ICF Credential Deadline Alert

September 30th is an unofficial ICF credential deadline that you need to put on your calendar if you are renewing an ICF credential, or planning for a new credential and need mentor coaching. Here’s why.

The ICF credential deadline for renewing your ICF credential is December 31st each year. However, the ICF also stipulates that, if you require mentor coaching to renew a credential or apply for a new credential, those 10 mentor coaching hours must take place over a period longer than three months.

What This Means For You

If you plan to register for a mentor coaching program that starts after or carries through September 30th, you will need to book an initial individual session with a mentor coach before that date. That’s an important unofficial ICF credential deadline to mark on your calendar too.

Actually, the sooner the better.

That way your mentor coaching will take place over more than three months, and you will have ample time for practice and feedback, increasing your odds of meeting the ICF credential deadline, and achieving credential success.

I also want to share a quick heads-up on a few other things I’m picking up on my radar.

I have been offering group mentor coaching programs for years. This year (dare we blame it on the pandemic) there have been some interesting trends in how and when coaches are approaching their professional development.

Mentor Coaching Trends I Am Noticing

Trend 1 – Groups fill early.

Historically, registrations have trickled in within a few weeks of a group start date. Some groups reach a maximum of ten participants and others are smaller. Over the last twelve months, I have had more sold-out groups and more mentor coaching inquiries than ever before.

Trend 2 – More coaches are seeking credentials.

Maybe it’s that more coaches are finding the time to focus on their own development. Maybe it’s that organizations are increasingly requiring credentialed coaches for their rosters. Whatever the driving force, there is definitely a giant uptick in credential seekers.

Trend 3- Mentor coaching for CCE units.

Coaches who do not require mentor coaching for credentialing are choosing to register for mentor groups too. I’m chalking this one up to this year’s release of the new ICF Competencies. Coaches are attending mentor groups to acquire some of the required 24 CCE units in the Core Competency category and learn the new competencies.

Trend 4 – Global groups.

I mentioned this in an earlier post. My mentor coaching groups are increasingly comprised of coaches from around the world. I think it’s pretty reasonable to assume that the necessity to work from home has bumped up the use of the technology that is making this possible.

Whatever the reason, demand is up.

I usually post my mentor coaching dates, and open registration dates one group at a time.

This year, due to the many requests from coaches who are planning ahead, I have posted all of the available mentor coaching groups for 2021 and they are all open for registration now.

If you are doing some forward planning, yay you!!

Here are the open groups for you to choose from:

Group Mentor Coaching

10 mentor coaching hours, 10 CCE Core Competency units

NEW ICF Competencies Brush-Up and Practice

7 mentor coaching hours, 7 CCE Core Competency units

NEW MCC Prep Mentor Coaching Group

10 mentor coaching hours, 10 CCE Core Competency Units

If you are not sure what would work best for you, or if you have credentialing questions, I’m happy to chat!

You can book a time on my calendar here.