I have some industry news to share that’s particularly relevant to coaches considering applying for a credential with the ICF. While this is more of a teaser update, I want to share that I think this indicates good things for the coaching industry. The ICF is the leading global organization for professional coaching, and this update reflects that standing. I appreciate their dedication to ensuring their credentialing process keeps up with the professional standards that serve this industry. I view both the updated competencies, and this new exam as ways they are serving the industry’s development. So let’s bring on the updates, I say!

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) will launch a new credentialing exam at the end of 2021. This new exam will replace the current Coach Knowledge Assessment, and will be grounded in the updated Core Competencies that were released in November 2019. The ICF shares that this new exam is high-quality and aligned with the highest standards in psychometric assessment. The next update on the new exam will be released by mid-summer.

The Role of the ICF Exam

The exam is a part of the application process to earn a credential with the International Coaching Federation. The ICF offers three coaching credentials: the Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Master Certified Coach (MCC) with increasingly rigorous training and coaching requirements. The exam is the same for all three credentials. Once you submit your application, you are notified via email of your eligibility to take the written exam, and invited to do so online. While you are able to train through a long list of coach training schools, the written exam aims to ensure coaches are meeting a professional standard regardless of their specific training.

Updates to the New Version

The updated competencies includes the addition of a new competency – “Embodies a Coaching Mindset”. This new competency emphasizes the importance of the coach maintaining responsibility for their wellbeing, and awareness of their impact. You can read more about the updated competencies on the ICF website. This competency will be a part of the new exam.

Applicants are given three hours to take the current exam, although many finish in much less than that, and the passing grade is 70%. The ICF has not shared if the new version will share these same restrictions.

The ICF shares that this new exam will be delivered more securely than the previous exam. From what I remember, the previous exam asked the applicant to close out all windows, but it was really honor code to not cheat. I wonder with testing platform tech improving in recent years, if they are opting for a more rigorous exam environment.

Check back for updates this summer, likely by July.

In the meantime, if you haven’t heard about the ICF’s re-brand, read my blog post where I break down what this means for the organization.