The International Coaching Federation (ICF): Gold Standard in Coaching

Leading the Global Advancement of Coaching

The International Coach Federation (ICF) is a leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession through high standards, independent certification, and continuous professional development.

Founded in 1995, the ICF has grown to become a global community of more than 50,000 professional coaches across 147 countries. Its mission is to promote the value and impact of coaching to individuals, organizations, and society as a whole.

The ICF offers independent certification for professional coaches, with rigorous standards for coach training, experience, and ethics. The ICF's credentialing process is widely recognized as the gold standard in the coaching industry, providing a mark of quality and assurance for clients seeking the services of a professional coach.

In addition to its certification program, the ICF provides a range of resources and tools to support the ongoing development and growth of professional coaches. This includes education and training programs, research and publications, and networking opportunities with other coaches around the world.

The ICF is also committed to advancing the understanding and acceptance of coaching in society. Through its advocacy efforts, the organization promotes the value and impact of coaching to business leaders, policymakers, and the general public, helping to increase awareness and demand for coaching services.

The ICF Ecosystem Explained

The ICF ecosystem reflects ICF’s interests in many areas of the coaching industry, represented by six unique family organizations that make up the whole or “One” ICF.

1. ICF Professional Coaches

This is the membership organization for trained, professional coach practitioners. This family organization most closely aligns with what was ICF before the transition. Learn more about ICF Professional Coaches.

2. ICF Credentials and Standards

This is the body that oversees and manages the credentialing of individual coach practitioners. This family organization most closely aligns with what was the ICF Credentialing department. Learn more about ICF Credentials and Standards.

3. ICF Coaching Education

This is the body that oversees and manages the accreditation and approval of coaching education providers. This family organization most closely aligns with what was the ICF Training Program Accreditation department. Learn more about ICF Coaching Education.

4. ICF Foundation

This is the nonprofit / philanthropic piece of the ICF ecosystem. This organization launched more than 15 years ago and will continue its work as an ICF family organization. Learn more about the ICF Foundation.

5. ICF Coaching in Organizations

This family organization is specifically for businesses and organizations that use coaching. By expanding our influence in organizations, we will enhance the market for ICF-Credentialed coaches and lead the way in setting high standards for managers and leaders using coaching skills. Learn more about ICF Coaching in Organizations.

6. ICF Thought Leadership Institute

This is the organization whose goal is to create and influence the future of coaching. It facilitates interaction between innovators, researchers, technologists, venture capitalists, press and influencers to build and maintain the most comprehensive and highest-quality body of knowledge on the art and practice of coaching. Learn more about ICF Thought Leadership Institute.

ICF Core Competencies

The International Coach Federation (ICF) announced an updated Coaching Core Competency Model after conducting a rigorous, 24-month coaching practice analysis.

The updated model was based on evidence collected from more than 1,300 coaches worldwide, validating the importance of much of the existing ICF Core Competency Model. The updated model also integrated new elements and themes that emerged from the data, including a paramount emphasis on ethical behavior and confidentiality, the importance of ongoing reflective practice, and the criticality of partnership between coach and client.

These foundational components, combined with emerging themes, reflect the key elements of coaching practice today and will serve as stronger, more comprehensive coaching standards for the future. The ICF updated Core Competency model went into effect in the second half of 2021.

A. Foundation

1. Demonstrates Ethical Practice

DEFINITION: Understands and consistently applies coaching ethics and standards of coaching.

2. Embodies a Coaching Mindset

DEFINITION: Develops and maintains a mindset that is open, curious, flexible and client-centered.

B. Co-Creating the Relationship

3. Establishes and Maintains Agreements

DEFINITION: Partners with the client and relevant stakeholders to create clear agreements about the coaching relationship, process, plans and goals. Establishes agreements for the overall coaching engagement as well as those for each coaching session.

4. Cultivates Trust and Safety

DEFINITION: Partners with the client to create a safe, supportive environment that allows the client to share freely. Maintains a relationship of mutual respect and trust.

5. Maintains Presence

DEFINITION: Is fully conscious and present with the client, employing a style that is open, flexible, grounded and confident.

C. Communicating Effectively

6. Listens Actively

DEFINITION: Focuses on what the client is and is not saying to fully understand what is being communicated in the context of the client systems and to support client self-expression.

7. Evokes Awareness

DEFINITION: Facilitates client insight and learning by using tools and techniques such as powerful questioning, silence, metaphor or analogy. D. Cultivating Learning and Growth

8. Facilitates Client Growth

DEFINITION: Partners with the client to transform learning and insight into action. Promotes client autonomy in the coaching process.

Read more about core competencies