Becoming an ICF-certified coach isn’t easy. But, it’s a worthwhile undertaking if you want to significantly impact people’s lives while gaining professional recognition.
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is recognized for its ethics and practice standards in helping accredited coaches provide high-quality and meaningful services to their clients.
Getting this certification validates your coaching skills and makes you stand out as a reliable coach in the industry.
As a provider of coaching programmes, we at Kompass Consultancy have created a step-by-step guide on how to become an ICF-certified coach in Abu Dhabi or the UAE as a whole to simplify your application process.
- What is a Coaching Certification?
- 10 Steps on How to Become an ICF Coach in the UAE
- Step 1: Learn About The ICF Certification
- Step 2: Get Coach-Specific Training
- Step 3: Fulfil The Specified Coaching Hours
- Step 4: Choose Your ICF Certification Level
- Step 5: Get Mentor Coaching
- Step 6: Prepare for the ICF Credentialing Exam
- Step 7: Submit Your Coaching Application
- Step 8: Wait For Approval
- Step 9: Renew Your Credentials
- Step 10: Consider ICF Membership
- What Are The Different Coaching Certification Programmes?
- Final Thoughts on How to Become an ICF Certified Coach in the UAE
What is a Coaching Certification?
A coaching certification serves as proof that you have completed a specific training program or qualifications that meet coaching standards. This validates your skills, competencies and knowledge in guiding people through their development.
Obtaining a coaching certification enhances your credibility as a coach, leading to more career opportunities.
10 Steps to Become an ICF Coach in the UAE
Step 1: Learn About The ICF Certification
Before you begin the certification process, know the essential qualifications. You should have an in-depth understanding of the type of coaching you intend to excel in.
We advise you to research the role, the benefits you’ll aim to provide, core competencies, and ICF’s code of ethics. Once you know the foundation of what you will do, you can align your skills with the ICF standards.
Step 2: Get Coach-Specific Training
There are different types of coaching which have coach-specific training hours. Whether you want to become a professional coach, a part-time coach, or an ICF certified executive coach in Dubai, ensure that you meet the qualifications for the coaching course you want to pursue.
For example, a diploma in coaching will differ from certification training. The toolbox of skills, topics covered, and the time required to achieve a diploma course may vary from that of a certificate course. Be mindful of the type of course you select to ensure it is an ICF-accredited coach training program.
Step 3: Fulfil The Specified Coaching Hours
To become an ICF-certified coach, you must fulfil the specified coaching hours as stipulated in the standards. These hours may include both pro bono and paid coaching sessions.
We suggest that you keep track of the coaching sessions and hours to validate your training.
Step 4: Choose Your ICF Certification Level
There are three levels of ICF certifications: Master Certified Coach (MCC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Associate Certified Coach (ACC).
You can choose the ICF certification level based on your training, goals, and coaching experience. It would be best to know the specific requirements before you enrol.
Step 5: Get Mentor Coaching
You will most definitely benefit from this step as mentor coaching is one of the eligibilities of acquiring an ICF certification.
Through mentor coaching, you will get guidance and training from experienced ICF-certified coaches. With their feedback, you’ll be able to hone and sharpen your coaching skills.
Step 6: Prepare for the ICF Credentialing Exam
To reach the PCC and ACC levels, you must pass the ICF Credentialing Exam, which replaced the ICF Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) on May 31, 2023. This exam will test your coaching ethics, core competencies, and principles.
You’ll need to review the ICF Credentialing Exam blueprint along with other study materials to be fully prepared for this exam.
Step 7: Submit Your Coaching Application
Be sure to complete the coaching application process on the ICF official website. Here, you will fill in details such as coaching hours, ICF mentor coaching, training, and more.
Note that your application will only be valid after you’ve forwarded all the necessary documents and met all the eligibility criteria.
Step 8: Wait For Approval
Once you’ve submitted your official application, ICF UAE will review and verify if your supporting documents meet the standards of the selected certification level. While this process may take a few weeks, we advise you to be patient.
Step 9: Renew Your Credentials
ICF certifications for coaching have a three-year validity. You will need to renew your credentials upon expiration by showing proof of your professional development and coaching practice.
We encourage you to stay up-to-date with coaching trends so that you continue to grow and excel in your coaching career.
Step 10: Consider ICF Membership
While this is not a requirement for certification, you should consider applying for an ICF membership. You can apply for an ICF membership through their website.
Becoming an ICF UAE member can get you plenty of benefits. You may get discounts on ICF certification fees as well as network with other ICF certified coaches. These are only some benefits you can enjoy as a member.
What Are The Different Coaching Certification Programmes?
Practitioner Diploma Programme
In our Practitioner Diploma programme, you’ll develop the essential skills to become an effective coach in the UAE. You’ll discover your coaching style through experiential training and interactive practice sessions.
Team Coaching Fundamentals Certificate Programme
If you’re looking for training on team coaching, the Team Coaching Fundamentals Certificate programme is for you. You’ll learn the concepts, models, and theories of team coaching.
You will gain 18 Continuing Coach Education Units (CCEUs), accredited by the ICF after completing this programme.
Coaching Supervision Programmes
Our Coaching Supervision programmes include Group Supervision for Internal & External Coaches, Group Supervision for Team Coaches, and Self-Care-Themed Group Supervision.
In these programmes, we will help you enhance your skills and understand how to become an effective and certified coach for organisations in Dubai.
Coaching Skills Training Programme
For foundational principles and applications of coaching, the Coaching Skills Training programme is the best choice. This is an ideal coaching course for HR professionals and managers looking to enhance their skills.
Final Thoughts on How to Become an ICF Certified Coach in the UAE
Becoming an ICF certified executive coach in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is rewarding but it’s a journey that requires training, commitment, and genuine dedication to the chosen field of expertise.
By following this step-by-step guide on how to become an ICF-certified coach, you can confidently accomplish and pass all the requirements to earn an ICF certification.
Upon approval of your application, you can venture into a fulfilling career as an ICF-certified coach with the capacity to positively influence individuals and organisations in the UAE and beyond.
