Join ICF
Become A Member
Join the ICF
Associations bind professions and professionals together. The true professional is a member of his or her professional organization. By joining and maintaining membership in ICF, coaches inform others that they are part of an influential voice that is shaping the future of coaching around the globe. ICF membership opens up a world of opportunity for professional development, networking and leadership in your profession from the local to global level. Join us today and be a part of growing the worldwide coaching profession for tomorrow.
Membership Fees
Annual Membership: $195 (USD)* (This equals only $16.25 per month!)
- The ICF membership is on an annual billing schedule; all memberships expire on March 31 of the following year.
- Membership fees for new ICF memberships will be prorated based on the month you join the ICF.
- Membership fees for January, February and March include the prorated amount for the current membership year plus next year’s membership fee. Membership would then expire March 31, 2010. Please see below.
Why Join the ICF
By joining ICF, you partner with a federation established in 1995. The ICF core purpose is to advance the art, science and practice of professional coaching. As the leading global coaching organization, the ICF is working toward this goal by setting high standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches.
The ICF envisions a future in which coaching will be an integral part of society and ICF members will represent the highest quality in professional coaching.
Join this dynamic group to exponentially increase your own internal value with education, leadership development and business networking at scores of local chapters worldwide or at major international gatherings and educational forums.
ICF Membership Categories – Over 17,000 members from 95 countries throughout the world have joined together to engage in and promote the profession of coaching. ICF membership categories include:
- ICF Affiliate Member – includes coaches who are currently working towards an ICF credential and other parties interested in coaching such as Human Resource professionals, etc.
- ICF Credentialed Coach Member – includes coaches who currently hold an ICF credential.
Benefits of ICF Membership at a Glance
Professional Recognition – The International Coach Federation’s rapid expansion indicates worldwide recognition of the value of ICF credentialed coaches. By becoming a member, you demonstrate your commitment to the profession of coaching and your commitment to standards of excellence.
Shared Ethics & Standards – ICF coaches subscribe to an internationally recognized philosophy of coaching and code of ethics. ICF coaches are subject to an ethical review process, including an objective investigation, follow-up and disciplinary action, should a concern be reported. A list of the ICF’s ethical guidelines and standards is available on the ICF website.
Coaching Credentials – ICF is renowned for its globally recognized credentialing program, which is available to any coach who has completed the required education and coach-specific training in order to receive the professional credential and recognition.
Coach Referral Service (CRS) – The ICF offers credentialed coaches the option of participating in the ICF online CRS program. The CRS increases your visibility as individuals and companies seeking coaching services use the CRS to find the right coach.
ICF Web site, Newsletter & Update E-mails – All ICF members have access to “members’ only” content on the ICF Web site and receive ICF’s monthly member newsletter, Coaching World, and monthly member update e-mails which provide information on member services and benefits and association news. In the first four months of 2008 alone, there were more than 396,000 visits to coachfederation.org, averaging more than five (5) minutes each.
ICF Online Community – The ICF Online Community allows ICF members to easily connect with one another, regardless of where they are located. Members can share information, ideas and downloadable materials quickly.
Leadership Development – There are any number of opportunities to become actively involved in ICF activities and sharpen your leadership skill set, promote professionalism and contribute to the recognition of the coaching profession on local, national, regional and international horizons. This enables you to further maximize the value of your membership and expand the overall reach of networking connections.
Research on Coaching – The ICF is committed to collecting and disseminating research on coaching. ICF members enjoy reduced pricing on coaching research commissioned by the ICF, such as the first-ever ICF Global Coaching Study conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) – SIGs offer an additional venue for coaches in similar fields to communicate best practices and new ideas. There are 34 SIGs which meet by teleconference once per month. SIGs are open to any ICF member. By participating in SIGs, coaches are eligible to earn Continuing Coach Education Units (CCEUs) to be used towards earning or renewing an ICF credential.
Coaching Conferences – ICF conferences offer coaches new techniques and concepts through incredible programming, the opportunity to network with other coaches and lots of fun. Each year, ICF hosts an international conference. In addition, regional ICF conferences are regularly hosted in Australia and Europe. Coaches who attend have the opportunity to earn CCEUs at these events.
Local ICF Chapters – Any ICF member can choose to participate in a local chapter. Local chapters offer coaches monthly occasions to meet fellow coaches and attend programs and educational coaching events where CCEUs are offered The ICF is made up of 160 local ICF Chapters in 49 countries.
A Strategically Focused Organization – The ICF Board of Directors has adopted a strategic plan which charts a definitive course for the organization for the next 10 to 30 years. This “living” document enables the organization to be sharply focused, maximize utilization of available resources, provide value for all stakeholders and move distinctly forward.
Resource Partners – In addition to ICF’s many member benefits and education opportunities, the ICF also offers important membership advantages and discounts to member coaches. Please visit coachfederation.org for a full list of official ICF Resource Partners and information on what discounts and services they provide.
Maximize the Value of Your Membership Through Active Involvement
There are a number of opportunities to become actively involved in ICF activities and sharpen your leadership skill set, promote professionalism and contribute to the recognition of the coaching profession on local, national, regional and international horizons.
ICF Special Interest Groups (SIGs) – You can also elect to participate in any number of ICF’s focused bodies which concentrate on particular areas of professional needs and interest. There are a total of 34 Specific Interest Groups (SIGs) which also provide adult education and networking to participants as well as serving as a forum for the exchange of best practices. You can elect to affiliate with as many of these as you see fit for no additional charge.
ICF Global Committees – There are also any number of volunteer leadership roles to consider at both the chapter and international levels. A committee interest application is circulated on an annual basis to solicit candidates for these global leadership positions.
The ICF empanels nine international standing committees which are composed of volunteers who donate their time, talent and energy on an annual basis to address organizational and professional issues, challenges and opportunities. In 2008 these include the Conference Education Steering Committee, Credentialing Committee, Ethics & Standards Committee, Marketing Committee, Membership & Community Committee, International Regulatory Board, Finance Committee, Regulatory Committee and the Research & Education Committee.
ICF Global Board of Directors – Additionally, a 16 member Board of Directors is elected by the membership to provide definitive direction for the organization to maximize membership value while advancing the art, science and practice of coaching on a global basis.
During the call for nominations, applications for at least three At-Large Board of Director seats and five officer positions (President-Elect, Treasurer and three Vice Presidents) are accepted. Candidates for officer positions must have served on the ICF Global Board for at least one year at some time in the past. ICF members may nominate themselves or a respected colleague that they feel would serve well in an ICF global leadership role.
ICF Global Task Forces – From time to time the Board elects to appoint task forces to develop specific recommendations addressing immediate needs or new opportunities.
Requests for such openings and needs are sent to members throughout the year.
ICF Credential Assessors and Program Reviewers – Assessors and reviewers are essential to the credentialing process and contribute in substantial measure to ensuring the program’s overall integrity and value. Without their active involvement, it would be extremely difficult for the ICF to continue its leadership role in setting professional standards for the coaching industry in a timely manner. Volunteers that assist in these areas routinely say that they feel they have gained both personally and professionally from being involved in these processes.
Volunteers are accepted at any time of the year for these positions. For more information, contact the ICF Credentialing Department at icfcredentialing@coachfederation.org.
ICF Conference Volunteers – Volunteers are an essential element to the success of ICF Conferences. These ICF members assist in a number of areas including: providing conference orientations for first-time attendees, greeting people, announcing speakers and much more.
Each year, a call for conference volunteers is included in the ICF member newsletter, Coaching World, on the ICF Web site and in other member communications several months before conference.
