Jump to Frequently Answered Questions About:

Membership

Why should I join the International Coach Federation (ICF)?

The benefits of joining ICF are two-fold: you become part of the ICF Global network as well as having a closer relationship with your local chapter. ICF and ICF Ireland are committed to helping you be the best coach you can be. 

Being an ICF member provides the opportunity to succeed in your coaching career through outstanding business development, networking and professional growth opportunities, connecting with your local and global ICF coaching communities and having access to cutting edge research. ICF Members represent the highest quality of professional coaching.

You can find out the full list of benefits and the personal and professional value of ICF membership here: https://icfireland.com/join-icf/

How do I join ICF?

Becoming a member of ICF is a simple application, however there are certain eligibility requirements. Check out our tips here for those new to ICF and the process. The page also explains how to start the process and provides links to ICF Global to begin the application process.


Credentialling

What is ICF Credentialling?

ICF Credential holders are part of a self-regulating group of elite coaches who provide accountability to clients and the coaching profession as a whole.

They pursue and complete rigorous education and practice requirements that provide unquestioned legitimacy to their commitment to excellence in coaching.

What are the different ICF Credential Types?

ICF offers three credentials types: Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Master Certified Coach (MCC). To learn more about the types and pathways to credentialling, check out the following page: https://icfireland.com/credentialling/

How do I renew my ICF credential?

ICF maintains high standards for professional coaches worldwide and requires ICF Credentials to be renewed every three years.

Credential renewal is done directly with ICF. We have a very interesting insider view by one of our own MCC Credentialled coaches, Emer Doyle – Emer provides a personal account of the process of going from PCC to MCC.

To find out more about renewal and the new platform, check out this link: https://icfireland.com/credentialling

Why would someone what to choose an ICF-Credentialled Coach?

Anyone can call themselves a coach.  ICF Credentialled Coaches are professional coaches who have met stringent education and experience requirements and have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the coaching competencies that set the standard in the profession.

In addition, ICF Credentialled Coaches adhere to strict ethical guidelines as part of ICF’s mission to protect and serve coaching consumers.

How can I search for an ICF-Credentialled Coach?

Search for coaches on the ICF Credentialled Coach Finder available at https://coachingfederation.org/find-a-coach

I want to research the topic of coaching more, how can ICF help me? 

ICF supports coaches with the knowledge they need to excel at their craft and their business. All ICF members have access to a vast amount of research easily accessible at https://coachingfederation.org/research

Why should I attend an ICF event?

ICF events are designed to inspire, educate and connect our coaching community.

These valuable learning and networking opportunities benefit individual coaches and help advance the profession.

Many ICF events provide coaches with Continuing Coach Education units (CCEUs) to develop their professional development and support their ICF Credential renewal.

Where can I find out more about Continuous Professional Development and CCEUs?

In order to maintain rigorous professional standards, ICF’s position on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) keeps pace with industry expectations and emerging standards. To further explore CPD and CCEU requirements, go to https://coachingfederation.org/icf-credential/professional-development


Coach Training

How can I train as a coach?

It is recommended that you attend coach-specific training that is accredited by the ICF.

Many training companies in Ireland provide the minimum amount of coach-specific training hours, as well as teaching the ICF core competencies. If you are in doubt, speak with your training company.

To learn about the types of training and how to use the searchable training database, check out this link: https://icfireland.com/coach-training/


Working with a Coach

I would like to consider coaching, but don’t know where to start

Firstly, do your research and decide what type of coaching you would benefit from: career, leadership, managaemnt, lifecoaching, addiction, etc. There is a coach out there to work with you exactly in the way that you need. Working with an ICF-Credentialled coach will ensure you receive quality of service, professionalism and accountability. 

Read through our website and especially the personal experiences shared by others just like you here: https://icfireland.com/find-a-coach/

How can I find an ICF-Credentialled Coach?

The ICF Global directory can be used to search for ICF Credentialled Coaches based in Ireland. Once you access the ICF CCF (Credentialled Coach Finder), you can search the database by applying filters as needed.

For Ireland-based Coaches, use the Demographics -> Locations filter and select Ireland. 

Access the CCF here: https://coachingfederation.org/find-a-coach