The International Coaching Federation is one of the most recognized organizations for professional coaches around the world, including Australia. Over the years, the prominence of ICF has grown through the continent, with more aspirants coming forward to embrace the career of coaching.
As per ICF data, the Australasia chapter of the organization represents more than 1900 trained professional coaches, along with 2097 affiliated members. At present, as per the ICF stats in the region, there are:
- 350 Associate Certified Coaches
- 338 Professional Certified Coaches
- 39 Master Coaches
The numbers are increasing every quarter for ICF coaching Australia. So, does this data motivate you to take up the course as well? Do you aspire to become a certified and credentialed coach forging ahead in an exceptional career path Then ICF Certification should be on your list. And all the information you need to fulfil to become an ICF certified coach is explained below.
How to Become an ICF Certified Coach in Australia?
ICF does not offer direct coach training to individuals. It accredits the courses, setting a standard for coach training through levels of progression. It authorizes the coach-specific training offered by ICF Credential holders. Following certification and practice, coaches can apply for credentialing under ICF, which further legitimizes one’s career as a coach.
Now, let’s talk about the steps involved in getting a certificate. ICF coaching in Australia involves five distinct stages:
Credential Levels
Before understanding training, it’s crucial to understand the credentials ICF offers. Currently, ICF offers three credentials to coach practitioners: ACC, PCC, and MCC.
Each credential has its own requirements. However, the process of obtaining credentials remains common for all. To apply for an ICF Credential, you must complete a certain number of coach-specific training, mentor coaching, and experience hours. Along with these, you also need to complete a Performance Evaluation taken by ICF (only for ACSTH & Portfolio courses).
When you submit your application to ICF, you will be required to pass Coach Knowledge Assessment (conducted by ICF). Upon passing this test, ICF will review your application and issue Credential accordingly.
Coach-Specific Training Hours:
As per ICF, you must complete coach-specific training under any one of the following pathways: ACSTH (Approved Coach Specific Training Hours), ACTP (Accredited Coach Training Program) or Portfolio.
A standard ICF-accredited coach training program involves understanding and applying the core coaching competencies and Code of Ethics, as standardized by the ICF.
Mentoring
You need at least 10 hours of mentoring sessions completed over three months (from the application date) under an ICF-accredited coach. Your training is incomplete without the mentoring session.
Experience Hours
Each ICF Credential has its own experience hours required to be completed. For instance, to acquire ACC Credential, you require to complete at least 100 hours of coaching experience. And similarly, for PCC, you need 500 hours.
Application to ICF
After completing the training hours, mentoring sessions, and coaching experience, you must undertake a performance evaluation. The ICF demands audio recordings and written transcripts of the coaching session. Your institute can help you with the submission.
CKA Completion
The final stage involves the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA). In this stage, the ICF assesses your knowledge regarding the coaching competencies and the ethical codes.
After you complete all five stages, you become an ICF-accredited coach.
Concluding Note
Your first step towards coaching training starts with enrolling in a notable institute like the Coach Transformation Academy. Primarily based in Dubai, Coach Transformation Academy has a global presence with multiple centres worldwide. It offers online and classroom coach training across geographies, with an extensive offering of ICF & EMCC -accredited courses. Check out their website for more information on the courses, modules, and timings.
