Coaching operates in a regulatory gray zone—no government oversight, no universal accreditation. Anyone can call themselves a coach. But organizations like the ICF set self-regulated standards. They offer credentials (ACC, PCC, MCC) that demand training, experience, mentor coaching, and exams. Europe’s recent Professional Charter aligns eight bodies to unify ethics, but globally, the ICF remains the heavyweight. Clients rarely ask about credentials, though corporations might. Renewal? Every three years. Bottom line: Certification adds polish, but trust hinges on results, not just badges. And that's why I've never really been drawn to ICF-accredited certifications. The price tags—often thousands of dollars—plus the requirement to renew every three years just don’t seem worth it to me, especially when many non-accredited schools offer the same curriculum. I’ve also watched quite a few coaching sessions online by certified ACCs and PCCs—some of them with thousands of views—and I was honestly shocked at the basic mistakes they made. This isn’t to say ICF credentials have no value. They can be a good framework for some. But for me, they’ve never felt convenient or cost-effective. Just like a doctor from a prestigious university can still make serious errors, coaching ability depends so much more on the individual: their willingness to learn, take responsibility, care deeply about the work, and stay humble. That said, having some kind of training and certification is still essential in this profession—just not necessarily an ICF one.
The Little Popcorn.