Quid Pro Quo Coaching

For many coaches intent on pursuing coaching credentials with the ICF, especially those in the early stages of establishing a client base, accumulating the required number of coaching hours and clients is daunting.   For reference, the relevant sections of the ACC and PCC coaching requirements copied from the ICF website are included at the end of this document.

In an effort to increase the number of clients for a coach seeking a credential, it could be advantageous to find new clients within the coaching community (where there is a stronger than average appreciation of the value of coaching).  Since Pro Bono or volunteer coaching is limited to 10% of the coaching hours required for ICF credentials, it is important to receive payment for coaching services; either monetary fees or Quid Pro Quo ("something for something") .   According to the ICF, paid coaching and barter coaching are equivalent, thus opening the way for exchange of coaching services. 

It is proposed that the NCCA will provide a service to match coaches and clients within the coaching community, where payment for coaching services could be either Quid Pro Quo or monetary fees.  A moderator would be chosen from the membership to oversee this matching service.  The moderator would keep a list of coaches and coach clients willing to build a coaching alliance that satisfies the ICF credentialing requirements.  When the moderator is contacted by a coach seeking a client, the moderator supplies a list of potential clients.  If this results in the formation of a coaching alliance, the coach gives the name(s) of the clients to the moderator, for the record.  The coach will be requested to inform the moderator when a coaching alliance ends.

Provision of coaching in exchange for money is well understood, but we wish to clarify the nature of a Quid Pro Quo coaching arrangement:

Quid Pro Quo Coaching IS:

• The same as paid coaching in terms of the enrollment processes, contracts, code of ethics, etc.
• Equivalent to paying normal coaching fees, its just a different "currency"
• Governed by a coaching contract or agreement as to frequency of sessions and duration of sessions
• As professional and rigorous as any other coaching alliance with a client
• Intended to increase the number of "paying" clients for a coach
• Intended to accelerate accumulation of coaching hours required for ICF credentials

Quid Pro Quo Coaching IS NOT:

• To be used to side step or short cut the ICF credentialing process
• Casual coaching
• Pro Bono or volunteer coaching
• Coaching just for practice

A suggested process for Quid Pro Quo Coaching

• The process requires a moderator who will help coaches find other coaches who wish to do this type of coaching.  The moderator will only keep a record of the coaching relationships
• The "coach" keeps records of the coaching calls and logs the number of coaching hours
• The "coach" and "client" design the coaching alliance – including the nature of payment (money or Quid Pro Quo)
• The "coach" may elect to conduct an "intake" session prior to completing a contract
• The "coach" presents the "client" with a coaching contract or agreement and rate sheet specifying the nature of the Quid Pro Quo or cash payments for sessions.
• The "client" may be asked to attest to the coaching arrangement and how they were coached to fulfill part of the ICF credentialing requirements.
• The "coach" informs the QPQ moderator when the coaching alliance terminates.

Excerpts from the ICF Requirements for the ACC and PCC Credentials

For the ACC:

• The Applicant presents documentation validating that the applicant has attended a minimum of 60 student contact learning hours of Coach Specific Training
• The Applicant provides Client Letters of Reference and contact information for at least 5 clients.
• The Applicant provides documentation validating that the Applicant has completed 250 client coaching hours. A coaching client hour is 60 minutes of actual time spent coaching a client. At least 225 of the client coaching hours must be for reimbursement. No more than 25 client coaching hours may be pro bono or volunteer.
• The Applicant provides at least three documents demonstrating that the applicant is currently and actively engaged in the business of coaching.
• The ACC credential is good for three years and then expires. In order to maintain an ICF credential after an Associate Certified Coach designation expires, the Applicant must apply for and receive a Professional Certified Coach or Master Certified Coach designation.
• By accepting the Associate Certified Coach designation, the Applicant agrees to attend ICF sponsored educational tele-forums that will be given especially for those who hold the Associate Certified Coach designation.

For the PCC:

• Documentation validating that you were mentored or coached. If you live in the US or Canada, you are required to have been mentor coached by a coach who holds an ICF PCC, CICC, or MCC credential for a minimum of ten (10) hours over a minimum of three (3) months.
• Client Letters of Reference from at least 5 clients attesting to the coaching relationship and how you coached them.
• Documentation validating that you have completed 750 client coaching hours. A coach client hour is 60 minutes of actual time spent coaching a client. The client must have hired you as a coach. No more than 75 of these hours may by pro-bono or volunteer coaching. While your configuration of clients and hours may vary, your client-coaching log must reflect a list of at least 25 clients and cover a minimum of 750 actual coaching hours.

For both ACC and PCC:

• The Applicant provides two letters from coaches who hold an ICF credential. The letters of reference must come from coaches who have actually heard you coach.
• The Applicant satisfactorily completes an oral examination.

For a complete list of all the certification requirements see the excellent comparison table on the ICF website http://www.coachfederation.org/australasia/ICF_CertificationSummary.pdf.