Choosing the right development and accreditation pathway is one of the key questions every aspiring coach asks themselves. There are three major industry organisations in the market that set standards for the work and professionalisation of the coaching and mentoring profession: ICF (International Coach Federation), EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council) and the Chamber of Coaching in Poland. Each of these institutions offers a different accreditation system, levels of development and approach to working with clients.
In this article, we will compare the two largest and most well-known international organisations - ICF and EMCC - outlining their structures, values and differences in the accreditation model. Finally, we will suggest which accreditation might be more useful for a coach developing in the dynamic reality of today's world.
What is coaching accreditation?
Let's start with the basics. Accreditation is a formal endorsement of the competence of a coach or training provider by an independent professional body. The word is derived from the Latin accreditare, or 'place trust'. In practice, this means that a person or programme coaching przeszła positive review in terms of quality, methods, ethical standards and learning outcomes.
Coaching as a profession is still not formally regulated in most countries, so it is professional accreditation that sets the level of professionalism in the industry. Coaches who have gone through the certification process can demonstrate not only their knowledge and skills, but also their commitment to development and professional ethics.
Remember that in the Meeting Group you can benefit from programmes and Trainingwhich offer the required number of hours of personal development in line with the EMCC certification pathway
International Coach Federation (ICF) - a global leader with an American pedigree
ICF, i.e. International Coach Federation, is one of the best-known coaching accreditation organisations in the world. It originated in the United States and over the years has built a strong reputation as an authority on coaching.
The ICF offers three levels of individual accreditation:
- ACC (Associate Certified Coach) - A minimum of 60 hours of training + 100 hours of coaching practice.
- PCC (Professional Certified Coach) - minimum 125 hours of training + 500 hours of experience.
- MCC (Master Certified Coach) - 200 hours of education + 2500 hours of practice.
Accreditation of training institutions is also divided into levels (formerly known as ACSTH, ACTP, now: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3). ICF coaching is based on the 8 key competences model and a code of ethics that applies to all człons of the organisation.
The ICF is recognised globally, especially in business and corporate environments, where the organisation's certifications are often mentioned in requirements for positions in talent development, HR or business coaching.
European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) - a holistic approach and European perspective
EMCC it's European Mentoring and Coaching Council, or the Mentoring and Coaching Council of Europe. It was founded in 1992 on the initiative of prominent practitioners including John Whitmore, David Clutterbuck and Eric Parsloe. Since its inception, the EMCC has focused on integration of coaching, mentoring and supervisionas well as supporting professional development at every stage of your career.
The EMCC accreditation system covers both individuals and organisations. For coaches and mentors, the EMCC offers four levels:
- Foundation - for beginners.
- Practitioner - for active practitioners with experience.
- Senior Practitioner - for advanced coaches/mentors.
- Master Practitioner - for industry leaders and supervisors.
EMCC accreditation includes coaching and mentoring, emphasising the role of reflection, ethics and the development of professional awareness. It is worth noting that the EMCC emphasises not only the number of coaching hours carried out, but also the quality of the process and the reflective-professional maturity of the coach.
Key differences between the EMCC and the ICF
| Criterion | ICF | EMCC |
| Origins | USA | Europe |
| Approach | Coaching as a competence process | Coaching, mentoring and supervision |
| Levels of coach certification | ACC, PCC, MCC | Foundation, Practitioner, Senior, Master |
| Emphasis on mentoring | Only as part of training | A separate development path |
| The role of supervision | Not required for certification | Strongly recommended and evaluated |
| Style of professional development | Formalised certification structure | Reflective development and analysis of practice |
| Accreditation of organisations | Levels 1-3 (formerly ACTP, ACSTH) | Accreditation of programmes with clear descriptions |
| Code of ethics | ICF Code | Global Code of Ethics (shared with AC and ICF) |
Advice from an expert - a voice from the Meeting Group
"At Encounter Group, we deliver programmes in line with EMCC requirements, as I particularly value this model for its comprehensiveness and emphasis on reflective development. It's not just crediting hours - EMCC focuses on the quality of the relationship with the client, the integration of mentoring and coaching, and real competencies in working with the other czł person. This approach prepares you brilliantly to work not only as a coach, but as a partner in the change process."
It is also worth noting that the two organisations, despite operating separately, meet together for joint meetings where they exchange development lessons, an excellent example of which can be found here: report from the meeting
Which to choose? ICF or EMCC?
Both organisations - ICF i EMCC - offer valuable, prestigious and recognised accreditations. Which one you choose should depend on your goals, working style and beliefs about the coach's role in client development.
Select ICF, if:
- You work or want to work mainly in the corporate, HR or business coaching.
- You prefer a clear certification structure based on precisely defined competences.
- Would you like to obtain quickly certificate and start working as a coach in an environment requiring accreditation.
Select EMCC, if:
- You value reflective development, integration mentoring, coaching and supervision.
- You are interested in working with individual clients, NGOs, education or in a longer process.
- You want to develop holistically as a professional supporting others on many levels.
- You are keen to develop in a European cultural and educational context.
EMCC - why is it increasingly being chosen?
There is a growing interest in the EMCC system in Poland and Europe. This is influenced, among other things, by the fact that the EMCC takes into account the diversity of development paths, allows accredit both coachesas well as mentors, and focuses on a practical approach to education.
In addition, EMCC Poland (EMCC Poland) actively supports its członks by offering CPD (Continuous Professional Development) events, workshops, webinars and educational resources. Operating completely independently and non-profit, członkostwo also provides access to an international community of professionals.
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Bottom line - which accreditation pays off more?
There is no one 'better' accreditation - there are different routes, depending on context, working style and values. However, for many coaches, especially those who combine coaching with mentoring, value supervisionand want to develop in a thoughtful and responsible manner - EMCC will be a more coherent and valuable path.
Coaching is not just a set of skills - it is an attitude, a relationship, a way of being with the other czł person. The EMCC, with its broad perspective and emphasis on quality of practice, supports precisely this deep dimension of the coaching and mentoring profession.
Want to know more about EMCC-accredited coaching training? Check out the offer of the Meeting Group - the leader in professional coaching training in Poland.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
1. what is ICF accreditation and is it worth it?
ICF accreditation (International Coaching Federation) is a formal confirmation of coaching competence according to the standards of one of the world's most renowned coaching organisations. It is particularly valued in international and corporate environments. The process involves completing a certain number of hours of training, coaching practice, coaching mentor, as well as passing the exam. ICF certification has three levels: ACC, PCC and MCCand completion of the programme ACTP or CCE significantly simplifies the application process.
2 What is the difference between EMCC and ICF accreditation? (ICF vs. EMCC)
ICF versus EMCC are two different approaches to accrediting coaches. ICF focuses mainly on coaching competences and the formal certification process. EMCC (European Mentoring & Coaching Council) integrates coaching, mentoring and supervision, placing more emphasis on the reflective development of the coach and the quality of the relationship with the client. The EMCC attaches great importance to the practitioner's level of maturity and ability to relationship building, not only to the number of hours worked.
3 What are the levels of accreditation in the EMCC and ICF?
There are four levels in the EMCC: Foundation, EMCC Practitioner, Senior Practitioner i Master Practitioner - They are tailored to the experience and development of the coach.
Accordingly, in the ICF levels are distinguished: ACC (Associate Certified Coach), PCC (Professional Certified Coach) i MCC (Master Certified Coach). Both level accreditation The EMCC, as well as the ICF, comes with specific requirements for the number of hours of education, practice, mentoring and supervision.
4. is it better to choose ACTP, CCE or other pathways?
If you are looking for a fast and comprehensive passage through the accreditation process, the recommended option is training ACTP (Accredited Coach Training Program), which runs from the basics up to PCC level.
Path CCE (Continuing Coach Education), on the other hand, serves more improving coaching skills and can be used to renew a certificate or deepen a specialisation.
5 What does an EMCC assessor do?
EMCC assessor is a person qualified to assess the accreditation applications of coaches and mentors seeking EMCC certification. Such an assessor evaluates compliance with the competency framework, professional reflection and the quality of the delivery of the coaching or mentoring process. This is a function that requires experience, ethics and objectivity.
6 What does EMCC or ICF membership give you?
Being a członk EMCC or ICF Poland means access to the community professional coaches, opportunities for development through training, mentor coaching, webinars, workshops and content support. Both organisations promote good practice, support ethical and professional development and offer certification to enhance a coach's credibility in the market.
7 How to choose the right path in the coaching area?
Consider whether the ICF model - focused on structure, process and clearly defined competences - appeals to you more, or the holistic, reflective approach of the EMCC, which integrates mentoring or supervision, relationship work and coaching personal development. Your values and the way you work with your clients will help you determine which model better supports your development in the area of coaching.
8. who is an ICF coach and what distinguishes them?
ICF Coach is a person who holds an accreditation certificate from one of the three ICF pathways and meets certain training, practical and ethical requirements. ICF coaches are obliged to adhere to the ICF Code of Ethics and to regularly develop their competence. For many companies and institutions, this is an important determinant of the quality of cooperation.
9. Who can help me with the accreditation process?
In Poland, support is provided by both coaching schools and experienced mentors. It is worth using the help of a certified mentor coach or trainer with experience as a EMCC assessor.
10. can I have ICF and EMCC accreditation at the same time?
Yes - many professional coaches opts for dual accreditation, e.g. EMCC Practitioner and ICF PCC. This gives them the flexibility to work in different environments and use a richer range of tools, drawing on the differences in approaches both organisations.
