Dear Colleague:
The National Career Development Association (NCDA) invites you to participate in an important national research study supporting the development of an International Career Coach certification examination.
As part of NCDA's commitment to developing a valid, legally defensible, and professionally relevant certification program, NCDA is conducting a Job Task Analysis (JTA) to identify the knowledge, skills, and responsibilities that are essential for competent practice as an entry-level Certified International Career Coach. The results of this study will help establish the examination blueprint and support future eligibility and certification standards.
Earlier this year, NCDA convened an international panel of experienced career coaching professionals representing a broad range of practice settings, geographic regions, and professional perspectives. Using current professional practice, subject matter expertise, and findings from preliminary research, the panel identified the primary responsibilities, essential job tasks, and foundational competencies associated with effective career coaching practice.
The outcome of this work is a draft framework consisting of professional domains, job tasks, and the knowledge and competencies considered important for competent entry-level practice. The purpose of this survey is to validate that framework by obtaining feedback from practicing career coaching professionals.
Your expertise is essential to this process. Survey participants will be asked to evaluate:
- The importance of each proposed job task to competent professional practice.
- How frequently each job task is performed in practice.
- The relevance of the proposed knowledge and competency statements that support effective performance.
Responses from professionals across a variety of work settings will help ensure that the certification examination accurately reflects current practice and is representative of the career coaching profession.
Participation in this research study is entirely voluntary. You may decline to participate or discontinue the survey at any time without penalty. This invitation is being distributed to NCDA members, credential holders, and other professionals working in career coaching and related fields. If you know colleagues who meet the participant qualifications below, we encourage you to share this invitation with them.
Ideal participants include professionals who:
- Have three or more years of career coaching experience.
- Currently provide direct coaching services.
- Practice in one or more of the following settings:
- Private career coaching practices
- Higher education career centers
- Workforce development organizations
- Human resources or talent development
- Executive career coaching
- Nonprofit employment or workforce agencies
- Outplacement or career transition services
Please use the survey link below to review the study information and complete the questionnaire: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NCDAJTASurveyCC2026
The survey may be completed in multiple sessions if needed. Your responses will be saved (even if you close your browser window), allowing you to return and finish the survey later. The survey will remain open through August 28, 2026.
As a token of appreciation for your time and professional expertise, NCDA will award two (2) continuing education (CE) hours to participants who complete both the Job Task Analysis survey and the accompanying demographic questionnaire. (CE instructions are found at the end of the survey.) CE credit will be issued within approximately 30 days after the survey closes.
If you have questions regarding this study, please contact me at craphael@ncda.org.
Thank you for contributing your expertise to this important initiative. Your participation will help ensure that the Certified International Career Coach credential reflects current professional practice and supports the continued advancement of the career coaching profession.
Sincerely,
Charles Raphael
Director of Certification
National Career Development Association
www.ncdacredentialing.org
craphael@ncda.org
