Consumers Consider Coach Certifications/Credentials 'Very Important,' According to New ICF Study

LEXINGTON, Ky., Nov. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether you ask coaching clients or those who've never heard of coaching, most everyone agrees certification/credentials are important for professional coaches and they also contribute to higher consumer satisfaction with coaching, according to a new study by the International Coach Federation (ICF).

The ICF Global Consumer Awareness Study found that 84 percent of respondents who had been in a coaching relationship considered certification/credentials "important" or "very important." The percentage was still high - at 73 percent - for those on the other end of the spectrum who had no experience with coaching at all.

In addition to the agreement in importance of credentials, the study found that consumer satisfaction with coaching is very high, especially for those who had an ICF Credentialed coach. Eighty-three percent of the general public who have been involved in a coaching relationship were either "satisfied" or "very satisfied." The level of satisfaction rises even higher to 92 percent among those with an ICF Credentialed coach, 55 percent of which were "very satisfied."

"In coaching, as with any profession, consumers want the security of knowing they are working with a trained and experienced professional," says ICF President and Master Certified Coach Giovanna D'Alessio. "Findings from the Global Coaching Awareness Study and previous ICF research show us that consumer demand for credentialed coaches is growing. This demand will only continue to grow as people learn of the results and satisfaction that comes with achieving goals with the help of a credentialed coach. The ICF helps coaches meet this demand through the ICF Credentialing program, now in its second decade."

Currently held by 6,800 coaches in more than 70 countries, the ICF Credential demonstrates to clients that a coach has met stringent educational, training, and experience requirements to deliver coaching in the most effective and ethical manner. ICF Credential holders demonstrate a working knowledge of the ICF Core Competencies, definition of coaching, and Code of Ethics through a rigorous examination process, and must renew their credential every three years.

ICF Credentialed coaches are listed in the online ICF Coach Referral Service (CRS), a free public resource that allows consumers to tailor their search for a qualified coach based on specific criteria, including professional experience of the coach, coaching specialties, desired coaching method, language preference, location, and more. The CRS is available at http://www.Coachfederation.org/CRS.

The ICF Global Consumer Awareness Study, which surveyed 15,000 participants ages 25 and up in 20 countries, was conducted independently by the International Survey Unit of PwC. Please contact the ICF or visit http://www.Coachfederation.org/works to learn more.

ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Coaching is a distinct service and differs greatly from therapy, consulting, mentoring or training. Individuals who engage in a coaching relationship can expect to experience fresh perspectives on personal challenges and opportunities, enhanced thinking and decision-making skills, enhanced interpersonal effectiveness, and increased confidence in carrying out their chosen work and life roles.

The International Coach Federation is the leading global organization for coaches, with over 16,800 members in more than 100 countries, dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high ethical standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches. The ICF is the only organization that awards a global credential which is currently held by more than 6,800 coaches worldwide. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.coachfederation.org.

ICF HEADQUARTERS CONTACTS:

Ross Brown, +1.859.219.3570, [email protected]  

Ann Jarvis, +1.859.226.4428, [email protected]

Kristin Hogue, +1.859.219.3614, [email protected]  

Amy Richardson, +1.859.219.3550, [email protected]  

This press release was issued through eReleases(R).  For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE International Coach Federation

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