ICF (International Coaching Federation) History
Professional coach Thomas Leonard founded the International Coaching Federation (ICF) in 1995 as a nonprofit organization designed to help coaches support one another and grow the coaching profession. Three years later, supported by more than 70 dedicated volunteers and growing global interest, ICF began its work to elevate the profile and credibility of professional coaching.
ICF established its Core Competencies and developed a Code of Ethics, setting professional standards for the coaching field. An Ethical Conduct Review Process and an Independent Review Board (IRB) were created, allowing consumers to submit ethics-related complaints and ensuring accountability within the profession.
To further support consistency and quality, ICF defined curriculum standards for coach training programs through accreditation and developed a credentialing system for coaches. These credentials require renewal every three years, reinforcing ongoing professional development and ethical practice.
By the year 2000, ICF membership was growing globally at a rate of approximately 130 new members per month. Today, membership exceeds 20,000 coaches worldwide. ICF continues to strengthen professional standards while positioning the organization strategically to serve as a clear, credible voice for coaching.
Headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, ICF also operates Regional Service Centres in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America, supporting the global advancement of the coaching profession.
