CCE programs for coaches can be challenging to find.
It takes a lot of research to decide on an appropriate approach, especially when you need to learn the ICF competencies or get your mentor coaching lined up for ICF credential renewal.
In this rapidly changing coaching landscape, staying ahead of the crowd and levelling up your skills and knowledge is crucial for coaching success.
Whether you’re a new coach just starting or a seasoned expert, planning for your professional development is critical.
Group mentor coaching can be a great way to learn (or refresh) the ICF Competencies and earn ICF CCE units in the Core Competency category.
Don’t rule out self-directed options for earning ICF CCE units either. It may take more effort to stay motivated to complete the coursework when only you are accountable for your progress. But, self-directed learning has the benefit of fitting into your schedule whenever you can spare a few minutes or hours.
Many self-directed programs can be completed from anywhere. This remote learning capability makes them very popular for coaches who like to learn wherever they are.
Here are some options that will help you earn up to 10 CCE units. You’ll find the details by following the links.
- Register for the MCC Prep Mentor Coaching Group
- Register for the ACC/PCC Mentor Coaching Group
- Register for How to Learn the ICF Competencies – 32 Fun Activities to Get You Started
Not sure where to start when planning for your professional development in coaching? Here are some tips:
Assess Where You Are Now
The first step in planning your professional development is self-assessment. Reflect on your current coaching skills, competency strengths, and areas for competency development. You likely have completed a coach training program, so you have the basics.
You may now be on the credentialing path. Do you know the requirements? Have you studied the ICF competencies? Have you reviewed the ICF Code of Ethics? If not, that’s your starting place. It’s essential to keep firmly grounded in the fundamentals.
Decide Where You Want to Go
Set clear and measurable goals once you have assessed your coaching against the core competencies. Define where you want to be in the short, medium, and long term. Is an ICF credential on your wish list? Set out a plan with specific milestones and tie them to calendar dates. This will provide a roadmap and help you track your progress effectively.
Research Your Options
Once you set your goals, it’s time to identify the learning options that best suit your skill requirements and timelines. Consider traditional methods like courses, workshops, conferences, online resources, webinars, and professional networking events.
The ICF Education Search Service (ESS) is a treasure trove of options, but don’t stop there.
Find sites with resources that are geared toward supporting coaches. Most of these have free materials that you can download. Be sure to join their mailing lists because many providers have special discounts and tools they only make available to subscribers.
Here are a few of my favourites for learning and earning CCE units in Resource Development:
Harness the Magic of Momentum
Professional development is a lifelong journey; the best individuals in every field embrace continuous learning. This is especially true of coaches. We love learning!
Stay up to date with trends in the coaching field with books, blogs, podcasts, and even LinkedIn connections.
Be sure to engage in communities by sharing posts of coaching thought leaders (and mention them when you do).
Rest, Assess and Regroup
Remember that rest is as essential to forward movement as action. Build in breaks as a part of your plan so you can take a breather to check your progress against your goals.
What is working well? What do you need to adjust? What do you need to stop doing? What do you need to start doing?
Taking time to answer these questions will help you pivot your direction as necessary and as your knowledge and skills evolve.
Continuous reviews and resets will ensure your professional development plan stays relevant and aligned with your hopes and dreams.
Call On Your Pit Crew
Coaching can be a lonely business if we let it. So many of us work in isolation and are disconnected from our peers. Establishing a supportive community that can assist you with insight and feedback when needed is critical.
This pit crew may be comprised of mentors, coaching colleagues, and even coaching industry experts.
Participating in discussion groups or one-on-one sessions with a hired mentor to seek advice can give you essential insights that assist you in identifying blind spots or areas for improvement.
These strategies will contribute to your growth and fast-track your development.
As all great coaches know, investing in yourself and your skills is integral to your development. It will go a long way to helping your clients too!

Author: Cathy Shaughnessy
Cathy Shaughnessy is an ICF Assessor and PRISM award-winning ICF Master Certified Coach. Cathy mentors credentialed coaches and she creates tools and programs to assist coaches to successfully earn their ICF Credentials. Get more information on Cathy’s group mentor coaching programs here. Check out the latest resource for coaches, How to Learn the ICF Competencies – 32 Fun Activities to Get You Started.
Click the image below to download the Free Easy Tracking Form for Coaches and get tools and resources from Cathy!

Cathy Shaughnessy is an ICF Assessor and PRISM award-winning ICF Master Certified Coach. Cathy mentors credentialed coaches and she creates tools and programs to assist coaches to successfully earn their ICF Credentials. Get more information on Cathy’s group mentor coaching programs here. Check out the latest resource for coaches, How to Learn the ICF Competencies – 32 Fun Activities to Get You Started.
Click the image below to download the Free Easy Tracking Form for Coaches and get tools and resources from Cathy!