Coaching has transitioned from being an alternative practice to a flourishing industry that is all set to surpass $20 billion by 2022. According to the data presented by the coaching organizations in 2019, there were 586,292 practitioners with professional coaching certification globally – a number that has presumably risen since then. If we go by the market response and industry growth, coaching presents itself as a sustainable and lucrative career, provided you have a credible certificate.
Coaching aspirants often have queries regarding the certification process, the organizations that validate the same and offer credentials to the coaches. In this blog, we will highlight the aspects of professional coaching certification.
What is ICF?
The International Coaching Federation or the ICF has been spearheading and regulating the coaching industry for more than 25 years. It is the largest global organization for coaching and professional coaches that provides the aspirants with independent professional coaching certification and credentials.
For decades, the organization has dedicated its efforts towards the advancement of the coaching profession, establishing high standards and precedents in the coaching conduct and learning of the core coaching competencies, and thus building a global network of trained and competent coaches.
What is ICF Credential?
ICF as an organization does not offer training to the coaching professionals. However, ICF accredits the training programs offered by different institutes and offers credentials to professional coaches.
Credentialing is a detailed process wherein the competency of the coach, understanding of the core ICF principles, and the Code of Ethics while conducting sessions are assessed by the ICF. A professional coach must complete coach-specific training, along with other documented details to apply for a credential.
Credentialing is not mandatory for a coach after professional coaching certification training. However, it is highly recommended, as the credential elevates the credibility of the professional and attests to skills and knowledge.
What are the Different Coaching Pathways of ICF Credential?
The ICF offers three credentials to coach practitioners:
- ACC (Associate Certified Coach)
- PCC (Professional Certified Coach)
- MCC (Master Certified Coach)
All ACC and PCC pathways are further bifurcated into:
- ACTP (Accredited Coach Training Program)
- ACSTH (Approved Coach Specific Training Hours)
- Portfolio
A brief overview of the three different pathways is as follows:
| Coaching Pathway | Coach-Specific Training Hours | Mentor Coaching Hours | Coaching Experience Hours | No of Clients (Min.) |
| ACC | 60+ hours | 10 hours of 3 months (min.) | 100+hours (70 paid hours) | 8 clients |
| PCC | 125+ hours | 10 hours of 3 months (min.) | 500+ hours (440 paid hours) | 25 clients |
| MCC | 200+ hours | 10 hours of 3 months (min.) | 2500+ hours (2200 paid hours) | 35 clients |
Are you looking for an institute that offers professional coaching certification accredited by the ICF? Then check out the programs of Team Transformation. As a global coach training organization, Team Transformation has built its legacy by upholding and imparting the best coaching practices and accredited by ICF. It has multiple advanced coach training modules and an expert faculty of experienced and credentialed coaches, which a learner can benefit from. Contact now to get started.
