To become an ICF credentialed coach, you must know and comply with the international coach federation core competencies used within the field of coaching. The International Coach Federation created a set of core competencies that can be used by coaches around the world to operate their businesses and practices, and today we have both ICF credentialed and non- ICF credential coaches utilizing them.

What Are The International Coach Federation Core Competencies?

As defined by the International Coach Federation, eleven core coaching competencies were developed by the coach federation to support a broader understanding of the skills and approaches used within today’s coaching profession. In addition, they were established to help distinguish their coaches from coaches certified through other organizations. Within the ICF organization, mastering these competencies is the key to successfully earning any of their credentials and said to constitute the foundation for the ICF Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA).

The International Coach Federation & Their Definition of Coaching

The International Coach Federation (ICF) represents the leading global organization for coaches, with over 20,000 members worldwide in more than 100 countries. It is committed to advancing the coaching profession by establishing exceptional standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals. The ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that undoubtedly inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.

The Eleven ICF Core Competencies

The ICF competencies are divided into four groups according to how they logically fit together. For more comprehensive information about the International Coach Federation Core Competencies, go to https://coachfederation.org/core-competencies.

A. Setting the foundation

1. Meeting ethical guidelines and professional standards

2. Establishing the coaching agreement

B. Co-creating the relationship

3. Establishing trust and intimacy with the client

4. Coaching presence

C. Communicating effectively

5. Active listening

6. Powerful questioning

7. Direct communication

D. Facilitating learning and results

8. Creating awareness

9. Designing actions

10. Planning and goal setting

11. Managing progress and accountability

Since these eleven core competencies were established to help distinguish their coaches from others, some individuals will, therefore, express that understanding of these competencies only apply to ICF certified coaches. However, I believe it should be employed by every coach regardless of which organization they got credentialed through. The bottom life is, if you want to be a coach who wants to inspire transformational changes in your clients, properly applying these competencies will enable you to achieve that.

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Peggy Adegoke
Life Coach
Writer, Coaches Training Blog community