ICP-ATF and the new ICA Facilitation Core Credential (IC-FACT): our first cohort has earned it
AgileLAB is now accredited by ICA (formerly ICAgile) to deliver the Facilitation Core Credential, IC-FACT, which corresponds to Agile Team Facilitation (ICP-ATF) in ICA's new certification structure. Our most recent cohort was the first group of AgileLAB participants to complete the programme under the new model, and every one of them now holds the credential.
Below we explain what IC-FACT is, how it relates to ICP-ATF, and what the change means for people who already hold an ICAgile certificate. The next open dates are listed on the course page. We also deliver the course as a private training, and as part of the Agile Coaching Bootcamp (ICP-ATF + ICP-ACC).
Below we explain what IC-FACT is, how it relates to ICP-ATF, and what the change means for people who already hold an ICAgile certificate. The next open dates are listed on the course page. We also deliver the course as a private training, and as part of the Agile Coaching Bootcamp (ICP-ATF + ICP-ACC).
ICAgile is now ICA: what the new certification model means
When ICAgile became ICA, the change went further than the name. ICA has moved from a set of fixed certifications to a modular model in which a full certification is built from one core credential and at least two specialised credentials.
The core credential covers the foundations of a discipline and sets a consistent baseline, while the specialised credentials allow each learner to go deeper in the areas that matter most for their role and their organisation.
For learners, this is a more practical way to develop. Instead of following a single predefined path, you can combine credentials around the work you actually do, and every credential you earn counts towards a recognised certification.
The core credential covers the foundations of a discipline and sets a consistent baseline, while the specialised credentials allow each learner to go deeper in the areas that matter most for their role and their organisation.
For learners, this is a more practical way to develop. Instead of following a single predefined path, you can combine credentials around the work you actually do, and every credential you earn counts towards a recognised certification.
A full ICA certification is one core credential plus at least two specialised credentials.
IC-FACT is that core credential for facilitation.
What is the Facilitation Core Credential (IC-FACT)?
IC-FACT is the core credential of ICA's facilitation track, which means it is the foundation every facilitation certification is built on. It brings together four areas that experienced facilitators will recognise as the essence of the craft:
Facilitation foundations, covering what facilitation is, where it differs from leading, teaching or coaching, and what role a facilitator plays in a group.
Facilitation mindset, which is about staying neutral on content, remaining curious and serving the outcome the group needs rather than the one you would prefer.
Facilitation design, where participants learn to define the purpose and expected outcomes of a session and then shape its flow so that the group can actually reach them.
Facilitation practice, which focuses on running sessions in real conditions, reading group dynamics and working with disagreement and conflict instead of avoiding them.
Facilitation foundations, covering what facilitation is, where it differs from leading, teaching or coaching, and what role a facilitator plays in a group.
Facilitation mindset, which is about staying neutral on content, remaining curious and serving the outcome the group needs rather than the one you would prefer.
Facilitation design, where participants learn to define the purpose and expected outcomes of a session and then shape its flow so that the group can actually reach them.
Facilitation practice, which focuses on running sessions in real conditions, reading group dynamics and working with disagreement and conflict instead of avoiding them.
IC-FACT is the foundation every facilitation certification is built on.
The same four areas are what participants practise in Agile Team Facilitation.
How does IC-FACT relate to ICP-ATF?
In ICA's mapping of former ICAgile certifications to the new credentials, Agile Team Facilitation (ICP-ATF) corresponds to the Facilitation Core Credential. Participants still learn to design and lead retrospectives, planning sessions and workshops that engage the whole group and lead to outcomes people are willing to own.
What has changed is its place in the system. It is now the first building block of a complete ICA facilitation certification rather than only a standalone certificate. People who want both facilitation and coaching in one programme can take the Agile Coaching Bootcamp (ICP-ATF + ICP-ACC).
What has changed is its place in the system. It is now the first building block of a complete ICA facilitation certification rather than only a standalone certificate. People who want both facilitation and coaching in one programme can take the Agile Coaching Bootcamp (ICP-ATF + ICP-ACC).
The craft at the centre of the course has not changed. Its place in the certification system has.
Whether a cohort receives IC-FACT only, or IC-FACT together with the ICP-ATF name, is confirmed on the course page for that date.
What happens to existing ICP-ATF certificates?
If you already hold ICP-ATF, your certificate remains valid and nothing is required from you. ICA continues to recognise and verify ICAgile certifications, and existing digital badges stay as they are, so your credential keeps its value on your CV and LinkedIn profile.
Where IC-FACT leads next
Because IC-FACT is a core credential, it opens the way to a full facilitation certification once you add specialised credentials on top of it. Enterprise Agile Coaching (ICP-ENT) corresponds to the Large Group Facilitation specialised credential (IC-LGFA), which makes it a natural next step for anyone who facilitates beyond a single team.
Participants who want to move further into coaching can continue with Agile Coaching (ICP-ACC), which corresponds to the Coaching Core Credential in the new structure. The Agile Coaching Bootcamp already combines Agile Team Facilitation (ICP-ATF) with Agile Coaching (ICP-ACC).
Participants who want to move further into coaching can continue with Agile Coaching (ICP-ACC), which corresponds to the Coaching Core Credential in the new structure. The Agile Coaching Bootcamp already combines Agile Team Facilitation (ICP-ATF) with Agile Coaching (ICP-ACC).
Why facilitation deserves its own credential
Almost every agile role depends on facilitation week after week, whether that means running a retrospective, aligning stakeholders on priorities or guiding a planning session with several teams in the room. Even so, it is often treated as something people pick up along the way rather than a skill worth training deliberately.
The result is familiar: meetings that run long, decisions that do not hold and quieter voices that never get heard. A skilled facilitator changes the outcome of a meeting without taking over its content. By making facilitation a core credential in its own right, ICA gives this skill a visible place, both for the professionals who practise it and for the organisations trying to find them.
The result is familiar: meetings that run long, decisions that do not hold and quieter voices that never get heard. A skilled facilitator changes the outcome of a meeting without taking over its content. By making facilitation a core credential in its own right, ICA gives this skill a visible place, both for the professionals who practise it and for the organisations trying to find them.
Who should take the IC-FACT course?
The course is for anyone who regularly guides group conversations and wants those conversations to lead somewhere. It is particularly valuable for Scrum Masters and team leads, for Product Owners and product managers who need to align stakeholders, for agile coaches building a facilitation foundation, and for managers and HR professionals who run workshops.
Our latest cohort was the first AgileLAB group to earn IC-FACT, and every participant in that cohort now holds the credential.
The next open cohorts are listed on the ICP-ATF / IC-FACT course page. We also deliver the course as a private training for teams and organisations, online or on-site.
What is IC-FACT?
The Facilitation Core Credential from ICA (formerly ICAgile). It covers facilitation foundations, mindset, design and practice.
Is IC-FACT the same as ICP-ATF?
In ICA's new structure, Agile Team Facilitation (ICP-ATF) corresponds to IC-FACT. The practical focus stays the same. IC-FACT is the core credential of a full facilitation certification.
Is my ICP-ATF certificate still valid?
Yes. Existing ICAgile certifications, including ICP-ATF, remain valid.
What is the difference between a credential and a certification at ICA?
A credential covers one area. A certification combines one core credential with at least two specialised credentials.
Can AgileLAB run IC-FACT for our team?
Yes. We deliver it as a private training, online or on-site, and inside the Agile Coaching Bootcamp.
Our latest cohort was the first AgileLAB group to earn IC-FACT, and every participant in that cohort now holds the credential.
The next open cohorts are listed on the ICP-ATF / IC-FACT course page. We also deliver the course as a private training for teams and organisations, online or on-site.
What is IC-FACT?
The Facilitation Core Credential from ICA (formerly ICAgile). It covers facilitation foundations, mindset, design and practice.
Is IC-FACT the same as ICP-ATF?
In ICA's new structure, Agile Team Facilitation (ICP-ATF) corresponds to IC-FACT. The practical focus stays the same. IC-FACT is the core credential of a full facilitation certification.
Is my ICP-ATF certificate still valid?
Yes. Existing ICAgile certifications, including ICP-ATF, remain valid.
What is the difference between a credential and a certification at ICA?
A credential covers one area. A certification combines one core credential with at least two specialised credentials.
Can AgileLAB run IC-FACT for our team?
Yes. We deliver it as a private training, online or on-site, and inside the Agile Coaching Bootcamp.
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