ICF Global Board of Directors and ICF Credentialing and Standards Board
We would like to acknowledge ICF Credentialing and Standards for continually advancing the credentialing process, including the CKA exam, to ensure it fulfills the highest standards in professional certification routine, supports and elevates the ICF credential holders, and offers essential quality assurance for coaching clients.
In deciding on "HOW" this is done, there have been several restrictions created for the coaching community in Iran regarding the options and facilities for taking the CKA exam. This decision goes against the ICF values of equity in committing to explore and understand the needs of others so, at all times, an impartial process creates equity for all.
For example, due to some recent decisions made, a condition has been introduced that prevents the coaching community in Iran from taking the exam online. For in person exams, it imposes traveling abroad to complete the credentialing process. As a result, this will increase the cost and time required for the coaches to participate in the process, and it also eliminates all the individuals that, for personal, family, or legal reasons, cannot leave the country to be part of the ICF credential coach community.
Also, not having the CKA exam in Persian/Farsi and eliminating a secure facility for translators while taking the exam online increases the number of coaches who will NOT be able to participate in the credentialing process.
We, a number of the ICF Iran Chapter members, ICF credentialed coaches, students, and alumni from ICF accredited training programs; collectively state our protest regarding the inequitable and unfair restrictions on the Iranian coaching community's right to take the CKA exam online in Farsi or with a translator.
We expect that ICF reviews and, collectively, with the assistance of the ICF Iran Chapter, or directly finds alternative solutions to eliminate these constraints. While maintaining the highest standards in professional certification practice, ICF credential holders are supported and elevated, providing necessary quality assurance for coaching clients. And doing so facilitates the involvement and engagement of the Iranian coaching community as part of the ICF mission to lead the global advancement of the coaching profession.
With thanks
