What You Need to Know About the 2025 ICF Core Competencies Updates
The following is based on the ICF 2019 to 2025 Comparison Chart (PDF released in September 2025).
Overview
No new main competencies
5 new sub-competencies
Revisions to 11 existing sub-competencies.
I agree with and am grateful for the updates (link to my competencies images). I particularly like
The increased focus on personal and professional development (2. Embodies and Coaching Mindset)
The specifics on describing how we coach, being respectful, and working towards client goals (3. Establishes and Maintains Agreements)
Being aware of what is emerging for self and client (5. Maintains Presence)
Fixed tense to what the client “is communicating” from “communicated” (6. Listens Actively)
I’m happy to help create insights for the client, not learnings, which feels more like I’m teaching (7. Evokes Awareness)
We now partner with the client to integrate learning and acknowledge progress/success - one of the coaching programs I was in focused a lot on making sure we celebrate the client. I like celebrating and am grateful to have the language feel more accessible with “acknowledge.” (8. Facilitates Client Growth)
Key Updates by Competency
1. Demonstrates Ethical Practice
Minor wording change to clarify whose values: "ICF Core Values"
2. Embodies a Coaching Mindset
The definition was expanded to emphasize “ongoing personal and professional learning and development”, which includes “works with coaching supervisors or mentor coaches as needed.”
Updated to include awareness of current coaching best practices and use of technology (2.02)
Added awareness of biases alongside context and culture (2.04)
Changed "regulate" to "manage" one's emotions (2.06)
Expanded preparation to include physical and mental well-being for, throughout and following sessions (2.07)
Two new sub-competencies were added:
2.09: “Nurtures openness and curiosity in oneself, the client, and the coaching process”
2.10: “Remains aware of influence of one's thoughts and behaviors on client and others”
3. Establishes and Maintains Agreements
Now includes “Describes one's coaching philosophy” and clearly defines coaching for potential clients and stakeholders (3.01)
Added emphasis on commitment to working toward coaching goals (3.02)
Changed "end" to "close" the “coaching relationship in a way that respects the client and honors the coaching experience” Previously, we were supposed to honor the experience, so the new language is more specific. (3.11)
New sub-competency:
3.12: “Revisits coaching agreement when necessary to ensure approach meets client's needs”
4. Cultivates Trust and Safety - No Change
5. Maintains Presence
New sub-competency:
5.03: “Remains aware of what is emerging for self and client in the present moment”
6. Listens Actively
Minor clarifications emphasizing "what the client is communicating" (6.02 and 6.05)
7. Evokes Awareness
Updated language to focus on the client gaining insights: changed "insights and feelings" to "observations, knowledge, and feelings" and "new learning" to "new insights" (7.11)
8. Facilitates Client Growth
New sub-competency:
8.07: “Partners with client to integrate learning and sustain progress throughout the coaching engagement”
Super happy about this one: Changed "Celebrates" to "Acknowledges" client's progress (8.08)
Bottom Line
The 2025 updates emphasize:
Self-care and well-being of the coach
Ongoing supervision and professional development
Technology awareness in coaching practice
Awareness of biases and their influence
Flexibility in revisiting agreements
Sustained integration of learning throughout the engagement
I’ve updated my competencies and subcompetencies images here. It’s a helpful way to study for the PCC Exam and to keep them top of mind!
I’d love to hear your thoughts! What are your reactions to the updates?
