Overview: How to obtain an ICF credential in 2022
If you’re here, chances are, you’ve already gone to the ICF website, googled about the process, and was left more confused than not.
You’re not alone. You’d be surprised that most who come to us (even from other coaching programs) still don’t have any idea on how to obtain an ICF credential.
So why obtain a credential at all? (You can find that information by scheduling this short webinar).
But if you’re like most who already know the values of holding an ICF credential, here are the steps to obtaining an ICF credential.
Understand the reasons you want to be a coach. If you are thinking to become a coach to leave your full time job immediately - proceed with caution. More about this here.
Allocate at least 6 months to focus at least 5-10 hours a week for learning and practice.
Register for a program offering a minimum of 60 coach-specific education or training. (Guess what - we have an excellent program with stellar testimonials). Training and Experience hours do not expire.
Begin your 100 hours of coaching. You can do this by finding at least 25 clients to coach 4-one hour sessions each. At least 75% of the the hours must be paid and completed. At least 25 of these 100 hours must occur within the 18 months prior to submitting the application for the credential. ICF conducts random audits on clients that Coaches coached. Coaches selected for audit will be required to contact their clients directly or, for confidential internal coaching, an individual within the organization who is authorized to verify their coaching hours can provide a letter of verification. This means that coaches should continue to obtain and document clients’ consent to store their information and document client coaching experience hours.
You need to provide the following information on your client coaching log:
The client’s name and email address or phone number
The start and end date of the coaching relationship
The number of paid and pro bono hours that you coached the client
Obtain a mentor coach. You must complete 10 hours with a mentor coach over a minimum of three months to be documented on your online application. Your Mentor Coach must be an ACC who has completed a full cycle of the credential through renewal, or hold a PCC or MCC in good standing. A mentor coach is there to help guide you towards becoming a better coach.
Prepare both an audio recording and written transcript (word for word) of a coach session to be uploaded with your application.
Make sure you have your certification with you. It should show the number of Core Competency and Resource Development hours.
Start your application here. Here you will find the application that fits your experience. As of 2022, the application should look like this:
9. Register for the ICF Credentialing Exam. The exam will feature approximately 200 scenario-based, multiple choice questions designed to assess a coach’s knowledge and ability to apply the Updated ICF Core Competencies. The updated exam will be offered through a more secure delivery format. Candidates will have the option to take the new exam in-person at an authorized testing center or from the convenience of their home or office through live remote proctoring. Both options will be offered through our partnership with Pearson VUE, a global leader in the administration and delivery of professional, high-stakes certification exams.
ICF Credentials and Standards has partnered with Pearson VUE to deliver the ICF Credentialing Exam through a proctored testing environment. The exam may be taken in person at one of Pearson VEU’s testing centers (Locate a Testing Center near you), or remotely through Pearson OnVUE, a live, remote-proctored testing service that allows candidates to test from their home or office while being monitored by an online proctor.
Candidates will receive an invitation to schedule an exam appointment and complete the ICF Credentialing Exam once the application review is complete. This email invitation will include detailed instructions on scheduling an exam appointment with Pearson VUE. Candidates should plan for a half hour to completed the check-in process (in person or online) prior to their scheduled exam time. During the scheduled exam time, candidates will have three hours to complete the exam.
As of 2022, applicants must complete all of the above prior to submitting an application. The ICF has made some changes, and submission may be necessary prior to scheduling a proctored test.
Submit Application:
[ ] ICF Members, ACC-ACSTH application: $300 USD
[ ] Non-members, ACC-ACSTH application: $500 USD
Estimated Timeline for Review: 14-18 Weeks
Did this help you? If you want a group of amazing coaches and mentors to walk with you along the whole process, consider signing up to our ICF accredited training program.
