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ICF Credentialing Process

ICF stands for the International Federation of Coaches. Its core purpose is “to advance the art, science and practice of professional coaching.” ICF offers the only independent credentialing program that is recognized worldwide. ICF has credentialed more than 5,800 coaches in countries around the world since it began more than a decade ago.

Becoming a credentialed coach through ICF means that you can offer clients assurance that you’re meeting or exceeding specific professional requirements for training and practice. More than 50 percent of coaches report that their coaching clients expect their coach to be credentialed, according to the ICF Global Coaching Study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

At ACN, we believe that credentialing is becoming more important than ever before. From a client standpoint, an ICF credential makes a lot of sense. It gives clients important information they can use when they’re choosing a coach. It helps them to understand the coach’s level of training and experience. It gives them confidence that they’re making a good choice and getting a coach who is well trained and ethical.

From a coaching standpoint, credentialing ensures that there are professional standards for coaches to follow, which strengthens and enhances the level of service we provide. ICF sets down ethical guidelines and reinforces the standard practices of coaching as a distinct, self-regulating profession.

Levels of Credentialing

There are three levels of ICF credentialing:

Associate Certified Coach (ACC): Requirements include: completion of a set amount of coach-specific training; 100 coaching experience hours; at least eight clients, among other requirements.

Professional Certified Coach (PCC): Completion of a set amount of coach-specific training; 750 coaching experience hours; at least 25 clients, among other requirements.

Master Certified Coach (MCC): Completion of a set amount of coach-specific training; 2,500 coaching hours; at least 35 clients, among other requirements.

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