If you’re working as a coach or preparing for ICF or EMCC credentialing, tracking your coaching hours is essential. Our free coaching log template helps you maintain accurate records of your sessions, continuing professional development, and client feedback in one comprehensive spreadsheet.
In this article, we will show you exactly what our coaching log template includes and how it supports your credentialing journey with both ICF and EMCC applications.
Whether you’re building your first 100 hours or maintaining records for credential renewal, having an organised coaching session tracker saves time and ensures you meet professional standards.
Why You Need a Coaching Log
Both ICF and EMCC credential applications require detailed information about your coaching practice. A proper coach log serves multiple purposes:
- Credential applications – ICF and EMCC both require coaches to track their coaching hours
- Additional metrics – Track client numbers and session dates and length
- Professional development – Monitor CPD activities and reflective practice
- Client feedback – Collect testimonials for credential submissions
The key here is to start tracking from your very first session. Many coaches regret not keeping records earlier when they begin their credentialing process.
What's Included in Our Coaching Log Template
Our ICF coaching log template goes beyond basic session tracking. Here’s what you’ll find in each tab:
Session Log (Main Tracking)
The first tab captures essential session information:
- Client name and contact details
- Session date and duration
- Individual or group coaching designation
- Paid vs pro bono classification
- Session notes and outcomes
This covers the standard requirements for both ICF coaching hours and EMCC applications.
CPD Log (Professional Development)
Track your continuing education activities:
- Training programmes attended
- Mentor coaching sessions
- Supervision meetings
- Reading and research time
- Conference participation
Both ICF and EMCC require ongoing professional development. This log ensures you never lose track of your CCE (Continuing Coach Education) activities.
Reflective Practice Log
Document your learning and development:
- Session reflections
- Challenge areas identified
- Skills development goals
- Mentor coaching insights
Regular reflection demonstrates your commitment to professional growth – a key requirement for advancing from ACC to PCC level.
Client Feedback Log
Centralise testimonials and feedback:
- Client testimonial text
- Date received
- Source (email, form, conversation)
- Permission for use in applications
EMCC applications specifically require client testimonials. Having them organised in one place saves hours of searching through emails.
Get Your Coaching Log Template
How to Use Your Coaching Log Template
First things first – download the template and save it.
Start by completing the session log immediately after each coaching conversation. Include:
- Client identifier (use initials for confidentiality)
- Exact start and end times
- Session type (discovery call, regular session, completion)
- Payment status (paid or pro bono)
The coaching journal section allows for brief reflections on each session – what worked well, what challenged you, and what you learned.
Common Coaching Log Mistakes to Avoid
We see many coaches struggle with these logging errors:
- Incomplete time tracking – Round up/down to nearest 15 minutes consistently
- Missing client permissions – Always confirm you can reference client work
- No backup copies – Keep your log in cloud storage with regular backups
- Inconsistent data entry – Establish a routine for updating records
Remember, you are a professional coach maintaining professional standards. Your coach logs reflect your attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
We hope you make the most of this template and that it inspires you to think about the information you can draw from it to become a better coach and build an even more successful practice.
Remember to regularly audit the way you collect and process your clients’ data to align with data protection laws of your countries (check the GDPR best practices for coaches).
