The Certification Process: More Than a Rubber Stamp
Retirement is one of the most significant transitions people face—yet most planning focuses only on money. I’ve seen firsthand how many retirees (including myself) struggle with meaning, identity, and structure once they leave work behind. That’s why I decided to become a Certified Professional Retirement Coach.
Last March, I signed up for and began working on a Certified Professional Retirement Coach course sponsored by the Retirement Coaches Association.
The course involved both academic modules and practical coaching experience.
Becoming Certified: What It Took
Coursework: Learning about Retirement Transition
For several months, I worked my way through the educational modules, which are designed to make you an expert on the retirement transition and teach you how to coach. There were tests following each module and a final at the end of the academic section.
The material focused on the non-financial side of retirement—identity, purpose, relationships, health, and fulfillment—and gave me the tools to help clients design a vibrant, meaningful next chapter.
The coursework was both rigorous and rewarding—but theory alone isn’t enough. To truly grow as a coach, I needed to practice with real people.
Coaching Practice: Learning by Doing
After completing the coursework and passing the final, I began a program of practice coaching. Over two months, I met with each of four clients once per week, for three sessions each.
Gaining Certification
I completed the twelve-hour practice coaching requirement. I filled out my certification application and waited. Earlier this week, I received an email stating that they had reviewed my coursework, verified my practice coaching, and accepted my application to use the designation of Certified Professional Retirement Coach (CPRC).
Seeing the email that confirmed my certification felt both gratifying and humbling. It affirmed that I’m ready to help others navigate one of life’s biggest transitions with empathy, structure, and insight.
Curious About Retirement Coaching?
If you’d like to know more about my practice or retirement coaching, see my webpage. There, I provide information on who it’s appropriate for, the types of issues we talk about, FAQs, and the cost of coaching.
Retirement coaching isn’t therapy or financial advising—it’s a thought partnership to help you design a purpose-filled life. Whether you’re struggling with a lack of structure, a fading sense of identity, or simply wondering “What’s next?”, coaching can provide the clarity and momentum you need.
While I look forward to helping people navigate retirement by coaching, I don’t want this to become a full-time job for me. I will therefore be accepting only a limited number of clients.
If you’re facing retirement—or already in it—and wondering how to make it more meaningful, I’d be honored to help you explore what’s next. Feel free to reach out through the website by requesting a free thirty-minute call. I’d love to hear your story.
AI Note: I wrote this blog post myself, using my own words and thoughts for the initial draft. I used AI only to suggest headlines, section headings, and text improvements.