ICF Core Competency Markers: Above the Waterline
- Cindy Hosea
- Feb 13
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Coaching, like an iceberg, is so much more than what you see on the surface. The ICF competency markers? They’re just the tip—guidelines that help assessors recognize solid coaching skills. But the real magic? That happens beneath the waterline, in the unspoken, unscripted dynamics between coach and client.
It’s in the way a coach picks up on a shift in tone, the way they hold space during a moment of silence, the way they ask the one question that unlocks everything. That’s where coaching stops being a process and starts becoming a transformation.
In this post, I'm breaking down the markers so you can understand their role. If you want to see them in action, follow the posts in this series. There's a deeper dive into each competency with real scenarios that take you beneath the waterline, where coaching actually happens. Because coaching isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about mastering the art of connection. ❄️🧊🌊
What’s the Point of These Markers? (In Plain English)
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) sets the standard for excellence in the coaching profession. To ensure consistency, ICF has defined core competency markers that demonstrate professional level coaching.
These markers exist to keep coaching legit. During the certification process, they help assessors figure out if a coach is actually coaching—not giving advice, playing therapist, or running a TED Talk.
Here’s why they matter:
🔹 They keep the evaluation process fair. Whether you’re in New York or New Zealand, the ICF wants to make sure every coach is judged by the same standards.
🔹 They make assessments clear and consistent. Instead of vague “good coaching” vs. “bad coaching” opinions, these markers spell out exactly what to listen for in a session.
🔹 They ensure reliability. If you pass, you pass for real—not because one assessor liked your style while another didn’t.
🔹 They help coaches grow. These markers aren’t just a test—they’re also a roadmap for improving coaching skills over time.
🔹 They aren’t a checklist. You don’t need to hit every marker in every session like a bingo card. It’s about showing you can coach at a professional level consistently—not memorizing a script.
In short? These markers make sure coaching is high-quality, ethical, and effective, while also helping coaches get better at their craft.
🔹 Stay in your lane and keep it clean. Follow the ICF Code of Ethics, respect confidentiality, don’t play therapist, and always act in the client’s best interest.
🔹 Show up with curiosity, flexibility, and an open mind. Coaching isn’t about you—it’s about the client. Keep learning, stay self-aware, and come to each session ready to be fully present.
3.1 – Align on the goal. Partner with the client to define what they want to achieve in this session.
3.2 – Measure success. Define how they’ll know they’re making progress.
3.3 – Find the meaning. Ask why this goal matters to them.
3.4 – Clarify what needs attention. Help them identify what’s getting in the way or what they need to focus on.
4.1 – Respect their wisdom. Acknowledge the client’s unique insights, skills, and efforts.
4.2 – Be supportive. Show empathy, concern, and encouragement.
4.3 – Hold space for emotions. Acknowledge their feelings, perceptions, and beliefs without judgment.
4.4 – Let them react. Invite their thoughts on your observations and accept their response—no ego.
5.1 – See the whole person. Respond to both their situational mindset / behavior (the what) and their deeper identity (the who).
5.2 – Stay on track. Keep the conversation focused on what they want to achieve.
5.3 – Let them lead. Support their choices on what happens in the session.
5.4 – Stay curious. Keep asking thoughtful questions instead of assuming.
5.5 – Embrace silence. Give space for deep reflection—don’t rush to fill the gaps.
6.1 – Tailor your approach. Adjust your questions and insights based on what you’ve learned about them.
6.2 – Dig into their words. Explore the meaning behind the language they use.
6.3 – Acknowledge their emotions. Ask about what they’re feeling—not just what they’re thinking.
6.4 – Notice nonverbal cues. Pay attention to energy shifts, body language, and tone of voice.
6.5 – Explore their self-perception. Ask how they currently see themselves and their world.
6.6 – Shut up and listen. Let them finish speaking before you jump in—unless there’s a clear reason to interrupt.
6.7 – Recap concisely. Summarize their thoughts in a way that brings clarity, not clutter.
7.1 – Ask deep questions. Get them to reflect on their thoughts, values, and behaviors.
7.2 – Expand their thinking. Challenge them to consider new perspectives about themselves.
7.3 – Explore possibilities. Help them discover new ways of approaching their situation.
7.4 – Invite deeper insights. Help them think beyond their current patterns toward their desired outcome.
7.5 – Offer insights lightly. Share your observations or intuitions, but don’t be attached to being “right.”
7.6 – Ask one clear question at a time. Keep them open-ended and allow space for real reflection.
7.7 – Ditch the jargon. Use simple, direct language.
7.8 – They talk, you listen. Let them do most of the talking—this isn’t your soapbox.
8.1 – Check progress. Ask how they feel about their movement toward the session goal.
8.2 – Help them reflect on self-growth. Explore what they learned about themselves today.
8.3 – Help them reflect on their situation. What new insights do they have about their challenge?
8.4 – Make it useful. Ask how they’ll apply what they’ve learned.
8.5 – Support post-session reflection. Partner with them to decide how they’ll continue growing after the call.
8.6 – Co-create a path forward. Discuss next steps, resources, and possible roadblocks.
8.7 – Let them own accountability. They decide how to track progress, not you.
8.8 – Celebrate wins. Acknowledge progress, no matter how small.
8.9 – Let them decide how to close. Wrap up the session in a way that feels right for them.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, coaching isn’t about following a script—it’s about mastering the art of conversation in a way that sparks real transformation. These ICF markers aren’t just technicalities; they’re the backbone of great coaching, ensuring sessions are client-centered, ethical, and actually effective.
Want to see what this looks like in action? Theory is great, but real coaching happens in the moment. That’s why I’m breaking it down in this blog series, “ICF Core Competencies.” I’ll take you inside real-world coaching conversations, showing exactly how these markers play out in practice.
Join me as we dissect, analyze, and learn from real coaching moments—so you can sharpen your own skills and bring more impact to every session.
More in this series:
ICF Core Competency Markers: Above the Waterline (this)
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