Basic Facts on the International Coach FederationHistory and membership of the International Coach FederationThe International Coach Federation is an organisation whose core purpose is “To advance the art, science and practice of professional coaching.”It was formed in 1995 by Thomas J. Leonard who is a major contributor to the development of coaching worldwide, having written several books on coaching, pioneered many coaching techniques and set up a wealth of resources for coaches such as TopTen.Org, Teleclass.com and many others. Currently the ICF has more than 14,000 members in nearly 90 countries and 160 chapters in nearly 50 countries worldwide. North America has 63% of the ICF membership; Asia-Pacific 10%; Europe and the Middle East 25%; Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America – 1 percent; and Africa 1% as of the latest report of 2007. ICF membership has grown more than 600% in the last eight years. It is a non-profit, organization formed by business and personal coaching professionals worldwide. It is an individual membership organisation, meaning that individuals apply for membership. Its core values are integrity, excellence, collaboration and respect. ICF definition of coachingThe ICF defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”“Coaching is an ongoing relationship which focuses on clients taking action toward the realization of their visions, goals or desires. Its workThe ICF primarily exists to “Build, Support and Preserve the integrity of the coaching profession through programs and standards supported by the individual membership.”On its website and its work it provides resources for both coaches and clients. Support offered to clients includes guidance on understanding what coaching is, the coaching core competencies to look for in a coach and how to go about choosing a coach. The ICF offers the only globally recognized, independent credentialing program. It has become a leader in the industry by establishing an independent credentialing program that now offers coaching credentials that are recognized worldwide. Support offered to coaches by the ICF includes networking with other coaches, access to research on coaching and development opportunities, conferences, and a professional code of ethics for guidance Credentials and membershipCoaching credentials offered by the ICF are Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC) or Master Certified Coach (MCC).Membership requirements include paying an annual fee, subscribing to the ICF Core Coaching Competencies and abiding by the ICF Code of Ethics. Members from developing countries, as defined by the Organisation for economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) pay a reduced membership fee. Code of EthicsThe ICF has developed ethical guidelines for its members which are essential for keeping the coaching profession professional and accountable as well as for instilling a sense of confidence in coaching clients.Part One: The ICF Philosophy of Coaching Part Two: The ICF Definition of Coaching Part Three: The ICF Standards of Ethical ConductThese are grouped in four major sections: Part Four: The ICF Pledge of Ethics Core CompetenciesIn addition, the International Coach Federation has developed eleven core coaching competencies “to support greater understanding about the skills and approaches used within today's coaching profession as defined by the ICF.”The Core Competencies are listed below: SETTING THE FOUNDATION In order to be accredited with the ICF therefore the coaching methodology used by a coach has to have these core competencies. Please visit the
International Coach Federation Website
for more information.
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