ICF Level 1 and ICF Level 2 coach training programs are consecutive stages of professional development. Level 1 builds the foundation for professional coaching and prepares coaches for the ACC credential pathway. Level 2 builds on that foundation and prepares coaches for the PCC credential pathway. Anyone entering professional coach training begins with Level 1.
Something to think about is whether Level 1 will meet your goals or whether it will serve you better to continue through both Level 1 and Level 2.
What does ICF Level 1 coach training develop?
ICF Level 1 introduces the foundations of professional coaching. Participants learn the ICF Core Competencies, ethical standards, all about coaching agreements, active listening, ways to evoke awareness, and other key coaching skills.
Although it is a starting point for coaches, for many experienced professionals this requires a significant change in mindset. Instead of becoming the source of answers, the coach consistently creates the conditions in which clients can think more clearly and develop their own solutions. The purpose of Level 1 is not simply to introduce coaching models. It is to help participants begin thinking, listening, and responding as professional coaches.
That shift cannot be learned through reading theory. Coaches need repeated practice, observation, feedback, mentor coaching, supervision and self-reflection. At UpThink Coaching, these elements are integrated throughout the Practical Coaching Mastery Level 1 program. Participants begin coaching early in the course, observe faculty demonstrations, practice with peers, receive ongoing feedback and reflect on their development as the program progresses.
Here’s how one of the grads described the value of this approach:
“I loved the extensive practice in the course. Learning with an international cohort provided some eye-opening insights.”
From Level 1 program completion to ACC credential
Level 1 provides the coach education required for the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential pathway. Completing an ICF Level 1 program does not automatically grant the ACC credential. To earn the ACC credential, applicants must also meet the current ICF requirements, including:
- 60+ hours of coach-specific education (fulfilled by an ICF Level 1 program);
- 10 hours of mentor coaching over a minimum of three months (included within most ICF Level 1 programs, including our programs at UpThink Coaching);
- Performance evaluation of a coaching session (part of Level 1 program);
- 100 hours of coaching experience with at least eight clients, of which 75 hours must be paid;
- successful completion of the ICF Credentialing Exam;
- submission of the ICF credential application and payment of the applicable ICF fees.
An ICF Level 1 program therefore helps participants complete the education, mentor coaching, and performance evaluation components while providing the foundation needed to begin accumulating coaching experience toward the ACC credential.
For many people, Level 1 may be enough. This is often the case for professionals who want to use coaching within an existing role or build a private practice that does not depend on credentials.
What does ICF Level 2 coach training develop?
Level 2 does not repeat Level 1 with more complicated tools. It deepens the quality of coaching. On a side note, our Level 2 program is called “Beyond the Tools” which emphasizes our approach to developing coach as the main tool of their work.
By this stage, coaches are already expected to deliver structured coaching conversations and have experience applying the ICF Core Competencies. Their attention can move beyond remembering what to do next. They begin to integrate subtler changes in the client’s language, emotions, energy, beliefs, and way of making meaning into their work with clients.
Coaches also learn to recognize personal assumptions, emotional reactions, and the impulse to direct the client toward a particular outcome. This awareness supports stronger coaching presence and more thoughtful professional judgment.
At UpThink Coaching, “Beyond the Tools” Level 2 program develops these capacities through relational coaching, coaching psychology, emotional intelligence, cultural intelligence, supervision, reflective practice, and the principle of using self as tool. The focus is on developing confident and competent professionals who can demonstrate a greater depth of presence, partnership, professional judgment and flexibility in their sessions.
From Level 2 program completion to PCC credential
Level 2 provides the coach education required for the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential pathway. However, completing an ICF Level 2 program alone does not automatically result in the PCC credential. Applicants must also meet the current ICF requirements, including:
- 125+ hours of coach-specific education (fulfilled through an ICF Level 2 program);
- 10 hours of mentor coaching over a minimum of three months (included within the UpThink Coaching Level 2 pathway);
- Performance evaluation of a coaching session (part of Level 2 program);
- 500 hours of coaching experience with at least 25 clients, of which 450 hours must be paid;
- successful completion of the ICF Credentialing Exam;
- submission of the ICF credential application and payment of the applicable ICF fees.
PCC-level coaching reflects a deeper and more consistent application of the ICF Core Competencies which are described in the PCC Markers. PCC-credentialed coaches are expected to partner with clients more fully, respond to the whole person rather than only their immediate problem, and adapt naturally as the conversation develops. Level 2 gives coaches the structured environment needed to continue that development while preparing for the expectations of the PCC credential.
Are you interested in learning more about coaching the “Who” of the client?
Listen to our podcast episode on this topic.
Choosing the path that meets your goals.
Level 1 only
Level 1 may be sufficient when coaching supports another professional role rather than becoming the person’s main career. A manager may use coaching to develop direct reports. An HR professional may apply coaching in talent development, while an educator or consultant may use coaching skills to create more reflective conversations. It can also be the right stopping point for someone who wants to begin coaching professionally at the ACC level and gain more experience before committing to further education. Completing Level 1 provides a strong foundation, and there is no need to move into Level 2 immediately. The decision depends on the role coaching will play in your work and career.
According to the December 2025 official global fact sheet report published by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) 29,115 coaches worldwide hold the ACC credential.
Level 1 and Level 2
After Level 1, many coaches discover that basic competence is only the beginning. They want to become more comfortable with uncertainty, work more effectively with emotions, and understand how culture, identity, and relationships shape the coaching process. Level 2 program teaches to work in these areas more confidently while continuing to receive feedback on real coaching practice.
The full Level 1 and Level 2 pathway is most relevant for people who want coaching to become their new career. This may include coaches building a long-term private practice, working with leaders and organizations or coaching internationally. The combined pathway also offers more time for practice and integration. Coaches receive feedback at different stages of their development, observe how their coaching changes, and identify patterns they may not notice independently.
According to the December 2025 official global fact sheet report published by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) 26,789 coaches worldwide hold the PCC credential.
Learn more about both programs here:
Level 1: “Practical Coaching Mastery”
Level 2: “Beyond the Tools: Advanced Coaching in Emotional, Intercultural & Relational Spaces”
Contact us to explore your coach training journey.