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ICA Educators

Welcome

to the INTERNATIONAL COACHING ALLIANCE

Here, you will find the foundational structure for professional coaching accreditation, including the latest coaching standards, competence domains, and recognized pathways for coaches and coach education providers

About 
The International Coaching Alliance

The International Coaching Alliance (ICA) is the official structure for the professional accreditation of coaches and coaching education programs, operating within the ASL Global Accreditation System. ICA establishes modern, forward-looking standards for the coaching profession and coaching models, built upon ethical principles, behavioral competencies, and the current global requirements for training and professional practice.

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The ICA system includes:

The ICA system includes:

10 core coaching competencies (Version 21.2+), structured across 5 domains of professional mastery;

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A unified accreditation framework for professional coaches with transparent criteria and verified certification pathways;

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Accreditation pathways for education providers and programs aligned with ICA standards;

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A searchable registry of accredited coaches and providers with unique ID verification.

ICA

Global Coaching Standards

The International Coaching Alliance represents a global system of professional coaching standards rooted in principles of accountability, ethical maturity, critical thinking, and conscious presence. It offers a comprehensive foundation for the development of coaches who are equipped to support deep client transformation and maintain sustainable professional growth within a global context.

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10 Coaching Competencies Version 21.2+

Structured by Domains of Professional Mastery

ETHICAL CHARTER.  Competency No. 1: Demonstrates Ethical Practice

ETHICAL CHARTER

01

Competency No. 

Demonstrates Ethical Practice

International Coaching Alliance (ICA)
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CLARIFY PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES

02

Competency No. 

Distinguishes Coaching from Therapy, Mentoring, and Training

International Coaching Alliance (ICA)
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ICA Competency No. 2. CLARIFY PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES
ICA Competency No. 3. ESTABLISH COACHING AGREEMENT

SUSTAIN COACHING PRESENCE

03

Competency No. 

Establishes and Maintains Coaching Agreements

International Coaching Alliance (ICA)
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BUILD

CLIENT

TRUST

04

Competency No. 

Cultivates a Trust-Based Partnership with the Client

International Coaching Alliance (ICA)
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ICA Competency No. 4. BUILD CLIENT TRUST
ICA Competency No. 5.  SUSTAIN COACHING PRESENCE

ESTABLISH COACHING AGREEMENT

05

Competency No. 

Maintains Presence and Conscious Focus Throughout the Coaching Process

International Coaching Alliance (ICA)
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ENGAGE REFLECTIVE LISTENING

06

Competency No. 

Listens Actively and Engages in Reflective Awareness with the Client

International Coaching Alliance (ICA)
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ICA Competency No. 6.  ENGAGE REFLECTIVE LISTENING
ICA Competency No. 7.  EXPAND CLIENT AWARENESS

EXPAND CLIENT AWARENESS

07

Competency No. 

Utilizes Powerful Questions to Expand Awareness

International Coaching Alliance (ICA)
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SUPPORT RESPONSIBLE ACTION

08

Competency No. 

Facilitates Conscious Choice and Responsible Action

International Coaching Alliance (ICA)
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ICA Competency No. 8.  SUPPORT RESPONSIBLE ACTION
ICA Competency No. 9.  EMPOWER CLIENT GROWTH

EMPOWER CLIENT GROWTH

09

Competency No. 

Upholds the Integrity of the Client’s Personal Development

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INTEGRATE EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

10

Competency No. 

Integrates Emotional Intelligence into Coaching Practic

International Coaching Alliance (ICA)
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ICA Competency No. 10.  INTEGRATE EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

ICA Domains and Competency Structure

Accreditation Levels & Core Requirements

Begin ICA Accreditation Process
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Complete the short form below to begin your accreditation journey. Our team will review your application and guide you through the next steps.

ICA Accreditation
Choose Accreditation Type Required

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