In the fast-paced world of coaching and mentoring, there is a growing need for professional practitioners who operate with ethical standards, reflection and continuous professional development. The answer to this need is EIA - European Individual Accreditation, a system of individual accreditation created by the EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council).
The EIA is not only a formal certificate, but above all a clear sign that a coach or mentor meets high quality requirements, develops regularly, uses supervision, and conducts his or her coaching practice according to European standards.
What is coaching and what is it not?
Coaching is a partnership development process in which the coach supports the client in achieving specific goals by asking questions, actively listening and creating space for reflection. It is not about advising, teaching or therapy - the coach does not give ready-made solutions, but helps the client to discover them for themselves. Coaching is not mentoring, training or psychotherapy - is a self-contained field, based on trust, contract and a joint search for the best course of action.
Remember that in the Meeting Group you can benefit from programmes and Trainingwhich offer the required number of hours of personal development in line with the EMCC certification pathway
Why EMCC accreditation?
Accreditation EIA:
- confirms actual professional competence,
- requires constant self-reflection,
- includes mentoring, coaching i supervision,
- is based on research and good practice,
- is recognised globally and irrespective of the industry environment,
- is not based on a test exam, but on a dialogue and practice.
4 levels of accreditation according to EMCC - full comparative table
Below is a detailed comparison of the levels EIA accreditationwhich set the way forward in the profession of coach or mentor - from rookie to industry expert:
| Category | Foundation | Practitioner | Senior Practitioner | Master Practitioner |
| Professional experience | min. 1 year | min. 3 years | min. 5 years | min. 7 years |
| Number of hours of practice with the client | min. 50 hours | min. 100 hours | min. 250 hours | min. 500 hours |
| Number of customers | min. 5 clients | min. 10 clients | min. 20 clients | min. 40 clients |
| Feedback from customers | min. 5 of the last 12 months | min. 5 of the last 12 months | min. 5 of the last 12 months | min. 5 of the last 12 months |
| CPD (training) hours | min. 16 hrs/year | min. 16 hrs/year | min. 32 hrs/year | min. 48 hrs / year |
| Supervision | min. 1h/quarter | min. 1h/quarter | min. 1 hour per 35h of practice (every quarter) | min. 1 hour per 35h of practice (every quarter) |
| Reflection on practice | min. 5 per year | min. 5 per year | min. 5 per year | min. 5 per year |
| Membership of organisations | required | required | required | active participation and contribution to development |
| Contribution to the development of the profession | - | - | welcome | required (publications, speeches, studies) |
| EMCC Confirmation of Competence | EQA or compliance with the Competency Framework | EQA or case study + reflection | EQA + case studies + reflection | EQA + professional achievement + reflection |
| Qualitative assessment | interview with the assessor + documentation | interview with the assessor + documentation | interview with the assessor + documentation | interview + practice review + expert input |
| Test examination | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| Quality panel (international) | YES | YES | YES | YES |
Key elements of the EIA accreditation process
To accredit oneself at one of the EMCC levels, go through a structured and supportive accreditation process:
- Contact with EMCC Poland - level selection, fee.
- Collection of documentation - hours, reflections, feedback, CPD, supervision.
- Completion of application forms.
- Assessor and Verifier allocation.
- Interview with the Assessor - discussion of practice and reflection.
- Evaluation by an international panel (Quality Award Panel).
- Decision and award of title.
Tip: EIA is a dialogical process - there is no exam, no need to record the session. What matters is practice, professional maturity, comprehensive approach i readiness for self-reflection.
What is worth preparing in advance?
- Record of hours worked with clients.
- At least 5 customer reviews from the last 12 months.
- Learning and reflection journal (minimum of 5 entries per year).
- Supervision history (topics, times, frequency).
- List of training and development activities completed (CPD).
- Confirmation of course completion EQA or other evidence of competence.
Renewal of EMCC accreditation
Renewal EMCC accreditation is not only a formality, but also a confirmation of commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to quality standards. EIA accreditation is valid for five years, after which a renewal application must be złaken.
This requires evidence of an active coaching or mentoring practice, participation in regular supervision, completing developmental hours (CPD), and continuing to self-reflect on their own work. The EMCC also encourages active contributions to the profession, for example through mentoring, providing training or sharing knowledge. The renewal process follows the same values as the original accreditation - quality, ethics and professionalism.
Expert advice from the Meeting Group
"EIA accreditation is a very solid framework for development. It helps to structure your own practice, strengthen your awareness and structure your actions as a coach. For many of our graduates, it is the first step towards building a personal brand based on professionalism and trust."
Why EMCC Global?
EMCC has been building European and international quality standards in coaching and mentoring for years. It stands out:
- a strong emphasis on reflexivity and ethics,
- supporting, a non-test evaluation process,
- close integration coaching, mentor i superintendent approaches,
- a multi-level path adapted to the real stage of professional development,
- an independent and international evaluation structure,
- organisational support and the EMCC Poland community.
Mentoring as one of the stages of professional development
Mentoring is a developmental relationship in which an experienced professional - a mentor - shares their knowledge, experience and good practice with a less experienced person. It can be a key stage in professional development, especially at times of transition to a new position, change of industry or strategic decision-making. Unlike coaching, mentoring includes an element of knowledge transfer and behaviour modelling, and its value increases with the quality of the relationship and the openness of both parties.
Do you want to become a coach? Improve your competences with the Meeting Group
If you dream of becoming a coach, it is advisable to start with a solid training course that prepares you for this role according to international standards. Group Meeting offers EMCC-accredited development programmes led by experienced trainers and mentors.
During the certified coaching training such as 5-day accredited Executive Coaching workshop Among other things, you will learn how to use specific transactional analysis tools.
It is not only about learning coaching techniques, but also a space to build your own style, work on your professional ethics and develop self-awareness. With expert support and practice in a safe environment, you can step confidently onto the path of professional coaching.
Select training offer Groups Meet and develop your career in the coaching world!
Summary - EIA individual accreditation
EIA is more than an accreditation - it is an invitation to conscious coaching practicebuilt on integrity, ethics and quality. With four levels - Foundation, Practitioner, Senior, Master - everyone can find their place and plan their next steps on the career path.
For those who want to develop professionally as coaches or mentors - EIA is a stable, prestigious and supportive path, based on values, experience and reflection.
If you would like to learn more about preparing for EIA or are looking for mentoring support - the team Groups Meeting is happy to help you. We support coaches and mentors at every stage - from EQA courses to applying for accreditation.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
1. what does it mean to renew EMCC accreditation?
EIA accreditation awarded by EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council) has a specific validity period and is subject to regular renewal. It is part of the professionalisation profession and attention to the quality of the services provided in the the area of coaching, mentoring and supervision. Regular renewal shows that the coach is constantly developing, acting ethically and maintaining an active practice.
2. what are the requirements for renewal of accreditation?
To renew accreditation, include:
- document a certain number of coaching hours with clients (including sessions pro bono),
- demonstrate participation in supervision (e.g. every 35 hours of practice),
- carry out at least 40 hours training in the framework of Continuing Professional Development (CPD),
- provide a minimum of 5 reflections on their own practice,
- confirm continued membership of a professional body.
3 When should zło apply for accreditation renewal?
The application shall be zło Live before your existing accreditation expires. It is best to start preparing several months in advance by gathering the required documents: logs of hours, client feedback, supervision history and mentoring, a development log and other required elements.
4. is the EMCC accreditation recognised on a par with the ICF?
Both EMCCas well as International Coach Federation (ICF) are recognised, global, independent organisations accreditors in in the field of coaching. Both have their own development paths - the ICF differentiates between levels, among others. ACC, PCC and MCC, EMCC on the other hand uses four levels: Foundation, Practitioner, Senior Practitioner and Master Practitioner. Each of these organisations focuses on quality, ethics and long-term development professional coach.
5. what does the requirement of 10 hours of mentor coaching mean?
In preparation for obtaining (or renewing) an EMCC or ICF accreditation, it is often required to have completed at least 10 hours so-called coaching mentorThis is a process in which an experienced coach (mentor) assists a less experienced one (so-called 'mentee'). mentee) develop coaching competencies. Mentor coaching focuses on the quality of session delivery and compliance with the competency framework.
6. do pro bono hours also count towards accreditation renewal?
Yes, the EMCC can take into account hours of experience acquired in the form of free sessions pro bonoas long as they are documented and meet quality criteria. Both individual and group sessions conducted according to ethical principles and in a professional context count.
7 How can I prepare for the accreditation renewal process?
Worth keeping up to date:
- register coaching hours,
- collect customer feedback,
- keep a reflection diary,
- document the hours supervision,
- record activities training and coaching under CPD.
The EMCC also has a support programme called 'Together Better', which helps coaches prepare for złheses of the proposal and pass through the entire accreditation process.
8. do I need to be affiliated with a particular coaching school to renew my accreditation?
No - you don't have to be a graduate of a particular coaching schoolsto renew EMCC accreditation. Instead, it is required to demonstrate compliance with EMCC Competency Framework and to provide evidence of development and practice. Completion of the programme EQA-accredited facilitates this process, but is not the only possible path.
9. who is a supervisor and what is their role in the coach development process?
Supervisor is an experienced coach or mentor who supports other practitioners to reflect on their work, ethics, challenges and development. Supervision is mandatory for renewal of accreditation - it serves not only to improve skills, but also to strengthen the the role of mentor and building professional awareness.
10. do I have to fill in any questionnaire when applying?
Yes - at the EMCC, part of the application process is questionnaire (or application form), which helps determine your level of development and requirements for renewal. It is also a tool for self-assessment and preparation of full documentation.
