Here are 100 key points distilled directly from COMENSA’s MCSC Policy & Criteria 02 – Credentialing (March 2023) to guide you through certification as a Level 1 – COMENSA Credentialed Coach (CCC):
COMENSA is a SAQA-recognized professional body for coaches and mentors in South Africa.
Its credentialing ensures alignment with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
The purpose is to develop, award, monitor, and revoke professional designations responsibly.
COMENSA works with SAQA to professionalize coaching and mentoring.
Credentialing demonstrates ethical, competent, and accountable practice.
It promotes public trust and recognition in the profession.
Credentialing protects the public from malpractice.
It ensures quality assurance through behavioural standards.
Credentialing is tied to Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
It provides formal recognition of your experience, education, and professionalism.
Title: COMENSA Credentialed Coach (CCC) – Level 1.
Requires 60 hours of certified coach training.
Must submit a logbook of 100 coaching hours.
At least 90% of those hours must be paid (including salaried internal coaching).
Requires a minimum 70% pass on the COMENSA Knowledge Assessment.
Assessment is based on the Coaching Behavioural Standards Framework (Annexure A).
Must complete a credentialing evaluation against that framework.
Evaluation can occur either through an approved training programme or as a standalone process.
Applicants must be members in good standing with COMENSA.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be applied if you lack a formal qualification.
COMENSA measures coaches against nine core competencies in three categories.
Category 1: Coaching Behavioural Standards (Contracting, Communicating, Trust, Awareness, Accountability).
Category 2: Self-Management Standards (Self-Awareness, Growth, Presence).
Category 3: Context Management Standards (Diversity Management).
Level 1 (CCC) expects basic proficiency and professionalism.
The standards emphasize active listening, rapport, ethics, and cultural awareness.
Coaches must demonstrate client-centered behaviour.
Coaches must manage bias and judgment effectively.
They must align to the client’s context and learning style.
Ethical contracting and clarity of boundaries are critical.
Listen to what is said and unsaid.
Use open-ended questions that provoke thought.
Maintain confidentiality and trust.
Create a safe coaching space, including virtual settings.
Use feedback to broaden client awareness.
Support clients in setting measurable goals and accountability steps.
Stay neutral, non-judgmental, and self-aware.
Demonstrate adaptability and presence in every session.
Be aware of diversity, culture, and systemic influences.
Continuously align actions with client values and objectives.
Be flexible and adapt your coaching style to client needs.
Engage in self-reflection after sessions.
Seek and act on constructive feedback.
Manage personal biases and stereotypes.
Maintain curiosity and embrace not knowing.
Practice self-regulation and emotional control.
Balance confidence with humility and curiosity.
Keep the client at the centre of every interaction.
Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development.
Cultivate your coaching presence—calm, focused, and client-driven.
Respect diversity of thought, race, gender, and culture.
Work with systemic awareness—see the client within their environment.
Identify and challenge biases and assumptions.
Recognize generational differences (Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z).
Adapt coaching style to different cultural and corporate contexts.
Demonstrate empathy for South Africa’s socio-historical context.
Understand how context affects motivation and behaviour.
Encourage clients to explore their own cultural influences.
Use diversity as a learning and connection tool.
Remain non-judgmental and responsive throughout.
Apply online at comensa.org.za (member login).
Complete the “Apply for Credentialing” form.
Prepare your training certificate (60 hours minimum).
Prepare your coaching logbook (100 hours, 90% paid).
Complete your Knowledge Assessment (70% pass).
Undergo the credentialing evaluation (live or recorded session review).
Evaluators are COMENSA-credentialed coaches trained in evaluation standards.
Evaluations must follow the Coaching Behavioural Standards Framework.
Feedback is provided, followed by moderation for quality assurance.
Once approved, your credential is registered with SAQA on the National Learners Record Database.
Credential renewal required every three years.
Apply for renewal at least two months before expiry.
Maintain CPD points as per COMENSA’s CPD Policy.
CPD is mandatory for credentialed coaches.
Failure to maintain CPD may result in revocation of credential.
CPD includes training, supervision, and peer learning.
COMENSA encourages regular supervision for self-development.
Keep evidence of all CPD activities.
Re-credentialing (moving to Level 2) can occur any time after meeting new criteria.
COMENSA monitors and reports all CPD and credentialing activities to SAQA.
Coaches must adhere to COMENSA’s Code of Ethics and Conduct.
Members must also follow the Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Agreements.
Violations can lead to suspension or revocation of credential.
Reasons for revocation include non-payment, misconduct, or ethical breaches.
COMENSA may revoke designations for criminal convictions.
Revoked members can appeal within 30 working days.
The COMENSA Board manages appeals and final decisions.
Revoked designations are removed from the National Learners Record Database.
Ethical integrity is central to COMENSA’s public trust.
Coaches are expected to act as ambassadors for the profession.
Credentialing is managed by the MCSC Committee (Membership Criteria & Standards of Competence).
The COMENSA Board approves designations and revocations.
The Vice President’s signature activates each policy revision.
The policy is reviewed annually for improvement.
COMENSA aligns with global coaching best practice.
Legislation guiding this includes:
The Constitution of South Africa,
The NQF Act,
The POPI Act, and
SAQA’s professional body policy.
COMENSA also references its own Policies for Membership, Training, CPD, and RPL.
Being a credentialed coach means formal registration in a profession recognised by SAQA.
It places you among a network of professional coaches dedicated to standards and ethics.
Ultimately, Level 1 certification validates you as a qualified, ethical, and accountable professional coach in South Africa.