Does a good coach need membership in a professional association — or do personality and experience matter more in the end?
This article explores the polarizing views among coaches in Switzerland: some see association membership as a hallmark of quality and ethics, others value tangible results over logos. At CoachMatcher, we believe associations provide important standards and trust in an unregulated market — but ultimately, effective coaching depends on the individual coach’s skills and impact. We’re working to make both aspects more transparent on our platform. What’s your take? Must-have or nice-to-have?
✍️ CoachMatcher | 📅 22.07.2025 | 🕗 4 min
1. Introduction: The Debate in Coaching
Does a good coach need to be a member of a professional association — or do personality and experience matter more? This question sparks lively debate among coaches in Switzerland and beyond. While some coaches proudly display their association logos as a mark of quality and professionalism, others argue that clients care more about results than credentials.
At CoachMatcher, we’ve spoken to dozens of coaches since our launch — and the opinions couldn’t be more divided. In this article, we explore both perspectives and explain why professional associations still matter, especially in an unregulated market.
2. Why Professional Associations Matter in Coaching
Professional associations play a critical role in setting standards, enforcing ethical guidelines, and fostering continuous professional development. In a field like coaching — which is not regulated by law in Switzerland — these associations create much-needed orientation and trust for both coachees and organizations.
Membership in such associations usually requires coaches to meet specific educational criteria, adhere to a code of ethics, and commit to ongoing training. This can provide peace of mind to clients who value verified standards of quality.
3. The Swiss Coaching Associations at a Glance
Here are the five most relevant professional coaching associations in Switzerland:
SCA (Swiss Coaching Association): One of the most established associations, SCA is known for its rigorous certification process and strong focus on ethical practice.
ICF Switzerland (International Coaching Federation): The Swiss chapter of the globally recognized ICF. ICF is considered a gold standard worldwide, offering clear accreditation levels (ACC, PCC, MCC) based on experience and training.
BSO (Berufsverband für Coaching, Supervision und Organisationsberatung): This Swiss association brings together professionals in coaching, supervision, and organizational consulting, with a strong emphasis on systemic and organizational work.
V-P-T (Verband für Psychologische und Psychosoziale Therapie): While not exclusively focused on coaching, V-P-T includes coaches who integrate psychological and therapeutic approaches into their practice.
EMCC Switzerland (European Mentoring and Coaching Council): EMCC offers European-level standards and accreditation, focusing on mentoring as well as coaching, and fostering a reflective, evidence-based approach.
Each of these associations contributes to raising the overall quality of the profession while offering continuing education and a network of peers.
4. Why Membership Alone Is Not Enough
Despite the benefits, membership in a professional association is not a guarantee of impactful coaching. At the end of the day, what truly makes a difference is the coach’s personality, their ability to build trust, their experience, and their skill in facilitating real change.
Many clients don’t even ask about association memberships. Instead, they care about whether the coach understands their situation, whether they feel a connection, and whether the coach delivers measurable results.
5. Our Approach at CoachMatcher
At CoachMatcher, we believe in transparency and empowering clients to make informed decisions. That’s why we are currently working on making it more visible on our platform which coaches are members of a professional association — while also showcasing their individual strengths, specializations, and working styles.
We see associations and personal qualities as complementary: associations provide a framework of trust and ethics, but coaching success ultimately depends on the person behind the title.
6. Conclusion: Must-Have or Nice-to-Have?
So, is membership in a professional association a must-have for coaches — or simply a nice-to-have? The answer depends on your perspective. For some, it signals credibility and adherence to high standards. For others, it’s the coach’s personality, experience, and results that matter most.
We’d love to hear your thoughts: do you look for association membership when choosing a coach? Or do you focus on other qualities?
7. About CoachMatcher
CoachMatcher is the Swiss online platform that helps you find the right coach for your needs — easily, transparently, and tailored to you. Whether you’re looking for personal growth, leadership development, or team coaching, our verified coaches are here to support your journey. Learn more at CoachMatcher.com.
Curious? Let’s Talk!
What’s your take? Is membership in a professional association a must-have for you — or more of a nice-to-have?
📩 Reach out today: welcome@coachmatcher.com