Thanks to digital technology, ICF coaches are now being recognized through the use of digital badging which has become a valuable tool to many professionals across diverse fields.
The ICF Credentialed Coaches
The ICF offers the only globally recognized, independent credentialing program for coach practitioners. ICF Credentials are given to experienced coaches who have met rigorous education, experience requirements and have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the coaching competencies that set the standard in the profession
ICF Coaches are professional coaches of various niches that are certified by training providers accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF). These coaches are held to a higher standard. According to the ICF, If you are sincere about developing your coaching business, an ICF Credential is the best way to set yourself apart by adequately demonstrating your knowledge, skill and commitment to high ethical and professional standards. ICF credentialed coaches assist their clients in improving their lives, relationships and business performance. They make a tangible and measurable difference in people’s lives, which is why we’re passionate about making sure our coaches and the institutions that train them are well equipped to do their jobs.
(NOTE: If you’ve been asking questions about ICF Certification lately, then you need to watch this video. In the video, I’ll explain how to best get and use this ‘ultimate credibility advantage’. Click HERE now to watch the video.)
Digital Badging And Its Benefits to ICF Coaches
Digital Badging, What is it?
Most people are familiar with the fundamental concept of badges. Everyone who has typically worked, volunteered, or served somewhere, even high school and college students, has had to utilize badges that identify that they are affiliated with that organization or institution. However, digital badging is a whole new thing, and until a few years, many people, including myself, didn’t know it existed. Digital badging has to do with sharing your coaching abilities and expertise online in a trusted way and can be easily verified in real-time.
A digital badge shows who earned the badge, how it was achieved, who issued it and evidence of work as applicable. It possesses details like badge name, badge criteria, badge url, issue date, the recipient etc. Badges provide clients, employers, and others concrete evidence of what you had to do to earn your credential and what you’re now capable of.
Its Importance to ICF Credentialed Coaches
Digital badges help ensure that coaches credentials, abilities, and years of hard work is recognized and validated. ICF digital badges validate your Associate Certified Coach, Professional Certified Coach, and Master Certified Coach levels. For ICF coaches, digital badging is essential because, in the recent ICF Global Coaching Study, several coaches had stated that the key obstacle or challenge that the coaching profession faces are untrained/unqualified folks who refer to themselves as coaches.
Bearing a digital badge allows ICF credentialed coaches to virtually share their expertise and skills in a convenient way and easily validated in real-time. ICF coaches can securely share their badges directly from the Acclaim platform to LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook; over email, embedded in a website or their email signature. With digital badges being hosted on Credly’s Acclaim platform, it helps eliminate the possibility of any individual accessing your identity and claiming your credentials as theirs. The Acclaim platform is based on the Open Badge Standards maintained by IMS Global.
Margaret K. Olubiyi
Life Coach
Writer, Coaches Training Blog community
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