SHAPE Career Assessment Certification Overview
The SHAPE Career Assessment Certification is an evidence-based training program for professionals who want to use a structured assessment to inform coaching conversations related to career direction, leadership development, transitions, burnout, self-advocacy, and professional growth.
The certification focuses on practical application, ethical use, and accurate interpretation within a coaching or development context.
Who this Certification is Designed for
SHAPE Career Assessment® certification is designed for trained coaches and practitioners who support professionals making career and leadership decisions.
This includes:
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career, executive and life coaches
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leadership development practitioners
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HR and talent professionals
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educators and advisors working with experienced professionals
SHAPE is intended to complement established coaching education and practice. If your work involves helping people make thoughtful decisions about their careers, SHAPE is designed to support that work.
How the SHAPE Career Assessment is used in Coaching Clients
SHAPE Certified coaches use SHAPE to:
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introduce a structured, research-based assessment into coaching engagements
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support client self-reflection related to confidence, agency, and decision-making
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inform coaching conversations during transitions, growth, or leadership development
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integrate assessment insight into client-defined goals
SHAPE supports coaching conversations with your clients. It does not direct outcomes or prescribe decisions.
"It’s not just theory—it’s practical and clear."
— LaToya Haynes, Executive Coach
"SHAPE aligns with what I already do—but adds depth and direction.”
— Katina Robertson, Leadership Coach & Workshop Facilitator
“I have used the SHAPE Career Assessment in there consecutive leadership development cohorts. It has helped female leaders gain clarity and take decisive action to shape their careers with confidence.”
-- Jackie Kindall, PCC , Kindall Evolve Consulting, LLC
How coaches use the SHAPE Career Assessment
SHAPE gives coaches a structured way to understand how confidence beliefs are shaping a client’s career decisions and behavior.
It examines five core drivers of career self-efficacy:
SAVE: How financial flexibility and security influence perceived career options.
HARD WORK: How effort, expectations, and reward align in the client’s work life.
ADVOCATE: How the client speaks up, builds visibility, and navigates influence.
PERSEVERE: How the client responds to setbacks, pressure, and uncertainty.
EDUCATE: How learning, reflection, and self-awareness support growth.
Together, these dimensions help coaches focus conversations on what is most likely to shift outcomes, without labeling or over-interpreting results.
What SHAPE certification authorizes
Certification authorizes coaches to:
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administer the SHAPE Career Assessment
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access assessment materials and scoring
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review results with clients in a coaching context
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apply the assessment within the scope of their professional training and credentials
Certification confirms appropriate use, interpretation boundaries, and ethical application.
What is included in certification
SHAPE certification includes:
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training on the research foundation of the assessment
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use of the SHAPE Career Assessment with interpretation
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guidance on responsible and ethical use
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interpretation frameworks to support coaching conversations
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access to SHAPE assessment tools for professional use
The emphasis is on application, boundaries, and informed judgment.
Overview and Modules
Foundations of the SHAPE Career Framework™
SHAPE Career Assessment Certification Overview
Ethics and Professional Use
Interpreting the SHAPE Career Assessment®
Coaching Strategies and Techniques
Ethics and Professional Use
Burnout Awareness and Career Strain
Preparing for SHAPE Certification
About The Global Career Advancement Institute (Global CAI)
Global CAI develops and maintains the SHAPE Career Assessment and the SHAPE Certification program.
Our work focuses on evidence-based tools that support professional coaching, career development, and leadership practice.
Considering SHAPE Certification?
If you are a trained coach or practitioner seeking a research-based assessment to support your coaching work, SHAPE certification may be a fit.
Apply for SHAPE Certification