When a coach wants to be certified by ICF, the biggest hurdle is often not the "exams" to be passed; the recording of the coaching session to be presented, or the theory test, which is also part of the certification process.

So what makes certification a real feat?

For many it is the application process itself: getting a good understanding of the requirements that ICF asks of the coach and knowing what they have to meet to begin their application. 

It is understandable that it is a somewhat complex procedure, because it seeks to "unify" through a certification ACC, PCC or MCC coaches from all types of training and levels of experience worldwide. Very different starting points to arrive at a common and standardized place. 

For some reason, perhaps because of the way my head is organized, and a bit because of my blue preference in the Insights Discovery model..., these procedures have always seemed crystal clear to me. So much so that after many individual conversations with coaches over the years, I now do free webinars to help them with the doubts they have in this process.

How to obtain the certification of ICF

Going back to the image of different starting points, for some the road to get their certification is straight and easy, and for others it is longer and curvy. As if you were to arrive in Santiago after walking the Camino, it is not the same for someone starting from Oviedo as it is for a Japanese or American pilgrim. ICF has defined two different routes for this:

    • the Level 2/Level 1/ACTP Track
    • Via Portfolio/ACSTH

La Via Portfolio

But in reality, don't let it scare you if you have to go the long way around. The main difference is that you have to provide material from the program where you trained to demonstrate that the ICF Key Coaching Competencies were covered. It's a bit more work, but it's perfectly doable.

CHECKLIST

To sort out all the requirements of this Portfolio Track, you can consult the ICF websitehere. I also recommend you take the online survey on the ICF website that tells you which pathway would be right for you. Find out here.

But to make your review easier, here is a checklist that you can use to see if you have all the elements you need to become certified. Take heart!

Training

  • ACC: 60 h of specific training in coaching
  • PCC: 125 h of specific training in coaching
  • Providing title indicating hours of training in coaching

For training without ICF seal, in addition these requirements:

  • Minimum 80% of synchronous hours (facilitated by a face-to-face or virtual trainer)
  • Course materials
  • Table of contents of the course
  • Description of where and how each ICF competency is taught in the program. See document in this link: "Verification of Training".

https://coachingfederation.org/app/uploads/2022/01/Sample-VOT-revised-6-2022.pdf

Hours of customer experience

  • ACC: 100 h, counting from the beginning of the coaching training,
    • 10 customers
    • 75 h paid
  • PCC: 500 h, counting from the beginning of the coaching training,
    • 25 customers
    • 450 h paid

The coach should have a record of total hours of experience with clients, reflecting:

  1. start and end dates of the process
  2. CUSTOMER DATA
  3. paid or unpaid
  4. total hours

This record is not sent to ICF with the credential application, but ICF may audit the coach and request access to the record.

Mentor Coaching Hours

  • 10 h (3 hours minimum individual, 7 hours can be group)
  • Minimum period of 3 months between the start and end of mentoring
  • With an ICF coach at the level of the certification you are applying for or higher.

These sessions will be used to prepare for recording the next item according to the ICF competencies ICF

Oral examination

ACC: recording of 1 real session

PCC: recordings of 2 real sessions

  • Complete sessions from start to finish
  • Audio only
  • Duration between 20-60 min
  • Demonstrate mastery of the ICF competencies ICF
  • Verbatim transcription in Word, with indication of interlocutor and minutes at each change (timestamps).

Written exam

Requirement: Passing the multiple-choice test, for which a link will be sent to you once your application has been approved, including the recordings. Deadline 2 months to complete it.

In addition, you can sign up for the following webinar, and participate in a conversation with other coaches to share your specific case and receive tips and tricks to get certified.

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