If you are considering a career as a professional coach, the International Coach Federation recommends the following four step process:

 

Hire a Coach
To truly gain full knowledge and understanding of the coach-client relationship, begin your journey as a client. This step will provide valuable insight into the coaching relationship and prepare you for a meaningful relationship with your clients. Additionally, hiring a coach can help you to determine whether coaching is the right profession for you. To hire a coach, click here to search our membership directory.

 

Attend a Coach Training Program
ICF strongly recommends that you complete an ICF accredited coach training program. Formal training will prepare you for the rewards and challenges of the coaching profession. ICF accredited programs submit to review and continuing oversight to demonstrate their commitment to the highest standards for curricula, the ICF defined core competencies, faculty, structure, proficiency, and ethics to support excellence in the training of coaches. For a list of ICF accredited programs, please click here.

Join the International Coach Federation
Let ICF be a partner on your journey to a successful coaching practice. ICF membership will provide you with networking, continuing education, and leadership opportunities through  local chapters, Special Interest Groups and our local, regional, and international events. Connect with coaches from around the world and lend your voice and talents to the future of the profession. By joining ICF, you will realize your full potential as a coach. To join ICF today, please click here

Join Your local ICF Chapter
Your local chapter is your primary way to connect with professional coaches in your area. The Charlotte Area Chapter (ICF-CAC) is a vibrant and growing community of business and personal coaches who support each other in the areas of professional development, business success and personal growth. To join ICF-CAC, please click here

Should I Consider an ICF Credential?
ICF Credentials are highly recognized coaching qualifications with credibility around the world. If you are serious about building or maintaining your coaching business and care for being part of a well-respected, self-regulating profession, you will be interested in gaining ICF Credentials.

There are three ICF credentials: Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Master Certified Coach (MCC). Each credential requires a specific set of required hours of coach-specific training and coaching experience.

 

What Are The Benefits of an ICF Credential?

• Enhances your credibility and reassures potential clients that you are an experienced and      professional coach
• Demonstrates that you have high professional standards
• Demonstrates that you stand by a strong code of ethics
• Demonstrates a high knowledge and skill level
• Demonstrates that you take on-going professional development seriously
• Develops you as a professional coach – to further enhance your skills
• Brings personal satisfaction - in achieving a career goal
• Brings personal satisfaction - in gaining a credential from the only internationally recognized independent coaching body
• Reinforces the integrity of the coaching profession nationally and internationally

More information about credentialing can be found at www.coachfederation.org.