What is an ICF Accreditation in Life Coaching and Why Do I Need One?

What is ICF?

The International Coach Federation (ICF) is the world's largest organization dedicated to coaching.

ICF Accreditation is a globally recognized certification that signifies that a coach adheres to high quality coaching standards, professional competence, and commitment to ongoing professional development. 

It's not easy to get your accreditation with the ICF. 

What do I need for an ICF Accreditation as a Life Coach at ACC Level?

Life Coach-Specific Training:

• Minimum of 60 hours: Your Life Coach training must cover the 11 ICF Core Coaching Competencies.  (Our training is 78 hours)
• Program Accreditation: Your Life Coach training program has to be ICF Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP)  
• Minimum of 10 hours of ICF accredited coach mentoring: This coaching mentoring with an experienced ICF mentor is crucial for skill development and feedback.
• Performance review: The ICF (International Coach Federation) requires a performance evaluation as part of its credentialing process

Our Diploma in Life Coaching with Advanced NLP includes ALL the requirements above.  

Do I need an ICF Accreditation to become a Life Coach?

1. Quality Training, Credibility and Recognition: An ICF Accreditation enhances your credibility as a Life Coach. It demonstrates your expertise and professionalism in coaching to potential clients and employers. It shows you have a high-quality recognised training. 
2. Ethical Standards: ICF-accredited life coaches adhere to a strict code of ethics, ensuring that clients receive high-quality, ethical coaching services.
3. Professional Development: ICF Accreditation is an amazing resource for continuous learning and they have incredible courses and webinars, free or for very affordable prices. You can specialise in team coaching, executive coaching, somatic coaching, trauma informed coaching and much much more. I you're not a member of ICF you can't get access to this incredible resource.
4. Global Networking: Becoming an ICF-accredited life coach connects you to a global network of professional coaches. It fosters collaboration you're part of a global conversation around coaching. You are at the forefront and cutting edge. 
5. Career Advancement: ICF Accreditation opens doors to new coaching opportunities, whether you're working as an independent coach or within an organization. It's the credibility and recognition you need. 

Can I become a Life Coach through a course that is not ICF Accredited?

Yes, you can take a coaching course that is not ICF Accredited. However, it's important to consider the potential lack of credibility. While non-ICF accredited courses can provide valuable knowledge and skills, they may not meet the rigorous standards set by the ICF. They are also unlikely to provide the mentoring required by the ICF to gain an accreditation. Potential employers may question why you have a training that is not ICF accredited.

Can I add ICF Accreditation later - and what would that cost?

Yes, you can add ICF Accreditation later in your coaching career. However, it might cost a lot to do that depending on your qualifications and training. You may need to complete additional ICF coach specific training, coaching hours, assessments and three months of ICF Coach Mentoring to meet the ICF's requirements.

The Cost of Mentoring for ICF Accreditation

If you choose to add the accreditation later, in addition to the cost of your initial coach training program, you'll need to factor in the cost of mentoring to meet ICF accreditation requirements. The mentoring must be over three months and be delivered by an ICF qualified Coach Mentor. A ballpark figure for mentoring is £1,800.

The most straightforward way to gain an ICF Accredited Qualification in Life Coaching (including Advanced NLP).

Our Diploma in Life Coaching with Advanced NLP is the complete package.

Investment: £5,700

It includes the following:

• Minimum of 60 hours: Our training is 78 hours and cover the 11 ICF Core Coaching Competencies. The hours for the Advanced NLP Practitioner Training are counted separately. 
• Program Accreditation: Your coaching training program is an ICF Accredited Coach Training Program. 
• Minimum of 10 hours of ICF accredited coach mentoring: Our coaching training is inclusive of three months accredited coach mentoring.
• Performance review: Our qualified ICF assessors will review your assignments.
• In addition, you receive accredited Certification as an Advanced NLP Practitioner.

I have an option of a Life Coach Training that does not include the three months mentoring. 

The investment for this training is £2,500 

To add the ICF Coach Mentoring is £1,800 and do add the Advanced NLP Practitioner is £3,000

Your total investment for staggering the training will be £7,300

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