Press Release Headlines

International Coach Federation Releases Results of 2012 ICF Global Coaching Study

Final Report now available for purchase

LEXINGTON, Ky., July 3, 2012 — The International Coach Federation (ICF) has completed one of the most groundbreaking pieces of global research ever conducted – the 2012 ICF Global Coaching Study. The complete detailed findings of the year-long study are now available for purchase. The 140-plus page downloadable document can be found at coachfederation.org/coachingstudy2012.

"Achieving an unprecedented level of response, this wide-reaching industry study reveals the global scale of the profession of coaching as well as amazing growth in the number of practicing coaches," said ICF Global President and Master Certified Coach Janet M. Harvey. "The research provides a glimpse into what contributed to that expansion. It also charges us who are stewards of the profession to ensure that the new growth is quality growth in every region of the world."

This remarkable study not only provides a status report of the growing coaching profession, but also identifies various challenges and opportunities facing the coaching profession globally. Over 12,000 coaches representing 117 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America participated in the study commissioned by ICF and conducted independently by the International Survey Unit of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in 2011. Notable findings from the 2012 ICF Global Coaching Study Final Report include:

  • What is the total number of coaches?

There are currently an estimated 47,500 professional coaches worldwide. Results show a very diverse distribution in coaches across the globe, with areas of increasing maturity, rapid expansion and growth potential.

  • What is the total worldwide revenue generated by coaching?

Combining the average annual income generated by coaches with the number of currently active coaches, the estimated 2011 global revenue from coaching is nearly $2 billion (1.9 million USD).

  • What services do coaches offer in addition to coaching?

Study results show that on average almost all coaches (94%) offer almost three (2.7) additional services along with coaching, most commonly consulting (62%) and training (60%).

To learn more about the 2012 ICF Global Coaching Study and purchase your copy of the Final Report, please visit: coachfederation.org/coachingstudy2012.

The 2012 ICF Global Coaching Study complements ICF's previous industry research efforts, including the ICF Global Coaching Awareness Study (2010), which demonstrated worldwide interest in professional coaching, the ICF Global Coaching Client Study (2009), which studied individuals throughout 64 countries who had experienced professional coaching and the results they achieved from it, and the ICF Global Coaching Study (2007), which created a global baseline picture of the profession.

The International Coach Federation is the leading global organization for coaches, with over 22,000 members in more than 100 countries worldwide. ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high ethical standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches. Coaching is a distinct service and differs greatly from therapy, consulting, mentoring, or training. ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. For more information, please visit our website at www.coachfederation.org.

ICF HEADQUARTERS CONTACT:
Amanda Stamper, +1.859.219.3570
Email

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