Welcome to Your Student Resource Hub
Real coaching examples, faculty favorites, and the ICF standards that guide your credentialing journey, all in one place. Pick a card below to get started, and come back any time you need inspiration, a model to study, or a next read.
The Community of Practice is a free space created just for ICG Student-Coaches, where you can:
✓ Coach and be coached in live peer sessions on Zoom
✓ Gain coaching experience hours that count toward your ICF credential
✓ Build your confidence and coaching presence
✓ Connect with peers, share experiences, and grow together
Sessions are available Monday to Friday, and you will find session links, resources, and templates all in one place, everything you need to start practicing coaching and gaining experience hours right away.
Go to Community of PracticeThese recordings are strong examples of coaching that have met the ACC Level 1 Performance Evaluation requirements. They are shared with permission from both coach and client. Please do not share or distribute these recordings beyond this space.
Farah coaching Sawsan
ACC Level 1 Performance Evaluation example
Allyson coaching Sherry
ACC Level 1 Performance Evaluation example
Eric Grorud coaching Meredith
ACC Level 1 Performance Evaluation example
Tyler coaching Bruce
ACC Level 1 Performance Evaluation example
The 2025 ICF Core Competency Model, all 8 competencies and every sub-competency, organized by domain. Source: 2025 ICF Core Competencies, released September 2025.
Understands and consistently applies coaching ethics and standards of coaching.
- 1.01 Demonstrates personal integrity and honesty in interactions with clients, sponsors and relevant stakeholders
- 1.02 Is sensitive to clients' identity, environment, experiences, values and beliefs
- 1.03 Uses language appropriate and respectful to clients, sponsors and relevant stakeholders
- 1.04 Abides by the ICF Code of Ethics and upholds the ICF Core Values
- 1.05 Maintains confidentiality with client information per stakeholder agreements and pertinent laws
- 1.06 Maintains the distinctions between coaching, consulting, psychotherapy and other support professions
- 1.07 Refers clients to other support professionals, as appropriate
Engages in ongoing personal and professional learning and development as a coach. Works with coaching supervisors or mentor coaches as needed. Develops and maintains a mindset that is open, curious, flexible and client-centered.
- 2.01 Acknowledges that clients are responsible for their own choices
- 2.02 Engages in ongoing learning and development as a coach, including remaining aware of current coaching best practices and use of technology
- 2.03 Develops an ongoing reflective practice to enhance one's coaching
- 2.04 Remains aware of and open to the influence of biases, context and culture on self and others
- 2.05 Uses awareness of self and one's intuition to benefit clients
- 2.06 Develops and maintains the ability to manage one's emotions
- 2.07 Maintains emotional, physical, and mental well-being in preparation for, throughout, and following each session
- 2.08 Seeks help from outside sources when necessary
- 2.09 Nurtures openness and curiosity in oneself, the client, and the coaching process
- 2.10 Remains aware of the influence of one's thoughts and behaviors on the client and others
Partners with the client and relevant stakeholders to create clear agreements about the coaching relationship, process, plans and goals. Establishes agreements for the overall coaching engagement as well as those for each coaching session.
- 3.01 Describes one's coaching philosophy and clearly defines what coaching is and is not for potential clients and stakeholders
- 3.02 Reaches agreement about what is and is not appropriate in the relationship, what is and is not being offered, and the responsibilities of the client and relevant stakeholders, including commitment to working toward coaching goals
- 3.03 Reaches agreement about the guidelines and specific parameters of the coaching relationship such as logistics, fees, scheduling, duration, termination, confidentiality and inclusion of others
- 3.04 Partners with the client and relevant stakeholders to establish an overall coaching plan and goals
- 3.05 Partners with the client to determine client-coach compatibility
- 3.06 Partners with the client to identify or reconfirm what they want to accomplish in the session
- 3.07 Partners with the client to define what the client believes they need to address or resolve to achieve what they want to accomplish in the session
- 3.08 Partners with the client to define or reconfirm measures of success for what the client wants to accomplish in the coaching engagement or individual session
- 3.09 Partners with the client to manage the time and focus of the session
- 3.10 Continues coaching in the direction of the client's desired outcome unless the client indicates otherwise
- 3.11 Partners with the client to close the coaching relationship in a way that respects the client and the coaching experience
- 3.12 Revisits the coaching agreement when necessary to ensure the coaching approach is meeting the client's needs
Partners with the client to create a safe, supportive environment that allows the client to share freely. Maintains a relationship of mutual respect and trust.
- 4.01 Seeks to understand the client within their context which may include their identity, environment, experiences, values and beliefs
- 4.02 Demonstrates respect for the client's identity, perceptions, style and language and adapts one's coaching to the client
- 4.03 Acknowledges and respects the client's unique talents, insights and work in the coaching process
- 4.04 Shows support, empathy and concern for the client
- 4.05 Acknowledges and supports the client's expression of feelings, perceptions, concerns, beliefs and suggestions
- 4.06 Demonstrates openness and transparency as a way to display vulnerability and build trust with the client
Is fully conscious and present with the client, employing a style that is open, flexible, grounded and confident.
- 5.01 Remains focused, observant, empathetic and responsive to the client
- 5.02 Demonstrates curiosity during the coaching process
- 5.03 Remains aware of what is emerging for self and client in the present moment
- 5.04 Manages one's emotions to stay present with the client
- 5.05 Demonstrates confidence in working with strong client emotions during the coaching process
- 5.06 Is comfortable working in a space of not knowing
- 5.07 Creates or allows space for silence, pause or reflection
Focuses on what the client is and is not saying to fully understand what is being communicated in the context of the client systems and to support client self-expression.
- 6.01 Considers the client's context, identity, environment, experiences, values and beliefs to enhance understanding of what the client is communicating
- 6.02 Reflects or summarizes what the client is communicating to ensure clarity and understanding
- 6.03 Recognizes and inquires when there is more to what the client is communicating
- 6.04 Notices, acknowledges and explores the client's emotions, energy shifts, non-verbal cues or other behaviors
- 6.05 Integrates the client's words, tone of voice and body language to determine the full meaning of what the client is communicating
- 6.06 Notices trends in the client's behaviors and emotions across sessions to discern themes and patterns
Facilitates client insight and learning by using tools and techniques such as powerful questioning, silence, metaphor or analogy.
- 7.01 Considers client experience when deciding what might be most useful
- 7.02 Challenges the client as a way to evoke awareness or insight
- 7.03 Asks questions about the client, such as their way of thinking, values, needs, wants and beliefs
- 7.04 Asks questions that help the client explore beyond current thinking
- 7.05 Invites the client to share more about their experience in the moment
- 7.06 Notices what is working to enhance client progress
- 7.07 Adjusts the coaching approach in response to the client's needs
- 7.08 Helps the client identify factors that influence current and future patterns of behavior, thinking or emotion
- 7.09 Invites the client to generate ideas about how they can move forward and what they are willing or able to do
- 7.10 Supports the client in reframing perspectives
- 7.11 Shares observations, knowledge, and feelings, without attachment, that have the potential to create new insights for the client
Partners with the client to transform learning and insight into action. Promotes client autonomy in the coaching process.
- 8.01 Works with the client to integrate new awareness, insight or learning into their worldview and behaviors
- 8.02 Partners with the client to design goals, actions and accountability measures that integrate and expand new learning
- 8.03 Acknowledges and supports client autonomy in the design of goals, actions and methods of accountability
- 8.04 Supports the client in identifying potential results or learning from identified action steps
- 8.05 Invites the client to consider how to move forward, including resources, support and potential barriers
- 8.06 Partners with the client to summarize learning and insight within or between sessions
- 8.07 Partners with the client to integrate learning and sustain progress throughout the coaching engagement
- 8.08 Acknowledges the client's progress and successes
- 8.09 Partners with the client to close the session
rev. 09.08.25 · No new main competencies were introduced in the 2025 update. Five new sub-competencies were added and 11 existing sub-competencies were revised, with one competency definition updated.
These are the official ICF documents assessors use when listening to your performance evaluation recordings. For each of the 8 Core Competencies, you will find the Key Skills, the Behaviors Consistent With ICF Standards, and the Behaviors Inconsistent With ICF Standards. Compare them side by side with the ICF Core Competencies above to see how they align and to help you elevate your coaching practice.
ACC Minimum Skills Requirements
Key skills and consistent / inconsistent behaviors for the Associate Certified Coach level.
PCC Minimum Skills Requirements
Key skills and consistent / inconsistent behaviors for the Professional Certified Coach level.
An overview of global ICF annual membership fees and credential application costs across the different educational pathways.
ICF Annual Individual Membership
Cost: $270 USD / year
Eligibility: Open to coaches who hold an active credential or have completed/are enrolled in at least 60 hours of ICF-approved coach education.
Pro Tip: Joining as an ICF Member provides substantial discounts on initial credential application fees and 3-year renewal costs.
Credential Application Paths & Fees
| Application Path | Description | Member Price | Non-Member | Est. Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 Path | For those completing an ICF-accredited Level 1 program (ACC preparation). | $175 USD | $325 USD | 4 weeks |
| Level 2 Path | For coaches who have completed an entire ICF-accredited Level 2 program (PCC preparation). | $375 USD | $525 USD | 4 weeks |
*Prices subject to change and verified at the time of creating this page.
A side-by-side reference for the three ICF individual coaching credentials and renewal guidance. Source: coachingfederation.org
Initial Credential Comparison
| Requirement | ACC Associate Certified |
PCC Professional Certified |
MCC Master Certified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credential Prerequisite | N/A | N/A | PCC Credential |
| Coaching Education | 60+ hours | 125+ hours | 200+ hours |
| Coaching Experience | 100+ hours | 500+ hours | 2,500+ hours |
| Mentor Coaching | 10 hours | 10 hours | 10 hours |
| Performance Evaluation | 1 recording | 2 recordings | 2 recordings |
| Exam Requirement | ACC Exam | ICF Credentialing Exam | ICF Credentialing Exam |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 3 yrs (40 CCE) | Every 3 yrs (40 CCE) | Every 3 yrs (40 CCE) |
ACC is designed for early-career coaches. PCC is for established coaches demonstrating advanced command. MCC represents the highest level of mastery.
Coaching Experience Hour Requirements
| Requirement | ACC Associate | PCC Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Ideal for early-career coaches establishing credibility. | Demonstrates advanced skills and client results. |
| Total Coaching Hours | 100 hours | 500 hours |
| Paid Coaching Hours | At least 75 hrs | At least 450 hrs |
| Recent Hours (Last 18 Mo.) | At least 25 hrs | At least 50 hrs |
| Minimum Clients | 8 clients | 25 clients |
| Timing of Hours | Completed after starting coach-specific training. | |
Credential Renewal Requirements
Renewing your ICF credential is an investment in your professional growth. Each renewal keeps your credential active, ensures high service standards, and demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning.
Renewal Timeline & Submissions
• Renew Every 3 Years: Track your expiration date via the "My Credentials" tab on your ICF Profile.
• Submit Early: Renewal applications can be submitted up to 10 months prior to expiration.
• Review Time: Renewal processing generally takes 6 to 8 weeks once submitted.
3-Year Renewal Fees
| Membership Status | ACC | PCC |
|---|---|---|
| ICF Member Price | $175 USD | $175 USD |
| Non-Member Price | $275 USD | $275 USD |
Specific Renewal Hour Breakdown (40 CCE Credits Total)
ACC Renewal (40 CCEs):
• 24 Core Competency credits (must include 3 Coaching Ethics credits + 10 hours of mentor coaching).
• 16 credits in Core Competencies or Resource Development.
PCC Renewal (40 CCEs):
• 24 Core Competency credits (must include 3 Coaching Ethics credits).
• 16 credits in Core Competencies or Resource Development.
Lapsed Credentials & Upgrades
*Prices subject to change and verified at the time of creating this page.
A curated reading list recommended by faculty for coaches at every stage of the journey.
| Book Title | Author(s) | Focus / Faculty Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy of Peace | The Arbinger Institute | Essential growth for developing the Coaching Mindset. |
| Atomic Habits | James Clear | Practical frameworks for continuous small-step improvement. |
| Coach the Person, Not the Problem | Marcia Reynolds | Mastering transformative inquiry and deep listening. |
| Coaching Questions | Tony Stoltzfus | Practical guide to powerful asking skills. |
| Conscious Business | Fred Kofman, Ken Wilber, et al. | Building values-driven culture and ethical leadership. |
| Creating a Coaching Culture | Peter Hawkins | Systemic coaching strategies for organizational transformation. |
| Eat That Frog! | Brian Tracy | Actionable time management and anti-procrastination strategies. |
| Fierce Conversations | Susan Craig Scott, M.D. | Authentic communication at work and in life. |
| Find Your Why | Simon Sinek | Discovering purpose for individuals and teams. |
| From One to Many | Jennifer Britton | Essential techniques for group and team coaching. |
| Happiness: Unlocking Psychological Wealth | Ed Diener & Robert Biswas-Diener | Positive psychology foundations for human flourishing. |
| Masterful Coaching | Robert Hargrove | Includes the invitation to help clients connect to their "Impossible Future." |
| Taming Your Gremlin | Rick Carson | Overcoming inner chatter, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs. |
| The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People | Stephen R. Covey | Personal mastery, integrity, and relational effectiveness. |
| The Coaching Habit | Michael Bungay Stanier | Core questioning skills and building short, impactful habits. |
| The Discomfort Zone | Marcia Reynolds | Turning difficult conversations into breakthrough moments. |
| The Four Agreements | Don Miguel Ruiz | Personal freedom and breaking self-limiting beliefs. |
| The Heart of Coaching | Thomas G. Crane | Creating a coaching culture and feedback loops in organizations. |
| The Heart of Laser-Focused Coaching | Marion Franklin | Direct communication and getting straight to the core issue. |
| The Prosperous Coach | Steve Chandler & Rich Litvin | Building a high-value coaching practice without hard selling. |
| The Untethered Soul | Michael A. Singer | Mindfulness, self-awareness, and emotional freedom. |
| Way of the Peaceful Warrior | Dan Millman | Inspiring personal growth classic for any reader. |
| What Got You Here Won't Get You There | Marshall Goldsmith | Executive leadership growth and behavioral change. |
| Who Moved My Cheese? | Spencer Johnson | Great for beginner coaches navigating change. |
Welcome to the family! One of the most beautiful parts of this journey is the incredible, supportive network of coaches you are now a part of. To stay inspired, share your milestones, and celebrate with fellow students, alumni, and faculty outside the classroom, we would love to have you connect with our wider coaching circle on social media.
Professional insights, ICF updates, industry articles, and networking opportunities to help grow your practice.
Daily inspiration, behind-the-scenes moments, student spotlights, and a closer look at our vibrant coaching culture.
Don't be shy, drop a comment, say hello, and tag us as you progress through your modules. We are always cheering you on and can't wait to see you online.
Fresh thinking on ICF standards, coaching trends, and stories from our community. A few recent posts to get you started:
Coaching Topic Fatigue: What It Is and How to Overcome It
Explore practical insights for coaches navigating client topic fatigue and keeping session dynamics engaging and effective.
What Is the 5.5.5™ Coaching Model?
An overview of the framework that brings process, skills, and mindset together into one coaching approach.
How to Become a Certified Coach: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
A walkthrough of the steps to earning an ICF credential, from coach-specific education to the final exam.
