The more I talk with people, the more I realize the field of coaching is still very much unknown to those who are not directly concerned. Just a few days ago I was once again asked “What does ICF means?”, after introducing myself.
Through this article I hope to bring more clarity around the meaning and significance of the acronyms ACC ICF that you find next to a coach’s name. This will help you make informed decisions when looking for a coach.
ACC stands for Associate Certified Coach, while ICF means the International Coaching Federation. The ICF is the largest coaching organization, representing coaches from different specialities and backgrounds, and creating a common set of high standards for professional coaches worldwide.
ICF offers 3 levels of certification: Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Master Certified Coach (MCC).
To get certified by the ICF at the ACC level a coach has to prove more than 200h of training, minimum 100h of proven coaching experience with clients, participating in 6h of individual supervision and 4.5h of group supervision sessions, undergo 10 hours of mentoring and pass a 3-hours exam with case scenarios. This process aims to verify the level of the following core coaching competences:
Demonstrates ethical practice, personal integrity and honesty in interactions.
Embodies a coaching mindset - develops and maintains a mindset that is open, curious, flexible, and client-centered.
Establishes and Maintains Agreements - Establishes agreements for the overall coaching engagement as well as those for each coaching session
Cultivates Trust and Safety.
Maintains Presence - Is fully conscious and present with the client.
Listens Actively - Focuses on what the client is and is not saying.
Evokes Awareness - Facilitates client insight and learning by using tools and techniques.
Facilitates Client Growth - Partners with the client to transform learning and insight into action.
In real coaching sessions, these competences are translated by listening and understanding the client’s specific context, building awareness around limiting beliefs, working to help the client move from being stuck using different tools, asking powerful questions, building an action plan and accountability measures, supporting the client in identifying results, celebrating the client successes.
ACC ICF represents a significant milestone in a coach's professional journey. This certification demonstrates the dedication to excellence, adherence to ethical standards, and commitment to ongoing learning.
When choosing a coach, seeing ACC ICF next to their name should give you confidence in their abilities and professionalism. It signifies that they have met the standards set by the International Coach Federation and possess the necessary skills to support you in achieving your goals.
I’m with you,
Arina
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