New ICF Membership Eligibility Requirements

By Sally Vanson | 20th December 2011

The ICF has released more information regarding the new membership eligibility requirements, with this in mind The Performance Solution has developed a course for experienced Coaches and Therapists that have less than 60 coach specific coach training hours please click here.

The new membership eligibility requirements state that, in order to continue as an ICF member, you must complete 60 hours of coach specific training* by April 1, 2013. The ICF is not requiring that you pursue, or have, an ICF Credential in order to remain an ICF member.
To allow adequate time for current ICF members who have not completed the required training, a Provisional Member category has been created. This member category will allow current members one year to obtain or complete 60 hours of coach specific training prior to the policy taking full effect on April 1, 2013. Other membership categories that will be in place beginning April 1, 2012 include ICF Credentialed Member and ICF Coach Member.
You do not need to submit documentation or verification of completion of your coach specific training—as a member of the ICF, you are bound by the ICF Code of Ethics (that prohibits misrepresentation of coaching qualifications). ICF will retain the right to verify a member’s coach training hours or proof of accreditation from a coach training program or school at any time.
Read below to learn more about each membership category.
Hold an ICF Credential? Those members who hold a valid ICF Credential (ACC, PCC, or MCC) will automatically fulfill the membership eligibility requirements and will retain ICF Credentialed Member status on April 1, 2012. It is important to note that ICF membership and the ICF Credential are on two separate renewal timelines: ICF membership runs from April 1 to March 31 each year and must be renewed annually. An ICF Credential is valid for three years from the original certification or latest renewal and must be renewed every three years.


Have at least 60 hours of coach specific training but do not hold an ICF Credential?
If your 60 hours of coach specific training* meets the requirements, you will be considered to have fulfilled the membership eligibility requirements and will retain ICF Coach Member status on April 1, 2012. If you have concerns about your coach specific training or hours, please ensure they meet the ICF requirements below.


Have less than 60 hours of coach specific training?
Current members of the ICF who have less than 60 hours of coach specific training* will assume ICF Provisional Member status on April 1, 2012, for a maximum of one year (until April 1, 2013) or until the membership eligibility requirements are fulfilled (if completed before April 1, 2013). Coach specific training hours accumulated before and between now and the official policy launch on April 1, 2013 will be applicable.


*Definition of Training that is accepted as coach specific training:
(These are aligned with the requirements for the ACC Portfolio Application credential path.)

  • Training from an Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP) or a program that has received the ICF Approved Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH) designation.
  • Training from a Continuing Coach Education (CCE) Provider, subject to these limitations:

    • – All hours approved in Core Competencies will be accepted.
    – A maximum of 12 hours outside of the Core Competencies will be accepted.

  • Training that is specifically marketed as teaching coaching skills, that teaches coaching skills or teaches how to apply technical skills in a coach-like manner and teaches coaching skills in accordance with the ICF Core Competencies.



    • Requirement for 60 hours:
    At least 48 of the hours must be:

  • Direct interaction with a trainer (voice-to-voice or in-person training; not cyber courses, mail-in courses, or self-study).

  • From a program other than ICF conference, SIG, Virtual Education, or chapter events.

  • Teaching the ICF Core Competencies (all Core Competencies must be covered).

    • The remaining hours may be self-study, from an ICF event, teaching coaching-related topics, or a combination. However, all hours must be part of a program with the purpose of training coaches.


    * Info from ICF

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