ICF AI coaching standards,
explained for coaches
ICF AI coaching standards set out how AI can support coaching ethically and effectively across six domains built on the ICF Core Competencies. Here is what the standards cover and how Magif approaches them.
What are the ICF AI coaching standards?
In 2025 the International Coaching Federation (ICF) published its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Coaching Framework and Standards — a guide for using AI in coaching ethically and effectively. Rather than starting from scratch, the framework builds on the ICF Core Competencies, the same foundation used to assess human coaches, and adds guidelines specific to AI and software.
The standards map core AI coaching capabilities such as active listening and goal tracking to specific requirements, organized by domain and by complexity (basic and advanced). They come with complementary resources: worked Examples, and a set of “Questions Stakeholders Should Ask” before trusting an AI coaching system.
ICF AI standards and your agent's knowledge base
The standards address how AI handles data. For a Magif agent, that starts with its knowledge base: the guides, frameworks and session material you upload to teach it your method. Here is how Magif stores and handles that material.
- Your knowledge is never used to train anyone else’s AI.
- Each agent stays isolated to your content and instructions.
- Documents are stored in Paris and the search index built from them in Frankfurt, both in the EU.
- The search index is numeric and is not readable text on its own.
- When you delete a file or knowledge base, the related documents and search index are removed.
Why This Matters
Coaching depends on trust, confidentiality, and methodology. AI should support that work responsibly, not blur those boundaries.
What Magif Actually Does
Your data is never used to train anyone else’s AI
Each AI stays isolated to your content and instructions
Client conversations stay private
Data is stored in the EU
How Magif Relates to Coaching Standards
We do not position AI as a replacement for the coach. We design it as a responsible extension of your methodology, client support, and offer delivery.
Generic AI Tools
- ✕General answers with weak methodological boundaries
- ✕Unclear privacy expectations
- ✕Little connection to professional coaching standards
MagifBuilt for Coaches
- ✓Built around your methodology and instructions
- ✓Explicit privacy and ownership commitments
- ✓Designed in alignment with professional coaching standards
Founder and Ecosystem Credibility
The trust layer behind Magif comes from research, standards work, and long-term involvement in AI coaching.
PhD in AI Coaching
Built with research leadership in AI coaching and leader development.
Research summary on HAL →ICF AI Coaching Standards Contribution.
Magif.ai's cofounder co-authored ICF AI coaching standards.
AI Coaching: Standards for Ethical and Accessible Coaching →Research and Ecosystem Work
Built within the AI coaching and professional standards ecosystem, not outside it.
Meet the founders →Research & Industry Recognition
Our ongoing contributions to the AI coaching ecosystem through academic research, international conferences, and professional standards.
Ecosystem & Events
ICF AI coaching standards, answered
The questions coaches actually ask before trusting AI in their practice.
Still have questions?Contact our support team
Explore the Right Next Step
Use this page to understand how Magif thinks about standards, privacy, and responsible AI use before launching a client-facing AI agent.