YO U R J O U R N EY STA RTS H E R E .

For many, coaching is a life-changing experience that dramatically

improves their outlook on work and life while improving leadership
skills. Coaching helps people tap into their potential, unlocking sources
of creativity and productivity. As a professional coach, you will have an
opportunity to create positive change and achieve extraordinary results
with your clients.

coachingfederation.org
 TO P Q & A’ S A B O UT B ECO M I N G A COAC H
What is coaching?
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines
coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-
provoking and creative process that inspires them to
maximize their personal and professional potential.
Many people research “how to become a coach”
because they’ve been told that they “give great
advice.” However, coaches are not in the business of
giving advice. Coaching should be driven by the client,
not the coach. As a coach you will be responsible for
discover, clarifying and aligning with what the client
wants to achieve; encouraging client self-discovery;
eliciting client-generated solutions and strategies; and
holding the client responsible and accountable.
There are many different types of coaching. The
most common ones include:
• Leadership Coaching
• Executive Coaching
• Business/Organization Coaching
• Life Vision and Enhancement Coaching
• Career Coaching
• Health and Wellness Coaching
• Relationship Coaching (Singles, Couples,
Families, etc.)
• Small Business Coaching
Many prospective coaches find it helpful to work
with a professional coach themselves. To find an
ICF-Credentialed coach, use our Coach Finder.
Can I make coaching a career?
Your motive for becoming a coach may be wildly
different from another’s motive – whether you were
influenced by a great coach yourself, heard of a
friend who reaped benefits of coaching, or are just
eager to find a way to help others. But in case you
needed an extra incentive – your annual income
can increase significantly as you build your name in
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the world’s largest organization leading the global advancement of the
coaching profession and fostering coaching’s role as an integral part of a thriving society. Founded in 1995, its 35,000-
plus members located in more than 140 countries and territories work toward common goals of enhancing awareness
of coaching and upholding the integrity of the profession through lifelong learning and upholding the highest ethical
standards. Through the work of its six unique family organizations, ICF empowers professional coaches, coaching clients,
organizations, communities and the world through coaching. Visit coachingfederation.org for more information.
the coaching industry. The global average annual
revenue/income from coaching is $47,100 USD.
Unless you are an internal coach (a professional
coach practitioner who is employed within
an organization and has specific coaching
responsibilities), you will need to identify your
coaching niche, develop your personal brand,
market your service and build your client base. By
becoming an ICF Member, you will have access to
opportunities, such as the Business Development
Series, to help you grow your brand and business.
Why now?
According to our recent studies, the COVID-19
pandemic has brought about an anticipated
increased need for life vision and enhancement
coaching around the globe. In addition, there is an
overall positive outlook that coaching will emerge
positively from the pandemic.
Why get training?
Getting training to become a coach will give you
credibility in the industry and help you build your
professional network. Although the industry is not
regulated by any one governing body, ICF believes
in the importance of training and credentialing for a
few key reasons.
According to our research, coach practitioners
are increasingly likely to agree that their clients
expect coach practitioners to be certified or
credentialed. Additionally, almost three in four
coach practitioners (74%) said they currently hold a
credential or certification from a professional coaching
organizations, up from 70% in the 2016 study. Nearly
all coach practitioners (99%) report that they have
completed some coach-specific training. Increasingly,
that is through programs accredited/approved by a
professional coaching organization.
coachingfederation.org
headquarters@coachingfederation.org
1.888.423.3131 or +1.859.219.3580