If you’re already coaching but not yet certified, ICF-accredited training doesn’t start you over — it sharpens what you’ve built. Experience teaches you a lot, but it can also embed habits you never get feedback on: leading the client, solving instead of evoking, listening for facts rather than meaning. ICF-accredited courses hold your coaching up against the eight Core Competencies — a research-backed framework drawn from decades of studying what actually creates client transformation — so you can see precisely where you’re strong and where sessions leak impact.
| ACC (Associate Certified Coach) Level 1 | PCC (Professional Certified Coach) Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| What is it | ICF's entry credential — Core Competencies applied reliably | Same competencies with greater depth, consistency, and maturity |
| Length of Course | 4 months | 8 Months |
| Training Hours | 73 hours | 175 hours |
| LIVE Training | 42 hours | 112 hours |
| 1:1 Mentoring | 5 hours | 5 hours |
| Group Mentoring | 5 | 5 hours |
| Self Study Hours | 20 | 40 |
You will better understand what it is like to study on either of our Accredited Diplomas with Video testimonials included
A detailed breakdown of the different modules taught in both our ICF Accredited Diplomas.
Find out course dates and meet members of the Optimus team
"Doing the Optimus Coach Academy diploma has been such a game-changer for me. I now feel armed with a great range of tools to support any individual. The mix of practical learning, live practice, and support from mentors and peers made the whole experience both challenging and inspiring. I've come away with real confidence in myself as a coach."
"Great coaches, very supportive, no issue is small to raise. The training is very practical and at the same time the portal has so much information and materials, there is plenty for everyone. The flexibility of the training sessions was very helpful as someone who works full time. In summary: I couldn't be happier that I chose the Optimus team. They are simply amazing."
To obtain an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coach Federation (ICF)—the leading global organization for coaching standards—you need to complete at least 60 hours of coach-specific education ).
The most seamless pathway to the ACC is enrolling in an ICF Level 1 Accredited Program , which automatically packages the required 60+ training hours, mentor coaching, and the performance evaluation required for your credential. When choosing, prioritize programs that offer live, interactive training rather than fully self-paced, as this is crucial for developing skills and meeting ICF accreditation standards. Ensure the program includes at least 10 hours of mentor coaching and a Performance Evaluation.
ACC is the first credential level and is designed for newer coaches. At this stage, coaches demonstrate they can apply the ICF core competencies, build coaching relationships, and conduct effective coaching conversations. It signals that a coach has formal training and supervised development, but is still building experience.
PCC is often considered the benchmark credential for full-time professional coaches. Coaches at this level have significantly more client experience and are expected to facilitate deeper awareness, behavioral change, and accountability. Many organizations looking to hire external coaches specifically request PCC-level credentials.
