ICF Coach Certification Level 1 Programme
ICF ACC Pathway
Become a competent and confident coach. Lead with strong coaching capabilities.
We are no longer accepting applications.
Why Start with Level 1 Coach Training?
In today’s fast-paced environment, leaders must transform both business and people. While driving results is important, success depends on how you empower and lead teams. In our Level 1 coach training programmes, we see coaches go on to become great leaders.
Our Level 1 Coach Training Programme equips you with the skills to lead with impact. At the end of Level 1, you will
- Develop Others – Hold impactful conversations, give effective feedback, guide career growth, and demonstrate emotional intelligence in daily interactions.
- Influence Stakeholders Relationally – Build trust and collaboration with senior stakeholders through curiosity, active listening, and empathy.
- Drive Meaningful Change – Use a coaching approach to lead strategic initiatives and foster transformation at senior levels.
Who?
This programme is designed for you if you want to become an effective leader, if you are starting your journey as a coach, or work in HR
Total Training Hours
77 ICF Training Hours
Estimated Time
Min. 6 months to complete your ICF coach certification journey
Enrol by
We are no longer accepting applications
100% online
Flexible and engaging – online learning lets you take part no matter where you are, and participate in experiential discussions and practice.
Accelerate your coaching journey with the world’s leading coaching accreditation body.
We want you to focus your energy on coaching skills – not on processes – so we have made the steps to prepare for your ICF accreditation as simple as possible
Bailey Balfour is an ICF-accredited coach training academy that offers the highest standards of coach certification programme.
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the largest internationally-recognised accreditation body that sets the standard for both coaching educators (us) and coaches (you) through the ICF competencies, ICF definition of coaching, ICF code of ethics and a rigorous assessment process for both education providers and coaches.
Level 1 ICF Coach Certification Programme Overview
We take you from novice coach to confident coach in 6 short months.
Each subsequent part of the programme is designed to build upon the knowledge acquired in the prior modules.
As you gain confidence at each stage, you become ready to stretch your learning to the next level. Our Level 1 programme provides you with all the training education you need to become an ACC Level Coach with the ICF.
Level 1 ICF coach certification programme runs for 6 months and includes 3 main components:
ICF Accredited Coach Training
With 30 hours of self-directed learning and 2 hours a week of live, experiential training (12 sessions overall) – we value your time and ensure that each hour is well invested.
Live sessions, run by our experienced coaching faculty, are where you come together with your cohort to gain depth of understanding on the key concepts, coaching skills and coaching theory.
ICF Mentor Coaching Groups
23 hours of individual and group mentor coaching – peer and observed virtual coaching in small groups.
This includes the 10 hours of Mentor Coaching required for the ICF credential.
The coaching sessions are observed by our experienced faculty, who will provide verbal and written feedback.
ICF Performance Evaluation
At the end of the Level 1 coach certification programme, you will need to submit 2 recordings which we listen to and evaluate whether or not you have passed the standard of coaching at an ACC level.
If you do not pass the first time, you can submit another recording for a fee.
Curious about something? Have a look at our FAQ here.
Tailored for Executive and Leadership Coaching
“We really got to know each other, and we created that very special bond…now we’ve officially finished our classroom training but we’re still doing peer coaching”
– Chen-en Tsaur, Bailey Balfour Alumni
Modules
Each module is a series of online workshops, and supported by pre-work in our easy-to-use learning management system. Attending the workshops alongside your cohort gives you an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the theory and models by putting them into practice in breakout rooms.
Each module builds upon the knowledge acquired in the prior modules, so that you gain confidence as a coach as you move through the programme.
Module 1 - Introduction to Coaching Conversations
4 live workshops (2 hours per run) | 4 hours self-directed learning – Total length – 12 hours
By the end of module one, you will learn and apply the core coaching skills and frameworks needed to start coaching.
Module 2 - Coaching Tools and Techniques
4 live workshops (2 hours per run) | 4 hours self-directed learning – Total length – 12 hours
Building upon the core skills, you both acquire the knowledge and learn the application of frameworks and tools which will support your work with your clients.
Module 3 - Career Coaching
2 live workshops (2 hours per run) | 2 hours self-directed learning – Total length – 6 hours
Everyone needs help in their career journey at some point in their working life – we equip you with the tools necessary to work with clients to identify the next steps to building a successful career.
Module 4 - Coaching at Work and in Organisations
2 live workshops (2 hours per run) | 2 hours self-directed learning – Total length – 6 hours
We develop your skills to coach as a leader, internal coach or external coach – from the practical aspects of a coaching assignment, to preparation for the topics clients might bring to coaching.
You will be a more confident coach after Level 1
- Be fluent and confident in using core coaching skills and follow a coaching model in a coaching conversation
- Be familiar with the ICF framework of core competencies and able to apply an ethical coaching practice
- Develop experience in setting a coaching agreement, providing feedback and, as part of the coaching process, holding clients accountable.
- Gain tools and techniques to help both coach and client to increase awareness and inspire change
- Be skilled and empowered to take on coaching assignments with real clients in organisations
- Cultivate trust and safety in coaching conversations through honing listening skills and observing body language
Hear from our alumni about the impact of coach training and how coaching enhanced their leadership
Preview our Free ICF Coach Certification Course
One of the most effective ways to decide whether our programme is the best for you is to experience a short taster - to see what you could expect and get a feel for the different elements of our courses including mentor coaching, our self-directed resources and our learning system. You can enjoy this 1 hour taster at your own pace at any time so register now.
Programme Fees
Become a confident coach in 6 months. Learn with continuous practice-refine cycle under expert supervision.
Experienced faculty >10+ years
Unlimited mentorship
Learn live and online
Build global connections
Designed by master certified coach
To secure a 10% discount, sign up 4 weeks before the cohort starts.
Ready to Sign up?
Book your spot now and be one step closer to impactful conversations and powerful yet easeful leadership
Who are we?
Learn more about Bailey Balfour, who we are, our values, and how 22 years of executive coaching experience inspired our acclaimed IFC accredited training programmes. Meet our faculty and discover why you might like to learn with us.
Upcoming Events and Masterclass
Join us in engaging (and free) webinars - from networking to coaching skills, and purposeful questions - there is bound to be an upcoming topic that speaks to you. Register now - and don't worry - if you can't make the live session we will send you a recording so that you can enjoy it in your own time.
Making Sense of Work Podcast
How’s Work at the Moment? We all work - and yet we often struggle with work. Even very ambitious people find parts of work difficult. This podcast is for you if you'd like to build a new and better relationships with your working life. Join Jean Balfour and guests as they explore everything to do with our working lives, starting with how do we find our purpose, how do make sense of our organisations and what major movements are we seeing in the workplace today?
Sign up for our ICF coach training info session to learn more
Get your questions answered by our programme director in our 30min online info session.
Upcoming dates to be confirmed!