Choosing Training
When you are choosing training, be sure that you research the value piece each training gives you e.g. different paths, membership of professional organisations. When choosing Coach Training, ask training providers to provide evidence the training is approved by ICF and the number of Continuing Coach Education Units (CCEUs) it qualifies for.
Types of Training
ICF-accredited training has gone through a rigorous review process and demonstrated that its curriculum aligns with the ICF definition of coaching, Core Competencies and Code of Ethics.
ACTP and ACSTH programs deliver foundational coach-specific training. Continuing Coach Education (CCE) offerings provide advanced learning opportunities for trained and credentialed coach practitioners.
The ICF Training Program Search Service (TPSS) is a free, searchable directory of coach training companies accredited by ICF: https://coachingfederation.org/credentials-and-standards/find-a-training-program
How to use the TPSS
Depending on the type of coach training you require, the video below walks you through how to use the various filters and options to search the types of courses and by location.
If you are searching for training courses based in Ireland, check out the video specifically from 3:40 to see how to use the filters appropriately. Bear in mind this video refers a lot to Credentialling in the beginning, but it also applies to ICF-accredited training organisations for those wishing to train as a Life or Executive Coach with the view to pursuing ICF membership.
Continuous Professional Development (CCEUs)
As part of a self-regulating industry, ICF is committed to coaches providing consistent value to their clients. In order to maintain these professional standards, ICF’s position on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) keeps pace with industry expectations and emerging standards. Each distinct element of CPD is explored below.
Education: Training and Skills Enhancement
This includes a variety of learning modalities that continually build the capacity of the coach through content exposure, to benefit his or her clients and the overall knowledge base. It focuses on the development of the coach’s competence with a wide range of rich opportunities for the support and development of a coach’s skill set. ICF is committed to providing opportunities for coaches to consistently develop and grow professionally through training and skills enhancement.
Components of education include:
- Additional coach-specific training
- Professional development events
- Coaching tools training
Many education activities are eligible for Continuing Coach Education (CCE) Units that coaches can apply toward renewal of an ICF Credential. For further information on accepted CCE sources for credential renewal, please see here: https://coachingfederation.org/credentials-and-standards/professional-development
Mentor Coach Duties and Competencies
ICF partnered with the Association of Coach Training Organizations (ACTO) to develop a document outlining the duties, personal traits and competencies of Mentor Coaches.
Supervision
ICF defines Coaching Supervision as follows:
“Coaching Supervision is the interaction that occurs when a coach periodically brings his or her coaching work experiences to a coaching supervisor in order to engage in reflective dialogue and collaborative learning for the development and benefit of the coach and his or her clients.”
Coaching Supervision is distinct from Mentor Coaching for Credentialling.
Mentor Coaching focuses on the development of coaching skills mainly in the context of initial development.
Coaching Supervision offers the coach a richer and broader opportunity for support and development. In Coaching Supervision, the coach is invited to focus much more on what is going on in their process and where the ‘personal’ may be intruding on the ‘professional’.
Although Coaching Supervision is not mandated by ICF, it is highly recommended for all coaches.
Differences between Mentor Coaching and Coaching Supervision
One of our own PCC Irish Coaches, Amanda Cahir-O’Donnell has written an excellent piece.
For further details on Coaching Supervision, including a downloadable resource, please see here: https://coachingfederation.org/coaching-supervision