International Coach Federation - Everything You Need To Know About ICF Certification

The International Coach Federation (ICF) is the gold standard... the Grand Pumba of life coaching certification organizations. It's independent of any school and doesn't train coaches itself (in other words, there's no conflict of interest), has rigorous standards that force coaches to jump through hoops to earn their stripes, and has over 11,000 members worldwide.
Unlike the International Association of Coaching (IAC) which offers members a one-size-fits-all designation, the ICF offers three levels of credential:
The Associate Certified Coach (ACC). If you attended an Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP) (a program the ICF determines meets its standards for coach training), there are a few simple requirements you need to meet to earn this designation:
Complete the accredited coach training program (CTI, CoachU, Coachville, etc.)
Rack up at least 100 hours of coaching, 75 of which must be paid
Get two letters of recommendation from ICF-certified coaches (PCC or above)
Get experience coaching at least 8 clients
If you want to get the ACC designation and didn't attend an ACTP, in addition to the above you'll need to demonstrate you've completed 60 or more hours of classroom or one-on-one coach training.
Professional Certified Coach (PCC). If you attended an ACTP, the requirements for the PCC are the same as the above with the exception of the hours of experience required. Unlike the first-level designation, PCC applicants are required to have completed 750 hours of coaching, and 675 of them must have been paid. In addition, PCC applicants must have worked with 25 or more individuals.
Master Certified Coach (MCC). To get your MCC, you'll need to have a minimum of 2,500 documented hours of coaching, 2,250 of which must have been paid. You'll also need three (not two) letters of recommendation, and be able to demonstrate you've worked with 35 or more clients.
The ICF claims that the certification process creates value in a number of ways for those who choose to complete it. I've listed out the ICF's main points and added commentary to hopefully put them in perspective.
According to the ICF, certification:
Enhances your credibility and reassures potential clients that you are an experienced and professional coach - Sounds nice, but I can virtually promise you no one will ever ask so this claim is dubious at best. Clients care about results, and want to see some evidence that you can produce them. A few letters after your name is - for most clients - irrelevant
Demonstrates that you have high professional standards - probably true. Given the high cost ($14 - $15,000) and number of hoops the ICF has created as part of the credentialing process, only serious people will invest in getting certified.
Demonstrates that you stand by a strong code of ethics - not necessarily true. Just because you complete the certification process and sign a piece of paper doesn't mean you stand by a strong code of ethics. Case in point - there was an article a few days ago in the Wall Street Journal about the unethical behavior in the ethics departments of universities across the country. Oh, the irony!
Demonstrates a high knowledge and skill level - this is true ONLY with regard to the core competencies defined as important by the ICF. Beyond that...no.
Demonstrates that you take on-going professional development seriously - true. Although coaches who choose to not pursue certification may be just as serious about their professional development. They may just make different choices based on what they think is important or what their clients need.
Develops you as a professional coach - to further enhance your skills - fair enough
Brings personal satisfaction - in achieving a career goal - in so far as accomplishing ANY goal results in personal satisfaction, true
Brings personal satisfaction - in gaining a credential from the only internationally recognized independent coaching body - depends on how big your need for external recognition is.
Reinforces the integrity of the coaching profession nationally and internationally - probably..,yes!
Certification may or may not be the right path for you. Make sure you go into it with eyes wide open. Good luck on your journey!
Find out everything you need to know about coaching and life coaching certification by visiting http://www.coachingcertificationsite.com, a popular website that offers information, tips, advice and resources on becoming a certified coach. Learn what's in store for you before you make a big investment of your time, energy, and money.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_Mortenson