Becoming a Coach

Becoming an accredited professional coach with the International Coach Federation (ICF) offers numerous advantages in terms of professional development, credibility, and opportunities. With the demand for coaching services increasing across various industries, ICF accreditation serves as a valuable asset for coaches. This article will explore the advantages of becoming an ICF-accredited professional coach
ICF offers three levels of coach credentials: Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Master Certified Coach (MCC).  The requirements for each level are given below.

ACC Pathway:

The ACC Pathway is the most popular pathway for coaches who are new to the profession. It is a good option for coaches who want to gain the basic skills and knowledge necessary to start coaching clients.

To become an ACC, you must have a minimum of 100 coaching hours, 60+ hours of coach-specific education, and pass the ICF Core Competencies Assessment.

PCC Pathway:

The PCC Pathway is a good option for coaches who have been practising for a few years and want to take their coaching to the next level. It is also a good option for coaches who want to become certified to coach in a specific area, such as business coaching or executive coaching.

To become a PCC, you must have a minimum of 500 coaching hours, 125+ hours of coach-specific education, and pass the ICF Core Competencies Assessment.

MCC Pathway:

The MCC Pathway is the highest level of ICF certification. It is a good option for coaches who have been practising for many years and want to demonstrate their expertise in the coaching profession.

To become an MCC, you must have a minimum of 2500 coaching hours, 200+ hours of coach-specific education, and pass the ICF Core Competencies Assessment.

in addition, you require a minimum of 10 hours of mentor coaching for all the credentials.

While becoming a credentialed coach with ICF can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, it may not always be commercially lucrative. It can take time to build a successful coaching practice, and coaches may need to market themselves effectively to attract clients. Good markets to set up a coaching practice can include industries such as healthcare, education, and professional services, as well as targeting specific groups such as entrepreneurs or executives.

The time required to obtain an ICF credential varies depending on individual circumstances, such as prior experience, the pathway chosen, and the commitment devoted to coaching. On average, it may take anywhere from several months to a couple of years to achieve an ICF credential.

Regarding cost, it is important to note that ICF does not offer training directly. Instead, they accredit coach training programs and charge fees for credentialing. The costs associated with training programs and credentialing exams can vary significantly. In the United States, the costs for training programs can range from $3,000 to $10,000, while exam fees for credentialing can range from $300 to $1,000. Prices in the United Kingdom and India may vary but are generally comparable. Each path is designed for different circumstances.

To obtain ICF (International Coach Federation) qualifications, there are three primary pathways available. These pathways provide individuals with various options to meet the training and experience requirements set by ICF. Let's explore each pathway in detail:

ACTP (Accredited Coach Training Program):

The ACTP pathway involves enrolling in an ICF-accredited coach training program. These programs have gone through a rigorous review process to ensure they meet the stringent quality standards set by ICF. By completing an ACTP, individuals fulfil both the training and coaching experience requirements for ICF credentials. The number of training hours required depends on the level of credential being pursued: Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), or Master Certified Coach (MCC).

ACSTH (Approved Coach-Specific Training Hours):

The ACSTH pathway allows individuals to select their own coach training program from a wide range of ICF-approved training providers. This pathway is suitable for those who prefer flexibility in choosing their training program. To qualify for an ICF credential through the ACSTH pathway( for ACC), individuals must complete a minimum of 60 hours of coach-specific training, including core competencies and ethics training.

Portfolio:

The Portfolio pathway is designed for experienced coaches who have already undergone significant coach training and possess substantial coaching experience. This pathway allows coaches to submit their portfolio, showcasing their training, coaching experience, and competencies to ICF for evaluation. The portfolio should demonstrate that the coach meets or exceeds the required standards for the desired credential level.

Each pathway has its own specific requirements, and you must carefully consider their experience, training needs, and personal preferences when choosing the most suitable pathway for your ICF qualification journey.

It's important to note that regardless of the pathway chosen, all applicants must fulfil ICF's core competencies, adhere to the ICF Code of Ethics, and complete a specified number of coaching experience hours to be eligible for ICF credentials at any level.

It is important to note that the cost of application varies depending on the pathway and it will impact the over cost.  

While becoming a credentialed coach with ICF can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, it may not always be commercially lucrative. It can take time to build a successful coaching practice, and coaches may need to market themselves effectively to attract clients.

In summary, becoming a credentialed coach with ICF can be a fulfilling and rewarding career, but it requires dedication, effort, and a willingness to learn and grow. It needs some patience and real interest. If you are not clear, get in touch with an ICF credentialed coach and speak with them or engage them in a coaching conversation that might shed light on your needs and help you decide for yourself the best approach.  It is always important to invest your time and money in areas that are aligned with your purpose and values.

Please visit the ICF website for detailed and accurate information.

https://coachingfederation.org/credentials-and-standards/credentials-paths