Skip to content

ICF Core Competencies

A. Foundation

1. Demonstrates Ethical Practice

1.1 Introduction

1.4 Recommended Readings and Resources

2. Embodies a Coaching Mindset

2.1 Introduction

2.4 Recommended External Readings & Resources

B. Co-Creating the Relationship

3. Establishes and Maintains Agreements

3.1 Introduction

3.4 Recommended External Readings and Resources

4. Cultivates Trust and Safety

4.1 Introduction

4.4 Recommended External Readings and Resources

5. Maintains Presence

5.1 Introduction

5.4 Recommended External Readings and Resources

C. Communicating Effectively

6. Listens Actively

6.1 Introduction

6.4 Recommended Readings & External Resources

7. Evokes Awareness

7.1 Introduction

7.4 Recommended External Readings & Resources

D. Cultivating Learning and Growth

8. Facilitates Client Growth

8.1 Introduction

8.4 Recommended Readings & Resources

Bonus Material

9. The Evolution of the ICF Core Competencies (2019-2025)

Introduction to ICF Core Competencies (2019-2025)

Video – ICF Core Competencies (2019-2025)

Quiz 9 – Bonus

Quiz 9 – Bonus

ICF Core Competencies
9. The Evolution of the ICF Core Competencies (2019-2025)
Quiz 9 – Bonus

Time limit: 0

Quiz Summary

0 of 20 Questions completed

Questions:

Information

You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again.

Quiz is loading…

You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz.

You must first complete the following:

Results

Quiz complete. Results are being recorded.

Results

0 of 20 Questions answered correctly

Your time:

Time has elapsed

You have reached 0 of 0 point(s), (0)

Earned Point(s): 0 of 0, (0)
0 Essay(s) Pending (Possible Point(s): 0)

Categories

Not categorized 0%

Review
Answered
Correct
Incorrect

Question 1 of 20

1. Question

What is the main focus of the 2025 ICF Core Competency update?

To refine and clarify the existing competencies for greater precision
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

To introduce completely new competencies replacing the old ones
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

To remove certain ethics requirements
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

To create separate models for ACC and PCC credentials
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 2 of 20

2. Question

When was the last major revision of the ICF Core Competencies before 2025?

2019
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

2016
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

2021
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

2018
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 3 of 20

3. Question

How often does ICF plan to review and update its Core Competencies?

Every 5–7 years
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Every 2 years
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Every 10 years
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Whenever new credentials are added
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 4 of 20

4. Question

What is a key advantage of smaller, periodic updates to competencies?

They improve clarity without causing disruption to credentialing systems
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

They reduce the number of competencies required for coaches
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

They allow complete overhauls more often
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

They make exams easier to pass
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 5 of 20

5. Question

How many ICF Core Competencies exist after the 2025 update?

Eight
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Nine
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Seven
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Ten
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 6 of 20

6. Question

When will the updated competencies take effect for credentialing assessments?

Fall 2026
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

January 2025
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Summer 2027
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

March 2026
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 7 of 20

7. Question

Before implementation, what action will ICF take regarding the 2025 update?

Conduct pilot testing and collect coach feedback
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Suspend current certifications temporarily
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Add new credentialing levels
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Replace all existing exams
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 8 of 20

8. Question

Why was “ICF” added before “core values” in Competency 1.04?

To clarify that the reference is specifically to ICF’s values
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

To align with other professional associations’ phrasing
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

To make the competency sound more academic
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

To shorten the language in official documents
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 9 of 20

9. Question

What was added to “Embodies a Coaching Mindset” in the 2025 update?

A focus on ongoing development and appropriate use of technology
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A requirement for coaches to publish reflective reports
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A mandatory supervision quota
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An ethics renewal every two years
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 10 of 20

10. Question

Which new keyword highlights awareness of personal and systemic bias?

Biases
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Tolerance
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Equity
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Empathy
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 11 of 20

11. Question

Which word replaced “regulate” in the emotional awareness competency?

Manage
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Balance
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Control
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Contain
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 12 of 20

12. Question

Why did ICF replace “regulate” with “manage”?

It emphasizes engagement and understanding rather than suppression of emotion
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

It simplifies translation into other languages
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

It makes the competency sound more clinical
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

It aligns with corporate coaching terminology
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 13 of 20

13. Question

What new element was added to the well-being sub-competency?

Physical well-being alongside mental and emotional readiness
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Financial stability and productivity awareness
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Spiritual wellness through reflection
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Nutrition and lifestyle balance
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 14 of 20

14. Question

What is the focus of the new sub-competency 2.9?

Encouraging openness and curiosity in the coach and coaching process
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Introducing standardized assessment questions
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Applying business-focused outcomes
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Maintaining complete neutrality at all times
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 15 of 20

15. Question

What was added to “Establishes and Maintains Agreements” to improve clarity?

A requirement to explain one’s coaching philosophy and define what coaching is and isn’t
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

New sub-competencies for contract negotiation
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

An obligation to involve sponsors in every agreement
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A focus on time management and scheduling
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 16 of 20

16. Question

What controversial term was added to Competency 7.11 “Evokes Awareness”?

Knowledge
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Information
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Advice
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Insight
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 17 of 20

17. Question

Why was adding the term “knowledge” seen as controversial?

It raised questions about whether coaches should share knowledge or invite exploration
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

It conflicted with the ICF Code of Ethics
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

It replaced curiosity as a coaching focus
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

It suggested coaches act as educators
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 18 of 20

18. Question

What term replaced “end” in reference to coaching relationships?

Close
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Conclude
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Finish
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Complete
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 19 of 20

19. Question

Why was “celebrates” replaced with “acknowledges” in the final competency?

To convey professionalism and neutrality rather than emotional expression
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

To simplify the language for translation
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

To remove positive tone from the text
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

To align with leadership coaching terminology
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect
Question 20 of 20

20. Question

What is the key takeaway from the 2025 ICF competency updates?

The language is modernized for clarity, but core coaching principles remain unchanged
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Coaches must complete new exams to retain their credentials
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

A new competency framework will replace all previous ones
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Ethics and mindset were merged into one category
Correct Incorrect Correct answer

Correct

Incorrect

Login

Accessing this course requires a login. Please enter your credentials below!

Username or Email Address

Password

Remember Me

Lost Your Password?

Register

Don't have an account? Register one!

Register an Account