International Coach Federation

Credential Program

The ICF is renowned for its globally recognized credentialing program. Learn more, including how to apply for or renew your credential.

Interested in partnering with a professional coach? Search through the ICF's database of ICF Credentialed coaches and member directory.

Thank you for helping advance coaching around the world. Learn more about your ICF member benefits. Access member-only information and tools.

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Personal Branding for Coaches

Mar. 18: Join William Arruda for this VE session.

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Expanding Your Network and Your Net Worth with LinkedIn

Mar. 24: Join Christine Gallagher for this VE session.

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ICF Credentialing

The International Coach Federation (ICF) offers the only globally recognized, independent credentialing program which has existed for more than a decade. More than 5,800 coaches currently hold one of three offered ICF Credentials.

The ICF Credentialing Program . . .

Establishes and administers minimum standards for credentialing professional coaches and coach training agencies.
Assures the public that participating coaches and coach training agencies meet or exceed these minimum standards.
Reinforces professional coaching as a distinct and self-regulating profession.

Coaches who have been credentialed by the ICF have received coach-specific training, achieved a designated number of experience hours and have been coached by a mentor coach. Learn more about earning an ICF Credential. Access ICF Credentialing applications.

ICF Credentials Growing in Demand
According to the ICF Global Coaching Study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, 52 percent of coaches report that their coaching clients expect the coach they hire to be credentialed.

Proposed Enhancements to the ICF Credentialing System
For the latest information on proposed enhancements to the ICF Credentialing program, please visit the ICF News section of Coachfederation.org or the ICF Blog at Coachfederation.org/blog.

2008 ICF President Diane Brennan, MBA, MCC, discusses the importance of earning an ICF Credential.
View video.

	"Renewing my PCC credential and working to attain my MCC is essential for advancement, growth and professionalism for me, my clients and the profession of coaching. We must "walk our talk" in assisting our clients in excelling AND the coaching profession in excelling, credentialing is one way of doing so!" Francine Carter (PCC), United States
	"As a professional coach and active player in the Norwegian market I wanted to renew my credentials to support our profession and give my customers and fellow coaches a sign of professionalism. As coaches we all have a responsibility to crave for the highest professional standards." Dennis Jørstad (PCC), Norway
	"...I believe the public deserves to know how to separate those who say they are coaches, from those who actually are and have certifications and credentials to support it. A person who takes the time and effort to become a coach through an ICF accredited school and who has pursued credentialing through the ICF itself, has created a competitive differention for themselves against those that have not." Joe Postiglione(PCC), United States