ICF’s Position on Coaching Supervision

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) supports Coaching Supervision for professional coach practitioners as part of their portfolio of continuing professional development (CPD) activities designed to keep them fit for purpose.

What is Coaching Supervision?

ICF defines Coaching Supervision as a collaborative learning practice to continually build the capacity of the coach through reflective dialogue for the benefit of both coaches and clients.

Coaching Supervision and Credentialing

ICF recognizes Coaching Supervision as an important element of a coach’s professional development, learning and growth. ICF Credential-holders may submit up to 10 hours of Coaching Supervision (delivering or receiving) as Core Competency Continuing Coach Education (CCE) units toward their credential renewal.

Coaching Supervision

What’s the difference between Coaching Supervision and Mentor Coaching?

A Mentor Coach primarily supports a coach in achieving the levels of coaching competency and building skills in the Core Competencies. Coaching Supervision offers a coach a richer and broader opportunity for support and development. In Coaching Supervision, there may be a greater focus on reflective practice and the being of the coach. Coaching Supervision provides a wide-angled lens to review one’s coaching practice with a fellow practitioner.

Mentor Coaching

Mentor Coaching for an ICF Credential consists of coaching and feedback in a collaborative, appreciative and dialogued process based on an observed or recorded coaching session to increase the coach’s capability in coaching, in alignment with the ICF Core Competencies.

Purpose

Mentoring provides professional assistance in achieving and demonstrating the levels of coaching competency and capability demanded by the desired credential level. Mentor Coaching should take place over an extended time (three-month minimum) in a cycle that allows for listening and feedback from the Mentor Coach while also allowing reflection and practice on the part of the individual being mentored.

Initial Credentialing

Credentialing candidates on the following paths are required to participate in Mentor Coaching prior to submitting their application:

  • ACC ACSTH
  • ACC Portfolio
  • PCC ACSTH
  • PCC Portfolio
  • MCC

ACC Renewal

Coaches applying to renew their ACC Credential are required to complete an additional 10 hours of Mentor Coaching above those hours required for their initial credential.