What are observed coaching sessions and what should be occurring during those sessions?

ICF considers observed coaching sessions a vital component of quality coaching education. The requirement is different for Level 1, 2, and 3, and AATC.

Level 1 accredited providers are required to provide a minimum of five (5) observed coaching sessions for each participant. Written feedback must be provided for at least three (3) of the five sessions.

Level 2 accredited providers are required to provide a minimum of six (6) observed coaching sessions for each participant. Written feedback must be provided for at least four (4) of the six sessions.

Level 3 accredited providers are required to provide a minimum of five (5) observed coaching sessions for each participant. Written feedback must be provided for at least three (3) of the five sessions.

Advanced Accreditation in Team Coaching providers are required to provide a minimum of two (2) observed team coaching sessions for each participant. Written feedback must be provided for at least one (1) of the two sessions.

· Observed coaching session definition: Sessions in which a participant is coaching any client, fellow participant or another person as a method for practicing their coaching skills.

· Time requirement: ICF does not have a minimum length requirement for observed coaching sessions. Sessions should be long enough for a coaching conversation.

· Structure: Observed coaching sessions are observed by an instructor/observer who is responsible for providing written feedback to the participant, noting the participant’s use of the ICF Core Competencies in the coaching session. These sessions may be observed live or through a recorded session. Observed coaching sessions count as part of the total instructional hours of the program.

· Application requirements: The organization will be asked to submit one example of a recorded observed coaching session, and the corresponding written feedback for the submitted recording.