Competencies

Question 1

Competency #1

Answer 1

Demonstrates Ethical Practice

Question 2

Demonstrates Ethical Practice Definition

Answer 2

• Demonstrating personal integrity & honesty, sensitivity toward experiences, values & beliefs, and respectful language towards clients, sponsors, and stakeholders.
• Abides by the Code of Ethics and maintains confidentiality
• Maintains distinctions between coaching, consulting, psychotherapy and refers clients as needed

Question 3

Case Example: A client shares confidential information about a personal dispute with their employer and requests that you keep it private. Later, the employer contacts you for insight into the coaching session.

Answer 3

Application:
* Uphold confidentiality as outlined in the ICF Code of Ethics.
* Politely decline to share any details, explaining the boundaries of the coaching relationship.

Question 4

Competency #2

Answer 4

Embodies a Coaching Mindset

Question 5

Embodies a Coaching Mindset Definition

Answer 5

• A mindset that is open, curious, flexible, and client-centered
• Is a process that requires ongoing learning and development, establishing a reflective practice, and preparing for sessions

Question 6

Case Example: A client becomes frustrated when progress in their goals seems slow. They express doubts about their abilities.

Answer 6

Application:
* Curiosity over judgment: Instead of agreeing, disagreeing, or offering a quick solution, the coach remains curious about the client’s perspective and internal experience.
* Acknowledging growth opportunities: The coach views this moment of frustration as an opportunity for self-awareness and growth.

Question 7

Competency #3

Answer 7

Establishes and Maintains Agreements

Question 8

Establishes and Maintains Agreements Definition

Answer 8

• Partnering with client/stakeholders to create agreements on the coaching relationship, process, plans, and goals.
• Establishing agreements for the overall coaching engagement and for each session - TGOAL

Question 9

Case Example:
During the initial session, a client sets a vague goal: “I want to improve at work.”

Answer 9

Application:
* Collaborate with the client to define specific, measurable outcomes, such as “improve communication with my team by holding weekly check-ins.”
* Confirm their understanding and agreement on the goals for the coaching engagement.

Question 10

Competency #4

Answer 10

Cultivates Trust and Safety

Question 11

Cultivates Trust and Safety Definition

Answer 11

• Partners with the client to create a safe and supportive environment that allows the client to share freely
• Maintains a relationship of mutual respect and trust

Question 12

Case Example:
A client hesitates to share details about a failed project, fearing judgment.

Answer 12

Application:
* Create a safe space by expressing empathy and acknowledging their feelings.
* Use open-ended questions like, “What lessons emerged for you from this experience?” to encourage them to share.

Question 13

Competency #5

Answer 13

Maintains Presence

Question 14

Maintains Presence Definition

Answer 14

• Partners with the client to create a safe and supportive environment that allows the client to share freely
• Coach acts in response to the whole person of the client (the WHO) and to what the client wants to accomplish throughout this session (the WHAT).

Question 15

Case Example:
A client becomes emotional during a session, recalling a difficult career decision.

Answer 15

Application:
* Stay fully present, allowing silence to hold space for their emotions.
* Use reflective listening, such as “I hear how much this decision has impacted you,” to validate their experience.

Question 16

Competency #6

Answer 16

Listens Actively

Question 17

Listens Actively Definition

Answer 17

• Focuses on what the client is and is not saying to fully understand what the client is communicating.
• Noticing and exploring the client’s emotions, energy shifts, and non-verbal behaviors.

Question 18

Case Example:
A client says they want to “take on more leadership roles” but later mentions feeling overwhelmed by current responsibilities.

Answer 18

Application:
* Pick up on this tension and reflect it back: “I notice you’re expressing both a desire to lead and concerns about workload. Can you tell me more about how these fit together?”

Question 19

Competency #7

Answer 19

Evokes Awareness

Question 20

Evokes Awareness Definition

Answer 20

• Facilitates client insights and learning by questioning, challenging to support them in reframing perspectives
• Asks questions that help the client explore beyond current thinking

Question 21

Case Example:
A client struggles to identify why they are not achieving their career goals.

Answer 21

Application:
* Ask powerful questions like, “What recurring patterns do you notice in how you approach challenges?” or “If success were guaranteed, what would you do differently today?”
* Encourage them to explore new perspectives.

Question 22

Competency #8

Answer 22

Facilitates Client Growth

Question 23

Facilitates Client Growth Definition

Answer 23

• Partners with the client to turn insights and learning into actions.
• Supports the client in identifying potential results or learning from identified action.

Question 24

Case Example:
A client identifies a lack of delegation as a barrier to their team’s efficiency.

Answer 24

Application:
* Co-create a strategy for improvement, such as setting specific tasks to delegate and a timeline for implementation.
* Follow up with accountability questions like, “How will you measure the impact of this change on your team?”