Standard

ICF Core Competencies

The eight skills the International Coaching Federation considers foundational to professional coaching. The field's de facto skill standard.

At a glance
Type
Standard
8
Competencies in current model
4
Domains
50,000+
ICF members globally
140+
Countries with ICF chapters
Overview

About

The Core Competencies define the discipline that distinguishes professional coaching from advice, mentoring, or consulting — the line that makes the profession a profession.
After the ICF Core Competencies model, 2019 update
Frequently asked

Questions about ICF Core Competencies

The ICF Core Competencies are the eight observable skills the International Coaching Federation considers foundational to professional coaching. Organised into four domains — Foundation, Co-Creating the Relationship, Communicating Effectively, and Cultivating Learning and Growth — they form the basis of every ICF credentialing exam and the curricular spine of every ICF-accredited training program in the world.

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