International Coaching Federation

Where the love of coaching begins and never ends.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is more than a membership
organization for coaches. We are a hub for all things related to coaching: coach community, coach training, coach credentialing and standards, thought leadership, coaching in organizations, pro bono coaching, and so much more.

Vision Statement

Coaching is an integral part of a thriving society and every ICF Member represents the highest quality of professional coaching.

Mission Statement

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) exists to lead the global advancement of the coaching profession.

Empowering coaches since 1995.

ICF was founded in 1995 by Thomas Leonard, for the purpose of having a space for all coaches to support one another and help grow the profession. The following year, the first issue of ICF Coaching News was sent to approximately 400 subscribers.

Fast-forward a few decades, and ICF is the world’s largest organization of
professionally trained coaches, with more than 35,000 members in 146 countries and territories. Together, we are pursuing a powerful vision: ensuring that coaching is an integral part of a thriving society and that every ICF Member represents the highest quality of professional coaching. In 2020, ICF celebrated 25 years of serving the coaching profession. That same year, we changed our name from the International Coach Federation to the International Coaching Federation, and transitioned from a single organization to a federation of six family organizations:

  • ICF Professional Coaches
  • ICF Credentials and Standards
  • ICF Coach Training
  • ICF Foundation
  • ICF Coaching in Organizations
  • ICF Thought Leadership Institute

As coaching continues to grow worldwide, ICF will continue to evolve to meet the needs of coaches, coaching clients, our communities and the world.

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the latest updates.

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Share your knowledge and expertise with our community! We welcome your contribution to inform, entertain and inspire our audience at MCC Live webinars and workshops.

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Subscribe and receive
the latest updates.

Sign up to be a speaker.

Share your knowledge and expertise with our community! We welcome your contribution to inform, entertain and inspire our audience at MCC Live webinars and workshops.

Learn More