Coaching Guides & Resources
Free guides to help you develop your coaching skills and prepare for ICF certification.
Start here: core ICF resources
All 8 explained, with markers and team coaching competencies
ACC, PCC and MCC requirements, cost and exam at a glance
Exam format, 10 sample questions and a 4-week study plan
The 10-hour requirement, who can mentor you, what happens
130+ practice situations, including difficult clients
20 scenario questions in the best/worst format, scored
ICF credential guides
ICF PCC Markers Explained: All 37, With Example Coach Lines
What assessors listen for in each competency, an example line per competency, common misses, and how to self-review a recording.
ACC vs PCC: Requirements, Assessment and 2027 Changes
Education, coaching hours, mentor coaching, exam, fees and renewal side by side, with ICF sources.
ICF Coaching Log: What Counts as Coaching Hours
Paid vs pro bono, group coaching, what does not count, and a log template you can copy.
ICF Mentor Coaching Changes in 2027
The Mentor Coach Specialization rule from 1 January 2027 and the end of the ACC/PCC performance evaluation from 1 April 2027.
More guides
How to Develop the ICF Core Competencies: A Practice Plan
Knowing the 8 ICF Core Competencies and demonstrating them under pressure are different skills. This guide is about the second: a domain-by-domain plan for practising the competencies until they show up in your recorded sessions and exam answers.
Coaching Skills for Managers: The Essential Guide
Managers who coach their teams see higher engagement, better performance, and lower turnover. But coaching as a manager is different from professional coaching — you need to balance coaching with your leadership responsibilities.
Coaching Supervision: The Complete Guide
Coaching supervision is a collaborative learning practice where coaches reflect on their work with the support of a qualified supervisor. It's increasingly recognized as essential for ethical, effective coaching practice.