Renew Your Credential

If you were unable to submit your credential renewal application by its expiration date, ICF provides a two-month grace period during which time your credential will remain active.   

However, if you are unable to submit your credential renewal application by the end of the grace period your credential will lapse, and you will not hold an active credential. You will still have an additional 10 months to renew your credential, but you will need to provide additional CCEs for each lapsed month.  

Below is the list of CCE’s required by month when submitted following expiration date:  

• Application submitted in the first month following expiration date: grace period – 40 CCE units (Minimum of 24 must be Core Competencies) 
• Application submitted in the second month following expiration date: grace period – 40 CCE units (Minimum of 24 must be Core Competencies) 
• Application submitted in the third month following expiration date: 41.2 CCE units (Minimum of 24.72 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in the fourth month following expiration date: 42.4 CCE unit (Minimum of 25.44 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in the fifth month following expiration date: 43.6 CCE units (Minimum of 26.16 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in the sixth month following expiration date: 44.8 CCE units (Minimum of 26.88 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in the seventh month following expiration date: 46 CCE units (Minimum of 27.6 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in the eighth month following expiration date: 47.2 CCE units (Minimum of 28.32 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in the ninth month following expiration date: 48.4 CCE units (Minimum of 29.04 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in the tenth month following expiration date: 49.6 CCE units (Minimum of 29.76 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in the eleventh month following expiration date: 50.8 CCE units (Minimum of 30 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in the twelfth month following expiration date: 52 CCE units (Minimum of 31.2 must be Core Competencies)  

Once a full year has passed from the expiration date of the credential it is now fully expired. In order to reinstate your ICF Credential, you will be required to submit a new credential application rather than completing a credential renewal application 

Example for renewals that were due on December 31, 2021: 

• Application submitted in January 2022: grace period – 40 CCE units (24 must be Core Competencies) 
• Application submitted in February 2022: grace period – 40 CCE units (24 must be Core Competencies) 
• Application submitted in March 2022: 41.2 CCE units (24.72 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in April 2022: 42.4 CCE unit (25.44 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in May 2022: 43.6 CCE units (26.16 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in June 2022: 44.8 CCE units (26.88 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in July 2022: 46 CCE units (27.6 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in August 2022: 47.2 CCE units (28.32 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in September 2022: 48.4 CCE units (29.04 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in October 2022: 49.6 CCE units (29.76 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in November 2022: 50.8 CCE units (30 must be Core Competencies)  
• Application submitted in December 2022: 52 CCE units (31.2 must be Core Competencies)

Once a full year has passed from the expiration date of the credential it is now fully expired. In order to hold an ICF Credential, you will be required to submit a new credential application rather than completing a credential renewal application. 

If your ICF Credential expired on or before December 31, 2020, you will need to submit a credential application in order to reinstate your credential, or you may apply directly to the next credential level. 

If you have questions or need support about submitting a new credential application, please visit the ICF Support page. 

For some credentialed coaches, seeking a higher-level credential at the end of their current cycle is the best next step in their coaching journey. The ICF Credential Upgrade policy makes it easier for credential-holders to level-up their credential as they approach their credential expiration date.

If you apply for a higher-level credential within one year of your current expiration date, you can maintain your current credential status up to 12 months while your new credential application is being reviewed. This means there is no need for a separate renewal application or fees, allowing you to focus on your upgrade without interruption. For more details about the ICF Credential Upgrade Policy, please see the Credential Renewal Candidate Guide.

To get started leveling up your credential, please complete the Credential Path Survey. Based on your responses about your coaching education and experience hours, the survey results will indicate the credential level(s) and application pathway for which you are qualified. You will then be able to create and complete the appropriate credential application.

This handbook contains helpful information for those applying renewing an ICF Credential. Applicants should use this resource as a source of guidance and direction in navigating the ICF Credentialing process.

Credential renewal applications must be paid in full before they will be considered submitted and placed in line to be reviewed.

Payment Type Options: All major credit cards are accepted online.  If you wish to pay for your credential renewal through another method, such as PayPal or Bank Transfer, please reach out to support@coachingfederation.org with your request.

Payment Installments: Renewal applicants have the option to break up the payment into two payments.

If you wish to pay for your application in full, then simply skip this question during the payment process for your renewal application.

NOTE: The renewal application will not be considered submitted and the application’s review will not begin until the renewal fee has been paid in full.

If you need assistance, finding CCEs or information on how to document them in your application, please visit the Professional Development page. 

If you have additional questions regarding renewing your credential not found above, please visit the Credentialing FAQ page. 

Have a question you’d like to ask Credential and Standards staff?  Attend one of the Credentials and Standards Q&A calls held throughout the year.

If you need support regarding the Renewal process, or if you did not find an answer to your question on the FAQ page, please visit the ICF Support page.