New ICF Coach Competencies take effect in August 2022 for all mentor coaching, credential performance evaluations and testing, even though they were officially launched in 2020.
Once the new ICF coach competencies take effect, they will form the basis of a new evaluation process for those of us who are ICF Assessors, and a new Coach Knowledge Assessment for coaches applying for a new credential.
Competencies are integral to coach development. Coaches are trained in many different coaching schools, so their approaches may differ. Coach competencies provide a framework for coaches to align with elevated standards of performance no matter which models or methods they use.
I wrote about this in an earlier blog, ICF Coaching Competencies – Where They Fit Into Coaching
The original eleven competencies have formed the basis of credential assessments since the 1990s when they were first developed. When the new ICF Coach Competencies take effect, you will see that they have been streamlined, and the language is now more neutral and inclusive.
In the meantime, if you have not yet familiarized yourself with the new ICF Coach Competencies, now would be the time to get started. It will be very important learning as you move forward along the coach credentialing path. When choosing a mentor coach, you should also work with someone who is very familiar with the new competencies and is prepared to provide detailed feedback on where your coaching does (and does not) align.
Most coach training schools integrated the new competencies into their programs last year. I have been using the new competencies in my group mentor coaching programs since 2020 when they were introduced.
If this is new to you, and you would like a quick reference sheet, you can download the New ICF Coach Competencies handout that I use in my group mentor coaching programs.
Group mentor coaching is a great way to learn the new competencies and ten hours provides ten ICF CCE units in the core competency category.
If you are thinking about group mentor coaching this year, my next mixed credential group starts on April 13th.
Last year, at the request of numerous PCC credential holders, I launched an MCC Prep Mentor Coaching Group to help MCC candidates get their coaching ready for their MCC applications. I am running three more of these in 2022.
My next MCC Prep Group Mentor Coaching program starts on May 26.
You can download a schedule for all of the upcoming 2022 groups here.
Cathy Shaughnessy, MCC, is an active ICF Assessor and ICF Mentor Coach Specialist for ACC, PCC and MCC. A graduate of the Royal Roads University Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching, Cathy has been coaching since 2008 and brings extensive experience as an executive coach, mentor coach, coach educator and assessor to her work with coaches.
Through Perspective In Action, Cathy provides mentor coaching and creates practical resources for coaches preparing for ICF credentials, credentialing exams, renewal and ongoing professional development. Her courses, exam preparation resources and learning tools help coaches deepen their understanding of the ICF Core Competencies, PCC Markers, Code of Ethics and Core Values, and apply that knowledge thoughtfully in their coaching.
Explore Cathy’s mentor coaching, ICF learning and credentialing resources, or subscribe to Cathy’s emails for practical coaching insights, resources and updates.