What are the IAC and ICF?

"The IAC and the ICF are two independent certifying organizations, meaning they do not have a vested interested in coach training programs. Their evaluations are based on their individual standards, and each organization has their unique way of administering their certifying process.

The IAC does not require that you attend a specific training institute, or log a certain number of coaching hours. The certification is based on an understanding and demonstration of coaching proficiency, through a written, online exam, and recorded coaching sessions which are evaluated by a trained team of certifying examiners. http://certifiedcoach.org/certify/certification.html

The IAC recognizes that many professionals from various industries transition into coaching, or use a coaching approach a variety of ways in their business or practice, therefore does not require a set number of training hours in order to assimilate coaching skills, or necessitate logging coaching hours.

For information about the ICF's certification program, visit: http://www.coachfederation.org/

Prior experience and personal preferences will best determine which certification a coach decides to pursue."

source: International Association of Coaching