Description
International Coaching Federation (ICF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to professional coaching. ICF has been called "the main accrediting and credentialing body for both training programs and coaches". ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
ICF serves more than 50,000 members in more than 150 countries and territories around the world as of January 2022, with 143 chapters serving local members in more than 80 countries and territories. As of March 2021, there are over 33,000 certified coaches who hold one of three ICF credentials: 18,628 Associate Certified Coaches (ACC); 13,332 Professional Certified Coaches (PCC); and 1,327 Master Certified Coaches (MCC).
ICF's services include establishing a professional code of ethics and standards, providing continuous education and networking opportunities in local chapters, hosting conferences and Communities of Practice, providing accreditation for coach-specific training programs, and administering an internationally recognized credentialing program.
History
Founded in 1995, ICF campaigns worldwide for professional standards within the coaching profession, and provides independent certification for professional coaches (through three ICF credentials) and coach training programs (through ICF Training Program Accreditation).
In 2011, the ICF and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) led in the lodging with the European Union a charter which lays out how the coaching and mentoring profession across Europe can remain a self-regulated profession.
