Last updated: August 18, 2026
You earned, or are on your way to earning, your Heroic Performance Coach Certification. This guide shows you how to build on it and add the Board Certified Coach (BCC) Accreditation from the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE). You do not have to figure the whole process out at once. Start here and take it one step at a time.
The Board Certified Coach (BCC) is a nationally recognized coaching credential awarded by the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE), a nonprofit affiliate of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) that credentials more than 25,000 practitioners worldwide. Earning it validates your training, your coaching experience, and your commitment to a professional code of ethics.
Here is the part that gives you a real head start:
Heroic is a CCE-approved BCC training provider (RCTP1056-BCC). Your Heroic Performance Coach Certification is registered with CCE for the full 120 hours of coach-specific training the BCC requires. Your Heroic training alone satisfies CCE's training requirement for the standard bachelor's degree pathway. You can confirm this on CCE's approved provider list.
Credibility. A recognized standard in the coaching profession, backed by an independent credentialing body.
Marketability. Strengthens your ability to serve organizations, clients, and communities who look for a credentialed coach.
Professional growth. Deepens your commitment to coaching excellence and keeps you sharp through continuing education.
Heroic alignment. Extends your Heroic Performance Coach Certification into a broader, externally recognized credentialing pathway.
To add the BCC, you will need the following. Most of it you already have or will earn through your Heroic path.
Education. A bachelor's degree or higher, verified by a sealed official transcript sent to CCE, either with your application or directly from your school.
Coach training. 120 hours of CCE-approved coach training. Your Heroic Performance Coach Certification (RCTP1056-BCC) is approved for the full 120 hours, so this is covered. If you hold an advanced degree in a related field, a current coaching credential, or 2,500 or more hours of coaching experience, CCE may require fewer training hours. Check the pathway that matches your background on the requirements page.
Coaching experience. 30 hours of postdegree coaching experience with individuals, groups, or organizations, documented on CCE's Experience Form and signed by a professional coach, supervisor, or colleague. Coaching your 3 clients through the full 12-session Heroic journey covers this.
Professional endorsement. One endorsement from a professional reference, submitted on CCE's Endorsement Form.
Ethics. Agree to abide by the BCC Code of Ethics and complete the ethics disclosure built into the application. This is not a separate course. Learn more on CCE's ethics page.
Exam. Pass the Board Certified Coach Examination (BCCE).
Fees. A $279 application review fee and a $40 annual maintenance fee for credential holders. Fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable. (As of August 2026)
Note 1: If you do not hold a bachelor's degree, you can still earn your Heroic Performance Coach Certification, but you will not be eligible for the BCC Accreditation.
Note 2: Degrees must be from a postsecondary institution or program accredited by an accrediting agency or state approval agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
Note 3: Earned your degree outside the U.S.? You will need an international transcript evaluation submitted with your application. CCE accepts evaluations from Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), International Education Research Foundation (IERF), and World Education Services (WES).
Helpful CCE resources:
BCC overview
Requirements by background
Approved training providers
Exam information
Costs
FAQ
Step 1: Earn your Heroic Performance Coach Certification
Complete the Heroic Performance Coach Certification across all three pillars: Mastery of Heroic Performance, Coaching Excellence, and Coaching Prosperity.
Submit your documentation and receive your Certification. See the companion article, How to Earn the Heroic Performance Coach Certification, for the full requirements.
Step 2: Gather your documentation
Sealed official transcript verifying your bachelor's degree or higher.
Proof of your Heroic Performance Coach Certification.
Your completed CCE Experience Form (30 hours of coaching).
Your completed professional Endorsement Form.
Step 3: Apply through the CCE Credentialing Gateway
Create your account at the CCE Credentialing Gateway if you do not already have one.
Upload your documentation and submit your application.
Complete the ethics disclosure and agree to the BCC Code of Ethics as part of the application.
Pay the $279 application review fee.
You may apply at any time. Once CCE confirms you meet the requirements, you are cleared to sit for the exam.
Step 4: Take the BCC exam (BCCE)
The BCCE covers coaching competencies, ethics, and professional practice, and is scenario-based rather than fact-based.
Take it in person at a Pearson VUE test center, or online from a private location with live remote proctoring.
After CCE approves your application, you will receive a link to register and schedule. See exam information and scheduling your exam.
Step 5: Maintain your credential
Recertify every 5 years by completing 70 clock hours of continuing education, including 4 hours in ethics. The rest fall within the six BCC competency areas.
Pay the $40 annual maintenance fee.
Details on CCE's maintaining your credential page.
You are not doing this alone. We will support you with:
Documentation guidance. Help pulling together your Certification proof, coaching logs, and CCE forms.
Community of practice. Peer coaching and connection with others on the same path.
This Starter Guide. Your map for getting from Certification to Accreditation.
Earned your Heroic Performance Coach Certification
Hold a bachelor's degree or higher (sealed official transcript ready)
120 hours of CCE-approved coach training (covered by your Heroic Performance Coach Certification)
Documented 30 hours of coaching on the CCE Experience Form
Secured one professional endorsement
Created your CCE Credentialing Gateway account
Completed the ethics disclosure and agreed to the Code of Ethics
Submitted your application and paid the $279 fee
Scheduled and passed the BCC exam
Earn your Heroic Performance Coach Certification if you have not yet.
Review the BCC requirements and exam information on CCE's site.
When you are ready, create your account at the CCE Credentialing Gateway and begin your application.
Becoming a Board Certified Coach is a chance to amplify your impact, serve with greater credibility, and build the prosperous practice you envision. Your Heroic journey does not stop at Certification. It is always Day 1.
