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.<\/p>\r\n
To be eligible for Level 1 accreditation, your coaching education program must provide the following for each student:<\/p>\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n
Apply for Accreditation <\/a><\/p>\r\n Earning ICF Level 1 accreditation sends a powerful message to your prospective students and partners: Your program meets rigorous, internationally recognized standards for foundational coach training. But that’s not the only benefit.<\/p>\r\n ICF accreditation has recognition in more than 140 countries, which means you can expand your reach and attract students from all over the world.<\/p>\r\n 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.<\/p>\r\n 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.<\/p>\r\n 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.<\/p>\r\n Programs with 60-75 Contact Hours = $2,000 USD Please note: Application fees are non-refundable and do not guarantee accreditation approval.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Your Level 1 accreditation is valid for three calendar years, and it begins on the date the application was submitted.<\/p>\r\n 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.<\/p>\r\n 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.<\/p>\r\n To be accredited by ICF, you must meet seven key standards that ensure excellence:<\/p>\r\n Dive Into the Standards <\/a><\/p>\r\n 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.<\/p>\r\n Submitting Your Application<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n Review the Accreditation Standards<\/a> to ensure you have met all requirements and provided all documentation prior to submitting your application, including a:<\/p>\r\n You can then submit your application via the ICF Accreditation Portal<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n Review of Your Application<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n Typical review time for a Level 2 application = 8-12 weeks.<\/p>\r\n Within the first two weeks of submission, your application will be reviewed to ensure it meets the minimum requirements. For Level 1 accreditation, we verify that:<\/p>\r\n Upon approval, you will have to participate in a 30-minute accreditation approval interview before receiving your formal approval and associated documentation. These interviews are a proactive approach to ensure compliance and set expectations with organizations seeking ICF accreditation.<\/p>\r\nBenefits of ICF Level 1 Accreditation<\/h3>\r\n
Attract More Students<\/h4>\r\n
Gain a Competitive Advantage<\/h4>\r\n
Create Better Student Outcomes<\/h4>\r\n
Nurture Your Own Continuous Improvement<\/h4>\r\n
Application Cost for Level 1 Accreditation<\/h2>\r\n
Programs with 76+ Contact Hours = $2,500 USD\u00a0<\/p>\r\nLevel 1 Accreditation Start Date<\/h2>\r\n
Standards Required in ICF Level 1 Accreditation<\/h2>\r\n
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Level 1 Accreditation Process<\/h2>\r\n
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After this initial review, your application will undergo a deeper review process.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n