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Who We Are

Nearly 30 Years of Results-Driven Coach Training

Founded nearly three decades ago by Andrew Neitlich, the Center for Executive Coaching (CEC) is known for cutting through the fluff and focusing on what truly works. From day one, we’ve built our programs to be practical, rigorous, and business-focused—giving professionals real tools they can use with real clients.

In 2020, CEC was acquired by Keystone Partners, a global leader in leadership development and career management. This strategic partnership has allowed us to expand our reach without compromising what makes CEC unique: an unwavering commitment to quality, flexibility, and real-world results.

Our founder, Andrew Neitlich, continues to serve as Director of the Center and remains deeply involved—regularly leading in-person seminars and shaping the evolution of our content, tools, and strategy.

our coaching philosophy

Practical. Flexible. Results-Focused.

A no-fluff approach that has reshaped the coaching industry.

Established for Professionals Who Take Coaching Seriously

CEC was built for coaches and professionals who want to make a real impact. Whether you're an experienced executive, HR leader, consultant, or licensed therapist expanding into executive coaching — if you believe in getting meaningful results, CEC is designed for you.

When CEC launched, executive coaching was still emerging as a field. Too many programs focused on theory, jargon, or vague frameworks. We changed that. CEC pioneered a practical, business-grounded approach to coaching—one that has since become the benchmark for serious professionals looking to get certified, build their brand, and drive measurable client outcomes.

Why We’re the Leaders in Executive Coaching Certification

CEC has become the trusted choice for thousands of professionals globally—here’s what sets us apart:

Real-World Tools & Proven Frameworks

Apply practical coaching tools from day one.
Gain access to a complete executive coaching toolkit, including assessments, strategy templates, and conversation guides—designed for the real dynamics of leadership and team performance. Everything you learn is built for immediate use with real clients.

Leadership Language & Client-Centered Communication

Speak the language your clients understand.
We train you to coach with clarity, credibility, and business fluency. Our approach equips you to guide executives and leaders through high-stakes decisions, cultural shifts, and personal development using frameworks they respect.

Flexible Learning Paths for Every Schedule

Train on your terms—without compromising support.
Whether you prefer structured seminars, self-paced modules, or a mix of both, our platform adapts to your needs. Attend live faculty sessions or access recordings anytime to fit your schedule, learning style, and client goals.

Faculty Access & a Global Coaching Community

You’re supported—during certification and beyond.
Learn from ICF-certified coaches who’ve been in your shoes. Engage in live sessions, peer discussions, and ongoing alumni networking through our Coach Connection portal, private LinkedIn group, and dedicated support resources.

Always Evolving with the Coaching Industry

We stay ahead—so you can, too.
From demystifying ICF requirements to integrating AI-enhanced tools and learning strategies, we continually refine our programs to reflect the future of coaching. You’ll graduate ready not just for today’s coaching challenges—but tomorrow’s opportunities.

Our Accreditations & Credentials

We are proud to be an ICF Level 1 and Level 2 accredited provider, supporting coaches pursuing their Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credentials. We also offer advanced training aligned with the ICF Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC) for those looking to deepen their skills in team dynamics.

In addition, our programs qualify toward the Board Certified Coach (BCC) credential through the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE), and we offer ICF Continuing Coach Education (CCE) hours for certified coaches seeking to maintain their credentials and expand their expertise.

Designed for the Real World. Backed by Experience.

Founded by a Harvard MBA and refined over nearly two decades, our programs are trusted by professionals across industries and around the world. We offer flexible certification paths, world-class faculty, proven tools, and ongoing support that goes far beyond the training. Our curriculum was built by coaches who’ve worked with real clients, inside real organizations, solving real challenges. You won’t find abstract theory here, just proven frameworks, practical tools, and direct training that gets results.

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS