Question 1

What is the Happiness Studies Academy?

Accepted Answer

The Happiness Studies Academy (HSA) is an educational institution co-founded by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar to advance the science and practice of happiness globally. Its flagship program, the Certificate in Happiness Studies (CiHS), is a 12-month online program built around Dr. Ben-Shahar's SPIRE model — covering Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational, and Emotional wellbeing. The CiHS earns 40 ICF Continuing Coach Education (CCE) credits and is taught by Dr. Ben-Shahar through 40 pre-recorded lectures plus weekly live webinars. Professionals from more than 90 countries have participated, with the program available in 8 languages.

Question 2

Who is Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar holds a PhD in Organizational Behavior from Harvard University, where he taught two of the most popular courses in the university's history: Positive Psychology and The Psychology of Leadership. He subsequently taught Happiness Studies at Columbia University and currently leads the Master of Arts in Happiness Studies program at Centenary University. His books have been translated into more than 30 languages. He co-founded the Happiness Studies Academy to bring the science of happiness to coaches, leaders, and educators worldwide through structured, practical programming.

Question 3

What is the SPIRE model?

Accepted Answer

SPIRE is Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar's framework for whole-person flourishing, organized around five dimensions: Spiritual (sense of purpose, meaning, and mindfulness), Physical (movement, nutrition, and sleep), Intellectual (curiosity, deep learning, and engagement), Relational (deep connections and community), and Emotional (accepting and working constructively with the full spectrum of emotions). The CiHS curriculum applies the SPIRE model across individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal dimensions — giving coaches and leaders a structured language for wellbeing that extends beyond any single domain.

Question 4

What is the Certificate in Happiness Studies (CiHS)?

Accepted Answer

The Certificate in Happiness Studies (CiHS) is HSA's 12-month online program and primary credential. It consists of 40 pre-recorded lectures from Dr. Ben-Shahar plus weekly live webinars, delivered in 8 languages at $3,900 USD. The CiHS is ICF-accredited for 40 Continuing Coach Education (CCE) credits — meaning it qualifies for ICF credential renewal, not initial ICF credentialing. It is designed for coaches, leaders, managers, and educators who want to apply the science of happiness as a professional framework.

Question 5

Does the CiHS earn ICF credits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Certificate in Happiness Studies earns 40 ICF Continuing Coach Education (CCE) credits — the category of ICF-approved learning used to renew an existing ICF credential (ACC, PCC, or MCC). This is distinct from ICF Level 1 or Level 2 accreditation, which covers initial coach training programs that qualify graduates to apply for an ICF credential for the first time. Completing the CiHS does not by itself qualify a person for ICF credentialing; it counts toward renewing a credential the coach already holds.

Question 6

Is the CiHS an ICF-accredited coaching certification?

Accepted Answer

Not in the sense of initial credentialing. The CiHS holds ICF CCE accreditation (40 credits) — meaning it is approved for ICF credential renewal, not initial certification. It is not an ICF Level 1 or Level 2 Accredited Coach Training Program. Someone completing the CiHS will not receive an ICF credential (ACC, PCC, or MCC) as a result; they will receive a Certificate in Happiness Studies from HSA, which is a legitimate specialist credential in happiness science and positive psychology — a different category from ICF professional coaching credentials.

Question 7

What programs does the Happiness Studies Academy offer?

Accepted Answer

HSA offers three main programs. The Certificate in Happiness Studies (CiHS) is the 12-month flagship: 40 CCE credits, 8 languages, $3,900 USD. The Master of Arts in Happiness Studies is a fully accredited graduate degree offered in partnership with Centenary University, designed for those who want academic-depth engagement with happiness science. The Yoga Teacher Training with SPIRE is a 200-hour online yoga certification program that integrates the SPIRE framework with yoga practice.

Question 8

Who is the CiHS designed for?

Accepted Answer

The CiHS is designed for coaches seeking CCE credits for credential renewal, leaders and managers who want a structured wellbeing framework, educators integrating positive psychology into their practice, and individuals committed to applying happiness science in their personal and professional lives. It is not designed as an entry-point coaching certification — participants are expected to bring an existing professional context to which they apply the SPIRE framework. The 90-country participant community reflects its broad professional appeal across sectors.

Question 9

What does a Certificate in Happiness Studies (CiHS) tell me about a coach?

Accepted Answer

A CiHS tells you the coach has completed a 12-month, ICF CCE-accredited program in happiness science built around Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar's SPIRE model. It signals specialist knowledge in positive psychology and wellbeing frameworks — useful if you are looking for coaching that draws on the science of flourishing. It does not tell you the coach holds an ICF coaching credential (ACC, PCC, or MCC), which requires separate coach training and assessment. The CiHS is a specialist educational credential in happiness science, not a general coaching qualification. For coaching on emotional wellbeing topics, it indicates a substantive evidence base; it does not indicate clinical or therapeutic training. If your needs involve mental health treatment or clinical support, a licensed therapist or psychologist is the appropriate referral.

Question 10

What should I ask an HSA-trained coach before hiring them?

Accepted Answer

Ask whether they hold a separate ICF coaching credential (ACC, PCC, or MCC) — the CiHS earns CCE credits but is not an initial coaching certification. If they do hold an ICF credential, ask how they integrate the SPIRE model with their core coaching competencies. Ask specifically how they apply each SPIRE dimension (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational, Emotional) in a coaching context — and which domains they work most actively with. Ask about their coaching experience and the types of clients they typically work with, since the CiHS is designed for coaches already working professionally. If wellbeing or flourishing is central to your coaching goals, ask for an example of how a SPIRE-based approach shaped the work with a previous client. And if you're dealing with mental health challenges, anxiety, or clinical concerns, ask whether they work with a therapist as part of a support team — coaching and therapy serve different functions.

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Certificate in Happiness Studies (CiHS)

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