Introduction to ICF Level 1 Coaching Education Accreditation
Level 1 coaching education provides aspiring coaches with fundamental skills and a clear pathway to the ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential. Level 1 accreditation provides you with enhanced credibility and reach as you join the ranks of elite coaching education providers recognized worldwide for delivering top-tier coaching education.
To be eligible for Level 1 accreditation, your coaching education program must provide the following for each student:
- 60-124 student coach-specific contact learning hours.
- Observation and written feedback of five coaching sessions.
- 10 hours of mentor coaching over a minimum period of three months.
- A final performance evaluation at the ACC minimum skill level.
In addition, your organization must have a director of education role that provides oversight of the curriculum, instructional processes, education of instructors, and all observation and examination processes.
Attract More Students
ICF accreditation has recognition in more than 140 countries, which means you can expand your reach and attract students from all over the world.
Gain a Competitive Advantage
Graduates from ICF Level 1 programs can apply for the ACC credential through the Level 1 Pathway, a simpler and more streamlined process than other credentialing routes. This benefit is attractive to potential students and can serve as a key selling point for your program.
Create Better Student Outcomes
Achieving ICF Level 1 accreditation requires you to meet strict criteria related to curriculum content, instructional quality, and ethical standards. This ensures that you maintain high-quality educational practices, resulting in better learning outcomes for students.
Nurture Your Own Continuous Improvement
The accreditation process involves regular review and evaluation, encouraging you to continually update and refine your coaching programs based on industry standards, ICF's Core Competencies, and feedback from mentors and students. Plus, you’ll gain access to a network of peers eager to support you.
Application Cost for Level 1 Accreditation
Programs with 60-75 Contact Hours = $2,000 USD
Programs with 76+ Contact Hours = $2,500 USD
Please note: Application fees are non-refundable and do not guarantee accreditation approval.
Level 1 Accreditation Start Date
Your Level 1 accreditation is valid for three calendar years, and it begins on the date the application was submitted.
If you’ve already graduated individuals from your program prior to accreditation approval, your accreditation can be applied retroactively to the most recent graduates, meaning that those graduates have completed Level 1 coaching education.
Standards Required in ICF Level 1 Accreditation
We are committed to elevating global standards, ensuring ICF accredited programs don’t just stand out — they lead. These accreditation standards guarantee coaching programs of the highest caliber, giving students the assurance that their investment is a powerful step toward a successful career.
To be accredited by ICF, you must meet seven key standards that ensure excellence:
- Standard 1: Mission and Vision of Education and Learning Program.
- Standard 2: Administration, Organization, and Business Operations.
- Standard 3: Ethics, Integrity, and Transparency.
- Standard 4: Education and Training.
- Standard 5: Teaching and Instruction.
- Standard 6: Learning Experience and Support.
- Standard 7: Assessment, Evaluation, and Effectiveness.
Level 1 Accreditation Process
Applying for accreditation is an opportunity to showcase the strength of your program through a comprehensive review, affirming that your curriculum, faculty, student support, learning outcomes, and commitment to continuous improvement meet the highest standards. It’s a powerful step toward validating your program's excellence and securing its lasting impact in the coaching industry.