The ICF Accredited Global Academy of Coaching Leadership Certification refers to the credentialing process provided by the  International Coaching Federation (ICF), a universally acknowledged body for professional coaching.

ICF provides three primary levels of certification: Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Master Certified Coach (MCC).

To attain these the ICF Accredited Global Academy of Coaching Leadership Certification, candidates must fulfill requirements including designated training hours, coaching experience, mentorship, and passing an examination or performance evaluation to showcase proficiency in coaching competencies.

The usual entry to become an ICF Coach is by completing either a Level 1 or a Level 2 Certification in Coaching. These certifications provide you with the necessary training to be able to apply for the ACC Credential by the ICF.

This varies depending on the type of programme that you do and the opportunities for coaching practice available to you.

Typically you would need around 15 months to complete all the components of a Level 1 Certification that includes video classes, live online classes, supervised coaching, coaching practice, mentoring and feedback. The Level 1 Certification will also include a final assessment to ensure you are coaching at ICF’s ACC Level giving you the confidence that you’re supporting your clients in line with industry standards.

Whether or not pursuing International Coaching Federation (ICF) Certification holds value is contingent upon numerous factors and individual aspirations within the coaching sphere.

Consider these points before enrolling in an ICF program:

• Credibility and Professionalism: Acquiring an ICF Certification can bolster your credibility within the coaching realm, showcasing your dedication to upholding professional standards and ethics. It distinguishes you from coaches without certification and enhances your appeal to potential clients and organizations.
• Skill Enhancement: The journey toward ICF Certification involves rigorous training, mentorship, and assessment of coaching competencies. This process can substantially refine your coaching abilities and efficacy, leading to improved client outcomes.
• Networking and Community: Attaining certification with the ICF grants access to a global community of coaching professionals, along with valuable resources and avenues for continuous learning and growth. Engagement with the ICF community fosters support, collaboration, and ongoing development in your coaching endeavors.
• Client Preference: Many clients and organizations actively seek coaches with ICF credentials as a testament to quality and professionalism. Holding an ICF Certification can heighten your appeal to these clients and expand opportunities for coaching partnerships.
• Personal Fulfillment: For numerous coaches, achieving ICF Certification is a significant milestone, evoking personal pride and satisfaction. It signifies a commitment to excellence in coaching and serves as validation of their skills and expertise.

Evaluate these factors thoughtfully to determine if pursuing ICF Certification aligns with your professional objectives and aspirations in the coaching field.

There are many benefits of training via an ICF Accredited Programme. First of all there's a piece of mind that your coach training programme has been through a rigorous vetting process by the ICF – the largest awarding body for coaches. They ensure that your certification is robust, follows best practice and is in line with their Code of Conduct and Ethics. Although you don’t have to follow an ICF programme as professional coaches we strongly suggest that you do consider this. We have had many of our Alumni who previously completed a non-ICF programme who then come to us to do their Level 1 or 2 Certification.

The ICF Accredited GAC Leadership Certification is tailored for individuals dedicated to advancing their coaching expertise. It caters to those aspiring to specialize as Life Coaches, Executive Coaches, Career Coaches, or any other Professional Coach. What sets this certification apart is its comprehensive coverage of various coaching approaches, offering a well-rounded foundation instead of solely focusing on one model.

Moreover, individuals with prior coaching experience seeking recognition from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) will find this certification particularly beneficial. By completing this program, participants can pursue the ACC Credential, validating their existing coaching skills and knowledge within the industry standards set by the ICF.

The hours on the Certification are divided between a number of activities including:

• Induction activities
• 30 Live Classes delivered on Zoom that you can attend from home. The Live Classes are are delivered every other Monday at 6:00pm-7:30pm GMT+2
• 40 coaching sessions as a coach
• 40 coaching sessions as a coachee
• 5 hours of Coaching Practice and Feedback
• 3 hours of 1-1 Mentoring with an ICF Coach
• 7 hours Group Mentoring with colleagues from other cohorts
• Video modules available on our Learning Portal

Holding a professional ICF certificate that demonstrates your coaching skills is extremely important in today’s coaching world. It gives you instant credibility and visibility in the life coaching industry and helps you grow your coaching business. ICF accredited professional certification programs are designed to help develop and refine your coaching skills. As a prerequisite to getting ICF certified, these coach certification programs help you build your professional coaching portfolio and prepare you to support your clients through some of the complex issues they face in their lives and careers.

To clients, an ICF certification conveys that you have the education and ethical standards required of a certified coach. To coaching peers and clients, it shows you are committed to the coaching industry and that you constantly strive to develop as a coaching professional. Receiving your ACC certificate can help you grow your practice and gain additional clients.

The process of obtaining an ICF certificate might seem complex at first glance. That is why one must work with a trusted coach training organization to traverse this path. Getting ICF certified provides credential holders credibility in the coaching world. The same five essential elements are needed for all three certifications (ACC, PCC, and MCC):

• Education: Complete ICF accredited coach education that is in line with the ICF coach Core Competencies, ICF Code of Ethics, and ICF definition of coaching.
• Experience: Start your coaching experience hours after enrolling in an ICF accredited coaching education program.
• Mentor Coaching: Work with an ICF credentialed mentor to fine-tune your proficiency with the ICF Core Competencies.
• Performance Evaluation: Complete one or more performance evaluations that attest to your coaching abilities in line with ICF certification requirements.
• Exam: Pass a written test evaluating your knowledge of and proficiency with the ICF Core Competencies, ICF Code of Ethics, and ICF definition of coaching.

The insights acquired through GAC Leadership Certification are applicable not only to your professional endeavors but also to your personal relationships with friends and family. By implementing these impactful strategies in your own life, you'll unleash a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond yourself, shaping the world around you in profound ways.

Yes, you will be a Certified Professional Coach. At the end of this training you’ll receive a certificate of 124 hours of Life Coaching Training approved by the International Coaching Federation as Level 1 or a certificate of 175 hours of Life Coaching Training approved by the International Coaching Federation as Level 2 depending on your training hours. 

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is recognized and respected worldwide as a leading organization for professional coaching. Its certifications are recognized in many countries across the globe. The ICF has chapters and affiliates in numerous countries, and its coaching standards and competencies are widely accepted in the coaching industry internationally. There are currently more than 50,000 credentialed coaches across the world. This legitimate certification allows members with the certification to be recognized and respected for their coaching craft. ICF has a long-standing track record of being trusted and setting the bar for quality life coaching. Research shows that 85% of life coach clients expect the professional coach they’re hiring to be ICF certified.

Essentially it refers to the depth of your training in coaching. You can opt to complete a Level 1 or a Level 1 and 2 together giving you more training hours, mentoring and support as a coach

The online Multiple Choice Test for ICF Accreditation, also known as the CKA (Coach Knowledge Assessment), is a crucial step in the accreditation process with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Here's how it works:

• Test Format: The CKA is a multiple-choice test that presents you with various coaching scenarios. For each scenario, you'll need to select the best and worst approaches from the provided options.
• Preparation: Many individuals may feel anxious about the test, but if you've undergone thorough training on the ICF Competencies, you'll be well-prepared. A robust training program ensures that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to tackle the scenarios presented in the test effectively.
• Application Process: You'll typically take the CKA as part of your application for ICF accreditation. It serves as a means to assess your understanding and application of coaching principles aligned with ICF standards.
• Success Rate: At Global Academy of Coaching, we take pride in our exceptional success rate for the CKA. Our training programs are designed to equip candidates with the expertise needed to excel in the assessment. With a success rate of 100%, you can trust in our preparation methods and support to guide you through the test confidently.

By following a comprehensive training program like ours, you can approach the CKA with confidence, knowing that you're well-prepared to demonstrate your proficiency in coaching competencies aligned with ICF standards.

All four. The ICF doesn’t put much emphasis on labels/niches used by coaches that at times have more of a marketing appeal. Ultimately a core value that we have is that ‘coaching is coaching’ and being with another human being in a supportive way cuts across the label of a life coach or executive coach.

The best coaching courses cover the philosophy and practice of coaching that you can apply to various niches. Our Alumni have come from across all walks of life and wanting to focus, or develop, their skills in a range of coaching outcomes. So whether you want to focus more on personal, executive coaching, career, business or another niche, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

Very little or as much as you’d like! The ICF requires the majority of your learning to be synchronous – that is live with a facilitator whether it’s through the Classes, your practice or the mentoring sessions. So the hours you see will constitute the majority of your studying time. We would always recommend reflective practice, in whichever way or form you find it useful. A time investment of 4-5 hours per week is recommended. 

You will need to fulfill the following components.

The typical first step is Certification through a robust training programme (typically either a Level 1 or a Level 2). This programme needs to be accredited by the ICF. 

You also then need to match that with 10 mentoring sessions and a Performance Evaluation (i.e. Assessment using one of your coaching sessions). These are included in GAC Leadership Certification Level 1 and Level 2.

Once you have completed your training, mentoring and performance assessment you get to apply with the ICF for your ACC Credential, which is the first level of accreditation. 

At Global Academy of Coaching (GAC), we don't just believe in coaching — we embody excellence in coaching, just like our students who are high achievers. Here's why studying with our Master coaches will set you apart:

Unparalleled Expertise: Our professors aren't just coaches; they are Master Certified Coaches, representing the pinnacle of professional coaching standards. Being part of the top 4% means they have not only excelled in rigorous training but also demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards as set by the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Online learning has its advantages and disadvantages, but at GAC, we've mastered the art of delivering interactive, meaningful, and enjoyable online programs. This isn't just a claim—we know it because of the positive feedback we consistently receive.

Studying online offers flexibility; you can tailor your schedule to fit around your other commitments while still engaging fully with the program. Our online learning portal provides access to customized materials designed specifically for your Level 1& Level 2 Certification.

During our online sessions, conducted via Zoom every other Monday, we prioritize human connection. We facilitate interactions among participants and provide support to ensure everyone feels engaged. We also help you set up Zoom if you need to and are always an email away so that the tech doesn’t get in the way of your learning.

After completing the Diploma, you'll be equipped to work with a diverse range of clients seeking coaching services. Here are some typical client profiles you may encounter:

• Individuals undergoing life transitions due to personal circumstances or changes in their work environment.
• Individuals re-entering the workforce after a hiatus, such as maternity or paternity leave.
• Teams seeking to improve their performance and enhance awareness of each other's strengths through group coaching sessions.
• Senior executives tasked with developing high-level strategic goals for their organizations.
• Individuals expressing feelings of being "at a loss" or "confused" about their next steps in life or career.

These examples illustrate the broad spectrum of clients who can benefit from coaching, showcasing the versatility and applicability of the skills you'll gain from the certification.

You can  hear from our graduates here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5i-8hwByYI&list=PLjGgqcqBPrPtEf6AqekgtnJsPSnXRF9rD

One main consideration is your time. Have you got the time and resources to complete this programme? Unlike other training programmes a coaching programme requires you to not only attend classes but also to coach, be coached and get mentored. It involves a deeper level of reflective practice. 

This is great as you don’t only get a Coaching Certification of the ICF Credential (ACC or PCC) but you also get to develop and grow as a person. Many Alumni of Coaching programmes talk about how they relate and communicate with others differently after completing an accredited ICF training.

Yes we do. The course fees can be split into payment plans spread across 15 months for the Level 1 Certification and up to 18 installments for the Level 2 Certification.

We don’t charge interest and are flexible in our approach. If there is a plan that works for you feel free to let us know and we’ll see what we can do to accommodate you.

Definitely! We want you to make sure that you choose the right Coach Training Programme and we speak to all of our trainees during the application process. We’re honest about our approach and we’d love the opportunity to discuss with you how we work.  You can book an admission interview here.