If you’re already here to know regarding ICF Credentialing, you probably want to know about coaching credentials. And may have a somewhat idea about coaching. So, what is ICF Credential? Is it imperative to get ICF Credential as a professional coach? In this blog, we have discussed ICF Credential in-depth.
What is ICF?
The International Coach Federation (ICF) is a global organization and the largest that offers credentials to professional coaches. They are dedicated to the worldwide acceleration of the coaching profession by establishing high standards and establishing a code of conduct and ethics. They provide independent certification to training programs, accrediting institutes that offer different courses to the aspirants.
What is ICF Credential?
ICF credential is provided to certified professional coaches. They have completed their training on core competencies of coaching and have adequate experience with clients (individuals, groups, or organizations). The person applying for ICF credentialing has to demonstrate a clear and comprehensive understanding of coaching practice. Getting an ICF Credential is not mandatory. Although earning an ICF credential attests to the coach’s credibility as a practicing professional, his/her expertise, and integrity.
Different levels of ICF Credential
ICF has divided credential into three different levels:
Associated Certified Coach (ACC)
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ACTP |
ACSTH | PORTFOLIO |
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Complete ICF accredited ACTP coach training |
A minimum of 60 hours of coach training under an ACTP or ACSTH course |
This is for the ones who have undergone non-approved training. A minimum of 60 hours of stringent coach training |
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A minimum of 100 hrs coaching experience with 8 clients at least |
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– |
10 hours of mentor coaching | 10 hours of mentor coaching |
| – | Performance Evaluation |
Performance Evaluation |
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Pass Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) |
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Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
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ACTP |
ACSTH |
PORTFOLIO |
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Complete ICF accredited ACTP coach training program |
A minimum of 125 hours of coach training under an ACTP/ACSTH course |
This is for the ones who have undergone non-approved training. A minimum of 125 hours of coach training |
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A minimum of 500 hours of coaching experience with 25 clients at least |
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– |
10 hours of mentor coaching | 10 hours of mentor coaching |
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– |
Performance Evaluation |
Performance Evaluation |
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Pass Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) |
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MCC (Master Certified Coach)
MCC has a single application path unlike the others, the eligibility being:
- PCC credential holder
- A minimum of 200 hours of coach training
- 10 hours of mentor coaching under an MCC mentor
- At least 2500 hours of coaching experience with 35 clients
- Performance evaluation
- Completion of Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) unless previously passed when applying for ACC or PCC
How to get an ICF Credential?
To get an ICF credential, you can start with:
- Undergo an ICF certified coach training (depending on the credential level and pathway you want to apply) hours.
- Complete mentor coaching (minimum of 10 hours).
- Acquire the minimum number of coaching experience hours as required.
- Submit the application to ICF. This application should have your coach-specific training completion certificate and coaching log for coaching-experience demonstration. If you’re opting ACSTH or Portfolio pathway, you have to submit audio recordings and its transcripts for Performance Evaluation.
- After receiving your application, ICF will send the link for the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) test. You will be given 60 days to complete it. But you have to complete it within one go.
- Your application will be further reviewed only if you pass the CKA test. ICF can take at least 4 weeks to 18 weeks depending upon the pathway and credential level.
Conclusion
Coach Transformation Academy (CTA) provides complete ICF accredited coach training courses. Their experiential coach certification courses take you one step closer to becoming an ICF-ACC, -PCC, or -MCC coach. Contact info@coachtransformation.com to know more about their ICF certified coach training courses.
