ICF Accreditation
Accreditation is the process by which coaching education and training programs are officially recognized as meeting specific standards of quality and core competencies set by ICF Coaching Education.
Coach educators play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the coaching profession, guiding the next generation through innovative programs. Earning ICF accreditation is a mark of distinction, demonstrating your unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality education and preparing your students to become exceptional coaches.
ICF accreditation signals your commitment to high standards in coaching education and that your educational program aligns with the ICF Core Competencies, ICF Code of Ethics, and leading practices in both coaching and education.
By embracing these rigorous standards, you not only enhance your program's credibility and competitive edge but also join a vibrant community of like-minded coach educators, all dedicated to advancing excellence and innovation in the field.
Show the world that your program stands out by earning ICF accreditation — it's a testament to your dedication to both your students' success and the future of coaching. Why wait to make that statement?
Community & Networking
Collaboration. Support. Growth. We offer so much more than just accreditation. ICF Coaching Education also fosters a community of coach educators dedicated to advancing the future of coaching education. Together, we can light up the path, inspire innovation, and help one another navigate the journey to a more robust coaching future.
Join your colleagues today in this dynamic community to transform coaching education.
ICF Coaching Education Board of Directors
The ICF Coaching Education Board of Directors is a distinguished assembly of industry experts and thought leaders, whose commitment and strategic vision are instrumental in advancing the coaching profession. As volunteer leaders, they guide and shape the future of coaching education, ensuring that ICF remains the global leader in accrediting coaching education organizations worldwide.
The board is composed of seven ICF credential holders from around the world. Most are coach educators with extensive experience in the field of coaching. Additionally, the ICF Global Enterprise Board chair, the ICF CEO, and the vice president of ICF Coaching Education serve as non-voting, ex-officio members.
Why serve?
ICF Coaching Education leads the way in setting the global standard for excellence in coaching education programs. Serving on the board of directors is your chance to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, influencing the direction of coaching education globally. While shaping the future of the profession, you’ll also have the opportunity to leave your mark on an organization that sets the gold standard in coaching education. Serve on the board to drive real change and be at the forefront of the industry’s evolution.
Who are we looking for?
ICF Coaching Education is looking for individuals from diverse backgrounds with varied skill sets, perspectives, and voices who are interested in driving change in coach education and training. Available roles are posted annually when elections open.
Nomination and Appointment Process
Each applicant must submit an application to be considered by the ICF Coaching Education Nominating Committee. At the end of the application window, the Nominating Committee will review all applications. Select candidates may be asked to participate in an interview. After a thorough review, candidates will be notified of their application status, after which the approved Board Members will be announced.
The nominating committee is appointed by the current board each year, and changes each election cycle.
Requirements
To be eligible to serve on the ICF Coaching Education Board of Directors, you must meet the following requirements:
Candidates must have a passion for the future of coaching, particularly the role of coaching education programs in shaping and leading that future.
- Directors may be actively involved in other departments or parts of ICF, but they may not be board members on any of the other six ICF boards.
Experience
- Proven leadership in strategic thinking and execution of strategic plans.
- Knowledge of and experience with ICF and/or coaching.
- Experience and influence in policymaking.
- Previous experience as a board member with governance responsibilities.
- Background in accreditation or with accreditation bodies.
- Knowledge of the principles of instructional design.
- Demonstrated global leadership experience.
- Financial acumen.
Competencies
- Ability to inspire program engagement in alignment with ICF Coaching Education’s strategic goals.
- Conceptual thinking.
- Skillful conflict management.
- Creativity and innovation.
- Ability to connect and leverage various fields of knowledge.
- Ability to focus on high-level policy and performance standards. Strong business and financial acumen.
- Effective problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency in analytical and systems thinking.
- Expertise in relationship building and self-management.
- Leadership experience within complex organizations.
- Global cultural awareness and experience.
- Knowledge of and interest in ICF.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Commitment to ethical governance.
- Ability to identify and articulate opportunities.
- Alignment with ICF’s values.
- Collaborative and consensus-building skills.
- Experience engaging a volunteer workforce.
- Proven success in performance management.
Board Member Expectations
The ICF Coaching Education Board of Directors is a governance board. We expect board members to provide oversight with a focus on the future of coaching education. Strong collaboration and productive dialog are essential among board members. All members should plan to participate in three to five hours per month of board meetings and working sessions, both pre-scheduled and as needed.
ICF Coaching Education board members are required to attend one or two in-person board meetings annually. The date and location will be determined by the board. Board members will be offered compensation for travel expenses to attend annual in-person board meetings and any necessary board retreats. Such retreats, such as the strategic planning retreat held every three years, are in addition to the annual in-person board meetings.
Statement of Diversity and Inclusion
We, at ICF Coaching Education, celebrate and honor diversity. We commit to inspiring and holding accountable coaching education institutions to provide safe learning spaces that are inclusive and fair for all faculty, staff, and coach-students to thrive. We do so in alignment with the overarching One ICF commitment to place diversity, inclusion, belonging, and justice at the forefront of everything we do.
Join your colleagues today in this dynamic community to transform coaching education.