Are you thinking about becoming an ICF-credentialed Coach? Here’s What No One Tells You.

If you’re thinking about becoming an ICF-accredited coach, you’re probably asking:

• Do I really need the credential?
• How long does it take?
• Is it worth it?

As someone who spent 2.5 years earning my ICF accreditation through Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL) (and I consider my journey a very quick one), let me give you the inside scoop—the good, the tough, and the real.

1. For me: this process was about way more than a certificate

We've all seen various rogue "self help gurus" on Instagram. I was personally terrified that I would be perceived like them...fresh out of Covid and thinking I could be a life coach. YUCK.

I was going to do everything in my power to ensure this didn't happen.

I quickly realized that a quality coaching certification isn’t just a quick weekend course. It’s a wholehearted commitment to excellence and professionalization of the coaching industry.

To obtain ACC through IECL I needed:

1. IECL Level 1 Organisational Coaching Certification = 44 training hours, over 7 weeks with 3 full day workshops
2. IECL Level 1 Organisational Coaching Accreditation = 17 training hours, over 12 weeks with 3 half-day workshops
3. IECL Mentoring & Performance Evaluation = 13 weeks, 2 mentor coaching session, 1 performance evaluation
4. + 100 independently recorded coaching hours logged and verified by ICF

The workshops, mentor coaching, and assessments forced me to sharpen my skills in ways that self-study, watching videos or reading books just couldn't.

2. You’ll Coach a LOT (and That’s a Good Thing)

ICF requires 100+ hours of real, mostly paid coaching to obtain ACC. In my case, I had already started group coaching for folks wanting to explore career changes (via Career Change Kickstarter). So once I switched gears to individual coaching, I was able to build my hours quickly.

Without a doubt, every single session kept me on my toes. I was challenged in ways I could never have imagined previously - but any ethical dilemma I encountered I could then take back and discuss with my Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL) membership and supervision community.

Through this continued practice, community, and support I was able to refine my craft and build professional confidence.?

3. The Mentor Coaching is CONFRONTING

Watching videos of myself and getting specific feedback on my coaching was… terrifying. I had to unlearn unconscious habits and stop trying to have all the answers for my counterparts. It was obviously uncomfortable—but ultimately transformational.

One of my biggest takeaways from my mentoring experience with Charity Becker was to support my counterparts to reinforce their learnings. I needed to double down and ensure that my counterparts weren’t skipping over the acknowledgement of their insight.?

I.e. “What was that? Do you want to write that down?”?

But more that this, I was consistently reminded that my counterparts have the gold. I now trust that I don't need to provide any answers in order for them to gain critical insight and direction.

4. I won’t lie. The Exam was NO JOKE

Luckily for everyone else - ICF has just changed their exam. I was one of the last to do a behavior-based exam to get ACC.?

So for all my fellow coaches - I am pleased to hear that moving forward, ICF will leave the behavior based testing for the next level up = PCC. New coaches will now have a slightly less challenging exam than I had and will be tested on ICF core competencies and standards.

In my case, I went to a professional testing center in downtown Wellington and prepared myself for a (what felt like) FBI-level screening. I locked up all my belongings and spent 3 hours in an observed room, no jewelry, no water bottles, no snacks. It felt crazy - I looked at the exam attendant and said…

“They know I’m just trying to become a coach right?! I’m not trying to get into the FBI.”

I should note that I work full-time in the executive coaching industry as a Director of Client Development. I set up coaching engagements for major corporations and government agencies every single day. I consider myself to have access to the best knowledge, expertise and standards globally. I will admit that I was even stumped by many of the behavior-based scenarios provided by ICF. It was truly ridiculous for the ACC level.??

Was this coaching journey worth it?

100% YES. I know from my day-job that both clients and counterparts care about credibility.

Even though it is an effort, the cost is high and the hours are long - The ICF credential gives you trust, structure, and confidence. More than that, it ensures you’re coaching at the highest standard.

I can hand-on-heart say that I am a more professional, more ethical and a more impactful coach having gone through such rigorous training. So if you’re considering this path—do it. It’s not easy, but neither is building a meaningful, impactful career. And trust me, the view from the other side? Absolutely worth it.

Are you on this journey too? Drop a comment—I’d love to connect!

Or ---> if you are keen on learning more about IECL coach training programs, or which pathway suits your coaching journey. You can schedule a meeting with one of my colleagues here.?