ICF Coaching in UK: Your Guide to Understanding ICF Credential

EMCC, ICF, or CCE? Which is the most sought-after credential for boosting a coach’s career? It’s a common debate within the coaching community and a dilemma for the aspirants who want to become successful coaches by getting a certificate. All three are international organizations that have set precedents and codes of coaching practice. However, ICF holds a significant position of importance, owing to its global prominence. If you want to know about the course for ICF coaching in the UK, this blog will help you understand its credentialing process.

What is ICF?

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is a leading organization within the coaching domain. It is the largest of not-for-profit organization for professional coaches. ICF does not offer training or certification directly to the coaching aspirants. It accredits the training programs, ensuring that they abide by the standards set by the organization concerning the Core Competencies of a coach and the Code of Ethics. ICF does offer credentials to practicing coaches, assessing their abilities as a coach.

What are the Different ICF Credentials and Pathways?

The ICF offers the following credentials:

• Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
• Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
• Master Certified Coach (MCC)

Each has different pathways that one can pursue, such as:

• ACTP (Accredited Coach Training Program)
• ACSTH (Approved Coaching Specific Training Hours)
• Portfolio Path

The ACC credential demands:

• 60+ hours of coach-specific training
• 10 hours of mentoring by a credentialed coach
• 100+ hours (75 paid hours) of coaching experience with eight clients (minimum)
• Performance assessment (submission of audio recording and transcript of a coaching session)
• Passing Coach Knowledge Assessment

The PCC credential demands:

• 125+ hours of coach-specific training
• 10 hours of mentoring by a credentialed coach
• 500+ hours (450 paid hours) of coaching experience with 25 clients (minimum)
• Performance assessment (submission of two audio recordings and transcripts of coaching sessions)
• Passing Coach Knowledge Assessment

The MCC credential demands:

• 200 hours of coach-specific training
• 10 hours of mentoring by a credentialed coach
• 2500+ hours (2250 paid hours) of coaching experience with 35 clients (minimum)
• Performance assessment (submission of two audio recordings and transcripts of coaching sessions)
• Passing Coach Knowledge Assessment

Getting Started with ICF Training and Credentials

To get an ICF credential, first, you need training and certification, followed by significant experience as a practicing coach. So if you are getting the ICF coaching training in the UK under an accredited organization, choosing the pathway is the key.

For instance, you choose ACC ACSTH for your training and certification. Accordingly, you will have to complete at least 60 hours of training to learn and understand the core coaching competencies and the code of ethics. Next, you will have to take mentoring sessions under a PCC or MCC credentialed coach. Once you get the certificate, you can continue with the practice that you started during training. You can apply for ICF-ACC credential after completing 100 hours (75 paid hours) of a coaching session with at least eight clients. Your application will be evaluated, and if everything goes accordingly, then you will get credentialed after a 14 weeks review period.

Conclusion

On a concluding note, if you want to get ICF training in the UK and then a credential, your choice of the institute should be well thought out. Coach Transformation Academy, one of the leading global training centers for coaching professionals, can help you accomplish your goal through their coaching programs and guidance. Visit our website to book a free consultation today!