ICF Accredited Coach Education

Q: What is Certification?

Certification is a recognized statement of attainment indicating that you have the industry-recognized skills, knowledge, and expertise required to practice as a coach. It indicates the level of skill and achievement. It's recommended that the provider or school is ICF accredited for industry credibility and recognition.

Q: Do I need to complete Level 1 Certification before Level 2 Certification?

The levels refer to ICF Accreditation levels. Students can enter and complete at any level. However, those who want to pathway can choose their journey. For example, students can join and complete either level and graduate as a certified coach, with the option to pursue ACC or PCC credentials via the ICF. Students can also start with Level 1 and upgrade to Level 2 for further credentials.

Q: What is an ICF credential?

Credentials are further attestation of your qualification and coaching competence. To apply for an ICF credential, you must be certified and have a documented number of coaching hours. Certified Coaches can apply for ACC via Level 1 or 2 tracks, or PCC via the Level 2 track. PCC credential must be achieved before applying for MCC. There are direct credential pathways from Level 1 to ACC, Level 2 to ACC or PCC, and Level 3 to MCC after completing Level 2 and achieving a PCC credential.

Become a Coach. Internationally Recognised Certification.

Delivering Coach Training Online Since 2001

ICA programs were designed for online learners. They are flexible, all inclusive, and offer direct ICF credential pathways.

At ICA the term all inclusive means - no hidden costs, no unexpected certification hurdles, and full access to our coaching community. A diverse and connected community of coaches who will warmly welcome you to our community.

Program materials, schedules, and resources are hosted in an online learnsite, with classes and labs delivered via zoom. Networks and connections extend beyond the classroom into CoachCampus, an online community for ICA coaches. Peer coaching, in the role of coach or client, also happens outside the classroom meaning it meets the requirement for coaching experience, as required for an ICF credential.

Upon completion of your program you will be certified as having completed the training required to practice as a certified coach. These certifications lead directly to an ICF credential.

Download the Course Guide.

Programs, Certifications and Credentials

ICF Accredited Level 1 and 2 Programs,
with direct pathways to an ACC or PCC credential.

WORKPLACE COACH

60 hours
Complete in 6 - 9 months
ACC Accredited Education
ACC via ICF Level 1 Track
Single Certification
Lifetime Campus Membership

76 hours
Complete in 6 - 12 months
ACC Accredited Education
ACC via ICF Level 1 Track
Dual Certification
Lifetime Campus membership

125 hours
Complete in 9 - 18 months
PCC Accredited Education
ACC or PCC via ICF Level 2 Track
Dual Certification
Lifetime Campus Membership

185 hours
Complete in 12 - 24 months
PCC Accredited Education
ACC or PCC via ICF Level 2 Track
Group and Team Coach
Triple Certification
Lifetime FlipIt Membership
Lifetime Campus Membership

Certification is Essential. Credentials are Highly Respected.

Clients and employers are looking for certified coaches. So, you definitely need a coach certification. It is considered to be a minimum requirement. However, not all coaches need a credential and the need depends on how you plan to use coaching. Credentials are highly regarded, but optional.

The main thing is to plan ahead, and choose a program that pathways to a credential. Read more.

What is Accreditation?

International Coach Academy (ICA) has been accredited by the ICF since 2004.

The ICF “accredits” programs via an application process that involves rigorous external scrutiny and quality testing. A schools curriculum is mapped across core competencies, with faculty, assessment and learning processes all assessed. ICA is Level 1 & 2 Accredited.

What is Certification?

Certification is a recognized statement of attainment that indicates you have been assessed by a training provider as having the industry recognized skills, knowledge and expertise required to practice as a coach. Your certificate will indicate the level of skill and achievement.

We highly recommend the provider or school is ICF accredited so that your certification holds industry credibility and recognition.

Do I need to complete Level 1 Certification, before Level 2 Certification?

The levels refer to the ICF Accreditation levels. Students can enter and complete at any level. However, those who want to pathway can.

For example:

Student A might decide to join level 1, complete, and then graduate. They are now a certified coach and can pursue an ACC credential via the ICF

Student B might decide to join level 2, complete, and then graduate. They are now a certified coach and can pursue an ACC or PCC credential via the ICF

Student C might decide to start with level 1, and then upgrade to level 2, to graduate as a certified coach with the option to pursue an ACC or PCC credential via the ICF.

What is an ICF credential?

Credentials are further attestation of your qualification & coaching competence.

To apply for an ICF credential you must be certified, and you must have a documented number of coaching hours. Certified Coaches can apply for ACC via the Level 1 or 2 track, or PCC via the Level 2 track. A PCC credential must be achieved before applying for MCC.

Direct Credential Pathway

* Level 1 accredited study (ACSTH) pathways to an ACC credential

* Level 2 accredited study (ACTP) pathways to either an ACC or PCC credential

+ Level 3 accredited study pathways to an MCC credential (but only after completion of a Level 2 program and the achievement of PCC credential)

WHICH PROGRAM?

Find the program and certification options best suited to your coaching goals, budget and timeframe for completion.