Howard University + Sherpa Executive Coaching Certification

A structured, hands-on learning experience grounded in real coaching work.

The Sherpa Executive Coaching Certification is designed to move beyond theory and into real-world application. From the start, participants engage in a structured learning experience that combines instruction, practice, and live coaching. 

From the start, participants engage in a process-driven approach based on The Sherpa Guide: Process-Driven Executive Coaching. The program blends instruction, application, and live coaching to ensure you can immediately put what you learn into practice. 

Program Experience Includes:

• Week One: In-person instruction at Howard University in Washington, DC

• Week Two: Live virtual instruction with faculty and peers

• 90-Day Practicum: Apply your skills with a real coaching client, supported by expert guidance

• Weekly Instructor Support: Receive weekly guidance from a Certified Practicum Instructor throughout the practicum 

• Peer Coaching: Practice and skill-building in a collaborative environment 

• Applied Case Studies: Apply proven coaching frameworks to real business scenarios and case studies

This format allows you to learn, apply, and refine your coaching skills over time, ensuring you leave the program prepared to coach in real organizational environments.

Build the skills to coach leaders and drive measurable business impact.

The Sherpa Executive Coaching Certification prepares you to coach leaders using a structured, process-driven methodology designed to improve performance, decision-making, and accountability across organizations.

You will gain both the mindset and the practical tools needed to coach effectively in complex, high-stakes environments.

Core Coaching Foundations

• Apply the Sherpa six-phase executive coaching process

• Differentiate executive coaching from consulting, mentoring, and therapy

• Develop the presence, mindset, and discipline of an effective coach 

Driving Business Impact

• Use Impact on Business™ to connect coaching to measurable outcomes

• Guide leaders through decisions that affect performance, teams, and results

• Evaluate coaching effectiveness and communicate ROI to stakeholders

   

Real-World Coaching Application

• Manage structured coaching engagements from start to finish

• Work with real clients during the practicum experience

• Apply decision-making tools to support meaningful client outcomes

Professional Growth and Practice Development

• Build and manage a professional coaching practice

• Prepare for advanced coaching engagements, including C-suite leaders

• Understand pathways toward International Coach Federation (ICF) credentials

This program combines structured instruction, peer collaboration, and hands-on experience to ensure you can confidently apply what you learn in real-world coaching situations. 

Built for professionals and organizations seeking to develop coaching capability and leadership impact.

The Sherpa Executive Coaching Certification is designed for both individuals and organizations looking to integrate coaching into leadership development and performance strategy.

Organizations Building Internal Coaching Capability

Develop leaders as certified executive coaches to strengthen leadership, improve performance, and build a coaching culture across your organization.

HR and Talent Development Leaders

Integrate coaching into leadership development, succession planning, and talent strategy to support long-term organizational growth.

Consultants and Advisors

Expand your ability to guide leaders, teams, and organizations through complex challenges using a structured coaching methodology.

Experienced Leaders

Transition into coaching, mentoring, or advisory roles with a proven framework and real-world coaching experience.

Individuals Building a Coaching Practice

Launch or grow a professional coaching practice with structured training, practicum experience, and recognized credentials.

Earn recognized credentials that support your coaching career and organizational impact.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants earn the Certified Sherpa Coach (CSC) designation from The Sherpa Library, demonstrating mastery of a structured, process-driven approach to executive coaching.

In addition, participants receive a Certificate of Program Completion from Howard University, reinforcing the academic rigor and credibility of the program.

Participants Receive:

• Certified Sherpa Coach (CSC) designation

• Howard University Certificate of Completion

• Up to 60 International Coach Federation (ICF) Continuing Coach Education (CCE) hours

• 90-day practicum experience with a real coaching client

   

This program also supports participants pursuing ICF credentials, including the ACC Portfolio Path, and provides a structured foundation for continued professional development.

Deepen your coaching capability and tailor your learning experience.

In addition to the core Sherpa certification curriculum, participants have the option to attend Howard University–led elective sessions designed to expand their coaching perspective and professional impact.

These electives complement the Sherpa methodology and provide additional insight into coaching across diverse, global, and organizational contexts.

Optional Elective Topics May Include:

• Multicultural Intelligence in Executive Coaching

• Establishing a Private Coaching Practice

• International Client Engagement Strategies

• Building Internal Coaching Programs

   

Electives are offered as optional add-on sessions and may be delivered virtually between instructional weeks or scheduled separately for small groups.

This flexible structure allows participants to customize their learning experience based on their goals, whether they are building an internal coaching program or expanding a private practice.