The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the leading global organization for coaches and coaching. ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals. ICF offers 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. ICF is consistently 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 Leading and informing conversations about the future 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. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership.

The ICF offers three different levels of credentialing based on your number of coaching hours: Associate Certified Coach (ACC) - 100 coaching hours Professional Certified Coach (PCC) - 500 coaching hours Master Certified Coach (MCC) - 2500 coaching hours To get this credential, you must complete a certain number of hours of coach-specific training from an ICF accredited coach training program, have 10 hours with a Mentor Coach, and complete a Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA). The CKA is a long, online multiple-choice exam based on the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics where you can demonstrate your knowledge of the coaching training you received from your coaching program. Your ICF credential is valid for three years; to keep your credential active, you must have 10 hours of Mentor Coaching and complete 40 hours of continuing education.

ICF Credential-holders are part of a self-regulating group of elite coaches who provide accountability to clients and the coaching profession as a whole. They pursue and complete rigorous education and practice requirements that provide unquestioned legitimacy to their commitment to excellence in coaching. Coaching is one of the fastest growing professions, and currently, is unregulated. Basically, that means that anyone can call themselves a coach. Making a choice to get an ICF credential will not only set you apart from the pack, but it lets people know that you take coaching seriously, and you are highly invested in your own professional development. With an ICF credential you set yourself apart from the coaching pack. It also lets your clients know how serious you are about your new profession and your commitment to your own professional development. What it can also give you is the ability to charge higher rates and earn a higher income, attract more clients who are serious about transforming their lives, secure more corporate contracts, and increase your referrals and client satisfaction.

The ICF Core Competencies were developed to support greater understanding about the skills and approaches used within today’s coaching profession as defined by ICF. These competencies and the ICF definition of coaching were used as the foundation for the development of the ICF Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA). The ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The Core Competencies are grouped into four domains according to those that fit together logically based on common ways of looking at the competencies in each group. The groupings and individual competencies are not weighted – they do not represent any kind of hierarchy and are all core and critical for any competent coach to demonstrate. "Click here to know more" about the ICF Core Competencies.

The Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) is a tool that can be used to measure coaches’ understanding of the knowledge and skills important in the practice of coaching. The CKA tests coaches on their understanding of the body of knowledge that includes the ICF definition of coaching, Core Competencies and Code of Ethics. "Click here to know more" about CKA.