The International Coach Federation (ICF) has established a rigorous framework of eight core coaching competencies to ensure the highest (“GOLD”) standards of professional coaching.
These competencies guide coaches in making a positive impact on their clients. They also provide a benchmark for assessing the coach’s skills and expertise at three levels of certification, namely Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Master Certified Coach (MCC). As a coach learns to deliver at a higher level, they make a deeper and more positive impact in the growth and development of the client towards their desired goals.
The ICE eight coaching competencies with a brief explanation and the main differences between the three levels are outlined below for a quick overview:
1. Demonstrates Ethical Practice
Explanation: This core competency emphasizes the importance of adhering to the ICF Code of Ethics. It ensures that coaches maintain high ethical standards, prioritize client well-being, and uphold the integrity of the coaching profession.
Assessment is the same at all three Levels (ACC, PCC, MCC):
- Adherence to the ICF Code of Ethics is mandatory at all levels.
- Coaches must demonstrate a commitment to ethical principles in their practice.
2. Embodies a Coaching Mindset
Explanation: A strong coaching mindset is foundational to effective coaching. It involves cultivating a curious, open, flexible, and client-centered approach.
Assessment is the same at all three Levels (ACC, PCC, MCC):
- This competency is assessed indirectly through the demonstration of other competencies.
- Coaches must exhibit a client-centered, open, curious, and flexible mindset.
3. Establishes and Maintains Agreements
Explanation: Effective coaching begins with clear agreements. This competency focuses on establishing and maintaining agreements with clients regarding the coaching relationship, goals, and process.
Differences in assessment at Different Levels (ACC, PCC, MCC):
- ACC: Basic agreement-setting and agenda-following.
- PCC: Deeper partnership in defining goals and measures of success.
- MCC: Exploring the topic at a deeper level and adapting to the client’s needs.
4. Cultivates Trust and Safety
Explanation: Building trust and safety is essential for a successful coaching relationship. Coaches must create a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
Differences in assessment at Different Levels (ACC, PCC, MCC):
- ACC: Acknowledging client insights and expressing support.
- PCC: Respecting client’s unique talents and inviting participation.
- MCC: Engaging clients as equal partners and celebrating progress.
5. Maintains Presence
Explanation: A present and focused coach is able to fully engage with the client and create a meaningful coaching experience. This involves active listening, mindful observation, and creating space for reflection.
Differences in assessment at Different Levels (ACC, PCC, MCC):
- ACC: Curiosity, acknowledgment, and allowing client direction.
- PCC: Responding to the whole person and demonstrating curiosity.
- MCC: Flowing conversation, attentive listening, and leveraging silence.
6. Listens Actively
Explanation: Effective listening is a cornerstone of coaching. Coaches must listen not only to what clients say but also to what they may be implying or feeling.
Differences in assessment at Different Levels (ACC, PCC, MCC):
- ACC: Summarizing, paraphrasing, and co-creating a shared vision.
- PCC: Customized questioning and exploring deeper emotions.
- MCC: Inviting deeper exploration and aligning responses with the client’s agenda.
7. Evokes Awareness
Explanation: Coaches help clients gain new insights and perspectives by using powerful questioning, silence, and other techniques.
Differences in assessment at Different Levels (ACC, PCC, MCC):
- ACC: Inquiring about beliefs and supporting new perspectives.
- PCC: Exploring deeper levels of thinking and feeling.
- MCC: Stimulating insights with minimal questioning and sharing observations.
8. Facilitates Client Growth
Explanation: The ultimate goal of coaching is to empower clients to take action and achieve their goals. Coaches support clients in translating insights into action plans and celebrating their progress.
Differences in assessment at Different Levels (ACC, PCC, MCC):
- ACC: Supporting action planning and closing the session.
- PCC: Inviting client reflection and designing post-session actions.
- MCC: Checking in on progress and cultivating intentional application.
By understanding and mastering these core competencies, coaches can provide exceptional support to their clients and contribute to their overall well-being.
Taymour Miri is an ICF master coach and a Gallup certified strengths coach and more recently one of the first 136 coaches world wide to be awarded an Advanced Certificate in Team Coaching. He has 30 years’ experience in leadership roles and 20 years of experince in coaching. Taymour has trained over 1,500 coaches across five continents and is the founder of International Coaching Education (ICE).