Why Good Coaches Struggle to Pass the ICF Credential Assessment (and How to Avoid the Pitfalls)

 

 

Many great coaches get a shock when their ICF recording doesn’t pass.

It’s not because they’re not good coaches. Far from it.

The real issue is that the ICF credential assessment isn’t simply about showing that you can coach. It’s about demonstrating your skills through the ICF lens—and that’s where even experienced coaches stumble.

After years as an ICF Coach Mentor and Assessor I recognise that the same pitfalls come up again and again.

If you’re aiming for ACC, PCC or renewal, here are three of the biggest ones:

 

1. Over-helping the client

We go into coaching because we want to make a difference.

But “helping” doesn’t mean fixing or steering the client to the answer you think they need.

Many coaches unintentionally slip into teaching, advising, or rescuing, especially when silence feels uncomfortable.

This is directive rather than partnering.

What to do differently

Trust the client’s resourcefulness.

Ask, explore, reflect and then pause.

Give the client the space to think for themselves.

 

2. Not making the coaching agreement explicit

This is the single biggest reason coaches miss the mark.

ICF isn’t looking for you to “sort of know” the topic.

They want to hear a clear, agreed focus and measures of success in the client’s words.

Without that, your coaching can sound like a helpful conversation rather than a purposeful partnership.

What to do differently

Slow down at the start.

Ask, “What would you like to walk away with today?”

Then go deeper: “And what will that give you?”

 

3.  Staying on the surface

If you stay in the content, it keeps the coaching at story-level, rather than opening up the client’s deeper insights.

Great coaching goes beyond what’s first said.

What to do differently

Notice patterns, beliefs, values, energy shifts.

Share them (with permission) and invite the client to explore: “I notice your voice softens when you talk about that—what’s behind that for you?”

 

Why this is important

Passing the ICF credential assessment isn’t just about getting the badge.

The process of refining your skills to meet the Core Competencies changes the way you coach.

You become more present, more confident and more at ease in partnering fully with your clients.

 

Bridging the gap

It’s hard to self-assess your own recordings through the ICF lens.

We all have blind spots and things we think we’re doing but which aren’t coming across in the recording.

That’s just one of the things we cover on my ICF Accredited Coach Development and Mentoring Programme.

With 10 hours of ICF Mentoring plus 30 CCEUs, you’ll work in a small group (max 9 coaches) where you’ll get personalised, instant dynamic feedback from me as both a Mentor and an ICF Assessor. You’ll know exactly where you’re on track and where to fine-tune, so by the time you submit your recording, you’re feeling confident and ready.

And I’m proud of the fact that I have 100% success rate because every coach I’ve mentored has had their recordings pass first time.

If you’re aiming for ACC, PCC, or renewal this year, now’s the time to start.

You can find out more here.

Until next time,

Cath

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P.S. if you want to have a chat and find out if this is the right next step for you click here to arrange a call and I’ll answer any questions you have.

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