Credentialing rests on the foundation of identifying two critical components: a set of core competencies, and the individual behavioral proficiencies that demonstrate skillful use of each core competency.  A core competencies document allows coaches, clients, and allied professionals (physicians, psychologists, psychotherapists, educators, etc.) to have a shared understanding of the scope of work done by coach and client, as well as a shared vocabulary for discussing the AD/HD Coaching process.  Additionally, organizations that provide AD/HD Coach training have a common platform around which they can design their coach training programs.

To meet these needs a group of leaders within the AD/HD Coaching community assembled in May, 2005, to create the Institute for the Advancement of AD/HD Coaching (the IAAC), whose mission it is to create and implement a credentialing program for AD/HD coaches. They began by identifying the core competencies of AD/HD Coaching and devised a process for measuring coaches’ training, experience, and skill with the core competencies themselves.

The IAAC launched the credentialing program on March 31, 2009, which recognizes AD/HD Coaches who meet an established criteria for training, experience and skill. Three credentials are available: 

1. Associate Certified AD/HD Coach (ACAC)
2. Certified AD/HD Coach (CAC)
3. Senior Certified AD/HD Coach (SCAC) 

General Criteria for Credentialing

The IAAC expects that all coaches applying for the IAAC Coach credential are practicing coaches with:

• Both general coach and AD/HD Coach training 
• Working knowledge and the ability to apply the IAAC Core Competencies in effective coaching. The IAAC is measuring the AD/HD core competencies in both written and oral formats.
• Coaching experience that distinguishes between a beginning, experienced and advanced AD/HD Coach. 

In keeping with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities who request accommodations must submit written documentation of their disability and request specific accommodations.

More information about credentialing requirements