Howard University + Sherpa Executive Coaching Certification

The program follows the framework outlined in The Sherpa Guide: Process-Driven Executive Coaching. 

This certification program provides 60 hours of instruction delivered across two week-long sessions, including one in-person week and one virtual week. Participants also complete a 90-day practicum experience, working with a real coaching client and receiving guidance from an experienced Certified Practicum Instructor.

Peer coaching is a core component of the program, giving participants hands-on experience applying the Sherpa coaching process while building confidence and capability in real-world coaching situations. 

• Week One: In-Person (Howard University, Washington, DC)
• Week Two: Virtual Instruction
• 90-Day Practicum Coaching Experience
• Weekly Instructor Support
• Peer Coaching
• Applied Case Studies

This format allows participants to learn, apply, and refine coaching skills over time.

The Sherpa Executive Coaching Certification prepares you to coach leaders using a structured, process-driven methodology designed to create measurable business impact. Participants develop the skills, frameworks, and real-world experience needed to coach effectively across a variety of organizational environments. 

Throughout the program, you will learn to:

• Apply the Sherpa six-phase coaching process
• Differentiate executive coaching from consulting, mentoring, and therapy
• Use Impact on Business™ to connect coaching to measurable outcomes
• Develop the characteristics and mindset of an effective executive coach
• Guide clients through structured coaching engagements
• Manage real-world coaching assignments with practicum clients
• Use decision-making tools to guide clients toward meaningful outcomes
• Build and manage a professional coaching practice
• Evaluate coaching ROI and communicate value to stakeholders
• Prepare for advanced coaching engagements, including C-suite leaders
• Develop a clear path toward ICF certification

This program combines structured instruction, peer collaboration, case studies, and hands-on practicum experience. Participants work with real coaching clients, complete guided assignments, and receive instructor feedback to build confidence and capability.

By the end of the program, participants are prepared to coach leaders effectively, apply the Sherpa process in real-world settings, and create measurable leadership and business impact.

This program is designed for professionals and organizations looking to build coaching capability and leadership impact.

Organizations Building an Internal Coaching Culture
Develop leaders as certified executive coaches and strengthen coaching capability across your organization.

HR & Talent Development Leaders
Integrate coaching into leadership development, succession planning, and talent strategy.

Individuals Building a Coaching Practice
Launch or expand an executive coaching practice using a structured, proven methodology.

Experienced Leaders Seeking Their Next Chapter
Ideal for experienced or retired leaders pursuing a second career in coaching, mentoring, or advisory roles.

Consultants and Organizational Leaders
Expand your ability to develop leaders, guide teams, and drive meaningful 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.

This program also supports participants pursuing International Coach Federation (ICF) credentials. Participants may earn up to 60 Continuing Coach Education (CCE) hours, which can be applied toward the ICF ACC Portfolio Path or used for ICF recertification, subject to ICF guidelines.

Participants receive:

• Certified Sherpa Coach (CSC) designation
• Howard University Certificate
• ICF pathway support
• Practicum coaching experience

In addition to the core Sherpa certification curriculum, participants may choose to attend optional Howard University–led electives designed to expand coaching capability and professional impact. These sessions complement the Sherpa methodology and provide additional perspectives on coaching in diverse and evolving organizational environments.

Optional electives may include:

• Multicultural Intelligence in Executive Coaching
• Establishing a Private Coaching Practice
• International Client Engagement Strategies
• Building Internal Coaching Programs

These electives are offered as optional add-on sessions and may be delivered virtually between instructional weeks or scheduled separately for small groups. This added flexibility allows participants to deepen their learning while tailoring the experience to their professional goals.