Understanding ICF Coaching Accreditation
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) designates three specific Levels of training that you can use to secure your ICF certification after you graduate from those programs: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.
Graduates of Level 1+ programs can apply for their ICF certification after fulfilling their graduation requirements.
Unfortunately, there is a rash of marketing out there that is trying to position “CCE” training, or “Continuing Coach Education” training, as if it is the same as a Level 1+ training program. It’s not. You cannot partake in a “CCE” training, even one “approved” or “accredited” by the ICF, and then graduate and get your ACC.
You can only get your ACC if you attend a Level 1 or higher accredited training program.
It says this on the ICF website:
CCE “Accreditation” Is Not The Same as Level 1 Accreditation
You cannot attend a Continuing Coach Education training that is intended for acquiring new learning, professional development, or renewing your ICF credential and then apply for your very first ACC credential from the ICF.
When providers market their programs as “ICF Accredited coach certification programs” without explaining to you that a CCE is not the same thing as a Level 1 Accreditation, they are intentionally trying to mask the facts. They’re hoping that you will not do enough digging to realize the difference between the CCE and a Level 1 provider.
There’s nothing wrong with providers providing CCE education—but there’s definitely something wrong with them calling it an “ICF Accredited coach certification” as if that is going to help the graduate of that program seeking their ACC.
Level 1 Accreditation Is Where You Start
Graduates from an ICF Level 1 Accredited program like the Courageous Living Coach Certification will be able to apply for the ACC ICF credential upon completing all program requirements and graduating. The ICF also makes this clear on their website:
CCE Training Has Value
Continuing Coach Education (CCE) training has value—we provide it ourselves! But we don’t try to position our CCEs as if they are anything other than what they should be: supplemental coach training.
If a provider of coach training is starting off the relationship by trying to mask the facts of what their training can provide, watch out!
You can additionally find true Level 1+ providers by searching the ICF website.