FAQ about Coach Training
ICF Core Competencies are applicable equally to all niches and our school teaches the most masterful approaches in using Core Competencies across all popular niches. In addition, even if you know your niche before enrolling in your coach training (congrats!), once trust is established, your clients will want to share anything and everything with their coach. Therefore, it's important to be flexible and versatile as a coach and be ready to coach your clients on topics of their choice.
- ACSTH, Level 1, ACTP/Level 2, and Level 3 stand for different types of ICF approval of a coach training program. ACSTH and ACTP are not available any longer. ACTP became Level 2 and ACSTH reverted to a Portfolio Pathway. Level 1 is for ACC applicants, Level 2 for ACC & PCC applicants, and Level 3 for MCC applicants. For more details, please visit ICF https://coachingfederation.org/credentials-and-standards/application-path-comparisons
- ACC, PCC, and MCC stand for ICF certification reflecting a different skill level of an individual coach. Each one (in the order as you see them) requires more training and experience hours. You may think of them in an analogy, getting your high school diploma (ACC), your college degree (PCC), and your PhD/Masters (MCC). For more details, please visit ICF https://coachingfederation.org/credentials-and-standards/credentials-paths
ICF offers different ways to apply for your ICF credentials (ACC, PCC, MCC) that are called Paths. Your credential path will depend on what type of coach training you graduated from. Meaning, if you graduated from a Level I program, you must apply through a Level 1 Path, etc. If you completed a training that is not approved by ICF, you will be applying through a Portfolio Path.
With a Level 2 certificate, you will be able to immediately apply for either an ACC or PCC credential without a long waiting period and without going through an ICF oral evaluation. That means, there’s no need to choose your coaching session(s) recordings for ICF submission, no sitting on pins and needles waiting for months if you pass or fail — and no stress. It also means saving lots of time and money. The wait time to receive your credential via the Level 2 path is from just a few days to a maximum of 4 weeks — versus waiting for about 6 months to hear back about your results. You will also be saving on the ICF application fees. For ICF members it's $375 in Level 2 path versus $650 in Level 1 path or $750 in Portfolio path. (ICF membership is $245 per year and you can join as a member once you start your coach training program.)
Level 1 is also allowing you to submit without submitting your coaching recording and saves your time. However, Level 1 path will only allow you to apply for your ACC credential while Level 2 path is open for ACC and/or PCC applications.
You have a few strategic choices. Once you obtain 100 hours of experience, you may apply for your ACC credential via Level 2 Path. Once you add 400 more hours for a total of 500 hours of experience, you may use the same Level 2 school's diploma/certificate to apply for your PCC credential—without needing any additional training or mentoring hours. Alternatively, you may wait until you have 500 hours of experience to skip ACC application and directly apply for your PCC credential.
If you don’t have enough experience hours to apply for your PCC right away, it’s advisable to apply for an ACC credential first. While we think that it’s generally better to have a credential than no credential at all, your strategy will also be influenced by knowing how much longer it may take you to get 500 hours of experience. If it’s only a few short months, then it might make sense to wait a bit and apply directly for your PCC credential.
The coaching experience count is always cumulative, from your ACC to your MCC application. However, ICF won't be doing any record-keeping for you, so you are obligated to use ICF templates and regulations to document your coaching experience hours. At our school, you'll be provided everything you need to start accurately and easily document your coaching experience.
In our school, we'll pair you up with as many peer partners as your time management allows. While you are learning your new coaching skills and coaching each other, you'll be earning your coach training experience hours at the same time. ICF recognizes bartering (paying for a service with a service, including coaching service) as paid coaching experience time. The requirement of the training school for peer coaching as part of your ongoing homework is also recognized as your coaching experience time but counts as a pro-bono coaching experience time.
If you completed Level 2 program, you won't need any additional training or mentoring to apply for your PCC credential. With 500 hours of coaching experience, you will simply use the same Level 2 graduating certificate you used to apply for your ACC credential and apply for your PCC credential. That's why Level 2 training is considered the most sensible choice.
Yes, if you have 500 experience hours, you can apply directly for your PCC credential either via Portfolio or Level 2 path. Level 2 certificate ensures that all ICF requirements (other than your coaching experience) for your PCC application are completed. When going through a Portfolio path, you must make sure that those requirements are completed to be able to apply.
Our school allows for a smooth transition from Level 1 to Level 2 program. In addition, even if you choose our Level 1 program, you are allowed to change your mind. At the end of our Part 1 Core Program, you'll be able to skip Level 1 exams and continue to Level 2 if you wish. That means, no stress in deciding, and focusing on what's important—obtaining your coaching education.
That will depend on the school and the program you choose. Some schools break down their programs into separate modules/courses. It may be confusing. The best thing is to reach out to speak with someone who could answer your questions about what courses and requirements you need to complete in order to receive a specific certificate. Note that there may be extra charges for learning materials, school exams, mentoring hours, observed coaching sessions, etc.—and some schools even require an additional investment in a 3-months private coaching sessions with a PCC or MCC coach. You must ask about the exact school requirements for certification beyond just the course tuition to truly understand and manage your budget.
Our tuition is inclusive of everything you need to successfully graduate. Also, we don't increase your tuition when you choose to pay in installments versus paying in full. We do our best to keep your tuition affordable and are extremely transparent having all the tuition and fees published on our website including the withdrawal policy.
It depends on a school's policy. If you already have your ACC certificate or an equivalent amount of coach training hours (at least 60) from another training and wish to apply for your PCC certificate via Level 2 path, our school may accept up to 65 training credits towards Level 2 graduating certificate at our school.
Arrange an introductory conversation with the person who will be teaching the course you're interested in—or at least with someone who represents the school.
Be aware of any school that allows you to just click and register for the course without any enrollment interview—it may indicate that the school is focusing on collecting the money versus on creating the nurturing learning environment. This lack of care will usually extend itself on the quality of the training offered.
Look up the school and their instructors on Linkedin to see recommendations from their students and alumni. You'll be able to get the school's vibe and decide if it's something you resonate with.
- What ICF credential does your instructor hold?
- What is your instructor's overall background and experience?
- Does the instructor's experience include any teaching experience?
- Does your instructor have a successful coaching practice?
- How many students are in each class?
- How long is each lesson?
- What portion of each lesson is devoted to coaching practice?
- How often and how many times will you personally be coaching under the guidance of your instructor?
- How long is each practice session?
- Who is listening and providing feedback to your coaching practice in class?
- What alumni support is offered?
- What support do you receive in building your coaching business?
- What support do you receive for the ICF credentialing?
- What support do you receive for renewing your credentials?
- What opportunities are offered to students and alumni?