The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is not a software tool but a professional association for coaches, the people who help clients reach personal or work goals through structured conversations. It is based in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, and its site says it has shaped the coaching profession for 30 years. It reports more than 50,000 members and 50,000 credential holders in more than 150 countries.
ICF sets the coaching competencies and the code of ethics, and it issues credentials after training hours and exams: Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Master Certified Coach (MCC). It accredits coach-education programs, runs a public Verify a Coach search, local chapters, an online community and events such as ICF Converge. For companies, the Business Solutions Partner program lists a partner's products on the ICF website and lets it use a partner logo; in return the partner gives ICF members a benefit, such as a discount or special pricing.
Individual membership is an annual fee. Advertising, sponsorship and partner terms are arranged with the ICF sales team.