ICF to align with ISO
Credentialing system to be aligned with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Requirements
24 October 2007 In order to meet the growing global needs for the ICF Credential, the International Coach Federation (ICF) has begun to further refine their credentialing system. These enhancements will be fully compliant with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards for bodies operating certification of persons.
ICF to align with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Requirements
Credentialing Program to be Enhanced
Lexington, Kentucky, USA - In order to meet the growing global needs for the ICF Credential, the International Coach Federation (ICF) has begun to further refine their credentialing system. These enhancements will be fully compliant with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards for bodies operating certification of persons.
The initiative will increase the ICF's capacity to satisfy demand for its three credentials while streamlining processes to be much more customer centric and less labor intensive.
By enhancing the system, the ICF will offer a credentialing program that:
- Truly hold global credibility and provide permanent value:
- Be a cutting edge, competitive and robus system capable of handling a growing demand in a timely manner; and
- Operate utilizing globally recognized standards for objectivity, validity, reliability and security.
Currently over 3,200 coaches hold an ICF Credential and a record number of 1,300 applications have been received so far in 2007.
According to data from the 2006 ICF Global Coaching Study, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, more than half (52 percent) of all coaches indicate that their clients expect them to be credentialed.
The enriched credentialing program will contain examination processes that are objective, valid, reliable, and secure and will be a true and authentic measure of coaching competencies based on information collected from a role delineation/ job task analysis study. Furthermore, the enhanced credentialing program will be state of the art in regard to efficiency, capacity, responsiveness, and professionalism.
For the purposes of the ICF, the ISO standard serves as a framework for a credentialing program that meets globally recognized standards and procedures of operation. It does not dictate the specific content or prerequisites required to be granted a credential; rather it provides guidance which promotes the operation of a consistent, objective, and credible program.
"The ICF Board of Directors fully supports the enhancement of the ICF Credentialing Program so that it is fully compliant with ISO standards," said Kay Cannon, MBA, Master Certified Coach, ICF President.
"Making the necessary enhancements will assist the ICF in responding to the ever-growing demand for ICF Credentials while maintaining the integrity of the profession by continuing to have credentials with global credibility," Cannon added.
ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
Coaching is a distinct service and differs greatly from therapy, consulting, mentoring or training. Individuals who engage in a coaching relationship can expect to experience fresh perspectives on personal challenges and opportunities, enhanced thinking and decision-making skills, enhanced interpersonal effectiveness, and increased confidence in carrying out their chosen work and life roles.
The International Coach Federation is the leading global organization for coaches, with over 12,000 members in more than 80 countries, dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches.
For more information on how to become or find an ICF credentialed coach, please visit our Web site at www.coachfederation.org.
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ICF Headquarters Contacts:
Ann Belcher, +1.859.226.4428, ann.belcher@coachfederation.org
Kristin Hogue, +1.859.219.3614, kristin.hogue@coachfederation.org