subject: Icf-approved Coach Training And Membership The Standard In Coaching [print this page] The International Coach Federation, ICF, is the leader in the coaching industry.
The ICF publishes a Code of Ethics for coaches. The ICF provides detailed information on the 11 Core Competencies for coaches. (Both are taught in the Center for Coaching Certification class for becoming a Certified Professional Coach, CPC).
As a professional membership organization, the ICF is working for a cohesive, collaborative standard in the coaching industry. Whether the coaching industry self-regulates or becomes government regulated, the ICF is at the forefront.
The International Coach Federation (www.CoachFederation.org) has requirements for membership and a process for holding members accountable to the Code of Ethics. ICF-approved coach training makes sense, and 60 hours of coach specific training are required for membership as a coach.
The Certified Professional Coach program to become a business coach, complete life coaching certification, executive coach certification, or career coach certification is geared for experienced, busy professionals and provides 30 hours of ICF-approved coach training. The Certified Master Coach program is an additional 30 hours of training so that the two combined provide the 60 hours necessary for the ICF membership.
As an industry it is important that we have a cohesive, collaborative focus on professionalism. It seems coaching is moving toward regulation so the question is, will the industry self-regulate or will government regulate it? Either way, what does that mean for coaches and for their clients?
Look at the examples of other professions: mental health faced this years ago, as did financial planning and more recently image consulting. The ICF is at the forefront for self-regulation of coaching and if the industry does become regulated by government, the ICF is going to be a key resource. Based on what has occurred in other professions, membership in the ICF to support one strong voice makes sense.
By working together as coaching professionals, we benefit the industry and the people we serve. Defining coaching, having a Code of Ethics, standards for training, and publishing the 11 Core Competencies provides a process and guide for coaches while educating the people we serve in a way that is easy to understand and supports effective coaching. Membership in the ICF is a step forward as a profession and industry.
