The Need for Considering the New Policy Changes in Applications for ICF Credentials
The acknowledged
gold standard for life coaching, ICF has brought in a few changes in the
requirements for applying for credentials. It is necessary that applicants be
aware of the changed requirements so as to fully meet the mandatory criteria.
The changes have come into effect from Jul 31 2018 and it is highly likely that
professionals may have missed on the updates or may not have been informed by
the training centre regarding the same. So here is a brief outline of the
changes that have been introduced. There are other changes also that have been
communicated by the ICF to the stakeholders, but some changes are scheduled to
come into effect in 2019.
The need for
submitting proof as per new ICF ACC requirements
Under
the new ICF
ACC requirements applicant Associate
Certified Coaches need to submit proof in the form of a
recording and transcript of a coaching session. One live session of coaching
needs to be recorded and the transcripts along with the recording need to be
submitted as part of the performance evaluation. This has been ordered to bring
about greater consistency in the standards for professional coaches opting for
the ACSTH route to ICF credentials.
The need for
completing one cycle of credentialing
Another
requirement is the need for Associate Certified Coaches to have completed one
complete cycle of credentials through the renewal route, after which they can become
a Mentor Coach. The role of Mentor Coaches are important in training of
coaches. The improvement in standardization of Mentor Coaches makes it possible
for coaches to receive a higher level of training, which in turn will assist
the other coaches undergoing training at the hands of Mentor Coaches.
Key change
that has been incorporated
One
of the important changes that has been incorporated is of the credential
renewal applications. ACC renewal that required 10 hours of compulsory coaching
hours can now be used as a part of the 40 hours of Continued Coaching Education
necessary for obtaining ACC renewal. In other words, applicants for ACC
credential renewal need to have 10 hours of mentor coaching and 30 hours of
CCE. Out of the 30 hours of CCE, 11 hours need to be Core Competencies and
three hours each in coaching ethics.
Proof of
completion of comprehensive training
Applicant
Professional Certified Coaches or Associate Certified Coaches on the path to
initial credentialing who choose the Portfolio route for acquiring credentials
need to prove that they have completed a comprehensive training program. This
includes the coaching as defined by the ICF, the Code of Ethics, and the Core
Competencies. This has been developed in a manner so to encourage and assist
the coach to develop in a manner that will transform the coach. In other words,
this new requirement replaces the old system where aspiring coaches got to
submit non-approved training hour details. This is intended to improve the
standards of coaching and professional excellence.
Soliciting
feedback from Master Coaches
Other
relevant changes, apart from the changes that will be effective from next year
include feedback sought from Master Coaches. The idea behind ICF seeking
feedback from Master Coaches in the assessment procedures is for the purpose of
putting together recommendations in order to improve the scope, development and
overall professional ability of the coach. While the feedback is certainly not
a mandatory requirement as far as the aspirants and coaching centres are
concerned, it is nevertheless important. This is mainly because of the fact
that ICF credentials require to be renewed after a period. And therefore
coaches will find it beneficial to have systems and procedures in place that
are more convenient and simplified, without compromising on the standards that
have been achieved and maintained by ICF.
Annual
announcements of policy changes
The
ICF has also communicated to stakeholders of its intent to bring in changes
annually. This effectively means that procedures and processes will witness
improvements as required. This dynamic quality will be of great use as
individuals will now find the credentialing system and the procedures to be
more in tune with the latest developments in the field of technology. We are in
a technology driven world and the use of technology has become a powerful tool
everywhere. For instance the need for submitting a recording of a live session
is in itself a powerful tool that helps to improve the standards. This was not
available earlier and makes it possible for candidates to prove that they have
met the standards as required. Similarly, as new technologies overtake the
ecosystem, the ICF credentialing system will witness changes. The changes are
planned to be brought into effect on the February of every year.
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