On April 1, 2025, updates to the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics took effect. The code is designed to guide ethical decision making, guide the ethical training of coaches, uphold ethical standards, and provide regulatory oversight.
This article refers to ICF published information and resources about this update. All information provided is the property of the International Coaching Federation. Links are provided to web pages on the ICF website.
Overview of Changes
You can review the ICF document of key changes. This resource provides callout boxes throughout the text to clearly identify and explain the revisions from 2020 to 2025. You can access the document here
Key updates include:
- The Code now reflects the entire ICF ecosystem.
- ICF’s core values are included within the body of the Code.
- Standards are reorganized into five clear sections:
- Agreements for Client and/or Sponsor Engagement.
- Confidentiality and Legal Compliance.
- Professional Conduct and Conflicts of Interest.
- Commitment to Delivering Consistent Value.
- Professional Integrity and Accountability.
- An appendix with relevant definitions has been added.
Why Ethics Matter in Coaching (from this ICF webpage)
“In the heart of every coaching journey lies trust. Imagine a coach working with a client who’s facing a major career decision. The client’s vulnerability is met with confidentiality, respect, and non-judgment. This is where ICF’s ethical standards come into play — guiding coaches to not only listen but to safeguard the relationship.
ICF’s ethical standards ensure that every ICF member and credential-holder acts with integrity, honesty, and fairness. They hold themselves accountable to the ICF Code of Ethics, protecting client confidentiality, ensuring transparency, and prioritizing the well-being of all individuals.
Every interaction between coach and client is built on a foundation of trust. ICF’s ethical standards are designed to maintain this trust, fostering relationships that lead to growth and success.”
How to Read, and Download, the 2025 Code of Ethics
You can read the 2025 code of ethics here
To download a PDF copy of the Code, scroll way down the page given above to where it says, “Get the ICF Code of Ethics in a Variety of Languages.” Here you will find English, as well as some other language translations.
Along with the Code of Ethics, there is a resource document called, “Insights & Considerations for Ethics” to further support understanding of each standard in the code of ethics. You can download at this ICF page
2025 Code of Ethics Video Series
2025 Code of Ethics Video SeriesICF has provided a series of videos explaining the 2025 Code of Ethics updates. You can access the videos here
ICF Credentialing Exam Resources too!
An understanding of Ethics is essential for coaches preparing to take the ICF Credentialing Exam. ICF provides ethics case studies that will also support preparation for the exam.
Below are some of the Case Studies which you can access from this page and then scroll down to “Find a Resource.” Type in “Search” the words “coaching ethics case studies.”
Coaching Ethics Case Study Standard 1.1. You can access standard 1.1 case study here
The Coaching Ethics Case Study Standard 1.1 explores the importance of a well-constructed coaching agreement in professional coaching, particularly in relation to the ICF Code of Ethics. It illustrates a scenario where Gwen, a coach working with a new college graduate, faces a dilemma about balancing the needs of both the sponsor and the client.
This resource is valuable as it emphasizes the importance of clear communication and agreement in coaching, ensuring alignment between the sponsor (the father) and the individual receiving coaching. It emphasizes that a well-defined coaching agreement should cover confidentiality, boundaries, and expectations and should be revisited when circumstances change.
This case study is beneficial for coaches, mentors, and supervisors navigating ethical scenarios where personal and professional boundaries may blur. It encourages coaches to ensure agreements are flexible and clearly communicated to all parties, helping prevent misunderstandings and ensuring ethical integrity.
Coaching Ethics Case Study Standard 2.1. You can access standard 2.1 case study here
The Coaching Ethics Case Study Standard 2.1 explores maintaining confidentiality in a coaching relationship. It follows Ivan, a coach preparing for retirement, who faces an ethical dilemma when his replacement asks to meet with him about the organization they are taking over. He must decide what information he should share with the new coach.
The case highlights the importance of confidentiality in building trust and the need for clear coaching agreements, particularly regarding workplace platforms. The ICF Code of Ethics emphasizes that all parties should be fully aware of and agree on confidentiality policies in advance.
This resource is valuable for coaches, HR professionals, and organizational leaders who want to maintain ethical coaching practices while balancing organizational transparency and client privacy.”
Coaching Ethics Case Study Standard 2.5. You can access standard 2.5 case study here
The Coaching Ethics Case Study Standard 2.5 explores a coach’s ethical responsibility to understand any technology platforms and tools that they are using. It follows Grace, who has been offered a coaching position with a coaching platform. Despite initial enthusiasm, a mentor encourages Grace to review the platform’s privacy and confidentiality policies.
This case study underscores the need for coaches to access the policies that technology systems have in place before using them. The ICF Code of Ethics emphasizes that coaches must address issues with the platform or technology if it does not meet ethical standards.
This resource is for professional coaches, mentors, and coaching supervisors, offering guidance on clear communication, and the importance for periodic reviews of the technology being used to ensure ethical standards and positive client outcomes.
Coaching Ethics Case Study Standard 2.7. You can access 2.7 case study here
The Coaching Ethics Case Study Standard 2.7 addresses maintaining the privacy of client contact information. It features a life coach who fails to follow email protocol and sends out a mass email with contact information visible to others.
Intended for ICF professionals, including coaches, mentors, and supervisors, this valuable resource highlights the ethical importance of double checking that no personal information is inadvertently exposed for others to see while communicating with clients. It explores how a pause and thorough recheck can prevent such mistakes and ensure full client confidentiality. This document is essential for coaches committed to upholding ICF standards in complex situations.
Coaching Ethics Case Study Standard 3.7. You can access 3.7 case study here
The Coaching Ethics Case Study Standard 3.7 explores ethical considerations in coaching, focusing on coaches who hold multiple roles or professions and includes how to proceed when a client needs therapy.
This resource helps ICF professionals — coaches, mentors, and supervisors — navigate ethical dilemmas by emphasizing the importance of setting and maintaining clear boundaries in coaching engagements when it becomes clear that the client would benefit from more than just coaching.
The case study provides potential resolutions for such situations, including seeking external support, discussing the situation directly with the client, or ending the coaching relationship altogether. It encourages the coach to pause coaching and explain when the next step should be therapy, consulting, or mentoring.
Coaching Ethics Case Study Standard 4.1. You can access 4.1 case study here
The Coaching Ethics Case Study Standard 4.1 provides guidance on managing power differences that may arise due to relational or contextual issues, referencing the ICF Code of Ethics. A case study illustrates the challenges faced when a client — who may even be another coach — perceives the coach as a hero.
This resource offers actionable steps for maintaining professionalism, including seeking external support, clarifying the relationship, or terminating the coaching or mentoring engagement when necessary. By adhering to Standard 4.1 of the ICF Code of Ethics, coaches can foster a respectful and professional partnership.
Coaches, mentors, and supervisors will benefit from this resource, gaining practical advice on addressing ethical issues and maintaining clear boundaries — critical elements for the success and integrity of the coaching process.
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