ecoming a coach is one of the most fulfilling professional journeys you can take. Not only do you get to work with people to help them find their goals, but also to help them unlock their potential. You also grow tremendously as a coach. However, the first step to building a successful coaching career lies in choosing the right training program. With so many options available, where do you even start?
As an ICF credentialed coach, I want to take you through a practical guide to finding an ICF accredited program that matches your goals, values, and aspirations. Here’s what you need to consider.
1. Get Clear on Your Coaching Goals
Before researching programs, take a step back and do some self-reflection on why you want to become a coach. Ask yourself:
- What impact do I want to make as a coach?
- Do I imagine coaching individuals, teams, or organizations?
- Will coaching lead me to a new career path or will it enhance my current role?
Understanding your why helps you focus on programs that align with your specific goals and aspirations. For example, does the coaching program focus on the ICF curriculum that will lead me to credentialing by the largest professional organization in the world of coaching?
2. To Niche or not to Niche
Coaching is far from one-size-fits-all. It’s a diverse field encompassing niches like life coaching, health and wellness coaching, career coaching, executive coaching, and more. Take time to research these niches and consider which aligns best with your strengths, interests, and values. Defining your niche early on will allow you to evaluate programs that cater to that specialty. A well-rounded program will prepare you for a niche – or not! (Why would you want to limit yourself to one area of coaching?) If your background lends itself to a niche – say trauma, nutrition, etc – a niche might be good. A good coaching program – one that is accredited by ICF – will prepare you to niche – or not!
3. Ensure the Program Is ICF Accredited
One critical factor is accreditation. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the global gold standard in coaching. Their accreditation ensures that a training program meets rigorous quality and ethical standards. Look for programs that are accredited.
Why is this important? Choosing an ICF accredited program not only prepares you to be a skilled coach, but it also makes you eligible to earn ICF credentials, such as ACC, PCC, or MCC, which are highly respected by industry professionals and clients alike. These days, an ICF credential is not just necessary, it is required by most organizations.
4. Compare Curriculum and Faculty
Every coaching program is structured differently. Review the curriculum of each program you’re considering and ask yourself these questions:
- Does it cover foundational coaching principles, as well as advanced tools and techniques?
- Does it balance coaching theory with practice?
- How supportive and available are the principles of the program?
Next, look into the faculty. Are the instructors experienced, credentialed coaches? Do they actually coach? Do their coaching styles or philosophies resonate with you? After all, you’ll spend a lot of time learning from them, so it’s important to feel confident in their expertise and approach. A good program will provide the support you will need as you journey to your credential.
Some programs may also include all aspects of the ICF requirements – including mentoring hours, the Performance Evaluation Assessment and ways to assist you in obtaining your required hours of coaching.
5. Consider Program Format and Cost
Coaching programs come in a range of formats to suit different learning preferences and schedules. Some offer in-person training, while others are virtual or a hybrid of both. Think about what works best for your lifestyle. If you’re balancing a day job or personal responsibilities, virtual programs might offer the flexibility you need.
Alongside format, look carefully at the cost. Tuition for ICF accredited programs can vary widely. While coaching is an investment, it’s important to consider your budget and weigh it against the program’s value. Don’t forget to check if there are payment plans, scholarships, or early-registration discounts to make the financial commitment more manageable.
6. Seek Testimonials and Reviews
Hearing from past participants can be incredibly helpful when choosing a program. Read online reviews or ask program coordinators to connect you with alumni. Pay attention to what they say about the quality of the training, the support they received, and how the program prepared them for their coaching careers.
You might even find someone whose career aspirations were similar to yours and learn how the program helped them succeed.
7. Align the Program with Your Values and Vision
Finally, listen to your intuition. The best coaching program for you is one that doesn’t just teach skills but also feels right. Choose a program that aligns with your values, enhances your authenticity, and allows you to develop your unique coaching voice.
For example, if the program emphasizes collaboration and empathy and class community, and those are qualities you cherish, it may be a perfect match.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right ICF accredited coaching program is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your coaching journey. It’s about finding one that not only equips you with world-class skills but also helps you step into your purpose as a coach.
Start with clarity about your goals, do thorough research, and trust both your head and your heart. When you find the program that resonates with you, you’ll know—because it will feel like the perfect next step toward becoming the coach you dream of being.
Good luck on this exciting new chapter! If you have questions or want more guidance, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to support aspiring coaches like you.