There are 3 components: a Practicum Class related to 11 core coaching competencies, observed coaching by instructors with written and verbal feedback, and successful completion of a role play oral assessment with two instructors demonstrating coaching competencies.

A. The ICF Core Competency Class will consist of twelve, 90 minute classes. During each class, a competency will be reviewed and discussed. Using cases one student will play the client and another student will coach for a minimum of 15 minutes. Feedback from instructors will consist of what the coach did well and areas for improvement. The feedback will be verbal and will be followed by a brief email to the student who was the coach. The email received will serve as documentation for observed coaching sessions. Usually each class will have two rounds of coaching.

B. Peer Coaching. Students will participate with 1 or 2 students in peer coaching, self-observation and observation of others for a minimum of six sessions spanning the 12 weeks of the practicum. Students will document their work after each of the six sessions, using a competency checklist and self-assessment form, which will be reviewed by one of the instructors. Self-assessment documentation must be turned in promptly after each session, so that instructors can provide useful feedback before the next practice session. (all students benefit from coaching, being coached and listening to coaching practice)

C. Competency Assessment Evaluation. After completion of the practicum class sessions and peer coaching practice, students will sign up with instructors for the coaching assessment.

The Assessment will consist of a 30 minute coaching session, where one of the instructors will bring a real coaching issue and serve as client. The second instructor will observe this coaching session. When the coaching session is complete, instructors will jointly review the competencies demonstrated by the student, agree on scoring and written feedback to be provided to the student. Written feedback will be provided to the student within 24 hours and this documentation serves as the third observed coaching session. In addition, if desired, one of the instructors will schedule a call with the student to review the role-play performance.