ICF, the Gold Standard in Coaching | Read About ICF.
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ALL THINGS COACHING.

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What is ICF?

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.

Leading the Global Advancement of Coaching

Throughout its 27-year tenure in the coaching industry, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) lends instant credibility to its members. In 2021, we took a bold step forward into the future of coaching, launching a new visual brand that reflects our ecosystem – all of which has created to better serve you and equip coaches to continuously improve their transformative work around the world.

ICF continues to offer the most 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 coaching education. ICF-accredited education organizations must complete a rigorous review process and demonstrate that their curriculum aligns with the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics.

But more than that, we’re leading the way to set high standards across the board for the coaching industry and all of its facets. 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.

Read how we continue to lead through innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking in the 2022 ICF annual report, Embracing Possibilities. Envisioning the Future.

ICF’s Vision and Mission

Vision Statement: A world where coaching is integral to transforming societies.

Mission Statement: We advance coaching excellence, impact, and value worldwide.

What is 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.

We all have goals we want to reach, challenges we’re striving to overcome and times when we feel stuck. Partnering with a coach can change your life, setting you on a path to greater personal and professional fulfillment.


Dig Deeper

ICF is more than just a membership organization for professionally trained coaches. It’s a hub for all things coaching. Learn more about who we are and what we stand for.

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