Group Coaching Certificate Training
About the Group Coaching Certificate Program
The Group Coaching Certificate Program (GCCP) is a six-month advanced training designed to elevate the skills of National DPP Lifestyle Coaches. Developed and tested through collaboration between the CDC and the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), this program equips coaches with the confidence and competencies needed to effectively facilitate group-based National DPP sessions and support participant success.
This program is ideal for Lifestyle Coaches with at least one year of experience facilitating the National DPP Lifestyle Change Program—particularly those serving priority populations and looking to strengthen group facilitation skills.
Ideal Candidate
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You’re currently a Lifestyle Coach or Master Trainer for the National DPP Lifestyle Change Program
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You’ve facilitated at least one full cohort
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You have reliable access to a computer and internet
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You’re able to attend a live, virtual weekly class (60–120 minutes) for approximately 6 months.
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You can complete 10–30 minutes of weekly knowledge-checks prework before each class
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Your employer supports your participation
Continuing Education Units (CEUs):
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Physician Assistant
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Registered Nurses
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Pharmacist
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CHES, and other health professional
The program meets weekly, with schedule breaks for holidays and time off, and covers 24 coaching competencies and skills across five core categories.
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Category I: Building Trust, Rapport & Coaching Presence
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Category II: Enhancing Communication Skills
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Category III: Applying Skills Specific to Groups
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Category IV: Cultivating Self-Management Skills
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Category V: Propelling Health Behavior Change
What You'll Gain
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Use CDC approved materials
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Learn in a rich group setting led by two CDC - National DPP Master Trainers
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Earn the Group Coaching Specialist designation
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Gain confidence in group facilitation and behavior change methods
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Receive a certificate upon successful completion of the final exam
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National Recognition & Career Growth
Program Impact Highlights
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Coaches who completed the Group Coaching Certificate Program (GCCP) reported improved confidence in their skills across multiple core competencies.
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Participants led by GCCP-trained coaches attended more sessions, stayed enrolled longer, and were more likely to achieve risk-reduction milestones than participants led by coaches who had not completed the training.
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Focus group findings showed high satisfaction and appreciation for the flexible program structure.
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These outcomes underscore the value of the GCCP as a meaningful pathway to strengthening coaching quality and improving participant outcomes within the National DPP Lifestyle Change Program.
Email Your Questions
Elevate your coaching with our intensive certificate program designed exclusively for National DPP Lifestyle Coaches
Facilitators
Patty Farias Sanchez has a Bachelors in human and social services, she is certified as a health and wellness coach (CHWC) through Wellcoaches, Inc. She has been a National DPP Lifestyle Coach since 2013 and a Master Trainer since 2015, and a Group Coaching Specialist since 2023. Patty is Co-Founder of PIVOT X Coach Training, Ltd.
Greg Hottinger has a Masters degree in Nutrition, is a Registered Dietitian, and has worked in the disease prevention and weight loss field for more than 25 years. Greg contributed to the development of the Group Coach Certificate Program starting in 2018 and served as a mentor coach for the program.
He worked at the Duke Diet & Fitness Center, Biggest Loser Club website, and co-wrote Coach Yourself Thin (Rodale Press, 2012). He is a teaching faculty member for Wellcoaches, Inc.
TESTIMONIALS
I participated in the program that started in February of 2024 with PIVOT X. It was well worth the time as I learned so much about myself as a coach and many tips and tricks from the other coaches in the group.
The program weeks build on each other and so it’s important to attend them all. The leaders are well versed in the material, and you learn a lot of real-life lessons from them. The homework did not take too long and was relevant to each week’s lesson.
I would highly recommend this program to a new or seasoned coach.
I was very skeptical at first to start the program because I felt like I had enough training to facilitate my groups. What more could they teach me? Boy was I wrong! This experience took me a few notches up. This training experience aligned with and helped enhance my skills and experience in group coaching. It will foster my continuous improvement in this field of work. The facilitators worked great together and led an exceptional group of future leaders!