ICF Credential Holders Reach 6,000

LEXINGTON, Ky., Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Increased consumer demand has helped lead the way for a record number of coaches holding a credential awarded by the International Coach Federation (ICF). Marking an unprecedented commitment to coaching excellence and the coaching industry's highest standards, 6,000 coaches representing 65 countries currently hold an ICF Credential.

ICF Director of Credentialing and Program Accreditation George Rogers reports 1,000 ICF Credentials have been awarded over the last nine months. This number represents a 20 percent growth since reaching 5,000 Credential holders on May 15, 2009. Rogers believes this is the fastest growth period of 1,000 Credential holders in the program's 11-year history.

According to the 2009 ICF Global Coaching Client Study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Association Resource Centre Inc., 77 percent* of coaching clients consider coaching credentials or certification "important" when selecting a coach to hire. Forty-four percent said a credential or certification was "very important."

"We are thrilled to see the demand for ICF Credentials is increasing and that coaches across the globe are striving for the highest standards in professional training and qualification," said ICF President and Master Certified Coach Giovanna D'Alessio. "Coaches are clearly responding to the growing client demand for credentialed coaches and know that having a credential from the ICF sets them apart professionally."

Coaches who have been credentialed by the ICF have undergone 60 to 200 hours or more of coach-specific training; have 100 to 2,500 hours or more of coaching experience; and have been coached by a mentor coach. Credential holders have demonstrated a working knowledge of the ICF Core Competencies, definition of coaching, and Code of Ethics through a rigorous examination process. Additionally, Credential holders must earn 40 hours of Continuing Coach Education every three years in order to retain their credential.

The Coach Referral Service (CRS) is a free online search directory of all levels of ICF Credentialed coaches - Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Master Certified Coach (MCC). Consumers can tailor their search for a coach based on specific criteria, including professional experience, coaching specialties, coaching method, language preference, location, and more. The CRS is available at http://Coachfederation.org/CRS.

ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Coaching is a distinct service and differs greatly from therapy, consulting, mentoring or training. Individuals who engage in a coaching relationship can expect to experience fresh perspectives on personal challenges and opportunities, enhanced thinking and decision-making skills, enhanced interpersonal effectiveness, and increased confidence in carrying out their chosen work and life roles.

The International Coach Federation is the leading global organization for coaches, with over 16,300 members in more than 90 countries, dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high ethical standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches. The ICF is the only organization that awards a global credential which is currently held by 6,000 coaches worldwide. For more information on how to become or find an ICF Credentialed coach, please visit our Web site at http://www.coachfederation.org.

*Results representative of survey respondent sample.

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SOURCE International Coach Federation