Membership

Why is the restructuring happening
The changes to our membership levels enable us to better honor the diverse ways professionals like you contribute to the coaching field, while advancing the profession with greater academic rigor and inclusivity. These structure changes also represent a deepening of our affiliation with McLean Hospital, a member of the Mass General Brigham (MGB) healthcare system, and the largest psychiatric affiliate of Harvard Medical School.This integration with Mclean, MGB and Harvard Medical School strengthens our foundation as a global leader in coaching science and ensure that we remain at the forefront of research-based coaching practices. These changes allow us to be in compliance with their policies.
What happens if I don’t want to transition to the new structure?
The transition to the new membership structure is automatic as of March 17, 2025. If you choose not to continue, you can cancel your membership at any time. However, we encourage you to explore the benefits of the updated tiers before making a decision.
How will I know if I meet the eligibility criteria for Professional Fellowship?
You can find detailed eligibility criteria on our website, including the requirements for education, certification, and contributions to the field. If you're unsure, our team is happy to review your qualifications and guide you through the application process.
How will Professional Fellows be featured in the directory?
Professional Fellows will have a detailed profile in the public directory, showcasing their credentials, contributions, and areas of expertise. This feature is designed to enhance visibility and credibility within the coaching community.
How will Full Members be featured in the directory?
Full Members will have a limited profile in the public directory, showcasing their membership with the IOC. This feature is designed to validate membership within the IOC community.
Will Associates be featured in the directory?
Yes, they will be featured in a directory that all IOC members will have access to for the purpose of networking.
How does this change benefit me?
The updated membership structure reflects a thoughtful evolution designed to meet the diverse needs of our coaching community while advancing the field as a rigorous, evidence-based profession. Here's how it benefits you: Improved Accessibility: The Full Membership now incorporates all the advanced benefits previously offered under the Fellowship Membership at a reduced annual rate, ensuring greater access to high-value resources and opportunities. Customized Membership Tiers: With distinct levels—Associate Membership, Full Membership, and the new Professional Fellowship—you can select the option that best supports your current stage of professional development and aspirations. Expanded Opportunities for Professional Growth: Across all membership levels, you’ll gain access to the latest research, expert-led resources, and global networking opportunities. Full Members and Professional Fellows are further supported with platforms to share their work, contribute to collaborative projects, and enhance their visibility as thought leaders. Recognition of Expertise and Leadership: The new Professional Fellowship designation is a prestigious marker of your contributions and commitment to advancing coaching science, elevating your professional credibility within the field. This refreshed structure is designed to empower you at every stage of your journey, providing an adaptable, supportive, and academically rigorous foundation for your growth and impact within the global coaching community.  
I was promised the Founding Fellow title if I stayed current on my fees. What happens now?
You will now need to apply to be a Professional Fellow, however your Founding Fellow status contributes to your eligibility to become a Professional Fellow.
Are webinars still free to members?
Yes it is free for active members. Non-members can pay per view.
How do I downgrade to an Associate (previously Affiliate)?
Please contact [email protected] for information on how to adjust your membership status.
If I do downgrade to an Associate (previously Affiliate) or Full Member, will I receive a refund/credit for the balance of my Fellow Membership?
We are not issuing monetary refunds. As of March 17, 2025, all current Fellow members will be converted to Full Members. If you purchased an annual Fellow membership, you will receive a time extension to your new Full Membership. The extension will be based on the value of the remaining time left on your Fellow membership as of March 17, 2025, ensuring you receive the full equivalent value of your original membership. If you purchased a monthly Fellow membership, your next monthly dues will be at the new Full Membership rate.
Will ICF and NBHWC CEUs be available for the required courses/webinars?
CEUs are available and can be claimed upon completion of either IOC Academy course. As for webinars, CEUs were available if you attended live.
Will Full Members be able to contribute to blogs?
Yes, Full members and Professional Fellows will both be eligible to contribute to the IOC blogs.
Will I lose my existing ‘Fellow’ benefits as a Full Member?
No, your previous Fellowship (pre March 2025) benefits will be maintained, except the use of the fellowship title, and will now be offered at a more affordable rate. You will continue to receive all Associate (previously Affiliate) Member benefits, plus: Opportunities to present your work through blogs, webinars, speaking engagements, facilitating events, as well as other thought leadership possibilities. Feature on the public Full Member Directory. Collaborate on IOC writing and research projects. Tailored support to grow your thought leadership and coaching practice. Pricing: Monthly: $50/month OR Annual: $599/year
What is the difference between the previous Fellow membership level and the new Professional Fellow membership level?
The previous Fellow membership level has been restructured into two tiers: Full Membership and Professional Fellowship, with each serving distinct purposes and audiences. Here’s a breakdown of the differences: Full Membership (formerly Fellow Membership): Focus: Designed for experienced coaches and professionals who want to expand their influence, develop their thought leadership, and actively engage in the Institute of Coaching’s vibrant community. Benefits: Includes all the advanced resources and opportunities previously offered under the Fellow membership, such as access to exclusive events, leadership opportunities, and global networking, but now at a reduced cost of $599 annually. Title: Members at this level will no longer carry the "Fellow" title but enjoy all other benefits. Professional Fellowship (New!): Focus: Created for established leaders making exceptional, impactful contributions to coaching science and practice, who meet rigorous academic, professional, and research-based criteria. This level recognizes significant contributions to the field and serves as a badge of professional distinction. Benefits: In addition to all Full Member benefits, Professional Fellows receive: The exclusive "Professional Fellow" designation. A feature in a more detailed public Professional Fellows Directory. Access to premium thought leadership initiatives and networking opportunities. Eligibility: Applicants must meet specific academic and professional standards, including completing 6 hours of IOC coaching science education and fulfilling at least two of four qualifying criteria: advanced degree  (beyond a Bachelor’s degree), active coaching certification, contributions to coaching science, or legacy fellowship status. Cost: $999 annually. In essence, while Full Membership retains all the advanced benefits of the previous Fellow membership at a more accessible price, the Professional Fellowship introduces a new, prestigious designation for those who have made substantial contributions to coaching science and practice.
What IOC content and activities will count towards the coaching science education requirements?
The IOC will provide you with a list of IOC content that you can choose from. You must complete 6 hours of this content to be eligible for the Professional Fellowship. This content includes any completed IOC course OR IOC seminar series that you have taken within the last year OR specific science- or research-based webinars identified by the IOC. Discussion groups, LinkedIn Lives, partially taken courses, seminars, or webinars, read blog or research doses, etc. do not count toward the science education requirement. Nor do non-IOC coaching science content, courses, trainings, etc.
Will my access to existing fellow discussion groups change?
Existing fellow discussion groups will become groups for full members and professional fellows, so your access to these groups will be maintained so long as you maintain either a Full Membership or a Professional Fellowship. Later in 2025, there will be new specific likely offered only to Professional Fellows.
What are the benefits of each membership level?
Associate Membership is ideal for coaches and professionals seeking foundational resources, community connections, and access to research-based tools for every learning style. Benefits include: Access to the latest coaching science and expert-led content, resources, and events. Network globally through book clubs, discussion groups, and roundtables. Enjoy first access and member pricing for special events, courses, and conferences. Pricing: Monthly: $15/month OR Annual: $180/year Full Membership is ideal for experienced coaches and professionals ready to expand their influence and thought leadership within the IOC community. Benefits include: All previous Fellowship (pre March 2025) benefits will be maintained, except the use of the fellowship title, and will now be offered at a more affordable rate. All Associate Member benefits, plus: Opportunities to present your work through blogs, webinars, speaking engagements, facilitating events, as well as other thought leadership possibilities. Feature on the public Full Member Directory. Collaborate on IOC writing and research projects. Tailored support to grow your thought leadership and coaching practice. Pricing: Monthly: $50/month OR Annual: $599/year Professional Fellow Membership (New!) is ideal for established leaders in coaching science who meet rigorous standards of education, certification, and contribution to the field. Benefits include: All Associate and Full Member benefits, plus: Exclusive "Fellow" designation highlighting your expertise. Appear in the public Professional Fellows Directory. Access premium thought leadership initiatives and exclusive networking opportunities. Pricing: Monthly: $83.25/month OR Annual: $999/year Eligibility: To apply for Professional Fellow Membership, applicants must: Complete 6 hours of IOC coaching science education. Meet at least two of the following criteria: advanced degree (beyond a Bachelor’s degree), active coaching certification, significant contributions to coaching science, or legacy fellow status.
Can I receive CEUs for watching the designated webinars that are part of the Fellow Application?
At this time we are unable to offer CEU’s for these webinars because they are offered asynchronously and not watched live, but we hope to be able to offer CEU’s asynchronously for webinars in the future.

Financial Considerations

Are there payment plans available for the Professional Fellowship membership?
Yes, we offer a monthly payment plan of $83.25/month or an annual (13-month) payment option at $999/year. There are payment plans available for all membership levels.
Is there a difference between signing up for a membership level monthly vs annually?
The annual membership option provides more cost-effective pricing for each membership level as you will receive 13 months of membership for the price of 12 months. The monthly membership payment plans provide flexibility of paying month to month with no commitment.
Will Professional Fellows receive a discount on the required IOC courses, seminars or webinars taken to achieve professional fellowship status?
Webinars are free to watch live or recorded for any member, including for the selected webinars that meet the IOC coaching science education requirement. At the discretion of the Institute of Coaching, we plan to offer tiered discounts based on membership levels, for courses, seminar series, and many events.
How do I get a refund on my Fellow membership?
We are not issuing monetary refunds. As of March 17, 2025, all current Fellow members will be converted to Full Members. If you purchased an annual Fellow membership, you will receive a time extension to your new Full Membership. The extension will be based on the value of the remaining time left on your Fellow membership as of March 17, 2025, ensuring you receive the full equivalent value of your original membership. If you purchased a monthly Fellow membership, your next monthly dues will be at the new Full Membership rate.
Do Professional Fellows still have to pay for courses and seminars?
Yes, but at the discretion of the Institute of Coaching, we plan to offer tiered discounts based on membership levels, for courses, seminar series, and many events.

Professional Development and Resources

Will Full Members have access to the same leadership opportunities as Professional Fellows?
Full Members have access to many leadership opportunities, such as presenting blogs, webinars, and events. Professional Fellows, however, can use the title of ‘Fellow’ and have additional exclusive opportunities for advanced leadership and visibility within the IOC community.
Are there plans to expand the offerings for each membership tier in the future?
Yes, we are continuously working to enhance membership benefits. New features, events, and resources tailored to each tier will be introduced as our offerings evolve.

Administrative and Practical Details

When can I apply for Professional Fellowship?
Applications for Professional Fellowship will remain open beyond March 17, 2025. You can decide to apply at any point when you feel you meet the criteria for this membership level.
What is the process for applying to be a Professional Fellowship?
If you are interested in being a Professional Fellow, you must first complete the full membership dues and the required IOC coaching science education requirements. Once you finish the 6 hours of required content and complete the tests to verify your engagement with the material, you can then complete the Professional Fellowship Application. Once accepted into the program, you will be charged the remaining Professional Fellowship dues.
Can I upgrade from Associate or Full Membership to Professional Fellowship later?
Yes, you can apply to upgrade at any time by fulfilling the eligibility requirements and completing the application process.
Is there an application for Full Membership?
No. You can simply upgrade and pay the full membership dues to be a Full Member.