ICF (International Coaching Federation) History

Professional Coach Thomas Leonard started ICF in 1995 as a nonprofit organization for fellow coaches to support each other and grow the profession. Three years later, buoyed by 70 dedicated volunteers and growing interest, ICF began its quest to raise the profile of professional coaching.

ICF created Core Competencies and built a Code of Ethics, setting the standard in the coaching field. An Ethical Conduct Review Process and Independent Review Board (IRB) were established, allowing consumers to file breach-of-ethics complaints.

ICF also defined curriculum standards (accreditation), to ensure consistency in coach training, and developed an ICF Credentialing system, requiring renewal every three years.

By 2000, membership was growing around the world by 130 members a month and now exceeds 20,000. ICF continues to focus on professional standards while positioning the organization more strategically. ICF’s goal is to keep growing membership and maintain a solid direction, presence and professional voice for coaches.

Based out of Lexington, Kentucky, ICF also operates Regional Service Centres in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America, leading the global advancement of the coaching profession.