While choosing a coach, clients be they organisations or individuals expect a certain standard of expertise and education. Anyone hiring a coach feels more comfortable hiring coaches with references, recommendations, and credentials. Clients increasingly look for coaches with International Coach Federation (ICF) credentials as ICF accreditations have weightage and are globally recognized.
With the help of ICF certified coach training programs, institutes around the world provide pathway by which coaches can gain ICF accreditations and become part of this globally recognised body of coaches. Coaches can apply for ICF credentials after the enrol in a coaching pathway and the meet the requirements needed to achieve an accreditation. An ICF accreditation allows coaches to find a a acknowledged way of demonstrating their expertise and knowledge. By earning ICF global credentials, coaches are more likely to be considered for internal or consulting coaching positions.
Therefore, it is important to understand what an ICF accreditation is, ways to get these accreditation, and why an individual aspiring to become a professional coach should consider becoming accredited.
What Is an ICF Credential?
Considered as the gold standard of accreditation in the coaching industry, ICF credentials raise the credibility of coaches. ICF credentials like ACC (Associated Certified Coach) and PCC (Professional Certified Coach) are recognized worldwide. Coaches can apply for ICF credentials via ICF pathways or coach training programs: ICF Accredited Coach Training program (ACTP) and ACSTH.
How can one earn global credentials in coach training?
ICF credentials are the only globally recognized professional coaching certification. A coach can become certified ACC or PCC accredited coaches after fulfilling rigorous education through coach training programs like ACSTH or ICF accredited coach training program (ACTP) and the stipulated hours of coaching experience.
Coaches become eligible to apply for ICF credentials after undergoing coach-specific training, completing a designated number of supervised experience hours, assignments, evaluative examinations, and mentored coaching. Coaches can earn ICF global credentials by opting for an ICF accredited coach training program (ACTP) or ACSTH.
ICF Accredited Coach Training Program is an all-inclusive “start to finish” coach training. To earn ICF credentials through ICF Accredited Coach Training Program, students must complete 125 hours of coach training. Supervised by mentors, trainees need to complete assignments and appear a course-end performance evaluative examination.
ICF Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP) is one of the pathways followed by ICF-approved coaching institutes that carry out accredited coaching programs to earn ICF credentials for becoming professionals.
An all-inclusive coach training program, ICF Accredited Coach Training Program consists of one-on-one mentoring sessions, self-study hours, peer sessions, supervised live coaching sessions, assignments, and term-end examination.
ICF accredited coach training program is two-level 125 hours coach training program, level 1 of 60 hours of coach training, and level 2 of 65 hours of coach training hours. Trainees can apply for ICF Associated Certified Credentials only after completing 125 hours of the ICF accredited coach training program, 100 hours of live coaching for ACC, and 500 hours of live coaching for PCC credentials.
If students want to apply for ICF ACC credentials after 60 hours of coach training and 100 hours of live coaching experience, they should choose to complete their coach training through the ACSTH. It is recommended for students with time-constraint.
Why should one consider getting ICF credentials?
By applying for ICF credentials via ICF Accredited Coach Training Program or ASCTH pathway, coaches can gain both experience and accreditation in Coaching. With ICF credentials, certified coaches get access to resources and research material that help them develop a cutting-edge coaching practice and get both local and global opportunities. Coaches must complete 125 hours of ICF accredited coach training program or ACTP that meets ICF standards to become an ICF Member, It is the best pathway to apply for ICF credentials.
Earning an ICF accreditation can take a coaching practice to the next level. Some of the reasons why one should get ICF credentials are:
- To learn about ICF’s Core Ethics and Competencies for ethical coaching practices. ICF credentials give a coach the needed coaching education, guidance, and training so that they can implement trustworthy coaching practices.
- Detailed coach training programs like ICF accredited coach training program enhance the leadership qualities of the coaches. The coaches by getting accreditation receive validation of their abilities.
- ICF accredited coaches get global recognition and their network expands. This helps them expand their practice through access to more coaching opportunities. As coaching programs are supervised courses, they get peer and mentored feedback which is unbiased and helps them improve as a coach.
- After completing coaching programs like ACSTH or all-inclusive ICF accredited coach training program, coaches become credentialed coaches. Most clients prefer to work with certified coaches especially those who have an ACC or PCC certification
- ICF credentials build trust among clients who are then willing to pay well for the services of professional coaches.
