ICF CCE Sources You May Have Overlooked

If you want to be a successful coach with a full roster and a long list of referrals from satisfied clients you have to keep learning. Continuing coach education (CCE) is also a necessary part of maintaining up-to-date credentials.

For the International Coach Federation, you need forty hours of additional education to renew your coaching credential.

You may think of only formal training programs for this, but there are a bunch of sources you might have missed.

Ever reach into the pocket of a jacket you haven’t worn for a while and find a few bucks that you didn’t know were there? No? How about gathering a nice pile of coins from under the sofa cushions while digging for the remote? (okay the cheese puffs were a bit icky but you get the idea)

Well, here’s a little surprise fun fact about your forty education hours. Sixteen of these can be self-paced study. ICF calls these Resource Development hours.

So if you are an avid lifetime learner (and I hope you are), you may already have accumulated many of these hours without realizing it. It’s a bit like finding buried treasure!

Here are some things you might have done (or still have time to do) that are valid sources of credit.

Non-coach specific training. Courses on business development, communication, negotiating, writing or other topics that have contributed to your skill-building in coaching.

Reading. You know I am a big fan of this one. Reading coaching books, white papers, research documents or self-study materials that have helped you grow as a coach.

Writing. Workshops, presentations, articles or documents that you have written on topics related to coaching or coach development.

Research. Formal academic research that you have conducted relative to coaching or coach related topics.

Archived Virtual Education. Recordings of ICF events, presentations and webinars. ICF members have access to a robust catalogue of rich coach learning through the ICF website. You can listen to numerous recorded audio and video sessions any time from any location via the internet.

ICF Approved training designated as self-study. Components of a formal and approved coaching training program in which you are not required to attend in real-time but complete on a self-paced, individual basis.

There are varying documentation requirements for each of these options. As I always recommend, see the ICF website for your most official and up-to-date information.

Documentation is the key. Any system works as long as you have one. You can download my Easy Tracking Form for Coaches if you are looking to minimize hassles. It’s free.

Did you download and read the first book in the Really Competent Coach series? If you did, Bravo! That’s one CCE. Be sure to add it to your tracking.

Want another CCE? Download and read the next book and earn another one.

If you have not taken advantage of this learning yet, you can do it now. For a limited time, you can buy both books and get the second one for  50% off.

This whole process is not about numbers. It is about learning. You have invested a lot in your coach education already. Accumulating coach CCE’s is a solid way to keep your skills up to date and to take your coaching to the next level.

I would encourage you to set aside time each month for learning, whether you are in your renewal year or not.

You will be a better coach for it. Your clients will thank you (and refer you).

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Hey, and before you go, I would love to hear from you! What self-study resources would you recommend to other coaches? Drop a comment in the box below!