Accreditation and Membership

Becoming a member of either organisation is possible with or without accreditation.  Coaches may choose to join the ICF and / or the EMCC. Please check their websites for current price details and requirements. Please note, ICF does not require you to be a member to receive an accreditation credential, whereas the EMCC does require you to be a member to become accredited and remain accredited.

What are the benefits of membership?

The ICF and EMCC both list various benefits to membership to their communities. Here we have summarised some common themes below:

• It may support you in your marketing and connecting with prospective clients.
  • ICF and EMCC both have a ‘Find a Coach’ directory.
  • Stating that you are a member on your marketing materials may further enhance your credibility.
• Access to leading coach research and resources in the form of newsletters, eBooks, journals to support ongoing professional development.
• Global networking opportunities and the chance to share, support and learn from your peers in communities of practice.
• The cost for applying for accreditation may be lower if you are a member.
• Discounted participation in events, conferences, and webinars

ICF or EMCC?

Transcend International is dual accredited by both ICF and EMCC and we see value in both organisations: in the rigour and expansiveness of EMCC, and in the brand value and the weight of the organisation of ICF. This means you will have the option to use your Transcend Certificate in your journey to becoming accredited with either (or both!) organisations depending on what your passions and affiliations are.

What Are the Main Differences Between ICF and EMCC?

ICF

• The ICF is striving to be a standard setter for the profession. They are seeking to create global standards so that coaches and clients can know what to expect from an accredited coach.
• The organisation has a focus on developing a strong coaching brand – it has the most brand awareness and recognition globally.
• The organisation highlights their number of accredited coaches and number of members.
• To obtain your credential, the ICF focuses on evaluating your competence and passing your assessments.
• It is a USA based organisation with a country chapter approach to building community.
• The ICF focuses on Mentor Coaching as a key part of learning.
• ICF does not recognize coaching hours prior to the programme commencing nor Observed Coaching hours that take place as part of the programme.
  • Please note: Peer Coaching is optional and not embedded in the programme, it therefore counts as ‘paid’ coaching hours for ICF accreditation.

EMCC

• The EMCC combines mentoring and coaching and has a broad and expansive mandate, with an academic base and a commitment to research.
• The EMCC led in the Professional Coaching Charter, which has been adopted by major coaching organisations around the world.
• The EMCC benchmarks itself against UK and European standards and has a growing global brand awareness. It is becoming a popular choice in China and around the world.
• To obtain your credential, the EMCC focuses on evaluating your capacity to learn and your growing capability over time. The expectation of your learning journey is more transformational.
• The EMCC is skilful in building an active, expansive, inclusive global community with a focus on empowerment.
• Coaching Supervision is a key part of your learning and your ongoing practice as there is a strong emphasis on reflective practice.
• EMCC empowers training providers to validate prior experience, including education and coaching/mentoring hours, prior to the programme commencing.
  • Peer Coaching and Observed Coaching hours within the programme are also recognised as coaching hours by the EMCC.

Competencies

Both ICF and EMCC have identified several key competencies that they ask their accredited coaches to demonstrate in order to receive their accreditation:

ICF

• Demonstrates Ethical Practice
• Embodies a Coaching Mindset
• Establishes and Maintains Agreements
• Cultivates Trust & Safety
• Maintains Presence
• Listens Actively
• Evokes Awareness

EMCC

• Understanding self
• Commitment to self-development
• Managing the contract
• Building the relationship
• Enabling insight and learning
• Outcome and action orientation
• Use of models and techniques

We have mapped these competencies together in your Observed Coaching Form at the PCC and Senior Practitioner levels.

How you will interact with the competencies:

Our programmes provide support in developing your coaching practice in a number of ways. We will be working with the competencies throughout the programme and building your skills and expertise through learning, discussions, resources, activities, tools, and micro practices. You will further develop your understanding and use of the competencies in group discussions, reflective learning assignments, observed coaching practice, assessments and attending mentor coaching sessions with your supervisor.

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