Coaches and Clients Agree on the Need for Qualifications

LEXINGTON, Ky., June 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- According to results of the 2012 ICF Global Coaching Study, more than three in four (76%) of all coaches agree that "The people and organizations who receive coaching expect their coaches to be certified/credentialed."

Consistent with the findings of previous International Coach Federation research efforts, the 2007 ICF Global Coaching Study showed that over half (52%) of coaches reported that "The people we coach increasingly expect us to be credentialed." Clients and purchasers of coaching surveyed in The 2010 Global Consumer Awareness Study echoed these results, showing that 84 percent of consumers who had experienced a coaching relationship felt that it was important to hold a credential.

"This confirms the growing awareness and value purchasers place on demonstrated quality from a professional coach," explained ICF Global President Janet M. Harvey. "Coaches and consumers worldwide now clearly understand that individuals who have earned an ICF Credential possess a hallmark of excellence that is recognized as a high standard of competence and effectiveness."

As the only organization that awards a globally recognized independent credential, results of the 2012 ICF Global Coaching Study also showed that coaches who hold a credential specifically from the International Coach Federation generate on average $53,000 USD in annual income from coaching alone. Conversely the average annual coaching revenue among those who hold no credential was $44,500 USD.

There are three levels of ICF Credentials: Associate Certified Coach (ACC); Professional Certified Coach (PCC); and Master Certified Coach (MCC). All ICF Credentialed coaches are required to have 60 to 200 hours or more of coach-specific training depending on credential level. Additionally, 40 hours of Continuing Coach Education are required every three years in order to retain an ICF Credential. More information on credential requirements can be found on the ICF website, http://Coachfederation.org.

Over 12,000 coaches representing 117 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America participated in the study commissioned by ICF and conducted independently by the International Survey Unit of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in 2011

To learn more about the 2012 ICF Global Coaching Study, and download the Executive Summary, please visit http://coachfederation.org/coachingstudy2012.

The International Coach Federation is the leading global organization for coaches, with over 22,000 members in more than 100 countries worldwide. ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high ethical standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches. Coaching is a distinct service and differs greatly from therapy, consulting, mentoring, or training. ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.coachfederation.org.

ICF HEADQUARTERS CONTACTS:       

Sam Elliott, +1.859.219.3550
[email protected]

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SOURCE International Coach Federation