This program blends theory and practice to teach you how to have transformational conversations with those around you. Complete this Level 1 program and receive your qualification as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
Our Level 1 coach training program provides a structured and comprehensive process to help you earn your ICF ACC Credential. Here’s the full roadmap to achieving this prestigious certification:
Not ready for the full program yet?
No problem. You can also take the courses individually and still earn ICF-accredited training hours.
Take your first step into professional coaching. In this module, you’ll:
This course equips you with the foundations to unlock people’s potential and guide them toward transformative, lasting results.
In this module, you’ll:
This course helps you deepen client connections while building clarity and visibility for your coaching practice.
At Coaching Outside the Box, we walk alongside you at every step of your journey, offering expert support and guidance. What does this mean for you? If you train with us:
In a few words, we handle the admin, the logistics, and the details — so you can focus entirely on learning, practicing, and growing as a coach.
Our Level 1 course streamlines your journey to ACC certification, helping you become a recognised Associate Certified Coach in the easiest way possible.
Our course provides a comprehensive education pathway that includes a series of classes and practical experiences. Once you’ve met the certification requirements, we can serve as your accreditors.
Program inclusions:
What’s not included:
Your participation in our Level 1 program comes with some expectations. These are requirements, not formalities; they are integral to the learning process, ensuring that you benefit the most from our program and are well-prepared for your ACC credentialing.
Starting on the journey to become an ICF Associate Certified Coach can be exciting but it’s natural to be confused. Here are some of the most common questions we get about our Level 1 Certification Program.
The Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential is a prestigious certification supplied by the International Coaching Foundation (ICF).
It’s designed for beginner coaches, facilitators, leaders, HR professionals, or anyone looking to have transformative conversations and develop other people’s potential.
Becoming an Associate Certified Coach isn’t just a badge of honour. It’s a recognition of excellence.
It shows those you work with that your practice is aligned with a rigorous code of ethics established by a renowned international accrediting body: the International Coaching Foundation.
Level 1, 2, and 3 accreditations are intended for coach education providers who are interested in having their education organisation accredited by the International Coaching Federation.
These levels correspond to the ICF’s tiered system of coaching education and credentialing:
– Level 1 is designated as ACC (Associate Certified Coach) Accredited Education.
– Level 2 is for PCC (Professional Certified Coach) Accredited Education
– Level 3 is for MCC (Master Certified Coach) Accredited Education
Levels 1, 2, and 3 refer to the depth of your training as a coach in line with the ICF Competencies and standards. Each level represents a step up in terms of the coach’s expertise, experience, and ability to facilitate transformative coaching sessions.
The main difference between Level 1 and Level 2 within the ICF framework is in the depth and complexity of the coaching education provided.
Level 1, associated with ACC accreditation, is an entry point that establishes foundational coaching skills and an understanding of the ICF Core Competencies. It’s ideal for those embarking on their coaching journey.
Level 2, which leads to PCC accreditation, delves deeper into advanced coaching methodologies, strategies, and ethical considerations. It’s designed for coaches who have already acquired some experience and are looking to refine their skills further. They may aim to work with a more diverse range of clients and potentially take on leadership or organisational roles.
ACC and PCC are beginner and intermediate level coaching certifications provided by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). They stand for Associate Certified Coach (aligned with Level 1) and Professional Certified Coach (aligned with Level 2).
This is how the ICF defines each in turn:
“ACC coaches demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the ICF Core Competencies of coaching, the ICF Code of Ethics and the definition of coaching. The ACC is designed to include coaches early in their coaching career and professionals who understand the value of integrating a coaching approach into their practice.”
“PCC distinguishes coaches with the verified skills required for effective coaching practice and substantial experience partnering with clients”. It demonstrates proficiency in your practice.
The ICF PCC Certification, or Professional Certified Coach credential, is a prestigious designation that signifies a more advanced level of coaching expertise and experience. It also requires a higher number of training hours compared to ACC.
Yes, you can! If you’ve already completed a Level 1 program, we will welcome you with open arms to join our Level 2 courses: From ACC to PCC and Coaching Leaders.
Our programs are designed to build upon the foundation you’ve already established, enhancing your coaching skills and preparing you for the next tier of your professional journey.
By progressing from ACC to PCC, you’ll be delving deeper into the intricacies of coaching, learning advanced techniques, and gaining the confidence to coach at a higher level.
Our courses are not just a continuation but an elevation of your coaching capabilities. They are tailored to seamlessly integrate with your prior knowledge, ensuring that your transition into Level 2 is both smooth and rewarding.
Yes, you can! Our courses are designed to be flexible and to accommodate your unique journey as a coach.
If you choose to attend only one of our offerings, we recognize the effort and commitment you’ve made to enhance your coaching skills. Therefore, we will issue a certificate of partial completion that you can still use towards your ICF accreditation.
Each module you complete is a step forward in your professional development, and we honour that by providing credentials that reflect your progress.
Whether you are expanding your knowledge base, seeking to specialise in a particular area of coaching, or simply wanting to pace your education, our program respects and supports your path to excellence.
Choosing the right training hinges on where you currently stand in your coaching journey and what you envision for your future.
If you’re embarking on this path for the first time, beginning with a Level 1 coach training is the way to go. Similarly, if your previous training wasn’t ICF-accredited, a Level 1 course is essential to lay a solid foundation.
For those who are certain that coaching is their calling and aim to achieve PCC accreditation, a direct leap to Level 2 could be the most strategic move. This choice is ideal if you’re prepared to invest time and resources into an extensive program right from the outset.
Alternatively, if you prefer to progress gradually, a viable and sensible approach is to start with Level 1 to secure your ACC accreditation and then advance to Level 2 when ready. This phased progression allows you to grow at your own pace while ensuring that each step takes you closer to your ultimate goal of PCC certification.
Earning an ICF credential increases your credibility and visibility to prospective clients by demonstrating that you completed training that meets the highest standards in coaching education.
This mark of quality assurance tells clients that you are committed to ongoing professional development and that you adhere to a strong code of ethics.
In the world of coaching, an ICF credential is akin to a seal of excellence; it sets you apart in a crowded marketplace, where clients are seeking the assurance of competency and professionalism.
It’s not just about the knowledge you gain; it’s also about the confidence it instils in your clients, as they know they are in capable hands.
An ICF credential also opens doors to a global community of top-tier coaches, offering networking opportunities, continuous learning, and a platform to share best practices. With this credential, you’re not just building a career — you’re elevating the entire profession.
To become an ICF accredited coach, you must first complete certified coach training, which lays the foundation for acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge.
After fulfilling this educational component, you are then eligible to earn a credential through the International Coach Federation (ICF), which is recognized globally as a benchmark for professional coaching standards.
Credentialing is a meticulous process that involves obtaining, verifying, and assessing the qualifications of a coaching practitioner. It’s not just about holding a certificate; it’s about documented evidence of rigorous education, comprehensive training, and practical experience that meets the ICF’s stringent criteria.
By navigating this path, you’re committing to excellence in coaching, ensuring that your practice is aligned with the highest industry standards and that you are well-equipped to facilitate transformative results for your clients.
Hello, I’m Maria, an ICF Professional Certified Coach, Trainer, Facilitator, and Mindfulness Teacher. My superpower is empathetic joy, and I genuinely thrive when contributing to others’ well-being and success.
With a Master’s in Computer Science, specializing in Artificial Intelligence, and expertise as a Senior Agile Coach, I’ve supported organizations through transformations, acquisitions, and rapid growth in the AI and e-commerce industries.
Beyond the technical realm, I’m a Registered Yoga Teacher and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher. My true passion lies in providing holistic support to individuals and teams, enabling self-fulfillment and sustainable change.
I am Italian and have had the privilege of calling Barcelona and Berlin home. Currently, I am based in London.
I co-founded The Mindful Facilitator Certification Program.
I am a multilingual Life Coach, Facilitator, and Mental Health First Aider passionate about helping people move from stuckness and uncertainty into clarity, confidence, and purpose. I’m based in France, and I work in English, French, and sometimes in Spanish.
I trained with the MOE Foundation and I’m currently on the ICF PCC pathway. I’ve coached individuals across industries and continents, with a strong focus on emotional well-being, neurodiversity, and meaningful life transitions.
With a background in International Business and a deep love of learning, I’ve lived, volunteered, traveled, and contributed to development programs globally. I’ve facilitated coaching certification courses, supported students at the University of Oxford, and spoken on international stages and podcasts about resilience and recovery.
