Advanced Certificate in Coaching

This is a broad-based coaching learning program. Besides the core coaching studies students learn areas which can add to their knowledge to make them a more effective all-round coach. Ideal for those looking to offer a coaching service.

Course Code: VPS046
Fee Code: AC
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 900 hours
Qualification Advanced Certificate
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Learn How to Help People Excel

Coaches use techniques to help a person or a group of people reach their goals and experience their full potential.

Develop an in depth understanding about the psychology of coaching, and learn to work with people effectively. Choose from a comprehensive list of elective subjects to specialise in a particular area, or select courses from a variety of areas to study across a broad range of subjects to give you options across several industries.  

Educate, Empower and Encourage - Make A Difference

  • Have you had experience in business and want to help others succeed (while earning an exceptional income yourself...)? You may wish to specialise in Business Coaching

  • Passionate about Health and Wellness and want to help others to achieve optimum health? There are lots of great modules you can study to work as a specialist in this area.

  • Do you come form a sporting background, or just love sports? Use the coaching skills you learn to become an exceptional sports coach and coach your team to victory.

  • Want to help people achieve their dreams? Become a Life Coach, and maybe add studies in Counselling and Careers Counselling.

  • Interested in all the above? Great!! You can select modules that will allow you to develop skills in all the areas and give you versatility to work within a range of different situations.

Developing a wide range of coaching skills can allow you to excel in a coaching and leadership role. This exciting course allows the student to gain a thorough understanding of how to be an effective coach across a variety of areas to give the graduate a range of employment and work options.

Take this course on it's own to specialise as a coach, or study it to expand your existing qualifications and experience to gain a competitive edge when going for that dream job!

  • Improve your earning potential with this excellent qualification

  • Study in your own home and at your own pace.

  • Highly qualified and experienced tutors.

  • A must for anyone wanting to work in coaching.

This course is made up of 9 modules. Five (5) of these are considered 'core' and must be studied. After that, you get to choose an additional 4 modules that interest you the most - choose modules that match your interests and career goals. Here at ACS we want to ensure your studies are practical and valuable to you and your aspirations.

You'll also benefit in this course from 100hrs of industry experience, providing you with practical, real-world skills and understanding, and giving you a taste of Coaching as a career.

Modules

Core ModulesThese modules provide foundation knowledge for the Advanced Certificate in Coaching.
 Industry Project I BIP000
 Food Coaching VRE110
 Sports Coaching VRE109
 Business Coaching BBS304
 Life Coaching BPS305
 
Elective ModulesIn addition to the core modules, students study any 4 of the following 25 modules.
 Fitness Leaders Certificate VRE004
 Anger Management BPS111
 Business Studies BBS101
 Counselling Skills I BPS109
 Fitness Risk Management VRE104
 Health & Wellbeing VRE102
 Human Anatomy & Physiology (Human Biology 1A) BSC101
 Human Nutrition I BRE102
 Industrial Psychology BPS103
 Introduction to Psychology BPS101
 Marketing Foundations VBS109
 Marketing Psychology BPS107
 Motivation VBS111
 Research Project I BGN102
 Sports Psychology BPS106
 Stress Management VPS100
 Careers Counselling BPS202
 Conflict Management BPS201
 Human Nutrition II BRE202
 Nutrition for Weight Loss BRE210
 Therapeutic Nutrition BRE211
 Business Planning BBS302
 Human Nutrition III BRE302
 Marketing Systems BBS303
 Sports Nutrition BRE303
 

Note that each module in the Advanced Certificate in Coaching is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.


Life Coaching: Providing Clarity and Focus

At some point in their lives, most people will seek help from other people – friends, family or professionals – to help them make decisions or get advice on how to handle a particular situation or event. Some decisions are more complex than others and individuals cope very differently to a given situation.

For instance, some people are very good at making decisions on the financial aspects of their lives but struggle with their physical health or personal relationships. Others may thrive in their relationships but flounder in keeping abreast of their work or study commitments.

A client may contact a life coach when they feel they lack control over their lives or when they need objective advice (away from family and friends). They may lack motivation or have feelings of frustration, depression or a lack of confidence may be affecting their personal effectiveness in everyday life.

Life coaching involves understanding a person psychologically, physically and often financially. A life coach becomes a confidant to help the client:

  • determine what is important
  • pin-point their strengths and weaknesses
  • ascertain where they want to be in 6 months, a year, or 10 years time.

It involves assisting the client to set personal and professional goals, and to develop a workable strategy to obtain their goals within a given time frame. For a client, seeing a life coach can be a life changing experience and an invaluable opportunity to take control over their life and fulfil their dreams.

A client who seeks out a life coach does so not because they necessarily need to, but rather because they want to. They usually have areas in their life that they feel they would like to improve. The life coach helps them to focus on what they want for their own future. A psychotherapist or counsellor will help a person get from dysfunctional ways of responding to life to functional ways. A life coach will help a person move from functional to excellent.  

Life coaches work one-to-one with their clients, either face to face, via the telephone or email. They build up a relationship with their clients that may be viewed as being something akin to a close friendship. You could perhaps view the coach as being someone who goes with you every step of the way. They almost walk alongside their clients. Life coaching started to emerge in the US in the early 1990’s and it’s popularity has increased dramatically since. One possible reason is that having a therapist can be treated with some stigma, but there is no stigma attached to having a life coach.

Some areas in which a life coach may be asked to provide assistance and support are:

  • interpersonal relations
  • self-esteem and confidence
  • development of physical wellbeing
  • public and professional image
  • personal finances or business
  • career development
  • practical life skills, such as time management

Business Coaching: Sharing Experience and Perspective

Like the coach of elite athletes, the business coach is results oriented, and his or her main tasks are to help clients to recognise, overcome and then remove barriers to business and personal growth and development. Next, the business coach helps clients to develop strategies for achieving goals that will enable the individual to develop his or her full potential. Again like the sports coach, the business coach will be required to accurately assess the client’s aptitudes, strengths, weaknesses, needs and goals in order to arrive at a programme that is specifically tailored to that individual.

Unlike a sports coach, however, business coaches may also have to manage a client’s reluctance, lack of motivation, inaccurate perceptions and other psychological barriers to effective self-management. Life coaching is primarily about helping clients develop the skills and attitudes that will enable them to manage themselves and their own lives but business coaches will also take into account their business and working life.

As we have said, people may contact a life coach for very different reasons: to help them make better financial or career decisions; to get them motivated; to help them overcome feelings of frustration, helplessness, or lack of confidence; to help them manage personal relationships or to help them develop practical life skills.

The reasons for contacting a life coach may not be the primary issues that are causing the client distress or dissatisfaction, and much of the life coach’s work will be to lead the client on a journey of self-discovery.

Like all inner journeys, business must begin with the client’s present situation and the many internal and external influences upon it. This approach begins with working with the client to understand where the person is, emotionally, psychologically, physically, financially and interpersonally. Only after obtaining a more accurate, clear picture of the client’s present can both client and coach identify roadblocks and plan strategies for the client’s future that will encourage and nurture progress.

Business coaching can help a business owner, manager or director to:

  • make better decisions
  • reach their goals faster
  • set better goals
  • improve relationships
Business coaching usually involves working with the individual on THEIR problems, so every client will receive a different form of business coaching, individualised to their needs. So a business coach may work with a business person in one of two ways: 

            1. To help them as an individual perform better
 

- how they respond to staff

- their work life balance

- their organisational structure

- delegation

- staff training

- motivating staff

- better management skills

- time management    


2. To help their business perform better

- looking at ideas for the structuring of the business

- employment of staff

- time management with staff

Being a manager or business owner can be a lonely job at times. So a business coach can be there as a sounding board and confidant to help the business person to voice their issues and then help the person to find solutions to their problems effectively and quickly. 

Business coaching is generally considered to be a good method of intervention to improve a business or the way the business person works, as it can be:

  • time efficient
  • effective
  • is individually tailored to the person’s requirements
  • is outcome focussed

Why Study Coaching With ACS?

Building a successful career requires more than a piece of paper and a list of facts learnt.
While this is the focus at some colleges, here at ACS we understand that career success is all about applying your knowledge, making connections, knowing how to learn and question, and having the confidence to use your skills and talents in unique ways.

To make this happen we're here to offer

  • Flexibility:  more options for how, where, when and what you study. Our tutors have a flexible approach to your learning too, always open to discussing your studies to make them as interesting and relevant as possible.
  • Learning is top priority: what you learn changes you for life, and we're here to make that happen. Everything
    else is secondary.
  • Better value:   Compare our cost per study hour.
  • Reliability:  Established since 1979, and being independent, means we have
    avoided the stresses suffered by many other institution.
  • Support:  communicate directly with staff . Answering you is our top priority.
  • Resources:  unique collection of people and intellectual property.
If you're driven to make a difference in the lives of others, this could be the course for you. The learning bundle in Coaching offers both core knowledge and flexibility - learn the foundation, then choose the electives that will make it the perfect fit for your and your ambitions.
 
ACS is an Organisational Member of the Association for Coaching (UK).
ACS is an Organisational Member of the Association for Coaching (UK).
ACS is a Member of the Complementary Medicine Association.
ACS is a Member of the Complementary Medicine Association.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

Simply click on the ENROL OPTIONS button at the top of this screen and follow the prompts.

You can see the course price at the top of this page. Click 'enrolment options' to see any payment options available.

You can pay by Credit Card, PayPal, Afterpay or bank transfer.

Yes! We have payment plans for most courses. Click 'enrolment options' to see the available payment plans.
We also have Afterpay that will allow you to pay for your course or payment plans in four instalments (if you are in Australia).


What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course is aimed at providing you with a solid understanding of the subject. It has been designed to take 600 hours, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and more. When you complete the course, will have a good understanding of the area/ industry you want to work in.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exams (8-9 exams) and you will be able receive your course certificate- an Advanced Certificate. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.


Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.


How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.


What if I have any more questions or need more information?

We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.


What if I change my mind?

Please get in touch with studentservices@acs.edu.au if you would like to be removed from our mail list.

If you would like ACS Distance Education to delete your information at any time (whether you are a customer or a prospective customer), please contact our privacy officer and we will process this ( admin@acs.edu.au ).




Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Tracey Jones (Psychologist)

B.Sc. (Psych), M.Soc.Sc., Dip.Social Work, P.G.Dip Learning Disability, Cert Editing, Cert Creative Writing, PGCE.
Member British Psychological Society, Member Assoc. for Coaching, Member British Learning Assoc.
25 years industry experience in writing, editing, education, psychology, and business. Tracey has several books and hundreds of articles published; in both fiction and non fiction.

Jacinda Cole (Psychologist)

Psychologist, Educator, Author, Psychotherapist.
B.Sc., Psych.Cert., M. Psych. Cert.Garden Design, MACA
Jacinda has over 25 years of experience in psychology, in both Australia and England. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and a Masters in Psychology (Clinical) and also trained in psychoanalytic psychotherapy at the London Centre for Psychotherapy. She has co-authored several psychology text books and many courses including diploma and degree level courses in psychology and counselling. Jacinda has worked for ACS for over 10 years.

Lyn Quirk

M.Prof.Ed.; Adv.Dip.Compl.Med (Naturopathy); Adv.Dip.Sports Therapy
Over 30 years as Health Club Manager, Fitness Professional, Teacher, Coach and Business manager in health, fitness and leisure industries. As business owner and former department head for TAFE, she brings a wealth of skills and experience to her role as a tutor for ACS.





Tutors

Meet some of the tutors that guide the students through this course.

Nicola Stewart

Nicola worked in publishing before changing direction to teach Anatomy, Physiology and various complementary therapies in the UK’s post-compulsory sector for 16 years. She is the published author of 10 books, plus a range of magazine articles and has also ghost-written across a number of genres. When she is not working for ACS, she provides specialist literacy tuition for children with dyslexia.

Graham Anderson

Graham Anderson B. Mech Eng (hons) Dip. Health

Graham has spent his life in the farming and agriculture industry, particularly carving a niche in the avocado sector with experience ranging from tissue culture, to nursery management to fruit marketing. He has an engineering qualification and an extensive range of mechanical skills which are now diversifying to an understanding of our internal mechanics in health and psychology with qualifications underway.

Jenny Bragg

Jenny has experience across many different business areas including marketing, operations management and human resources, her specialty fields are events, hospitality and tourism. She has worked in a number of different service sector organisations including hotels, restaurants, bars and specialist event providers. Jenny is a trained teacher and has worked with different educational bodies in the UK, as well as providing a consultancy service to the business and events sector.

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