Advantages of ICF Level 1 Equivalency
- Qualify for ICF Level 1 Credential
- Bi-Pass ICF Portfolio Application + Coaching Submission
- Fast Track ICF Credentialing
- Earn Associate Certified Coach ICF Credential (ACC)
- Save on Tuition Fees for Level 1 ICF Coach Education Program
Credential Validation Process
Pathway to an ICF Associate Coach Certification: Level 1
ICF Credentials and Standards demand rigorous training and education, acknowledging the dedication of practicing coaches who have not yet gained ICF certification. Many of these coaches bring years of valuable experience and have invested significantly in non-ICF-accredited programs, which may meet the specific education requirements set by the ICF.
For those in this category, we offer an equivalency pathway to qualify for ICF Coach Certification. This pathway is designed for candidates presenting a portfolio of educational hours for equivalency assessment by Coach Academy (CA). This initiative ensures that all dedicated coaches have the opportunity to align their skills and experience with ICF standards.
Please note, the prices listed are subject to change and this document does not constitute a binding proposal. Prices may fluctuate based on market conditions.
ICF Level 1 Equivalency Requirements
Education Hours Required for Level 1 Equivalency
At least 60 hours of coach-specific education or training with robust documentation, demonstrating a comprehensive coach education aligned with:
- ICF Definition of Coaching
- ICF Code of Ethics
- ICF Core Competencies.
Education hours may include ICF-accredited courses, Continuing Coach Education (CCE) training, and/or non-ICF-accredited courses.
If you have completed 30 or more Coach Education qualifying hours you may be eligible to complete one or more of our in-house Coach Academy Programs to add to your hours and achieve Level 1 status (total 60 hours).
List of ICF Approved Coach Academy Programs
Level 1 Programs:
- Leadership & Performance: 90 ICF Education Hours
- Life & Wellness: 65 ICF Education Hours
Level 2 Programs:
- Advanced Coaching Skills: 65 ICF Education Hours
- Executive & Professional: 125 ICF Education Hours
Intensive Program (8-weeks, 24 CCEs)
- Compassion (March)
- Grief (August)
- Motivation (December)
Intensive Program (12-weeks, 30 CCEs)
- Team & Group Coaching Skills
Resource Hours (16 weeks, 30 CCEs)
Mentoring Hours Required for Level 1 Equivalency
At least 10 hours of ICF Mentor Coaching hours.
- The Mentor Coach must hold a PCC or MCC Credential in good standing.
- At least 10 hours of Mentor Coaching must be completed one-to-one with a CA Mentor Coach.
Performance Evaluation: Passing Grade Required for Equivalency
A passing grade on the CA Coaching Performance Evaluation, to be assessed by the CA Assessment Team.
To qualify for the Performance Evaluation a Coach must:
- Provide a coaching log showing a minimum of 50 hours of coaching
- Must have completed 10 hours of mentoring with a CA Mentor
Level 1 Equivalency Fees Include
- Preliminary Assessment of Coach Education hours: $350, non- refundable, paid before assessment.
- Equivalency Certificate Awarded: $1000
- 10 Hours of Individual Mentoring: $2000 (exceptions may apply)
- Performance Evaluation: $600
- Certificate of Completion for Level 1 ICF Credential
Total: $3,950
*Note: Regular Level 1 Program Tuition is $5,800-$7,200 and does not include Performance Evaluation
Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion of all requirements, the Coach will be awarded a Level 1 ICF Certificate of Completion. This will permit the coach to bypass the portfolio application pathway and go straight to the Level 1, ACC application pathway.
ICF Application
The ICF Level 1 application process is not governed by Coach Academy. Upon completion of equivalency requirements, the coach will proceed to the ICF website to complete the application.
ICF Requirements:
- ICF Level 1 Certificate of Completion
- 10 Mentoring Hours Completed
- Attestation: minimum 100 (75 paid) coaching hours logged with at least twenty (8) clients. A coaching log showing 100 hours must be kept by the coach documenting these hours.
Terms & Conditions
We reserve the right to refuse equivalency status under the following conditions:
- Failure to make payment in full
Failure to provide proper documentation of Coach education hours completed - Failure to provide a minimum of 50 hours of coaching logged
- Failure to demonstrate an ICF Level 1 standard of Coaching as determined by CA assessors
All requirements must be completed within 12 months of the application date to remain valid and to avoid additional fees. There are NO refunds for this offer.
Additional fees may be incurred:
- Incomplete Mentoring Hours – $250/ session
- Failure to take the Performance Evaluation within 12 months – $600
- Retake of Performance Evaluation – $200
The Application Fees Do Not Include:
- ICF Application Fees (or any ICF-related fees)
- Membership to the Coach Academy Community Platform
- Applicable Taxes on fees listed
