Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Questions
What is Emotional Intelligence (EI) coaching?
Emotional Intelligence (EI) coaching helps individuals and teams build skills in perceiving, connecting, understanding and managing emotions to improve relationship building, decision making and problem solving. Unlike traditional coaching that relies on self-reporting, EI coaching with the MSCEIT² assessment is grounded in ability-based science, giving you objective insights into how you actually use emotions in real-world problem solving and decision making.
What is the MSCEIT²?
The Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test, Second Edition (MSCEIT²) is the only scientifically validated ability-based measure of emotional intelligence. It evaluates how people solve emotional problems—not just how they think they use emotions. This makes it especially powerful for leadership, high-stakes decision-making, and emotionally demanding roles.
How is MSCEIT² different from other EI tools like EQ-i 2.0?
Most emotional intelligence tools are self-report (you describe yourself). The MSCEIT² is an ability test (you solve problems with emotional data). This means results are more accurate, objective, and resistant to bias—making it ideal for coaching, leadership selection, and organizational development.
Coaching & Assessment
Who can benefit from Emotional Intelligence coaching?
Leaders & Managers: Improve decision-making, resilience, and team performance.
Educators & Healthcare Professionals: Strengthen empathy, communication, and stress management.
Entrepreneurs & Business Developers: Build trust, negotiate effectively, and prevent burnout.
Individuals in Transition: Navigate career or life changes with greater clarity and emotional balance.
Relationships: Help people to build more meaningful and positively co-regulated relationships.
What happens during an MSCEIT² coaching session?
You complete the MSCEIT² assessment online.
A certified coach reviews your results using our Emotional Maths™ framework.
Together, you explore your strengths, blind spots, and growth opportunities.
You leave with practical strategies and a personal development roadmap.
Can I take the MSCEIT² without coaching?
No. Every MSCEIT² assessment must be paired with a mandatory feedback session led by a certified practitioner. This ensures you:
Fully understand your results and scores in context
Avoid misinterpreting the data
Receive practical strategies tailored to your goals
The feedback session is what transforms the MSCEIT² from a test into a powerful development tool.
Certification
What is MSCEIT² Certification?
The MSCEIT² Certification program trains professionals—coaches, HR leaders, consultants, and educators—to administer, interpret, and integrate MSCEIT² into their work. Certification gives you:
Access to the MSCEIT² assessment platform
A globally recognized credential
Tools and scripts to run required feedback sessions
Case study applications for real-world impact
How is the certification program structured?
Our certification is a blended learning program that combines live training, self-paced learning, and applied practice. To become certified you must complete:
Two live certification sessions (4 hours each), hosted on the last Tuesday and Thursday of every month.
Four hours of online learning modules, which must be completed in advance.
Your own MSCEIT² assessment and mandatory feedback session, so you experience the process firsthand before working with others.
This structure ensures you not only learn the technical skills but also practice the human-centered application of emotional intelligence.
Who should become MSCEIT² certified?
Executive Coaches & Leadership Consultants
HR & L&D Professionals
Organizational Psychologists & Educators
Business Leaders building emotionally intelligent organizations
How long does certification take?
Certification is typically completed in one month from end to end, depending on when you enroll. The live training runs in two half-day blocks each month (last Tuesday & Thursday), supported by online learning and your assessment/feedback session.
What makes Grand Strategy Consulting’s program different?
We combine MSCEIT² science with our proprietary Emotional Maths™ framework (SEE–UNDERSTAND–MAKE–MANAGE–SUSTAIN). This approach ensures certification is not just about technical skill, but also about applying EI practically to create psychological safety, improve performance, and sustain change in organizations.
Practical Questions
How much does the MSCEIT² certification cost?
Pricing depends on whether you are an individual learner or a corporate partner. Please contact us for current rates, group discounts, and funding options.
Do you offer group or organizational training?
Yes. We provide corporate programs for leadership teams, schools, and healthcare organizations. These include assessments, mandatory feedback sessions, and workshops tailored to your organization’s needs.
Where can I register?
You can register directly on our website under the MSCEIT² Certification & Coaching page, or contact us to book a discovery call.
Evidence & Impact
Is there research supporting MSCEIT²?
Yes. MSCEIT² is based on decades of research by Drs. John Mayer, Peter Salovey, and David Caruso, pioneers in the science of emotional intelligence. It is widely used in academic, healthcare, business, and education settings.
What outcomes can I expect?
Measurable improvements in decision-making under pressure
Increased team collaboration and trust
Better resilience and emotional regulation
Enhanced leadership effectiveness