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ICA Credentials

Your Path to Professional Recognition and Global Coaching Excellence

The International Coaching Alliance (ICA) sets the highest standards of coaching excellence, recognizing professionals worldwide through its official ICA Credentials. Earning an ICA credential is a strategic move for coaches who want to strengthen their credibility, expand opportunities, and solidify their professional standing.

Why Choose an ICA Credential?

Build Trust and Authority

An ICA Credential is an internationally recognized marker of competence, validating your knowledge, ethics, and hands-on coaching experience.

This credential highlights your commitment to best practices and continuous learning, opening doors to more complex projects and greater influence in the coaching industry.
 

Expand Your Professional Network

Certified coaches gain access to the global ICA community, new partnerships, and valuable career opportunities.

Professional Growth and Advancement

Meet Client Expectations

Research shows that over 80% of clients prefer credentialed coaches. An ICA Credential helps you meet these expectations and increase client satisfaction.

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ICA MEMBERSHIP
ICA – International Coaching Alliance

ICA Credential Levels

Begin Your Path to Global Recognition

Levels ICA

Levels and Requirements

CLC – Certified Life Coach

CPC – Certified Professional Coach

CMC – Certified Master Coach

Requirements: 60+ training hours, 30+ practice hours​

 

Requirements: 100+ training hours, 200+ practice hours​

Requirements: CPC credential, 160+ training hours, 1,000+ practice hours

How to Apply for an ICA Credential

01

Select Your Credential Level

Choose the credential (CLC, CPC, or CMC) that best aligns with your experience and career goals.

CLC – Certified Life Coach

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CPC – Certified Professional Coach

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​CMC – Certified Master Coach

 

How to Apply for an ICA Credential
Prepare Required Documents

02

Prepare Required Documents (all levels):

Training Certificates: From programs accredited by ICA or developed in alignment with ICA Standards and Competencies (version 21.2+).

 

Practice Verification: A coaching log documenting the number and types of sessions completed.

 

Work Sample: A recorded coaching session (video or audio) plus a written transcript.

 

03

Complete the Application Form

Provide your personal details and upload all required files:

One PDF (certificates, curriculum map aligned to ICA Standards  and practice log documenting).

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One recorded session must be submitted in three formats: MP4, MP3, and a written transcript

Complete the Application Form
Receive Your ICA Credential Decision

04

Receive Exam Access

05

After a preliminary review of your documents (within a few business days), you’ll receive a link to the appropriate ICA Credentialing Exam.

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Pay the Credentialing Fee – $150 

Payment is required before gaining access to the final credentialing stage.​ (one-time)

06

Receive Your Credential Decision

Upon successful completion of the exam and review, your credential will be confirmed, and you’ll receive an official ID number and QR code linked to your professional coach profile.

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Applicants who have completed training through a non-accredited program may verify its alignment with ICA standards and competencies (version 21.2+) prior to submitting a Credential application.

Receive Your ICA Credential Decision

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)
Version 21.2+

CLARIFY PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES

02

Competency No. 

Distinguishes Coaching from Therapy, Mentoring, and Training

International Coaching Alliance (ICA)
Version 21.2+

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)
Version 21.2+

BUILD

CLIENT

TRUST

04

Competency No. 

Cultivates a Trust-Based Partnership with the Client

International Coaching Alliance (ICA)
Version 21.2+

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)
Version 21.2+

ENGAGE REFLECTIVE LISTENING

06

Competency No. 

Listens Actively and Engages in Reflective Awareness with the Client

International Coaching Alliance (ICA)
Version 21.2+

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)
Version 21.2+

SUPPORT RESPONSIBLE ACTION

08

Competency No. 

Facilitates Conscious Choice and Responsible Action

International Coaching Alliance (ICA)
Version 21.2+

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

International Coaching Alliance (ICA)
Version 21.2+

INTEGRATE EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

10

Competency No. 

Integrates Emotional Intelligence into Coaching Practic

International Coaching Alliance (ICA)
Version 21.2+

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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