Earning an ICF credential is an important milestone in a coach’s development. An ICF credential signals your commitment to excellence and ethics in coaching, and it differentiates you as the profession of coaching continues to grow. The ICF credential is the gold standard of professional coaching!
Once an ICF credential is earned, continued coaching education is required for its maintenance. ICF Maryland is your home for earning credits toward renewing or advancing your credential, and for your general professional development as a coach. We provide our community with opportunities to grow and enhance their coaching skills by regularly offering a variety of interactive and informative programs, both in-person and online. Visit our Events Calendar now to get started!
ICF Maryland Professional Development and Learning Opportunities
While credentialing occurs through the global body of ICF, continued learning happens locally!
ICF Maryland is proud to offer a robust slate of professional development and learning opportunities, which enable our members to earn continuing coaching education units (CCEUs) and build a local network of friends and coaches, at once!
- Professional Development: At least once a month, and sometimes as frequently as 4 times per month, we offer professional development programs. These sessions cover a broad range of coaching-related topics, and are informed by interests expressed by members in our annual member survey. Topics include: health/wellness, DEIA, business development, coaching techniques, new trends like AI, etc. Most sessions are 90-minutes long and provide 1 hour of core competency education credit and .5 resource education credit.
- Credentialing Information Sessions: Aperiodically throughout the year, we hold sessions to help members working toward a credential understand what is required and what resources are available to assist in achieving their goals.
Find workshops and gatherings relevant to you on our Events Calendar and register today to gain even more coaching knowledge!
“The varied and relevant ICF Maryland professional development offerings have taught me new concepts, expanded my perspective, and strengthened my coaching skills overall. I have especially enjoyed meeting other coaches, sharing knowledge, and belonging to a greater community that is committed to helping others. I will continue to take the time to participate, and highly recommend seizing these valuable opportunities to invest in your own growth!”
~Brenda M., Life, Career, and Leadership Coach
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS
ICF Credentialing: The Basics
An ICF Credential is a professional certification indicating that you have met specific standards and requirements designed to develop and refine your coaching skills. Your credential signals your dedication to upholding strong principles of ethical behavior in coaching, and shows your clients and peers that you are committed to the coaching industry and to developing yourself as a coaching professional.
As the profession of coaching continues to grow exponentially, an ICF credential provides an important differentiator. ICF’s Global Consumer Awareness Study found that 85% of clients say it’s important or very important that their coach holds a credential. ICF is the leading global organization for coaches and coaching, so its credential is a meaningful and valuable addition to your coaching resume!
ICF offers three primary credentials, corresponding with the quantity of education and experience required to earn it. The credentials are:
New in 2024, ICF also offers an Advanced Certificate in Team Coaching (ACTC). The ACTC is awarded to coaches who hold an active ICF Credential at the ACC, PCC, or MCC level, complete 60+ hours of team coaching education, complete at least five team coaching engagements within the last five years, and complete at least five hours of coaching supervisions.
The International Coaching Federation website contains exhaustive information about credentialing pathways and process, credential renewal, and more. Click on the button below to deepen your knowledge.
“Attending ICF Maryland's credentialing prep sessions was a game-changer for me as a coach. The sessions provided invaluable insights, clarifying the nuances of the test and offering critical information that significantly enhanced my studying process. Thanks to Marcella's clear guidance and informative PowerPoints, I was able to pass the test on my first try. I would strongly encourage any fellow coach or aspiring coach to consider joining these sessions, as they offer not only expert advice but also a supportive community dedicated to helping you succeed. Being part of ICF Maryland has been a rewarding experience, and the chapter’s commitment to professional growth makes it a valuable resource for any coach.”
~Stephanie F., Internal Coach
