“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.” - Red Adair

Once you have accumulated the relevant number of coaching hours and can demonstrate that you have a body of learning, you are ready to move from being an Ordinary Member to a professional Credentialed Member.

To do this we are required by SAQA to ensure that you have the necessary experience and knowledge.

View membership fees

There are three levels of credential for both coaches and mentors:

— Credentialed
— Senior
— Master

Depending on the number of hours of experience and learning that you have accrued.

The application process is relatively simple and can be done online.

Learn how

What we need to know:

— The number of logged coaching or mentoring hours, both paid and free.

— The training you have completed, or if you do not have formal training, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

— Your understanding of and compliance with the BDST Behavioral Standards as well as the BDST Code of Conduct.

Ready to apply?

Our support team is here to guide you.

We run regular Credentialing Workshops where our Membership Criteria and Standards of Competence Committee take you through this process in greater detail. Some of our other events can attract CPD points.

MAINTAINING YOUR STATUS

Once you have secured your credential status, as a professional you are expected to maintain the standard by participating in the following practice:

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Our Credentialed Members are required to accumulate 72 CPD points over the three year period.

Since you learn from every engagement at our free monthly events, attending is one way of accumulating these points. Another way is to participate in one of the many BDST approved BDST recognised Training Provider Programmes. For insight to the many other ways to earn CPD points, please read our CPD Policy.We provide a facility to log your CPD points in your BDST member profile. CPD is mandatory for Credentialed Coaches and Mentors and is recommended for all professionals.

Supervision

BDST requires Credentialed Members to include supervision as part of their practice.

Supervision is a normal part of every helping profession, a category into which coaches and mentors fall, and is a crucial part of supporting professionals in their practice and maintaining professional standards.

Learn how

Professional Journey

THE PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY