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Frequently Asked Questions
about Sherpa's
Executive Coaching Certification
Who takes this class?
In equal numbers, practicing executive coaches, people starting a coaching
career and in-house coaches, including staff coaches for Toyota, US Bank
and the National Cancer Institute. Graduates get free consulting, tools and
support for business startup and marketing.Who leads the class?
Classes are taught by one or both authors of "The Sherpa Guide: Process Driven Executive Coaching." Either Brenda Corbett, Judith Colemon or both will lead each program. The authors also preside over an annual conference for continuing education and recertification.
Marshall Goldsmith, world's leading executive coach, says: "Corbett and Colemon are the next generation of world leaders in coaching."
Can I review course material before I sign up?
Yes. Classes are based on the book: "The Sherpa Guide: Process-Driven Executive Coaching", published by Thomson, a major textbook publisher. The book is available on line at The Sherpa Store and at Amazon.com. Additional resources for registrants include a 300 page student binder.
Buy now at the Sherpa Store!Can I preview the class itself?
Yes, in detail. There is a 15-minute instructor video available here.
Video answers to FAQ's are available here.Can I take the course on line, or by phone?
Live interaction with real experts is an essential part of learning this delicate business. It is impossible to deliver the engaging, interactive training executive coaches need over the phone . . . or in a 'virtual classroom'. We do more than serve up information in our classes. We coach participants, helping them develop attitudes and behaviors that create success.
What do I earn upon successful completion?
This program leads to the Sherpa Executive Coaching Certification, the only program offered by multiple universities. You can start an executive coaching career, add substance and branding to your existing practice or use your skills as an in-house coach. Download the certification model here.
Is there a way to attend class for free?
Call a business colleague, and make this arrangement: "I will send you a bill, so you can pay my tuition in advance. In exchange, I will coach several people at no charge when I graduate." The client saves a lot of money. The coach attends class at no cost.
What do participants say about the class?
It's life changing. Student comments are available here.
What are the benefits of taking this class?
Certification is becoming increasingly important for executive coaches. There is no more highly regarded program anywhere. In the Sherpa program, you master the industry standard, get your credential at a major university and work with the authors who 'wrote the book' on coaching. Leading executive coach Marshall Goldsmith says this: "It's great to have universities agree on standards for executive coaching."
Already certified? If you answer 'no' to any of these questions, consider the Sherpa program:
- Does every prospect know and respect the school where you studied?
- Were your instructors widely recognized as world leaders in coaching?
- Did you work from a text produced by a major textbook publisher?
- Was it a truly life changing experience?
- Can you offer clients a 100-page bound journal from a major publisher, with tools and assessments tied directly to your coaching process?
What about trade associations, the ICF, ICCO, WABC?
The best training for coaches comes from universities. They independently evaluate and offer the world's best content. Ours is the only program approved by multiple universities, all highly respected by purchasers of coaching services. A Sherpa certification clearly sets you apart from students of private schools.
ICF, WABC and ICCO members are welcome to take our course, as many choose to do. We encourage our graduates to explore membership in a trade association, particularly where there is a strong local chapter.
Video on trade associations, select clips 2A, 2BHow do I get ready for class?
Pre-class assignments include a thorough and complete reading of the text, and an online DiSC communication style assessment.
Are meals and lodging included in the cost?
Programs at University of Georgia are two-week residential programs. Arrangements include hotel and all meals. Commuter discounts are available. Closer to major markets, Miami University (Ohio) and Texas Christian University do not include lodging as part of the course offering.
Classes meet for a week, adjourn for telephone support during work with a practicum client, and reconvene for a second week of classroom study. This produces optimum results and keeps travel to a minimum.
All expenses for continuing education and related travel are tax-deductible.
Is on-site training and certification available?
If a university class schedule is not convenient, or if you have a large number of coaches to train, we will provide on-site training and certification for you, as we have for Toyota and US Bank. To discuss this economical option and related strategies, call Karl Corbett at (513) 232-0002, or email info@sherpacoaching.com.

