ICF Accreditation

What is the ICF?
The International Coach Federation (ICF) is the largest global association of coaches with over 8,500 members. The ICF has been a leader in establishing both ethical standards and coaching competencies worldwide. For more information go to: www.coachfederation.org

What does the ICF Accreditation "ACTP" mean?
The ICF accredits both individual coaches and coach training programs. "ACTP" means accredited coach training program. Many people look to ICF accreditation as a benchmark of quality for coach training programs.

To qualify as an ACTP, the program must meet a comprehensive and rigorous set of criteria, including a minimum of 125 hours of coach specific training, 6 observed coaching sessions, coverage of the ICF coaching competencies and a final exam.

Results is officially recognised by the ICF as an ACTP provider. This means that graduates from the full Results ICF Credential Pathway are guaranteed that their training meets international standards and is recognised across the globe. Completion of this training program also meets training and examination requirements for individual applications as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) or Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the ICF. To find out more about individual credentials for coaches with the ICF click here.

What is RCS calling their ACTP?
Our ACTP is called the Results ICF Credential Pathway. The pathway includes a series of training programs, observed coaching sessions, certification levels and a final exam. For a full breakdown of the pathway click here.

Does this mean that Results is an accredited coach training school as well?
No. The ICF does not provide accreditation to coach training schools, only to individual coaches and coach training programs.

Does this mean I am automatically an ICF Certified Coach after I complete the Intensive Coach Training?
No. The ICT is the first step in your training as a coach and is included in the Results ICF Credential Pathway. You will need to complete your own application to the ICF in order to become a certified coach with them.

Completing the Results ICF Credential Pathway means you meet all coach training hours, mentoring hours and examination requirements for both ACC and PCC applications via the ACTP route. You will still need to meet other requirements to complete your individual application. To find out more about individual credentials for coaches with the ICF click here.

Will the training I have completed with Results count towards my own ICF Credential?
Yes, any training that you complete with Results will count towards your own ICF credential. You will not be required to re-sit the ICT or any of the other continuing or specialist education courses. All our courses are approved ICF Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH) and approved Continuing Coach Education (CCE) hours.

Coaches who have completed training with Results but not the full ICF Credential Pathway can use these hours towards their individual application via the portfolio track. To find out more about individual credentials for coaches with the ICFclick here.

Is the Intensive Coach Training Program the ACTP?
No. The Intensive Coach Training is the first step of the ICF Credential Pathway. It is also a stand alone program.

What do I need to do to complete the Results ACTP?
You need to complete a series of training programs, observed coaching sessions, certification levels and a final exam. Click here for details

Can I complete the Results ACTP even if I did my training years ago?
Yes. You will need to complete all elements of the pathway and any previous training programs or certifications you have already completed will count towards this.

How does this affect my current Results Certification (Level 1, Level 2 etc)?
It doesn't. Our own certification program sits alongside the Results ICF Credential Pathway.

It seems as if there are several ways to be recognised as a professional coach with Results. Can you clarify them?
Presently, there are two separate ways to receive a professional qualification through RCS.

Firstly, there is Results Certification Pathway, which is an opportunity for coaches who have trained with us to align themselves with our brand and have a professional certification from a recognised coach training school. Coaches move along the pathway and have to meet requirements and pass assessments at each stage. They are graded Level 1 - 3 and then dovetail with the ICF credentials of PCC and MCC.

Secondly, we now offer the Results ICF Credential Pathway. This pathway allows coaches to complete a training program that meets the highest international standards and sets them up to obtain their own ICF credential if desired.

And remember, you don't need to follow any particular pathway - you can pick and choose the programs and certification that are right for you.

With so many options, how do I know which is right for me?
It really depends on how far you want to take your career as a coach and where you want to focus. The different pathways offered by Results allow you to develop your training as a coach alongside your professional development. As you get a clearer picture of what type of coaching you want to offer and to what level, the pathway that best suits you will also become clearer.

In addition, much will depend on whether or not the clients that you are seeking to coach value the importance of possessing a professional qualification or accreditation. With more and more coaches coming on to the market, this may become more important in the future.

What are the benefits of completing the Results ICF Credential Pathway?
The main benefit is that you are aligning yourself with a professional association that sets the benchmark for coaching worldwide. Many people who know about coaching also know who the ICF is and are much more inclined to take you on as a coach if you have an ICF credential. Plus the training you undertake along the pathway will allow you to become a masterful coach who can coach any client in any situation, as well as gain exemption for ICF's own examinations and other requirements.

What is the difference between Credentialing, Accreditation and Certification?
They are basically the same thing.

Who can I speak to further about this?
You can contact the Results staff in the region you are in. Click here for contact details.