As an accrediting body, ICF does not offer training for becoming a coach. (We do offer professional development for practiced coaches.) To ensure quality training, ICF accredits or approves coach-training programs that meet its high standards. We suggest you access ICF’s Education Search Service (“ESS”) to search for approved and accredited programs, based on filters that you put into the tool. ICF’s approved and accredited programs teach in alignment with ICF Core Competencies, ICF Code of Ethics, and Definition of Coaching. It is up to the coach how to apply this training to their “specialty” of coaching.
The ICF recommends all approved and accredited programs equally and cannot recommend one program over another. It is up to each individual to determine which program(s) works best for them.
The search for a coach training program is a highly individual process which depends greatly on your personal preferences and goals. The ESS is designed to give you basic information about ICF-accredited programs. Fees for these programs and the length of time it takes to complete them will vary. Please contact the respective training organization regarding fees, financial aid, scholarships, dates the programs are offered, and any further information related to the program.
The ESS will allow you to filter by:
- Program Type
o Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, CCE or AATC (Advanced Accreditation in Team Coaching)
- Delivery Method
o Live voice to voice education
o Virtual Platform
- Education Language
o Choose the language(s) in which the program is delivered
- Coaching Specialty
o Choose from one or more of the top coaching specialties to find a program that emphasizes your niche in coaching.
- Organization
o Use this field only if you are looking up a known organization to see if any of its programs are approved by the ICF.
You can access the ESS here
The Program Type Definitions are below:
Level 1 Program
An ICF Level 1 program will provide at least 60 and up to 124 contact learning hours, and it is designated as ACC Accredited Education. Graduates from Level 1 education programs may apply for the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential using the Level 1 application path if they meet the credentialing requirements.
Level 2 Program
An ICF Level 2 program will provide at least 125 and up to 175 contact learning hours, and it is designated as PCC Accredited Education. Graduates from Level 2 education programs may apply for the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Credential using the Level 2 application path if they meet the credentialing requirements.
Level 3 Program
An ICF Level 3 program provides 75 contact learning hours and is designated as MCC Accredited Education. Graduates from a Level 3 education program apply for the Master Certified Coach (MCC) Credential using the MCC application path if they meet the credentialing application requirements.
Continuing Coach Education (CCE)
A CCE program is intended for coaches who already have ICF Credentials or who have completed basic coach education. A CCE program may include advanced coach education that directly relates to or expands upon the ICF Core Competencies, and/or education in skills that contribute to the professional development of a coach (e.g. personal development, coaching assessments or tools, business building, or other material that falls outside of the ICF Core Competencies.)
Advanced Accreditation in Team Coaching (AATC)
This accreditation aligns with the requirements of the ICF Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC), so individual coach practitioners who seek out providers with this accreditation will have a straightforward, simple education path towards achieving their advanced certification.
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