What is the
International Coaching Federation (ICF)?
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the leading global organization for coaches and coaching. The ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals.
Each level requires training by an ICF-accredited coaching school AND a minimum number of practice hours. Each level also has a progressive set of competencies that coaches need to demonstrate they have mastered.
or want to know which credential will right for you?

Levels of ICF Accreditation
Erickson Coach Level 1
(The Essentials Course + The Level 1 Mentor Bundle)
Erickson Coach Level 2
(The Essentials Course + The Advanced Course + The Level 2 Mentor Bundle)
New ICF training option (launching in 2023 by Erickson)
The Art & Science of Coaching | ||
3 Erickson Program Paths | Level 1 | Level 2 |
ICF Program Accreditation Level | ACSTH transitioning to Level 1. Officially approved by ICF. | ACTP transitioning to Level 2. Officially approved by the ICF. |
ICF Coach Credential (Designation) * | ACC (Associate Certified Coach) | ACC (Associate Certified Coach) and / or PCC (Professional Certified Coach) |
Erickson Credential (Designation) | Erickson Accredited Coach (EAC) | Erickson Certified Professional Coach (ECPC) |
Number of Contact (Instructional Hours) |
64 Hours of Instruction plus an additional 10 Hours of Mentor Coaching |
140 Hours of Instruction Including 10 Hours of Mentoring |
* The ICF Credential application includes requirements in addition to the completion of an accredited coach training in order to successfully be awarded one of their credentials. Erickson Coaching International is a global coaching education company that delivers both onsite and online courses around the world. Erickson Coaching International proudly offers our programs in the following languages: English, French, Mandarin, Portuguese, German, Czech, Indonesian, Italian, Norwegian, Serbian, Turkish, Ukrainian |
The ICF Core Competencies
The ICF Core Competencies were developed to provide an understanding of the skills and approaches that are used within the coaching profession today - and that are defined by the International Coaching Federation.
The Core Competencies also provide a foundation for the development of the ICF Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA).
Erickson has chosen to display these competencies in a wheel as these core criteria are interlocking and are the key parts necessary to develop into a competent coach.

Why it's important to be ICF-Certified
Your Coaching Journey
Erickson’s coach training programs are highly regarded as exceeding the rigorous standards of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and producing highly-qualified coaches. Since obtaining ICF certification is integral to your coaching career, we have made the path to certification as simple as possible.
You can choose upfront to train towards your PCC qualification with the ICF. If your intention is to have a professional coach certification, then this route is advisable as it saves you time and money.
If you are unsure of whether you want to go all the way to PCC, you can work towards your ACC with the ICF, and at a later point decide whether you wish to advance to a PCC.