International coaching education is developing in a global market where the coaching profession is not subject to mandatory state licensing in most countries. However, international educational and accreditation systems are used to confirm qualifications and standardize professional competencies.

In this context, the International Federation of Professional Coaching (IFPC) builds its standards based on generally accepted international norms governing education, professional training, and recognition of qualifications.

1. The right to education and vocational training

(Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948; International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 1966)

Education is a fundamental right of every human being, which includes not only traditional school and higher education, but also professional training necessary for career development.

In line with this principle, IFPC provides access to professional coaching education, allowing professionals to gain knowledge, skills and accreditation recognized internationally.

IFPC accreditation ensures that coaching training programs meet high professional standards, enabling coaches to work successfully in an international environment.

2. Recognition of qualifications and accreditation of educational programs
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(Lisbon Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education, 1997)

Although coaching does not require mandatory licensing, the professional environment requires standardized recognition of qualifications.

In higher education, the Lisbon Convention is used for this purpose, which ensures transparency and recognition of degrees and educational programs across borders.

The IFPC implements a similar approach, creating an accreditation system for educational providers and programs that meet international requirements.

This allows coaches who have completed accredited training to confirm their qualifications globally without the need to re-certify in different countries.

3. Guarantee of quality education and availability of coaching training
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(Convention against Discrimination in Education, 1960)

The modern market requires transparency and a high level of training of specialists. International legal norms oblige educational organizations to provide equal access to quality education, regardless of nationality, age or social status.

IFPC follows these principles, creating accessible educational programs and offering specialists from different countries tools for professional growth. Moreover, the federation pays special attention to supporting coaches moving to other countries, helping them adapt to a new professional environment.

4. Recognition of coaching as a professional activity

(Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications in the EU)

Within the European Union, professions are regulated through a qualifications recognition mechanism, allowing professionals to work freely across borders with proven professional qualifications.

IFPC implements a similar model, providing coaches with international accreditation that confirms their competence and compliance with professional standards.

This makes IFPC professionals competitive in the global coaching market and allows them to work in 62 countries without the need for additional licensing.

5. US Legislation in the Field of Coaching

In the United States, coaches are not required to be state licensed. As a result, certifications from recognized coaching quality organizations such as the IFPC are highly valued in the professional community, particularly in the corporate, medical, and psychological sectors.

These organizations set standards for training, certification, and ethics to ensure high-quality coaching services.

IFPC accreditation ensures compliance with international professional standards, which increases the confidence of clients and employers. In the absence of government regulation of the profession, quality is ensured through recognized professional associations such as the IFPC and their accreditation standards.