Blueprints for Success: The Rigor Behind ICF Coaching Competencies
Our coaching competency frameworks are trusted by both coaches and clients around the globe. Why? They aren’t just random guidelines — they’re meticulously designed blueprints born from extensive research, global stakeholder insights, and real-world applications. They’re your reliable compass, ensuring that every step you take is rooted in proven, inclusive, and inspiring practices.
When developing and updating our competency models, we follow a rigorous process that includes:
- Research and benchmarking to understand current coaching practices and trends.
- Stakeholder input from experience, expert coaches to gather insights on what is working well in current coaching practices and identify what else coaches need to know.
- Validation of the drafted framework, which involves a global survey of active coaches (both ICF-affiliated and not) to help us understand the tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other skills that are most important in everyday practice — and whether or not our competency models support those things.
- Expert review to ensure that the competencies are robust, comprehensive, and aligned with current best practices.
Empower Your Coaching with 4 Types of ICF Coaching Competencies
If you’re passionate about leveling up your coaching skills, the ICF Core Competencies and ICF Team Coaching Competencies are game-changers, providing you with frameworks for effective, transformative coaching.
If you want to help other coaches elevate their game, then the ICF Coaching Supervision Competencies and Mentor Coaching Competencies are your go-to resources. They’ll help you enrich these crucial relationships, making you an invaluable guide in their professional growth
ICF Core Competencies
The ICF Core Competencies are the foundation of our profession, designed to promote the highest standards of coaching practice. These competencies define the knowledge, skills, and behaviors expected of a professional coach and are the foundation of our credentials from beginning to end. They're essential for any coach striving to deliver impactful coaching.
Mastering these core competencies is crucial for earning and maintaining your ICF credential. But they also ensure you meet the professional standards necessary to make a meaningful difference in your clients' lives.
ICF Team Coaching Competencies
The ICF Team Coaching Competencies guide team coaches in mastering the unique skills and knowledge needed for coaching teams. Building on the ICF Core Competencies, this model sets the benchmark for team coaching excellence and serves as the foundation for the ICF Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC).
ICF Coaching Supervision Competencies
Coaching supervision is a dynamic practice that enhances a coach’s skills through collaborative reflection. The ICF Coaching Supervision Competencies offer a clear yet flexible framework for supervisors to help fellow coaches elevate their overall coaching practice.
ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies
Aligned with ICF Core Competencies, mentor coaching supports coaches in demonstrating these standards. The ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies outline key skills and knowledge essential for effective mentor coaching, which ultimately advances excellence in coaching.
