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A quick internet search will yield hundreds of coach training options. How can you decide what is right for you and your organisation? Two of the most popular routes to accreditation are with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)
If you are serious about advancing coaching in your business, in my opinion it’s worth considering a training programme that leads towards an ICF or an ILM credential. Here’s why ...
ILM or ICF? What are the advantages of each?
An ICF credential is a globally recognised qualification. It denotes the credential holder has fulfilled a rigorous education and experience requirement, and is able to demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in coaching. It’s only awarded after coaches have proved their ability to work at the required level with a variety of clients, partnered with a coach mentor and demonstrated the appropriate understanding of the ICF’s Code of Ethics and Core Competencies. The ICF credential tends to be the accreditation of choice for professional coaches and internal coaches who are delivering a coaching service across the organisation
The ILM Level 7 is recognised throughout the UK, and is often required for coaches working in the public sector. With this route there’s a stronger emphasis on the organisation applications of coaching and mentoring. For example how to create a coaching culture or design a mentoring programme. Certification is awarded on completion of the training programme and written assignments, so the certification has the benefit of being obtained within a shorter time frame and provides a managerial qualification for individual’s CVs
In a nutshell, an ICF qualification tends to be chosen by those who are delivering a coaching service, or working as internal coaches. The ILM qualification is more suitable for managers who are supporting organisation coaching programmes .
Can’t decide which routes for you?
We offer both ICF and ILM training courses. If you would like to explore which coaching credential would be the right fit for you, please come along to our next free session 'Choosing a coaching credential - ILM or ICF?' in London on 22 September 2016 - as part of our next coaching open day Coaching and the wellbeing agenda - London 22 September 2016.
Note about the author
Elizabeth Crosse is Maximum Coaching’s Practice Director and one of the 1% of Coaches in the world to attain the ICF Master Certified coaching credential. In addition to running marathons and training coaches, she specialises in working with individuals who are moving thorough personal and professional transitions.
Elizabeth Crosse
Practice Director
Maximum Coaching
Tel: +44 (0) 1582 714280
Email: [email protected]
