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WIALWorld Institute for Action Learning

Global certification hub

Certification pathways, renewal expectations, and LMS access in one place.

WIAL certification remains one global standard. This hub lays out the four coaching levels, the progression path between them, the application packets WIAL uses today, the renewal requirements that keep credentials current, and the external LMS links coaches already rely on.

Audio version coming soon.
Progression

One structured path from foundational coaching to master-level leadership.

WIAL progression is cumulative. Each level adds new coaching scope, more documented experience, stronger observation requirements, and a higher bar for contribution to the Action Learning community.

Step 1

CALC

Build core Action Learning coaching proficiency through Foundations, CALC1, CALC2, and written reflection.

Step 2

PALC

Add documented coaching hours, a longer-term project, and observed delivery of an introductory WIAL learning experience.

Step 3

SALC

Lead certification experiences under MALC sponsorship, critique participant work, and demonstrate readiness for senior program leadership.

Step 4

MALC

Combine senior-level experience with publication, presenting, mentoring, and broad contribution to the WIAL method.

CALC

Certified Action Learning Coach

The first formal WIAL coaching credential.

CALC is the entry point into formal WIAL certification. It focuses on practical team coaching proficiency, observed coaching, written reflection, and an understanding of the full Action Learning process.

Eligibility

  • Complete the WIAL Foundations, CALC1, and CALC2 sequence, or an approved intensive that blends the full curriculum.
  • Use the Foundations program as the pre-requisite for CALC1 and CALC2.
  • Train with a SALC or MALC lead while progressively increasing coaching proficiency.

What the application expects

  • Participate in the Foundations program and both CALC workshops or the combined intensive track.
  • Coach Action Learning sessions in CALC1 and CALC2 and receive feedback from peers and the lead.
  • Submit the CALC certification paper and related reflections described in the current requirements packet.
  • Use the WIAL portal route when recertifying after a lapse of more than two years, or arrange an audited session with a S/MALC as outlined in the current policy.

Progression note

Start here, then build coaching hours and longer-term project experience before applying for PALC.

PALC

Professional Action Learning Coach

For CALCs with documented practice and longer-term project depth.

PALC recognizes coaches who have already built a serious body of Action Learning work and can lead an introductory WIAL learning experience under senior observation.

Eligibility

  • Be a Certified Action Learning Coach (CALC).
  • Document one hundred (100) hours of Action Learning coaching, including at least one longer-term project that spans weeks or months.
  • Count at least fifty (50) hours as WIAL Action Learning coaching; the remaining hours may include WIAL continuing education or volunteer participation.

What the application expects

  • Submit an engagement list and a report documenting the challenges and learnings from the longer-term Action Learning project.
  • Lead a Leading with Questions or Introduction to Action Learning session observed by a SALC or MALC.
  • Complete the PALC application packet and committee review process.

Progression note

PALC is the bridge from coached participation to independently leading introductory Action Learning experiences.

SALC

Senior Action Learning Coach

For experienced coaches ready to lead core WIAL certification programs.

SALC marks the move into senior coaching leadership. The current WIAL requirements focus on observed program leadership, critique of participant work, and committee-level review.

Eligibility

  • Hold the documented coaching-hour threshold described in the current SALC requirements packet, including at least one longer-term project with a minimum of four 90-minute sessions.
  • Count a minimum of fifty (50) hours as coaching; the balance may include WIAL-sponsored or organized continuing education activity.
  • PALCs typically satisfy part of this project requirement through their PALC application work.

What the application expects

  • Secure sponsorship from a MALC who has recently observed the candidate's CALC-level coaching ability.
  • Lead certification coursework while observed and submit the required critique of written participant reports.
  • Complete the SALC application and committee review process.

Progression note

SALC is the step that clears a coach to lead core certification experiences and mentor developing coaches.

MALC

Master Action Learning Coach

The highest WIAL certification level and thought-leadership track.

MALC is designed for seasoned SALCs who combine significant coaching volume with published thought leadership, conference presence, and continued service to the WIAL method.

Eligibility

  • Be a Senior Action Learning Coach for at least three years.
  • Document five hundred (500) hours of Action Learning coaching, training, and/or consulting across diverse clients and projects.
  • Demonstrate thought leadership through conference presentation, external publication, and steady contribution to the WIAL community.

What the application expects

  • Secure sponsorship from a MALC and complete the MALC review process.
  • Provide evidence of publishing, presenting, and broader contribution to Action Learning outside routine delivery work.
  • Submit the MALC application packet used by WIAL today.

Progression note

MALC is the capstone path for senior coaches who also contribute as visible thought leaders in the wider Action Learning field.

Recertification

Renewal requirements are clear, level-specific, and tied to current WIAL packets.

Renewal expectations differ by certification level. The cards below summarize the current requirements and link back to the official packet that carries the detailed renewal rules.

CALC renewal

Valid for 2 years

Renewal packet
  • Document at least 5 hours of Action Learning coaching during the prior two years.
  • Submit a short project write-up or testimonial to the Director of Certification.
  • Complete at least one WIAL volunteer or continuing education activity from the current renewal categories.

Expired credential policy

  • If the credential expired within two years, renew by meeting the standard CALC renewal requirements.
  • If the credential expired for more than two years, complete the WIAL portal e-learning assessments or arrange an audited session with a S/MALC as described in the CALC packet.

PALC renewal

Valid for 2 years

Renewal packet
  • Document at least 10 hours of Action Learning coaching during the prior two years.
  • Submit a brief project description that may be used in WIAL newsletter, website, or social content.
  • Complete at least two WIAL volunteer or continuing education activities from the current renewal categories.

SALC renewal

Valid for 2 years

Renewal packet
  • Document at least 10 hours of WIAL Action Learning during the prior two years.
  • Complete at least three WIAL volunteer and/or continuing education activities.
  • Lead at least one program, mentor two qualified CALCs or certify one CALC candidate successfully, and review certification papers when requested.

MALC renewal

Valid for 1 year

Renewal packet
  • Document at least 10 hours of WIAL Action Learning during the prior two years.
  • Participate in an annual WIAL conference or other sanctioned event, or actively volunteer with a local affiliate or WIAL committee.
  • Lead at least one WIAL program, help certify a CALC candidate, publish and present, contribute a newsletter article, and review certification papers in a timely manner.
Forms and downloads

Current application packets, requirement guides, and reference files.

WIAL still uses a mix of PDFs and legacy Word application forms. The mirrored downloads below preserve the current application packets while avoiding brittle third-party or unstable source links.

recertification · PDF

CALC renewal and lapse policy

Renewal rules are included in the current CALC packet

Open downloadSource file

recertification · PDF

PALC renewal requirements

Renewal rules are included in the current PALC packet

Open downloadSource file

recertification · PDF

SALC renewal requirements

Renewal rules are included in the current SALC packet

Open downloadSource file

recertification · PDF

MALC renewal requirements

Renewal rules are included in the current MALC packet

Open downloadSource file
External LMS

WIAL keeps the current LMS and the website acts as the guide rail, not the course host.

The LMS remains the canonical home for e-learning, course progress, and credential refresh workflows. This website explains the path, points coaches to the right entry point, and stays aligned with the current external system instead of duplicating it.

CALC

Certified Action Learning Coach

Use the LMS to access the CALC e-learning material, micro-learning modules, and recertification refresh options.

Open LMS

PALC

Professional Action Learning Coach

Use the LMS as the launch point for the PALC-related learning path, prerequisite refreshers, and supporting course access.

Open LMS

SALC

Senior Action Learning Coach

The LMS remains the external launch point for senior-level WIAL learning pathways and program access; the website does not duplicate those courses.

Open LMS

MALC

Master Action Learning Coach

The website links outward to WIAL's existing LMS and does not duplicate advanced learning modules or credential-management workflows.

Open LMS