Are You Above Average?

I’ve been pondering a few facts that have emerged from the ICF Competencies Quickie Quiz that I host on my website.

I was amazed to discover that 3,250 coaches have taken the quiz to date and the average score is 71%.

Are you surprised? I know I am.

I’ll be honest, I thought coaches would knock it out of the park and I’d see averages that were consistently in the 90% range. Especially since the new competencies have been in place for a while and the number of competencies has been reduced from eleven to eight.

Less to learn, right?

Turns out, fewer competencies don’t necessarily equal higher scores.

Taking a closer look at the numbers, I discovered some interesting differences in the scores for individual questions. Some scored high, and some scored low.

The lowest scoring question at 53% is this:

Question: Being sensitive to the clients’ identity, environment, experiences, values and beliefs is a part of which Domain?

The highest scoring question at 95% is this:

Question: In accordance with the ICF Code of Ethics, the details of a coaching conversation must be kept confidential unless …

Evidently, coaches who took the quiz are clear on some, but not all parts of the competency model. There are definite gaps in their knowledge.

I admit I had a hunch that this was the case based on my work as an ICF Assessor and mentor coach. That’s why I created this fun little quiz. It’s a knowledge test, and a fun way for coaches to get a sense of how much they know about the ICF competencies.

It is not like the official ICF Credentialing Exam which is a situational judgement test designed to assess the ability of the coach to apply what they have learned about the ICF definition of coaching, ICF Core Competencies, and the ICF Code of Ethics.

Are you curious about how you’d score?

If you’d like to know if you’re above average, you can take the quiz here.

How To Increase Your Knowledge of the ICF Coach Core Competencies

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I am a big fan of competencies.

The core competencies are the building blocks. They’re the glue that helps you anchor the fundamentals and connect the dots to keep you growing as a coach. Without a good grip on these key concepts, diving into the trickier stuff like preparing to apply for credentials can be a bit of a head-scratcher, messing with your overall understanding and your performance.

Here are some tips for ramping up your knowledge on the core competencies (and scoring above average on the quiz):

Get Involved with the Content

Your knowledge will increase dramatically when you engage with the material! You may be surprised to learn how few coaches have a copy of the ICF Competencies on hand. Download the competencies, study them, and then actively engage with the material by participating in discussions with your peers, and seeking out learning tools on platforms like Quizlet and Teachable.

Create Your Own Visuals

It’s not always easy to learn key concepts by reading long paragraphs of text. Get out your coloured markers and sticky notes and create your own use visual aids like diagrams or mind maps and highlight essential points. There are some great apps online for this too! I use Canva a lot. Review and revise your notes regularly to reinforce the concepts in your memory.

Apply It in the Real World

Integrating your learning to real coaching sessions with your clients will work wonders to deepen your understanding. Practical application helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Look for coaching case studies, demos, or pro bono coaching opportunities that allow you to see the competencies in action.

Mix it Up

Not everyone learns in the same way. It is important to understand what works for you and explore a variety of learning methodologies. Coaching books and articles, online courses, video lectures, ICF Chapter meetings, and academic journals are just a few of the many options available to you. Different resources present information in diverse ways, catering to various learning styles. Combining sources provides a more comprehensive understanding of key concepts and exposes you to different perspectives.

Develop a Reflective Practice

Regularly review and practice key concepts to reinforce your understanding over time. Spaced repetition, where you revisit information at increasing intervals, is a proven technique for long-term retention. Listening to recordings of your coaching sessions and reviewing them against the coach competencies can be an excellent learning strategy. Consistent practice through exercises, quizzes, or self-assessment tools will help solidify your grasp of the competencies and markers for each credential level.

I know, it can seem like a lot to tackle when you are busy focusing on conducting meaningful coaching conversations in real time. But ongoing learning is an integral part of growing your skills and serving your clients even better than you do right now.

When you take a more strategic approach to your learning, you’ll feel far less overwhelmed as you earn your credentials. You’ll get a lot more traction from the time and energy you invest.

I know it can be a challenge, but I believe in you!

If you need some extra support, come join an upcoming mentor coaching program. Or, if you’d like a more chill approach, check out my self-directed resource How to Learn the ICF Competencies – 32 Fun Activities to Get You Started!