Choosing an ICF Accredited Training Program
Coaching has become a trend. Nowadays, you are inundated with nutrition coaches, sports coaches, style coaches, wellness coaches, and more. Name a domain, and there's a coach for it. Even in the business world, the concept of "coaching" remains ambiguous. The term "coaching" is used loosely and frequently. Since coaching is not a regulated profession, anyone can present themselves as a coach, leading to a proliferation of unregulated practices.
To manage this somewhat smoothly, the International Coach Federation (ICF) was founded in 1995. ICF became the world's first federation to outline professional competencies and an ethical code, playing a crucial role in formalizing coaching as a profession. ICF recognizes three levels of mastery and awards three types of certificates accordingly:
ACC – Associated Certified Coach: This certification is granted after completing a 60-hour coaching training program, 10 hours of supervision, demonstrating 100 hours of coaching experience, and passing an ACC-level coaching exam (two 20-30 minute coaching sessions evaluated by an official ICF Assessor).
PCC – Professional Certified Coach: To achieve this level, coaches must complete a 125-hour coaching training program, 10 hours of mentoring coaching, demonstrate 500 hours of coaching experience, and pass a PCC-level coaching exam (two 20-30 minute coaching sessions evaluated by an official ICF Assessor).
MCC – Master Certified Coach: Coaches attain master-level certification by completing 200 hours of training, 10 hours of mentoring coaching, demonstrating 2500 hours of coaching experience in addition to holding a PCC certificate, and passing an MCC-level coaching exam (two 20-30 minute coaching sessions evaluated by an official ICF Assessor).
The count of coaching hours starts from the beginning of the coaching training program. Each certification also requires passing a Coach Knowledge Test once. In addition to certifying individual coaches, ICF has established quality standards for coaching institutes that train individuals to become certified coaches. These institutes can earn the prestigious ACTP certification from ICF by demonstrating that their participants achieve a high coaching standard and adhere to the ethical code.
Since the establishment of Coaching The Shift, we have chosen to align with ICF and have made every effort to deliver high-quality coaching training, contributing to the development of the coaching profession. In January 2019, our coaching program was evaluated by ICF. We are delighted and proud to announce that our open training program, "Professional Coach Training Program," has received this significant ACTP accreditation! It means a great deal to us that ICF recognizes our professionalism and acknowledges that we deliver assured quality.
Specifically, this accreditation allows Coaching The Shift to conduct exams on behalf of ICF. If you, as a participant, achieve the required level, you only need to demonstrate the required number of coaching hours to obtain an official ICF certificate and distinguish yourself in the market. We are the third organization in all of Belgium to achieve this certification. Possessing an ICF Certificate enhances your credibility as a coach and helps you stand out in the market. Be sure to visit the International Coach Federation website for more information.