Become a Coach: Your Journey Starts Here 

Starting a career as a professional coach allows you to create positive change like never before. Partner with clients to help them tap into potential and unlock sources of creativity and productivity, transforming their outlook on work, leadership, and life.

Your First Step to Becoming a Coach: Find Coaching Education

Distinguish yourself with coach-specific education, setting you apart from those who merely claim to be professional coaches. To be the best coach you can be, learn from the best — those providing a well-rounded, vetted, and holistic education in what it means to be a professional coach practitioner.

At the International Coaching Federation (ICF), we advocate for attending an ICF accredited coaching education organization or program. This not only prepares you for coaching your first clients but also establishes your credibility in the coaching industry, gives you a competitive edge, and aids in expanding your professional network.

ICF Accredited Coaching Education

Level 1 

  • 60+ student contact hours 
  • Designated as a pathway to the ACC credential 

Level 2 

  • 125+ student contact hours 
  • Designated as a pathway to the PCC credential 

Find the Coaching Education that’s Right for You

What’s Next: Join the World’s Largest Professional Coaching Organization

Joining the International Coaching Federation (ICF) gives you instant credibility by connecting with the largest global community of professionally trained coaches. Once you have enrolled in at least 60 hours of coach-specific education, you qualify for ICF membership.

As a member, you gain access to local and global networking opportunities, stay updated with cutting-edge business development and marketing education, and a wealth of research and resources to help you reach your coaching goals.

To learn more about all the benefits of ICF membership and take the next step on your journey as a professional coach, visit the ICF website to join today.

Take the Next Step in Your Coaching Journey

Apply Your Coaching Education: Earn an ICF Credential 

An ICF Credential is a professional certification signifying you have met specific standards and requirements designed to develop and refine your coaching skills. It demonstrates your dedication to upholding strong coaching principles and ethical behavior, showcasing your commitment to the coaching industry.

85% of coaching clients say it’s important or very important that their coach holds a certification or credential.

The Pinnacle of Your Coaching Education 

Your ICF accredited coaching education has set you up for success in your coaching career. Below are the credentials that correspond with your completed education. 

  • If you complete a Level 1 program, you can apply to be an Associate Certified Coach (ACC). 
  • If you complete a Level 2 program, you can apply to be a Professional Certified Coach (PCC). 

Earning a credential goes beyond completing coaching education — it requires experience hours, mentor coaching, and passing a performance evaluation and exam.

Learn More about How to Apply for an ICF Credential

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