Coach Certification Course Preparation

We put a high value on emotional safety in our courses, and this one is no exception. We are aware that assessments can be anxiety-producing for many people. Please know that we are here to support your learning process with care and connection. 

There is a significant amount of preparation needed for this course. Please look it over as soon as possible so you have the time you need to prepare and be at your best.

We want to support you, and we also want you to be well-prepared. Below, we have described what we expect you to demonstrate during each assessment.

We will assess candidates during the course and certify those who demonstrate competency. Those who need significant practice will be mentored and reassessed (additional fees apply).

Pre-Course Preparation:

Printing:

Fill out:

  • The Conflict List (page 5 in the Manual)

Read:

Reading Rita Marie’s book, Completely Connected: Uniting Our Empathy and Insight for Extraordinary Results, and update is a prerequisite for certification. Please read them before the course (ideally) or before the final interview (if you are short on time). Be prepared to answer questions. It is important as a Connection Practice (CP) Coach that you know our history and impact in various arenas such as education, business, nonprofits, parenting, etc.

Watch:

  • The Freeform Coaching Video. We will be posting a video on October 15.2026.
    On Day 1, you will be assessed on Freeform Empathy on an inner issue that will be presented in a conversation with your partner. This includes giving empathy by guessing feelings and needs for the person sharing their issue and for the person they have a conflict with. It does not include leading Heart-Brain Insight, which is part of this video. Giving empathy without Boards is a valuable skill for embodying connection in daily life. After you watch the video, we encourage you to practice regularly as you go through your day.
  •  The Self-Study Connection Practice 1 Course – This recorded course has demonstrations of activities that you will be assessed on. 

Download:

Assessment Forms

These are fillable forms; you can add your assessment comments during the course and save them on your computer. You will send them to the assesors at the end of the course.

Save the Self-Assessment Form on your computer with your name and the word “Self” and the year-month of the certification course you are taking (e.g., Mary Jones Self 2000-03).

Save the Peer Assessment Form on your computer with the name of the person you are assessing and the year-month of the certification course you are taking (e.g., John Smith 2000-03).

Review this agreements (fillable form) before the first day of class. We will briefly discuss them and ask if you have any questions. You and Rita Marie will sign it after you have been certified as a Coach.

HeartMath Software

The HeartMath software is used during a first coaching session to demonstrate coherence with your client. You can purchase the one that best meets your needs at this link. Remember that Coaches can purchase either the Inner Balance or the emWave software; however, people wanting to become Trainers need to purchase the emWave. Once your software arrives, please set it up and practice with it.

  • Set a date between Day 1 and 2 with assessor
  • Guidelines for assessment on page 6-7 of Manual
  • Watch CP1 emWave demonstration by Rita Marie at this link: emWave : Minutes 10:11 to 15:19 (Module 3) 

Have  Ready on Course Day: 

  • Digital Connection Practice Boards
  • Phone charged up and handy but muted during the course 
  • Assessment forms downloaded, named, and readily available.
  • Have identical spoons or sticks in two different sizes for pendulum demo
  • Paper and pen
  • Water and snacks

Next Steps:

Send Your Fillable Assessment Forms to the Course Assesors

Prepare for Your Final Interview

  • You will receive an email with available dates; please choose one to schedule your interview.
  • Prepare your Launch Plan. You will share it with us during your interview.
    Marisa Ferrera’s Launch Plan [Example]

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