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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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Why Should I Choose an ICF Credentialed Coach?
A coach who has been credentialed by the International Coach Federation (ICF) has completed stringent education and experience requirements and has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in coaching.
| Certification from the ICF is extremely important when considering which coach to hire. It means the coach:
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According to the 2006 ICF Global Coaching Study, 52 percent of all coaching clients expect the coach they hire to be credentialed. Working with an ICF Credentialed coach ensures consumers that they aren't in a partnership with someone merely calling him or herself a coach. When you hire an ICF Credentialed coach, you can be assured your coach comes with highly recognizable, global coaching qualifications.
Coaches who have been credentialed by the ICF have received coach-specific training, achieved a designated number of experience hours and been coached by a mentor coach.
Potential coaching clients can search for ICF Credentialed coaches through the ICF's free Coach Referral Service (CRS). The Coach Referral Service is a searchable directory of ICF Credentialed coaches and will match coaches with clients, based on various criteria that potential clients can select.
If you are considering hiring a coach, be diligent in asking the coach if they have been specifically trained in coaching skills and currently holds or in the process of acquiring an ICF Credential. Don't be misled to think someone is a competent coach because he or she has other professional credentials or sets high fees.
Coach Selection Tips from ICF
- Educate yourself about coaching. (Thousands of articles have been written about it in the last three to five years. The ICF Research Portal also hosts coaching research articles, case studies, journals, etc.)
- Know your objectives for working with a coach.
- Interview three coaches before you decide on one. Ask each about his or her experience, qualifications, skills, and ask for at least two references.
- Remember, coaching is an important relationship. There should be a connection between you and the coach that "feels" right to you.
Questions to Ask a Prospective Coach
Beyond choosing an ICF Credentialed coach, the most important aspect to consider when selecting a coach is finding someone with whom you can easily relate to and create the most powerful partnership. ICF recommends the following questions to ask prospective coaches:
- What is your coaching experience (number of individuals coached, years of experience, types of coaching situations)?
- What is your coach-specific training (enrolled in an ICF approved training program, other coach-specific training, etc.)?
- What is your coaching specialty or areas in which you most often work?
- What specialized skill or experience do you bring to your coaching?
- What is your philosophy about coaching?
- What is your specific process for coaching (how sessions are conducted, frequency, etc.)?
- What are some coaching success stories (specific examples of individuals who have succeeded as a result of coaching/how the coach has added value)?
