The eight core competencies and how they are assessed
Step 1 / 4·Four groups, eight competencies
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Learning objectives — after this module you will:
- Know the structure of ICF's eight core competencies
- Understand what assessors look for in a recording
- Recognise the errors that recur at ACC level
Four groups, eight competencies
Get the map of the competency framework.
ICF organises the eight core competencies into four groups. This is not just a list to memorise — it is what an assessor uses to score your recording, competency by competency.
The eight core competencies by group
| Group | Competency | Observable behaviour |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 1. Demonstrates ethical practice | Keeps confidentiality, states the boundary between coaching and consulting or therapy |
| Foundation | 2. Embodies a coaching mindset | Genuinely curious, open, not imposing a predetermined conclusion |
| Co-creating the relationship | 3. Establishes and maintains agreements | Settles the session goal and success criteria AT THE START |
| Co-creating the relationship | 4. Cultivates trust and safety | Respects the client's language, acknowledges emotion, withholds judgement |
| Co-creating the relationship | 5. Maintains presence | Comfortable with silence, follows the client rather than a script |
| Communicating effectively | 6. Listens actively | Reflects back what the client said AND what they have not said |
| Communicating effectively | 7. Evokes awareness | Asks open questions that let the client see the situation differently |
| Cultivating learning and growth | 8. Facilitates client growth | Works with the client to turn insight into concrete action |
The three competencies most often failed at ACC level
Competency 3 (agreements): many coaches dive into the content without settling what the client wants from this session. Competency 5 (presence): the coach is busy thinking of the next question instead of actually being there. Competency 7 (evoking awareness): the coach delivers advice disguised as a question — 'do you think you should do X?' is not a coaching question.
Key takeaway: Eight competencies in four groups; the three most often failed are agreements, presence and evoking awareness.