New Credential Renewal Policy Updates Effective September 15

August 20, 2024 – Earning an ICF credential is an important professional milestone. Maintaining a hard-earned credential is equally important. To better support credential-holders in renewing their ICF credential or taking the next step on their credentialing journey, ICF Credentials and Standards is pleased to announce several forthcoming policy updates.

These policy changes will go into effect on September 15, 2024.

What Are the Changes?

• New approved professional development activities for credential renewal. These approved activities recognize coaches’ contributions to the coaching profession and social progress, while also offering the opportunity for learning and growth. These activities include:
  • Service on an ICF Global Board, committee, council or task force. (Two CCE credits in Resource Development per year of service)
  • Service on an ICF Chapter Board. (Two CCE credits in Resource Development per year of service)
  • Service as an ICF Subject Matter Expert Volunteer
  • Service as a volunteer for an ICF Foundation initiative. (Two CCE Credits in Resource Development per initiative.)
• Extenuating Circumstances Policy for Credential Renewal. ICF understands that serious, extenuating circumstances — such as serious illness, long-term medical disability, family emergency, force majeure, or military deployment – can prevent a credential-holder from renewing their credential on time. Through the new ICF Credential Extenuating Circumstances Policy, credential holders facing these types of situations can request a temporary extension of their credential up to 12 months. Requests must be submitted to support@coachingfederation.org at least 30 days prior to the credential expiration date.
• Credential Upgrade Policy. Through the Credential Renewal process, credentialed coaches demonstrate their commitment to professional development and growth for the benefit of their clients. For some, however, seeking a higher-level credential at the end of their credential cycle is the best next step in their personal coaching journey.

The new ICF Credential Upgrade Policy supports coaches who apply for a higher-level credential within one year of their current expiration date (before or after) by extending their active certification status up to 12 months. This new policy allows credential-holders to maintain their current credential while their new credential application is reviewed and processed — without having to submit a separate credential renewal application and accompanying fees.