ICF Accredited Coach Training For People New To Coaching
If you're new to coaching, ICF-accredited courses are the gold standard place to start. The International Coaching Federation is the world's most recognised coaching body and its accredited programs are built around eight Core ICF Competencies — evidence-based skills like active listening, powerful questioning, and facilitating client growth — refined over decades of research into what actually creates client transformation.
Unlike generic online courses, our ICF accredited programs require you to practice real coaching, receive feedback from experienced mentor coaches, and demonstrate your skills in observed sessions before you're certified. This means you don't just learn the theory of coaching but you'll actually practice it regularly with your peers on the course. You receive honest feedback against competency markers from experienced mentor coaches that help grow your confidence session by session. Training is structured around proven frameworks, including our very own trademarked Optimus Holistic Coaching Framework™, and SELFLESS Model. An ICF credential also signals credibility to clients and employers worldwide, giving you both the competence to transform lives and the recognition to build a thriving practice.
What are the differences between the ICF credentials ACC and PCC?
| 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 |
The difference between ACC and PCC isn't just about hours and requirements — it's about the depth and maturity of your coaching. The competencies are identical on paper; what changes is how consistently and skilfully they're demonstrated. In the coaching agreement, ACC coaches typically clarify the client's topic and session outcome, while PCC coaches co-create a contract with success measures and revisit it as the session evolves. ACC sessions can carry a "performance layer" of applied models and structure; PCC sessions sound steadier and more fluid, responding to what emerges. ACC listening accurately tracks facts, goals, and options; PCC listening is layered, attuned to emotion, assumptions, energy, and what's left unsaid. ACC questioning drives clarity and next steps; PCC inquiry stretches thinking around values, identity, and perspective for more durable insight. That's why the extra hours exist — not as a hurdle, but as space to develop depth through deliberate practice.
Triple Accredited
Associate Diploma
Our Associate diploma is accredited accredited by 3 leading coaching global organisations. Firstly, the International Coaching Federation ( ICF), the leading global organisation for coaches and coaching, Secondly, the European Mentoring and Coaching Council ( EMCC). Thirdly, the Association of Coaching (AC).
Triple Accredited
Professional Diploma
Our Professional diploma is accredited accredited by 3 leading coaching global organisations. Firstly, the International Coaching Federation ( ICF), the leading global organisation for coaches and coaching, Secondly, the European Mentoring and Coaching Council ( EMCC). Thirdly, the Association of Coaching (AC)
Download Our Diplomas Brochure For More Information
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Benefit 1
You will better understand what it is like to study on either of our Accredited Diplomas with Video testimonials included
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Benefit 2
A detailed breakdown of the different modules taught in both our ICF Accredited Diplomas.
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Benefit 3
Find out course dates and meet members of the Optimus team
What our graduates say about our courses:
"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."
"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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any recommended training programs for ACC level coach certification?
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.
What are the main differences between ACC, PCC, and MCC coaching levels?
ACC (Associate Certified Coach)
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 (Professional Certified Coach)
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.