About the International Coach Federation

Founded in 1995, the International Coach Federation (ICF) is the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches.

With more than 16,000 professional personal and business coaches representing over 90 countries, the ICF is the voice of the global coaching profession.

International Coach Federation Core Purpose: To advance the art, science and practice of professional coaching. 

The ICF Credentialing Program

The International Coach Federation (ICF) offers the only globally recognized, independent credentialing program. More than 4,000 coaches have earned one of three offered ICF Credentials since the program began over a decade ago.
 
The ICF Credentialing Program . . .

• Establishes and administers minimum standards for credentialing professional coaches and coach training agencies.
• Assures the public that participating coaches and coach training agencies meet or exceed these minimum standards.
• Reinforces professional coaching as a distinct and self-regulating profession.

Coaches who have been credentialed by the ICF have received coach-specific training, achieved a designated number of experience hours and have been coached by a mentor coach.

ICF Credentials Growing in Demand
According to the ICF Global Coaching Study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, 52 percent of coaches report that their coaching clients expect the coach they hire to be credentialed.
 
ICF Credentialing System to Continue to Meet Global Standards
In order to continue to meet the growing global need for the ICF Credential, the ICF is taking steps to refine our current credentialing system to meet the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards for bodies operating certification of persons.
 
This important initiative will further define our current system, maintain and increase its permanent value and continue to strengthen global credibility among coaches and clients everywhere.