As a professional coach, I acknowledge and honor my ethical obligations to clients and colleagues. I pledge to conduct myself responsibly with the highest degrees of integrity and accountability. I strive to do no harm to those I serve or to the coaching profession.

1. I will treat all clients with dignity.

2. I will conduct myself in a manner that brings credit to myself, others, and the coaching profession.

3. I will identify my level of competence to the best of my ability, and I will not misrepresent my qualifications, expertise, or experience as a professional coach.

4. I will, at the beginning of any coaching relationship, communicate clearly the terms of our agreement and the expectations of both parties.

5. I will not claim or imply outcomes that I cannot deliver.

6. I will respect the confidentiality of clients’ information except as released by the client, or as required by law.

7. I will obtain permission from each client before releasing their names as references.

8. I will recommend different coaches and/or different resources when the client’s situation requires this.

9. I will avoid conflicts of interest and will give notice of potential conflicts. I will directly address the potential conflict if I enter into a working relationship with a client in addition to a coaching relationship and will specifically agree with the client on how to avoid or manage any such conflict.

10. I will respect the commercial aspects of agreements I make with the coaching client and the organization which compensates me, if separate. I will only make agreements that respect all parties and I will honor my agreements.

11. I will not offer professional information or advice I know to be confidential, misleading, or for which the accuracy is beyond my competence to assess.

12. I will endeavor to enhance public understanding and acceptance of professional coaching.

13. I will freely share my skills and practices with other interested coaches in the profession for the purpose of increasing our mutual level of knowledge and competence.

14. I will give full acknowledgement to the work and contributions of others.

15. I will respect copyrights, trademarks, and intellectual property rights and comply with the laws and agreements concerning these rights.

The PCA Pledge of Ethics and Standards of Conduct for members have been adopted to promote and maintain the highest standards of professional conduct among its members. Adherence to these standards is expected from PCA members and serves to assure public confidence in the integrity and service of the coaching profession.