Career Coach

PARWCC’s professional career coach certificate delivers an end-to-end framework with comprehensive, self-paced training that empowers you to guide clients toward meaningful career success. At its core is a 600-page training manual packed with practical exercises, complemented by nearly 5 hours of video instruction featuring real-world coaching scenarios and strategies, and 6 hours of live coaching sessions.

The Certified Professional Career Coach program teaches you to apply Diane’s Whole-Person Theory, helping clients become “job-search-proof” through effective career management techniques. You’ll master essential coaching proficiencies while learning to help clients identify their values, set achievable goals, and navigate modern job search challenges.

On top of all the training, you’re welcome to join monthly “Coaching Insights” webinars with Program Director Diane Hudson to keep your skills one step ahead of evolving career development and job market trends.

Why CPCC Certification?

The CPCC certification opens doors to transformative opportunities while equipping you with industry-leading methodologies for lasting client impact. This globally recognized credential serves diverse populations – from corporate professionals to military transitions and workforce development teams to university services departments.

CPCC graduates report significant practice growth, and many triple their coaching business after earning their certification. Built on Diane’s “Whole Person Theory,” the program will empower you to address the core motivations driving career changes. Join our prestigious community of over 1,000 CPCC coaches across 12 countries setting the standard for excellence in career coaching.

Distinguish yourself with our highly valuable live coaching practice sessions. This unique opportunity allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-time, receive constructive feedback, and build practical coaching skills alongside your peers – a differentiator you won’t find everywhere.

What To Expect

The CPCC program delivers comprehensive training through a focused combination of resources: a 600-page manual packed with practical exercises, 15 hours of engaging video training, and monthly “Coaching Insights” webinars with program director Diane Hudson and hours of optional live coaching sessions.

Certification requirements include 4 hours of documented coaching time, completed client goals forms, a business/workforce coaching plan, and a written examination. While most people complete the program in 8-12 weeks, you have up to one year to finish.

Practical Application

Our comprehensive curriculum goes beyond theory. Added in 2025, CPCC includes active live coach training that provides you with the practical experience needed to confidently serve clients from day one. Practice your skills in a supportive environment and graduate ready to make a real impact.

Eligibility Requirements

The CPCC program welcomes motivated professionals from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for guiding others to career success. Certified coaches include résumé writers, HR professionals, workforce development specialists, university career counselors, military transition experts, and entrepreneurs.

While no specific certifications are required to begin, you should have strong interpersonal skills and a genuine interest in helping others achieve their career goals. Active PARWCC membership is required to enroll and maintain your certification, ensuring you stay connected to the PARWCC community through ongoing learning opportunities.

This program is particularly valuable for professionals working in career services, outplacement, and higher education – or for anyone who wants to establish their own private coaching practice.

Resources for Exam Prep

The CPCC program equips you with focused resources for success: a comprehensive training manual with practical exercises and coaching templates, video training featuring real-world demonstrations, and monthly “Coaching Insights” webinars with Diane Hudson for direct Q&A opportunities. This self-paced structure ensures you can thoroughly master the material before certification.

Maintaining Your CPCC

Maintaining your CPCC certification requires active PARWCC membership, keeping you connected to our professional community and ongoing learning opportunities. Your membership gives you continued access to monthly “Coaching Insights” webinars, where you can expand your knowledge, share experiences with fellow coaches, and stay current with evolving career development trends. This connection to the CPCC community will allow you to continuously expand your coaching skills.
Get Certified Today

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Considering the Certified Professional Career Coach program? You’ve come to the right place. Below are answers to common questions about our comprehensive career coaching certification, designed by industry leader Diane Hudson. These FAQs cover the certification process, program benefits, and how CPCC can enhance your career coaching practice. Whether you’re an experienced coach looking to expand your services or a professional transitioning into career coaching, this information will help you understand how CPCC can elevate your expertise and client offerings. If you have additional questions after reviewing these FAQs, our team is ready to assist you.
How long does it take to complete the certification process?

The CPCC program is self-paced, allowing you to complete it within your own schedule. Most participants finish in 8-12 weeks, but you have up to 12 months to complete all requirements.

To earn your CPCC, you will need to:

  • Complete the training modules (600-page manual + video training).
  • Document 4 hours of coaching experience.
  • Submit client goal-setting forms.
  • Develop a business/workforce coaching plan.
  • Pass the CPCC written examination
Are there any prerequisites for applying?

No formal prerequisites are required to enroll. However, CPCC candidates typically have:

  • A passion for career coaching and professional development.
  • Experience in HR, career services, workforce development, coaching, or résumé writing.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills to guide clients effectively.
What support is available during the certification process?

As a CPCC candidate, you receive comprehensive resources to guide you through the certification, including:

  • A 600-page training manual filled with coaching frameworks and real-world exercises. Nearly 15 hours of video training demonstrating practical coaching strategies.
  • Access to monthly Coaching Insights webinars with Program Director Diane Hudson for Q&A and industry updates.
  • A private CPCC community where you can connect with fellow coaches.
  • Direct support from the PARWCC team for any questions about the certification process.
What is the CPCC exam like?

The CPCC exam is a comprehensive written assessment that evaluates your understanding of coaching methodologies, career development strategies, and real-world coaching scenarios. You will need to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of career coaching techniques
  • Showcase practical coaching application through structured responses
  • Develop a career management plan as part of the exam.

The exam is open book and designed to assess your ability to apply coaching concepts rather than memorization.

How is the CPCC certification different from other coaching programs?

The CPCC certification stands out because it:

  • Is developed by industry leader Diane Hudson, integrating her Whole Person Theory coaching framework.
  • Combines career coaching, workforce development, and job search strategies in one program.
  • Includes real-world coaching exercises, templates, and business-building resources.
  • Offers lifetime access to materials and an ongoing professional development network.
How does CPCC help me grow my coaching practice or career?

Earning the CPCC certification can help you:

  • Increase your credibility with clients, employers, and corporate partners.
  • Expand your coaching services to include job search strategy, résumé writing, and career planning.
  • Attract more clients and set premium rates as a certified career coach.
  • Position yourself as an expert in workforce development and career transitions.
Can I earn CPCC certification if I work full-time?
Yes! The CPCC program is self-paced, allowing busy professionals to complete the coursework at their own speed.
Putting Power in Career Success
  • Invest in the success of your clients and your business by creating a lucrative career coaching program as a credentialed career coach. Make a positive change to your clients’ careers and lives with coaching best practices for the modern era.
  • Join over 1,000 leading career coaches from across the globe as a Certified Professional Career Coach. Program participants represent a wide range of industries from résumé writers, HR, workforce development, university counselors, military transition specialists, business professionals, PhDs – all of whom are coaching a diverse population of job seekers.
  • Active PARWCC membership is required to enroll and use all certifications. If you are not a current member, you will be prompted to join at checkout. (PARWCC Membership cost $175)

CPCC Member Organizations

CPCC Program Success Stories

We support people who want to be the best versions of themselves and our certifications offer the perfect opportunity to do just that. Don’t take our word for it, here’s what members are saying about the CPCC certification:

“Diane’s Whole Person Theory” reinforced my experience, education, and personal beliefs. Diane is a dynamic presenter as demonstrated in the DVD set and from speaking with her in my phone interview. This noble profession of career coaching involves people’s lives, futures, and success, not to mention those of their families. I expected the test to be a challenge and it definitely proved to be. Career professionals like Diane continue to set industry standards and pioneer beyond the frontiers of the known job search realm. In my view, the CPCC program is the national standard for all career coaches.

J.M., CPCC

Thank you so much for a challenging program and exam which has changed my life forever. I walk with my head up high, chin up and a spring in my step because I have been rebranded over the past ten months during the program. This has opened up my world, expanded my thinking, and my husband, friends and family already have noticed and feel a significant difference in me. I am now living a meaningful and productive life! I believe that this Certification gives me the official mandate to start practicing formally and to be considered as a credible coach. It’s been an interesting journey and today marks another important milestone in my life and career. The possibilities are limitless!

T.C., CPCC

I continue to be in awe of the effort you put into the program. I have never seen a training/certification program that is this thorough. The lists, the explanations, the exercises all add up to a rigorous and useful program. Because, even though this program has a crazy amount of materials, all of the materials are useful. I learned so much when I worked through the materials the first time. And now that I’ve completed the exam and worked the materials again, I am reminded of how rich the program is. I am still amazed at the quantity of information available to me in this program.

B.B., CPCC

I’ve learned many valuable things throughout this program, one of the first lessons I learned comes from “Diane’s Whole Person Theory.” Through her theories, I have been able to get a much deeper insight into what’s really happening in the lives of my clients. And, this whole program has helped me organize my thoughts and become more disciplined. It’s easy to tell someone what they should do, but doing it yourself presents a whole other challenge. It was good for me to have to actually do the things I tell my clients to do. The CPCC manual also forced me to demonstrate in writing all that I have accomplished in the past year, which allowed me to realize that I have taken for granted the things I do in a typical day. The exercises opened my eyes and allowed me to see my true worth and value. It also made me think about opening my own practice, which was not something I ever thought I was capable of doing.

L.N., CPCC

WOW! I am so impressed with the CPCC program that I want to share my experience with other members of PARWCC. It is packed with well-organized information and full of tools that I now use regularly in my practice…my learning style is seeing, hearing, and doing…this course meets all three of my needs. Additionally it includes extensive questions that encourage my own self-discovery and growth, reinforcing the key concepts I am learning in each section. Through the comprehensive training offered by Diane, I am able to establish boundaries and increase control over my service offerings. Since I left outplacement résumé writing, coaching comprised 20% of my business. Within the past two months, it has more than tripled. Most of my clients now complete some portion of my program. Interview coaching is a big seller. I am confident that my business will continue to progress and I welcome the diversity, challenge, and additional income.

H.R., CPCC

    Join our community & become a Certified Professional Career Coach!

    Join Now