The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals.

As the world’s largest organization of professionally trained coaches, ICF confers instant credibility upon its members. ICF is also committed to connecting member coaches with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their careers.

ICF offers the only globally recognized, independent credentialing program for coach practitioners. ICF Credentials are awarded to professional coaches who have met stringent education and experience requirements and have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the coaching competencies that set the standard in the profession. Achieving credentials through ICF signifies a coach’s commitment to integrity, understanding and mastery of coaching skills, and dedication to clients.

ICF also accredits programs that deliver coach-specific training. ICF-accredited training programs must complete a rigorous review process and demonstrate that their curriculum aligns with the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics.

Today, ICF is specifically recognized among coaching professionals worldwide for:

  • Developing coaching core competencies

  • Establishing a professional code of ethics and standards

  • Creating an internationally recognized credentialing program

  • Setting guidelines through accreditation for coach-specific training programs

  • Providing continuous education through world-class events, Communities of Practice (CPs) and archived learning.

Vision Statement

Coaching is an integral part of a thriving society and every ICF Member represents the highest quality of professional coaching.

Mission

ICF exists to lead the global advancement of the coaching profession.

Core Values

We are committed to reliability, openness, acceptance and congruence and consider all parts of the ICF community mutually accountable to uphold the following values:

  1. Integrity: We uphold the highest standards both for the coaching profession and our organization.

  2. Excellence: We set and demonstrate standards of excellence for professional coaching quality, qualification and competence.

  3. Collaboration: We value the social connection and community building that occurs through collaborative partnership and co-created achievement.

  4. Respect: We are inclusive and value the diversity and richness of our global stakeholders. We put people first, without compromising standards, policies and quality.

ICF Definition of Coaching

ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.

ICF Core Competencies

Setting the Foundation

  1. Meeting Ethical Guidelines & Professional Standards

    Understanding coaching ethics and standards and applying them appropriately in all coaching situations.

  2. Establishing the Coaching Agreement

    Understanding what is required in the specific coaching interaction and coming to agreement with the prospective and new client about the coaching process and relationship.


Co-Creating the Relationship

  1. Establishing Trust & Intimacy with the Client

    Creating a safe, supportive environment that produces ongoing mutual respect and trust.

  2. Coaching Presence

    Being fully conscious and creating spontaneous relationships with clients, employing a style that is open, flexible and confident.


Communicating Effectively

  1. Active Listening

    Focusing completely on what the client is saying and is not saying, understanding the meaning of what is said in the context of the client’s desires, and supporting client self-expression.

  2. Powerful Questioning

    Asking questions that reveal the information needed for maximum benefit to the coaching relationship and the client.

  3. Direct Communication

    Communicating effectively during coaching sessions, and using language that has the greatest positive impact on the client.


Facilitating Learning and Results

  1. Creating Awareness

    Integrating and accurately evaluating multiple sources of information, and making interpretations that help the client to gain awareness and thereby achieve agreed-upon results.

  2. Designing Actions

    Creating with the client opportunities for ongoing learning, during coaching and in work/life situations, and for taking new actions that will most effectively lead to agreed-upon coaching results.

  3. Planning & Goal Setting

    Developing and maintaining an effective coaching plan with the client.

  4. Managing Progress & Accountability

    Holding attention on what is important for the client, and leaving responsibility with the client to take action.