ICF Code of Ethics

The ICF Code of Ethics is an essential resource for coaches, mentors, trainers, and coaching students, setting clear ethical guidelines and standards to uphold integrity in coaching practices. It includes five key sections: introduction, definitions, core values and ethical principles, ethical standards, and a professional pledge.

For coaches and clients—this Code offers a clear framework for ethical behavior, emphasizing confidentiality, conflict management, fair treatment of clients, transparency, accountability, and professionalism in every coaching relationship.

The ethical standards address responsibilities to clients, professional practice, and societal impact, guiding coaches to be clear about their roles, ensure confidentiality, maintain high-quality service, and avoid discrimination or conflicts of interest across various coaching roles.

ICF professionals must adhere to the Code of Ethics to maintain their ICF membership and credentials. It also offers organizations and clients assurance of ethical coaching standards.

Those who are studying for the ICF ACC, PCC or MCC exams, please use the 2020 ICF Code of Ethics as a valuable resource.

Available for Download in the Following Languages

Arabic | Download Now

Armenian | Download Now

Danish | Coming Soon

English | Download Now 

French | Download Now

German | Download Now

Italian | Download Now

Japanese |  Download Now 

Polish | Download Now

Portuguese, Brazilian |Download Now 

Portuguese, Portugal | Download Now

Romanian | Download Now

Russian | Download Now 

Spanish | Download Now 

Traditional Chinese | Download Now 

Turkish | Download Now 

Ukrainian | Download Now