ICF Accredited Coaching Programs

Yes. If you have at least 60 hours of coach-specific education or Continuing Coach Education (CCE) hours—including non-accredited programs—there are two paths forward:

1. Apply for the Level 1 Credential through the ICF’s Portfolio Path.
According to the ICF, this process takes around 14 weeks and requires you to submit documentation verifying that your education aligns with the International Coaching Federation’s core competencies. This includes program certificates, a coaching log showing 100+ coaching hours (with at least 75 paid), and proof of at least 10 hours of mentor coaching.

2. Fast-track your ICF Credentialing through Coach Academy’s Equivalency Application.
This credential validation process offers dedicated coaches a streamlined path to align their training and experience with ICF standards. Upon meeting the equivalency requirements, you will receive a Certificate of Completion for Level 1 ICF Credential. From there, you’ll proceed to the ICF website to complete your official application.

At Coach Academy, your official coaching hours begin once your program starts and you're invited to begin coaching. We'll guide you through what counts as a coach-specific conversation and how to accurately track your hours.

If you're pursuing ICF certification, coaching hours you've completed independently—alongside the hours logged in our Certification Program—can count toward your credential, as long as they were completed after you began coach-specific training. Each session must follow ICF’s definition of coaching and be part of a formal agreement with the client.

While many clients choose our certification programs because they are ICF-accredited, you can pursue ICF credentials through any accredited training provider. Our programs are designed to prepare you thoroughly for credentialing exams and practical coaching hours, giving you a solid foundation to succeed in the credentialing process.

It depends on the credential level: ACC requires 100 hours of client coaching, PCC requires 500, and MCC requires 2,500 hours. These hours must be logged and verified. Our programs support you in gaining coaching practice hours through peer coaching and client work to meet these requirements.

ICF credentials require a set number of mentor coaching hours. Our programs include live group coaching, peer coaching, and one-on-one mentorship opportunities designed to help you meet this requirement with qualified ICF mentors, ensuring you gain constructive feedback on your coaching skills.

You’ll need records of your coach-specific training hours, coaching practice hours (logged with client consent), mentor coaching hours, and completed assessments. At Canada Coach Academy, we provide guidance on how to track and submit this documentation properly to meet ICF standards.

ICF credentials must be renewed every three years. Renewal requires completion of 40 Continuing Coach Education (CCE) units, adherence to the ICF Code of Ethics, and submission of a renewal application. Our micro-training and continuing education courses are designed to help you fulfill these requirements efficiently.

The ICF credential is recognized globally as the premier coaching certification because it demands rigorous training, verified coaching experience, and adherence to a strict ethical code. Unlike many other certifications, ICF credentials ensure coaches possess validated core competencies proven to deliver effective client outcomes.

This level of standardization and quality assurance sets ICF-certified coaches apart in the marketplace, enhancing a coaches professional credibility and opening doors to high-level coaching opportunities worldwide.

Yes, ICF is globally recognized, including in Canada. ICF certification is valued as a mark of coaching excellence, enhancing professional credibility within the Canadian coaching community.

Most ICF accredited coaching programs require you to complete between 40 to 160 hours of work for an ICF certification, which typically takes 6 to 12 months.

This range of time depends on whether you're pursuing a fundamental (associate certified coach) or advanced (professional certified coach) ICF certification.

ICF offers three credential levels:

1. Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
2. Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
3. Master Certified Coach (MCC).

Each level requires specific coaching hours, training, and a demonstrated proficiency in coaching competencies.

An ICF Accredited Training Program (ACTP) is a coaching training course recognized by the ICF. Completing an ACTP education ensures that the training aligns with ICF standards, providing a comprehensive and rigorous educational foundation for aspiring coaches.