Receiving a message like this is far from enjoyable:

“Hi (Your name),

This means that your ACC/PCC/MCC* status is no longer active and has officially lapsed.
Your ACC/PCC/MCC* expired on 7/30/2024 and the two-month grace period has now passed. This means that your ACC/PCC/MCC* is no longer active and has officially lapsed. Please immediately discontinue use of the ACC/PCC/MCC* logo on all promotional materials (for example: on brochures, personal websites, or business cards) and remove all references to holding an ICF Credential.
You still have an additional 10 months to reinstate your credential, but you will need to provide additional CCEs for each month your credential is lapsed.”

ACC/PCC/MCC* = Your credential status

No, receiving a message like this is far from enjoyable.

After all the time, effort, and money you’ve invested in your coach training, it can feel like a major setback. When such a message arrives, it’s easy to feel stressed and panicked. Many coaches frantically Google and call around, trying to find the quickest and cheapest solution to the problem. However, this is not the true purpose of our ongoing education as coaches.

“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” – Bobby Unser

Coaching is about lifelong learning and continuously deepening our expertise. The worst thing that can happen to us as certified coaches is to believe that we are “done” with our development. By being proactive, we keep our knowledge up to date and relevant, without the stress. Continuing education is a key component of ICF’s core competencies, which require us to stay informed. It also keeps our own motivation and inspiration high.

“Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.” – Anton Chekhov

A common misconception is that you must wait until the last minute to renew your certification, as close to the expiration date as possible, to avoid losing time when the certificate is active. But your credential is always extended by three years from the date on your certificate. Therefore, it always pays to be prepared and proactive – being proactive always pays off.

If you’ve just received, or are about to receive, a reminder from ICF (isn’t it great that they remind us?), don’t panic. Get in touch, and we’ll work together to resolve the situation in a professional and well-thought-out way.

YOU ARE WARMLY WELCOME TO MY MENTOR COACHING PROGRAM, which starts in English in December (online). You can use this for CCE points and/or mentor coaching hours. Contact me, and I’ll send you the information sheet, or you can read more.

Together, we will dive deep into ICF core competencies, ethical guidelines, and PCC markers. You will receive personal guidance, the chance to observe others coach, and the opportunity to be coached yourself – what I like to call 3D coaching. It’s incredibly valuable to see how we all have our unique coaching styles, even as we follow the same guidelines.

So, be proactive, not reactive! Your coaching makes a difference! Sign up NOW!

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker

Don’t hesitate to take the next step in your coaching journey – and remember, being proactive is the key to success! Welcome!   Coachinghugs