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- Professional Development & Continuing Education
  - What are Continuing Coach Education Units (CCEs)?
    Continuing Coach Education (CCE) is defined as an activity that promotes your continued growth as a coach. CCE is divided into two categories:
    
    Core Competencies
    
    Resource Development
    
    Continuing Coach Education (CCE) units are earned upon completing Continuing Coach Education. Continuing Coach Education Units can be used for your ICF renewal application or credentialing application. Be sure to check out the ICF Credentials and Standards page for more information.
  - Are there opportunities available in the Learning Portal that can be used for Continuing Coach Education Units (CCEs)?
    Yes. To search for learning that is eligible for CCEs, follow the steps below.
    
    Log into the Learning Portal using your ICF Login information.
    
    Scroll down the page until you see “Course Catalog”
    
    On the right side of your screen, you will see a list of tags, check the box next to Core Competency or Resource Development
    
    The library will refresh with activities that offer the credits.
  - I attended a session in the Learning Portal but did not receive my certificate to verify CCEs. What do I do?
    We no longer give out certificates in the ICF Learning Portal. After completion of a learning product, your credits are recorded on the ICF Learning Portal. Below are the steps to download your transcript on the Learning Portal:
    
    Log into the Learning Portal using your ICF Login. https://learning.coachingfederation.org/
    
    Click ‘Your Name’ in the top right corner.
    
    Choose ‘My Account’ from the drop-down list.
    
    Click the third tab labeled ‘Transcript’.
    
    Click on the ‘Print Transcript’ button on the right side of the screen.
    
    Enter specific beginning and end dates to filter – if these are credits towards your first credential on the portal, you can leave this blank.
    
    Uncheck ‘Incomplete’ and ‘Completions’.
    
    Check the box next to ‘Credits Claimed’.
    
    Click ‘Print’.
    
    Your transcript will open as a PDF titled ‘Learning Record’ in a new tab in your browser.
    
    Hover near the top of your browser window and click the down arrow to download and save.
  - Who manages the Learning Portal?
    
    The ICF Learning and Development team maintains the Learning Portal, working collaboratively with the entire ICF ecosystem to create cutting-edge and exciting learning opportunities.
  - Do I have to pay to access the Learning Portal?
    
    Learners do not have to pay to access the Learning Portal, but some content may have a cost depending on your Membership status with ICF.
  - Are there free learning opportunities available to those who are not ICF Members?
    
    For those who are not ICF Members there are a select few free sessions. You can browse the course catalog on the landing page to find free learning opportunities for non-members. Most of our Community of Practice Sessions are a free member benefit!
  - Do I have to be an ICF Member to access the Learning Portal?
    
    No. Those who are not an ICF Member can create an account on the ICF Learning Portal. Non-members can do this by clicking login at the top right. You will be directed to login and from this page you can click “Create Login.” Then input your email and click search. If you are not in our database, the system will send you an email to create your account. The email will be from "headquarters@coachingfederation.org" and the subject line will be "ICF Email Verification Needed." Click the link in the email and finish creating your ICF Account by filling out the required areas. Once the account is created you can browse the Learning Portal! Note: If you cannot find the email, be sure to check your junk, spam, or other inboxes.
  - How do I access the Learning Portal?
    
    You can access the ICF Learning Portal by visiting https://learning.coachingfederation.org/. Visitors can log in from the top right by using their ICF Login. It will redirect visitors to the ICF website to login if it is their first-time logging in or if it is on a new browser/device.
  - What kinds of learning opportunities can I find in the Learning Portal?
    
    The ICF Learning Portal offers virtual live sessions and recorded On-demand sessions. The continued learning you will find here is offered in various contexts including Community of Practice webinars, Family Organization offerings, OnDemand sessions, and recorded in-person events.
  - What is the Learning Portal?
    
    The ICF Learning Portal is a virtual venue that provides continuing coach education that is relevant across various aspects of a coach’s practice, from coaching skills to business development. The continued learning you will find here is offered in various contexts including Community of Practice webinars, Family Organization offerings, On-demand sessions, and recorded in-person events.
Membership
Mentor Coaching
Miscellaneous
- About ICF
  - Where can I find information on ICF’s climate initiatives?
    
    More information on ICF’s climate initiatives can be found on the ICF and Climate Issues page.
  - Where can I find information on ICF’s diversity and inclusion efforts?
    
    More information on ICF’s efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) can be found on the Diversity and Inclusion at ICF page.
  - Where can I find ICF’s Privacy Policies?
    
    ICF’s policies (including the Privacy Policy) can be found on the Policies page.
  - What is “Experience Coaching”?
    
    Experience Coaching is an ICF website created to help you explore the possibilities of partnering with a professional coach. At experiencecoaching.com, you’ll learn more about what coaching is, what it’s not, important things to consider before hiring a coach, and more.
  - What is Coaching?
    
    ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership. Coaching is an investment in yourself and your future. It’s a transformative experience that can empower you in ways you may have never thought possible.
  - What does ICF do?
    
    ICF is more than just a membership organization for professionally trained coaches. It’s a hub for all things coaching. ICF offers globally recognized Membership, independent credentialing for individual coaching practitioners who meet rigorous standards, accreditation for education organizations that instruct the coaches of tomorrow, specialty programs and benefits for organizations who implement coaching cultures, and a space for discussion and the creation of the future of coaching. Additionally, the ICF Foundation exists to advance the future of coaching, specifically in its ability to contribute to positive social impact and change. Learn more.
  - What is the International Coaching Federation (ICF)?
    The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the leading global organization for professional coach practitioners. As the hub for all things coaching, ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification, education accreditation, and building a global network of trained coaching professionals. We’re leading the way to set high standards for the coaching industry – ICF is consistently recognized among coaching professionals around the world for:
    
    Developing coaching core competencies
    
    Establishing a professional code of ethics and standards
    
    Creating an internationally recognized credentialing program
    
    setting guidelines through accreditation for coach-specific education programs
    
    Providing continuous education through world-class events, Communities of Practice (CPs) and archived learning
    
    Leading and informing conversations about the future of coaching
- Credentialed Coach Finder (CCF)
  - How can I verify that the coach I’m already working with is an ICF Member and/or Credential-holder?
    
    If you have already partnered with a coach and want to verify if they are an ICF Member and/or Credential-holder, you may use the Verify a Coach tool.
  - What is the Credentialed Coach Finder (CCF)?
    
    To help you find the right coach, ICF developed the Credentialed Coach Finder (CCF) - a free, searchable directory with listings for thousands of ICF-credentialed coaches around the world. Individuals can use CCF to identify and select trained, qualified coaches who are best suited for their particular situation. Learn more and get started with your search.
  - How do I find a coach to partner with?
    
    Finding a coach with whom to partner is a highly individualized and personal process. ICF has created a tool to help you find and learn more about ICF-credentialed coaches who are also ICF Members. Visit the Find a Coach page to learn more.
- Working with a Coach
  - What are some typical reasons why someone might work with a coach?
    An individual or team might choose to work with a coach for many reasons, including but not limited to the following:
    
    Something urgent, compelling or exciting is at stake (a challenge, stretch goal or opportunity)
    
    A gap exists in knowledge, skills, confidence or resources
    
    A desire to accelerate results
    
    A lack of clarity with choices to be made
    
    Success has started to become problematic
    
    Work and life are out of balance, creating unwanted consequences
    
    Core strengths need to be identified, along with how best to leverage them
  - How is coaching delivered? What does the process look like?
    
    Coaching typically begins with a personal interview (either face-to-face or by teleconference call) to assess the individual’s or business’ current opportunities and challenges, define the scope of the relationship, identify priorities for action and establish specific desired outcomes. Subsequent coaching sessions may be conducted in person or over the telephone, with each session lasting a previously established length of time. Between scheduled coaching sessions, the individual may be asked to complete specific actions that support the achievement of one’s personally prioritized goals. The coach may provide additional resources in the form of relevant articles, checklists, assessments or models to support the individual’s or business’ thinking and actions. The duration of the coaching relationship varies depending on needs and preferences. Assessments: A variety of assessments are available to support the coaching process, depending upon the needs and circumstances of the individual or business. Assessments provide objective information that can enhance self-awareness, as well as awareness of others and their circumstances; provide a benchmark for creating coaching goals and actionable strategies; and offer a method for evaluating progress. Concepts, models and principles: A variety of concepts, models and principles drawn from the behavioral sciences, management literature, spiritual traditions and/or the arts and humanities may be incorporated into the coaching conversation to increase self-awareness and awareness of others, foster shifts in perspective, promote fresh insights, provide new frameworks for looking at opportunities and challenges, and energize and inspire forward actions. Appreciative approach: Coaching incorporates an appreciative approach, grounded in what’s right, what’s working, what’s wanted and what’s needed to get there. Using an appreciative approach, the coach models constructive communication skills and methods to enhance personal communication effectiveness. He or she incorporates discovery-based inquiry, proactive (as opposed to reactive) ways of managing personal opportunities and challenges, constructive framing of observations and feedback to elicit the most positive responses from others, and visions of success as contrasted with focusing on problems. The appreciative approach is simple to understand and employ, and its reach can be profound, opening up new possibilities and spurring action.
  - How do you ensure a compatible partnership?
    Overall, be prepared to design the coaching partnership with the coach. For example, think of a strong partnership that you currently have in your work or life. Look at how you built that relationship and what is important to you about partnership. You will want to build those same things into a coaching relationship. Here are a few other tips:
    
    Interview more than one coach to determine “what feels right” in terms of the chemistry. Coaches are accustomed to being interviewed, and an introductory conversation of this type is usually free of charge.
    
    Look for stylistic similarities and differences between the coach and you and how these might support your growth as an individual or the growth of your team.
    
    Discuss your goals for coaching within the context of the coach’s specialty or the coach’s preferred way of working with an individual or team.
    
    Talk with the coach about what to do if you ever feel things are not going well; make some agreements up front on how to handle questions or problems.
    
    Remember that coaching is a partnership, so be assertive about talking with the coach about any concerns.
  - Within the partnership, what does the coach do? The individual?
    The coach:
    
    Provides objective assessment and observations that foster the individual’s or team’s self-awareness and awareness of others
    
    Listens closely to fully understand the individual’s or team’s circumstances
    
    Acts as a sounding board in exploring possibilities and implementing thoughtful planning and decision making
    
    Champions opportunities and potential, encouraging stretch and challenge commensurate with personal strengths and aspirations
    
    Fosters shifts in thinking that reveal fresh perspectives
    
    Challenges blind spots to illuminate new possibilities and support the creation of alternative scenarios
    
    Maintains professional boundaries in the coaching relationship, including confidentiality, and adheres to the coaching profession’s code of ethics
    
    The individual:
    
    Creates the coaching agenda based on personally meaningful coaching goals
    
    Uses assessment and observations to enhance self-awareness and awareness of others
    
    Envisions personal and/or organizational success
    
    Assumes full responsibility for personal decisions and actions
    
    Utilizes the coaching process to promote possibility thinking and fresh perspectives
    
    Takes courageous action in alignment with personal goals and aspirations
    
    Engages big-picture thinking and problem-solving skills
    
    Takes the tools, concepts, models and principles provided by the coach and engages in effective forward actions
  - What does coaching ask of an individual?
    To be successful, coaching asks certain things, all of which begin with intention. Additionally, clients should:
    
    Focus on one’s self, the tough questions, the hard truths and one’s success.
    
    Observe the behaviors and communications of others.
    
    Listen to one’s intuition, assumptions, judgments, and to the way one sounds when one speaks.
    
    Challenge existing attitudes, beliefs and behaviors and develop new ones that serve one’s goals in a superior way.
    
    Leverage personal strengths and overcome limitations to develop a winning style.
    
    Take decisive actions, however uncomfortable and in spite of personal insecurities, to reach for the extraordinary.
    
    Show compassion for one’s self while learning new behaviors and experiencing setbacks, and to show that compassion for others as they do the same.
    
    Commit to not take one’s self so seriously, using humor to lighten and brighten any situation.
    
    Maintain composure in the face of disappointment and unmet expectations, avoiding emotional reactivity.
    
    Have the courage to reach for more than before while engaging in continual self examination without fear.
  - How can the success of the coaching process be measured?
    
    Measurement may be thought of in two distinct ways: external indicators of performance and internal indicators of success. Ideally, both are incorporated. Examples of external measures include achievement of coaching goals established at the outset of the coaching relationship, increased income/revenue, obtaining a promotion, performance feedback that is obtained from a sample of the individual’s constituents (e.g., direct reports, colleagues, customers, boss, the manager him/herself), personal and/or business performance data (e.g., productivity, efficiency measures). The external measures selected should be things the individual is already measuring and has some ability to directly influence. Examples of internal measures include self-scoring/self-validating assessments that can be administered initially and at regular intervals in the coaching process, changes in the individual’s self-awareness and awareness of others, shifts in thinking that create more effective actions, and shifts in one’s emotional state that inspire confidence.
  - What factors should be considered when looking at the financial investment in coaching?
    
    Working with a coach requires both a personal commitment of time and energy as well as a financial commitment. Fees charged vary by specialty and by the level of experience of the coach. Individuals should consider both the desired benefits as well as the anticipated length of time to be spent in coaching. Since the coaching relationship is predicated on clear communication, any financial concerns or questions should be voiced in initial conversations before the agreement is made. The ICF Credentialed Coach Finder allows you to search for a coach based on a number of qualifications, including fee range.
  - How long does a coach work with an individual?
    
    The length of a coaching partnership varies depending on the individual’s or team’s needs and preferences. For certain types of focused coaching, three to six months of working may work. For other types of coaching, people may find it beneficial to work with a coach for a longer period. Factors that may impact the length of time include: the types of goals, the ways individuals or teams prefer to work, the frequency of coaching meetings and financial resources available to support coaching.
  - Why should I look for an ICF-credentialed Coach?
    
    A coach who holds an ICF Credential has completed a rigorous credentialing process to develop and refine their coaching skills. Anyone can call themselves a coach, but ICF-credentialed coaches have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the coaching competencies that set the standard in the profession. Additionally, ICF-credentialed coaches adhere to strict ethical guidelines as part of ICF’s mission to protect and serve coaching consumers. According to the 2022 Global Consumer Awareness Study, 85% of coaching clients say it’s important or very important that their coach holds a certification or credential.
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