International Coaching Federation (ICF) – Everything you Need to Know

International Coaching Federation (ICF) - Everything you Need to Know

Every coach worth their salt has, at least once in their career, heard about the International Coaching Federation, or ICF, as it is commonly known. 

But what does the International Coaching Federation do? 

Do they certify coaches? 

Do they give coaches clients? 

Do they offer training workshops? 

I have got you covered.

So if you want to:

• Learn all the ins and outs of the International Coaching Federation.
• Learn how to become accredited by ICF.
• Learn how you can use it to leverage your career to greater heights. 

You’ll find this guide extremely informative and useful.

So let’s get started !

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Contents

Step 1
The Basics of International Coaching Federation

Step 2
The Road to ICF Certification

Step 3
Client Testimonials

Step 1:

The Basics of International Coaching Federation

I will now cover the ICF’s definition, history, and — in particular — why it is important for you to get accredited as a coach. 

Let’s jump right in!

What is ICF, and what does it do?

The first question you might have is possibly — what does ICF stand for?

ICF stands for — International Coaching Federation.

On their website, ICF describes itself as ‘The leading global organization for coaches and coaching. ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals.’ 

In essence, the International Coaching Federation is the only globally recognized organization that certifies coach trainers and gives them a credible platform. 

Once you get certified, you automatically also become a member of the organization.

It also accredits other programs and training institutes that offer training courses for coaches. They have a very rigorous and highly vetted process for selection and accreditation.

Refer to this part in our article to understand the accreditation process in detail. 

Apart from accreditation and being a membership institution, ICF has lately been trying to expand into all things related to coaching. 

So, one can also find a coach, learn thought leadership, or organize coaching events with the help of the International Coaching Federation.

Why is getting accredited by the ICF important?

Many people think that coaching doesn’t require any certification, and that is partly correct. 

Every day, I come across several coaches who are not certified and, yet, have a long list of clients. 

A lot of these coaches are also very good at what they do. 

In fact, we — as coaches — also advise our clients to move beyond labels in their life. 

So then, is getting accredited through an organisation like ICF really that important? 

 
In my humble opinion, the answer is yes.

Think of it this way – you have a very dear friend of yours who is great at giving advice. 

Their advice has worked wonderfully for you in the past, and you constantly find yourselves turning to them for advice. 

One day, you suddenly feel an itch in your throat. 

Would you go to your friend for advice, or to a registered doctor? 

Unless your friend doubles up as a physician, you would most probably go to a doctor. Why is that?

Simply because you know and recognize that the doctor who holds a certification specializes in their field, and can guide you optimally. The same logic extends to coaching. 

As coaches, we not only owe it to our clients, but also to the profession itself, to show up with proper knowledge, training, and exposure before advising clients.

When we take on the role of coaching, we take on the responsibility of someone’s well-being. 

Albeit not in the same way as a doctor, we are capable of creating long-lasting impact on our clients.  

That is why it is always advisable to be certified. 

Many institutions and countries won’t recognize you as a legitimate coach if you are not accredited or certified. 

They might also not allow you to coach, in that case.

Since the International Coaching Federation is the most trusted and widely accepted coaching institute, I highly recommend getting certified by them.

History of International Coaching Federation (ICF)

The International Coaching Federation was founded in 1995 by a professional coach named Thomas Leonard in the USA. 

He started this as a support group for fellow coaches to share experiences and learn from each other. 

The love and support for the organization grew rapidly and in under a year, the International Coaching Federation had 66 chapters around the world. 

They also had a president and a board of directors elected in 1996.

Since then, many other reputed organizations joined ICF’s quest to be a recognized and equitable institution. 

You can read more about ICF’s timeline here.

Why is it called the ‘Gold Standard of Coaching’ and why is it legitimate?

As mentioned earlier, the International Coaching Federation was one of the first and — at one point — the only coaching institution of its time. 

Since its inception, the ICF has grown rapidly and has been at the forefront of setting the highest standards in coaching. 

No other organization is as widely recognized and accepted as the ICF.

Moreover, the International Coaching Federation was the first one to come up with the concept of organizing formal training courses for coaches.

They made the process of becoming a coach very rigorous and highly professional, ensuring that only the people best suited to the profession were accredited.

ICF has continued this process to date, making them the most legitimate coaching accreditation platform.

How does one become a member of ICF?

ICF has switched onto Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 accreditation types for coaches retiring the ACSTH (Approved Coach-Specific Training Hours) and ACTP (Accredited Coach Training Program) accreditations.

• Level 1

Designated as ACC Accredited Education, Level 1 is for at least 60 and upto 124 contact learning hours. If the candidate satisfies the standards for credentialing, graduates of Level 1 education and training programes, they can use the Level 1 application path to apply for the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential.

• Level 2

Level 2 accreditation is known as PCC Accredited Education and requires a minimum of 125 and a maximum of 175 contact hours.

If they satisfy the standards for credentialing, graduates of Level 2  may use the Level 2 application path to apply for the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Credential.

• Level 3

75 contact hours of learning are required for Level 3 accreditation, which is known as MCC Accredited Education.

If they satisfy the criteria for application,