ICF Nov 2004 - The ICF has been tweaking their certification process for the MCC.   A new pilot program is being developed requiring fewer hours and a test.

IAC Fall 2004 Update - Step 1 through 3 are now open and coaches are being certified.  Become one of the first 100.

Aug 2004 - The International Association of Coaches (IAC) has announced the opening of Step 2 in their new certification process.   The IAC has designed a three-step certification process based on a proficiency model of coach certification.  Step 1, which has been available since June of 2003, is a 2-3 hour online exam 200 questions measuring the degree to your proficiency in the 15 coaching proficiencies.  Step 2 involves recording two client conversations to be reviewed before a panel that will score the level of proficiency of the coach has against each of the 15 proficiencies.  Step 3 is a personal interview with the coach on the areas of proficiency that appear to be not as strong.  IAC’s announcement about Step 2: http://www.certifiedcoach.org/news/voice0107.html 

July 2004 - Peer Resources Network has recently completed an extensive review of credentialing & created a Guide to Credentials In Coaching available at http://www.mentors.ca/coaching.html

The Colorado General Assembly passed legislation that exempts professional coaches from having to register as "unlicensed psychotherapists" under the State's Mental Health Statutes.  Colorado Governor Bill Owens signed the bill into law on May 21, 2004.  This legislation could set a precedent for coach legislation nationwide.

Specifically, the language proposed by the Colorado Coalition of Coaches and incorporated into Colorado's new mental health statutes reads:

"The provisions of this article shall not apply to professional coaches who have had coach-specific training and who serve clients exclusively in the capacity of coaches."

For more information on legislation/regulations in coaching:
The Colorado Coalition of Coaches: http://www.coloradocoaches.com
MCA Members: MCA Library has April 2004’s Forum on Licensing, Regulations & Legislation on CD
ICF Members: http://www.coachfederation.com/members/ICF_regulatory_report.PDF (2003)

Jeffrey Slava Thaler