Implementation
Whether to cover administrative expenses or to contribute to an organization’s profits, all respondents to my survey indicated that they charged fees related to their certifications. The most widely adopted fees were for examinations and re-certification (25 respondents or 80.6% each), closely followed by charges for retesting and applications (approximately 65%). Appeals and practice tests made up the third tier of fees, coming in with 10-11 respondents (32-35%). The ICF charges application and exam fees, with charges slightly higher for non-members.
Another aspect of implementation that the survey covered was online delivery systems. Nearly half of the organizations that replied had provisions for their applicants to apply online, and one-fourth allowed applicants to enroll for training online. Only a handful of certifying bodies allowed for online self-assessments or practice tests. The ICF application process is done online, and the organization is in the process of converting its written exam to an online format.
Once certification is attained, all of my survey respondents indicated that they provided a certificate of achievement to recipients, and 80% maintained a list or registry of certified practitioners.
Upon achieving ICF certification, coaches gain additional privileges beyond the standard achievement certificate, such as using the ACC, PCC or MCC mark and logo, which are recognizable symbols of achievement. In addition, ICF credentialed coaches have full voting rights in the organization, and can take advantage of the no cost Coach Referral Service on the ICF web site. ICF credentialed coaches are also eligible to serve on various committees, the board or to speak at ICF sanctioned events.
Re-certification
Ensuring that certificants maintain their knowledge and skills is a key ingredient in certifications. This is borne out by the fact that all but one respondent in my survey said they stipulate re-certification, with the most popular interval being one to three years (51.6%). That was closely followed by a re-certification requirement every four to six years (38.7%). Most organizations (74.2%) implemented re-certification when their programs were started.
Continuing education and re-testing were the two most widely adopted requirements. Continuing practice in the field was mandated by slightly more than one-third of those responding. Professional service garnered a 25.8% response. All of the other choices, such as various types of work submission and in-person demonstrations, were used very little according to my survey respondents.
In order to maintain any of the three ICF credentials, recipients must complete 40 Continuing Coaching Education Credits (CCEUs) within the three-year renewal cycle. Those at the ACC level must also complete 10 hours of mentor coaching. These requirements are certainly in line with the common practices identified in my survey research. The added requirement of mentor coaching for those newest to the profession is further testament to ICF’s desire to ensure a positive coaching experience for clients. It is important to note the ICF provides additional information regarding selecting an appropriate mentor coach.
Continuous Improvement
Another hallmark of a reputable and desirable credentialing organization is one that strives for continuous improvement to ensure that the credential remains relevant to the field. According to Judith Hale, a renowned expert in credentialing and author of several performance improvement related books, it is important for the credentialing organization to monitor changes in the field and track results in order to help determine when changes are necessary. The governing board of the credentialing body ultimately decides when it is appropriate to update requirements. When such changes do occur, it is paramount to communicate them early and often, so that professionals holding the credential are given fair notice and provided with adequate opportunities to meet the new requirements (Hale, 2000).
ICF is doing well in this area. First, it provides an online quarterly newsletter dedicated to credentialing. Second, in late 2011, it announced changes to the credentialing process (primarily for those applying via the portfolio route) that will go into effect in 2013. The written test is being revised. To accomplish this, the ICF is partnering with a test development expert to conduct a role delineation study. In addition, the ICF conducted a comprehensive survey to help identify the ICF knowledge base, which is defined as the ICF Core Competencies, Code of Ethics, and the definition of coaching. The survey received 4,000 responses, indicating a solid representation from credentialed members. Note that as of December, 2011, there were 8,381 ICF credential holders from 83 different countries. (Here is the breakdown: ACC: 5,203; PCC: 2,547; MCC.) This data, and additional information, can be found on the ICF web site.
The written test items will be updated and transitioned from short answer to multiple choice. That shift will enable the test to be delivered electronically via the internet, providing added convenience for those seeking the credential. In addition, the process for submitting oral coaching samples is changing, and MP3 recordings will be required vs. conducting a live oral exam. Full details are available on the ICF web site.
Conclusion
The ICF, in support of the profession of coaching, has designed a credentialing process to ensure that the organization’s code of conduct, ethics and professional standards are maintained by coaches worldwide. Understanding that coaching is a profession that requires continuous learning and development on the part of its practitioners, the certification requirements include a combination of coach-specific training, client coaching experience, and a demonstration of actual coaching skills. These requirements do go further than many of the associations I researched.
In order to truly demonstrate competence, it is my belief and also that of certification experts such as Judith Hale, that valid skill-based assessments are a critical aspect of demonstrating competence in a given profession. By having graduated credentials and requiring re-certification every three years, the ICF recognizes and actively promotes the lifelong learning and ongoing development of its credentialed coaches. The ICF credentialing process is clearly grounded in high standards designed to serve the best interests of coaches and clients alike.
References
Griffiths, K. and Campbell, A. (2009, August). Discovering, applying and integrating: The process of learning in coaching. International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring, 16-30.
Hale, J. (2000). Performance-based certification: How to design a valid, defensible, cost-effective program. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer.
MacKenzie, C. (2002). What are the “best practices” for developing and validating standards used in the certification requirements of specialty boards and membership-driven associations. Unpublished master’s thesis, Alverno College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.