ICF announces changes to their coaching training provider accreditation system

 “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And Today? Today is a gift. That’s why we call it The Present.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt.

This article is being published on December 15, 2021. This timeless quote is a reminder for me to be grateful for today, to be Present Today. As we near the end of the Gregorian Calendar year, I’m grateful for my health, a safe home, a loving husband, people who care, and clients who gift me every day with their vulnerability and authenticity.

I send love and kindness into the world, for all who suffer – to be seen, heard, valued, and honored. I wish each of you ways to nourish your body and spirit as we close out another crazy, wild journey 2021 has given us all.

In Presence, Carly Anderson

 

 

On November 15, 2021, ICF announced long overdue changes to their system of accreditation to approve coach training providers, including a name change from ICF Coach Training to ICF Coaching Education (which is considered a more inclusive term than Training).

Some of the purposes for this change are to make it easier to understand ICF accreditation in the marketplace, and to align designations with the three credential levels ICF offers.

AND for the first time ever, ICF has an accreditation level for advanced coaching education to prepare for MCC credential application! This new designation for coaching training represents a positive step in the process for ICF to promote the Path of Development from ACC (beginner) to PCC (intermediate) to MCC (mastery) coaching skill.

ICF current coaching education designations use the acronyms ACTP and ACSTH which are cumbersome even to pronounce, and to understand in the coaching education marketplace. It hasn’t been easy to identify how these designations align with training to meet the three different ICF credential levels of ACC, PCC, MCC coaching skill.

An important note relevant to the coaches I mentor is that the Portfolio Path for each credential level remains. This means an Applicant can continue to submit coaching education that includes Continuing Coach Education (CCE) units and/or non-approved training. However, you are required to provide documentation that demonstrates how the coaching education received aligns with the ICF Code of Ethics and ICF Core Competencies.

The Mentor Coaching Program I lead through my company, Full Being Coaching, Inc. has held continuous Core Competency CCEs since 2013. Mentor Coaching Graduates of my programs will still be able to use these CCEs to supplement toward their coaching education hours requirements for each initial credential application.

If you’d like to go directly to the ICF website for all the updated information, here’s the link https://coachingfederation.org/coaching-education

 

Here is a brief overview of the changes:

ICF will retire their ACTP and ACTSH designations from January 7, 2022 and commence accepting new applications from January 10, 2022. Current coaching education providers will have until December 31, 2022 to meet new accreditation standards and requirements.

The new accreditation system is:

  • Level 1 Accreditation (formerly ACSTH) is for organizations that offer at least 60 contact learning hours, and it is designated as a pathway to the ACC credential.
  • Level 2 Accreditation (formerly ACTP) is for organizations that offer at least 125 contact learning hours, and it is designated as a pathway to the PCC credential.
  • Level 3 Accreditation, a brand-new offering, is for organizations that offer at least 75 advanced contact learning hours, and it is designated as a pathway to the MCC credential.

 

Here’s a comparison chart between the legacy and updated accreditation levels:

https://coachingfederation.org/accreditation-comparisons

For your credential application (MCC, PCC, ACC) ICF will continue to accept your coaching education that occurs in the old system (ACTP, ACSTH).

In Closing…

This is a welcome upgrade to ICF Coaching Education branding in the marketplace, as well as providing a Path of Development for coaches in choosing appropriate level of coaching education. If you have questions about specific requirements for your coaching education, please check the ICF website for live Q&A webinars, which you may find scrolling down this page. Or email support@coachingfederation.org

 

Are you ready to upgrade your coaching skills, and prepare for your next ICF credential?

The Mentor Coaching Group Program is an ICF approved individual / group program with 24 Core Competency CCEs on offer, including 10 hours of mentor coaching.

I offer a rich, experiential mentor coaching group and individual program that has many exclusive offerings for participants. You can read some testimonials from real people, FAQs, or find out more about The Mentor Coaching Program here

I’m a long term (since 2005), experienced and active MCC Assessor. I’ve been trained by the ICF to assess using the PCC Markers. Since 2005, I regularly assess for ICF MCC, PCC and ACC credentials, and was one of 15 coaches on the core global team involved in the 2020 update of the PCC Markers to align with the ICF Updated Core Competency Model.

One of the unique offerings for my clients is access to an extensive, exclusive library of MCC, PCC and ACC coaching session recordings, many of which have passed the ICF credential exam process. These are an incredibly valuable self-learning tool, and will accelerate your understanding of competency distinctions at each skill level.

I offer other products including The Upgraded Target Approach: Clarifying the ICF Core Competency Model, as well as Ten Characteristics of MCC Skill Level. And a very unique opportunity to hear 15 consecutive coaching sessions with one of my clients in the Butterfly on the Wall Coaching Series. You can learn more about these here