Mission Statement: International Dating Coach Association internationally adheres to  stringent standards of excellence, professionalism and code of ethics. Establishing a strong foundation for self-governance of the coaching profession.

However, only those dating coaches who are members of the IDCA or credentialed by the IDCA fall under this governance. This means those who are not IDCA  members or credentialed coaches, yet use the title of coach, are not subject to the same rigorous standards of professionalism enforced by IDCA organization.

Why is Self-Governance Important?

During the past two years, we’ve seen increased questions by members and others about whether coaching is a profession that requires monitoring by a regulatory agency.

As professionals we have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that we are qualified to serve our clients. Professional responsibility extends beyond the choices we make for our individual practices and encompasses a responsibility to look beyond our personal preferences and biases to embrace what will best serve the coaching profession as a whole. Self-governance is the cornerstone of this professional responsibility.

The future we wish to design is clear: A world in which dating coaching is seen by all as a distinct profession with professional standards and competencies, a shared body of knowledge that represents the wisdom of the profession, training in that body of knowledge, credentialing standards, ethical guidelines and committed professionals participating in the process of continuing professional growth and development. Ignoring our professional responsibilities may leave dating coaching subject to the rules of others who do not fully understand our profession. It also diminishes the growth of coaching as a distinct, valued and enduring profession, by perpetuating the notion that anyone calling themselves a “coach,” without benefit of training or credentialing, can deliver truly professional coaching services. For these reasons, IDCA is taking a policy stand for professionalism and self-governance in coaching.

The International Dating Coach Association Self-Governance Model:

The standards and structures built by the International Dating Coach Association over the past decade, which support the emergence of dating coaching as a valued profession, also provide a solid-foundation for the self-governance of our profession. In addition, our rigorous adherence as professionals to these standards and practices provides the necessary assurance that the public is protected from potential harm. DC self-governance foundation is comprised of and depends upon each of the following standards and practices, supported by the efforts of the International Dating Coach Association Board, committees, global representatives, credentialed and member coaches.

* Core Competencies that define the required skill set of a professional dating coach and establish the foundation for the professional credentialing examination and accreditation for coach training programs.
* A Code of Ethics to which DC Members and DC Credentialed Coaches pledge commitment and accountability to standards of professional conduct.
* Professional Oversight through an Ethical Conduct Review process for DC Members and DC Credentialed Coaches, which allows the public to report concerns and to be confident of objective investigation, follow-up and disciplinary action.
* Professional Dating Coach Credentialing, entailing a stringent examination and review process through which coaches must demonstrate their skills, proficiency and documented experience in application of coaching core competencies. Credentialing includes Continuing Coach Education requirements for periodic renewal of coaching credentials, to ensure continued professional growth and development.
* Professional Dating Coach Training Accreditation by which coach training programs submit to review and continuing oversight to demonstrate their commitment to the highest standards for curricula aligned with defined core competencies, faculty, structure, proficiency and ethics to support excellence in the training of coaches.
* Ongoing Self-Regulatory Oversight initiatives to track the needs and concerns of individual and organizational clients on an international basis, and to demonstrate an active commitment to meaningful professional self-governance.

What You Can Do:

If you want to see coaching continue to develop as a respected and enduring profession, and desire to actively participate in that development, we recommend the following actions:

1. If you are not a member, join the IDCA and participate locally and internationally.
2. If you are a member, review and ensure your compliance with the International Dating Coach Association Core Competencies and Code of Ethics. Stay informed – participate in your local DC chapter.
3. Take personal responsibility to make sure that you have the training and skills to do the high quality of work expected of true professionals.
4. Add an DC member or credentialed coach logo and the following language and link to your website to demonstrate to others your commitment to coaching professionalism: IDCA is the world’s largest nonprofit professional association of dating coaches. Its purpose is to build, support and preserve the integrity of the coaching profession around the globe and ensure public confidence in the profession.

Increasingly consumers, corporations and government organizations are requiring DC credentials as the standard for the profession:

5. If you are not an IDCA credentialed coach, begin the process.
6. If you are IDCA credentialed, display your credential and promote it on your business card, brochure and website.
7. Be curious about your colleagues’ backgrounds. Be willing to take a stand in support of coaches subscribing to the DC standards. Actively encourage non-members to join the IDCA and to commit themselves to the standards and ethics that preserve the integrity of the profession and protect coaching clients.

The IDCA Regulatory Committee is committed to maintaining coaching as a distinct profession, and to strengthening our self-governance model. Questions or comments may be sent via Email to certification@datingcoach.org.

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The Dating Coach Board of Directors has taken action to add an additional requirement for those seeking the DC credential. In recognition of the value of working with a qualified mentor coach and to align the initial requirements for the Dating Coach Certification,  the Board has adopted the following new requirement for those applying for the DC via the Portfolio process: Effective May 1st, 2008, those applying for the Dating Coach credential, by submitting a portfolio application, will be required to document 10 hours of work with a qualified mentor coach.

*Further details can be found in the Dating Coach Portfolio application.

The Purpose of the Dating Coach Credentialing Program is:

1.

Establish and administer minimum standards for credentialing professional coaches and coach training agencies.

2.
Assure the public that participating coaches and coach training agencies meet or exceed these minimum standards.

3.
Reinforce professional coaching as a distinct and self-regulating profession.

International Dating Coach Association credential is awarded to professional coaches and coach training agencies who validate that they meet or exceed these  standards.