What is Required to Become ICF Credentialed?

Introduction to Coaching Education Accreditation
Coaching educational accreditation is essential for maintaining industry standards and ensuring that coaches adhere to ethical and professional guidelines. Graduating from an accredited educational program validates a coach's qualifications, increasing credibility and trust among clients.
Definition and Purpose of Coaching Accreditation
A. Defining Coaching Accreditation 

• Coaching educational accreditation is a formal process where coaching programs or individuals meet industry-recognized standards set by accrediting bodies.
• It ensures consistency, professionalism, and adherence to best practices within the coaching industry.
  

B. Purpose of Accreditation 

• Accreditation guarantees that coaching education meets or exceeds coaching industry standards.
• It enhances trust and confidence in coaching professionals who have graduated from an accredited program.
• It establishes a global benchmark for coaching educational excellence.
  

Types of Coaching Accreditation
A. Accrediting Organizations

• Currently, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the globally recognized standard-setter in the professional realm of coaching. In the USA, the ICF is the gold standard.
• The ICF offers accreditation for coaching educators and continuing coaching education (CCE)  providers. The ICF also oversees coaching Credentials.

B. Levels of Accreditation
The ICF offers four accreditations to educational bodies. These are:

• Level One: Level One ICF accreditation is offered for programs that contain 60 or more hours of coach-specific education, training, and mentoring. Level One training leads to the ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential. 
  
• Level Two: Level Two ICF accreditation is offered for programs that contain 125 or more hours of coach-specific education, training, and mentoring. Level Two training leads to the ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential. 
  
• Level Three: Level Three ICF accreditation is offered for programs that contain 75 or more hours of coach-specific education, training, and mentoring. Level Three training leads to the ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential. 
  
• Continuing Education: Continuing Coach Education accreditation is offered for programs tailored to coaches who have graduated from a Level One, Two, or Three program. The ICF requires Continuing Education to renew a coaching credential.
  

Benefits of attending an ICF Coaching Accredited Program
A. Credibility and Trust

• Graduating from an accredited program ensures you learned coaching skills that are sought after by clients, organizations, and within the coaching profession.
• Clients are more likely to choose coaches who attended accredited programs over non-accredited ones.
  

B. Skill Development and Continuous Improvement

• Accredited programs ensure continuous learning and adherence to industry standards.
• Coaches benefit from professional development and mentorship opportunities.
  

ConclusionPursuing coach training with an accredited program establishes credibility, enhances career opportunities, and assures you will meet or exceed sought after coaching standards. Coaches seeking long-term success should consider investing in an accredited program.
Additional Resources:

• Level One: Coaching Foundations 
  
• Level Two: Certified Professional Integrative Coach