top of page
Image by Brooke Cagle

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What will I be learning?
    This course is divided into 5 modules; Foundations of Coaching, Co-Creating the Relationship, Business Building, Effective Communication & Self Awareness, and Excellence Through Learning & Growth. You can view a weekly outline of lessons here.
  • What is the course schedule?
    The IFCE currently offer 3 opportunities to learn with a cohort. Please see below for a summary of our Self Paced, Level 1, & Level 1 Program meeting times and schedule for 2025. Upcoming Class Dates Self Paced Program : January 2025 Kick Off | Self Paced Level 1 Program (ACC Tract): Tuesdays 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm MT | March 25, 2025 - July 17, 2025 Level 2 Program Option 1: Tuesdays from 8:00 - 11:00 AM MT | March 25, 2025 - September 9, 2025 Level 2 Program Option 2: Wednesdays 3:00 pm MT to 6:00 pm MT | March 26, 2025 - September 10, 2025 The IFCE will be closed for most major holidays, including the week of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Years. We will also coordinate with students in advance for sessions that fall on other religious, ethnic, and cultural holidays.
  • What is the format of classes?
    Classes are typically three hours per week, depending on which program you have signed up for. Each class begins with an introduction to today’s lesson and a review of the previous week’s reading materials and activities. We often share videos or review presentations together before holding group and breakout discussions. You will receive your reading assignment and homework assignments at the end of every class. We will also hold time for capstone and business planning support. We typically spend the first 4 lessons training on the foundations for coaching and then spend the following classes reviewing various coaching practices, business strategies, discussing reading materials and participating in peer coaching. Once you have a foundational understanding of coaching, you can expect that at least 60 minutes of every class will be dedicated to obtaining hands-on coaching experience.
  • How large are class sizes?
    We are a boutique coach training program that provides cohort-style programs designed to help you learn and grow with a dedicated group of coaches. Below are the class size cut offs for each program. Self Paced Program Launch (January 2025): Permitting up to 15 students only Level 1 Program (March 2025): 16 student max Level 2 Program: 12 student max Custom Program: Up to 20 students max
  • How many hours of work per week should I expect?
    Plan to dedicate approximately 6 to 10 hours each week for the duration of your program. This includes three hours for class time, 1 to 2 hours for peer coaching, time to read homework and complete assignments, and 1 to 3 hours a week to develop your coaching business. This estimate also includes time for mentor coaching sessions, which you must schedule towards the end of your coursework.
  • What language are classes taught in?
    Current classes are offered in American English. Closed captioning is available for individuals who would like audio assistance.
  • What are the graduation requirements?
    Below are the graduation requirements for each program. Students must meet the below requirements to receive a Program Certificate. A Program Certificate is required for those who which to use our program to satisfy the ICF's coach training education requirements. Tuition must also be paid in full to receive a Program Certificate. Additional guidelines on graduation requirements are included in the student agreement. Self Paced Course Certificate Requirements Complete all reflections and 100% of all 15 Lesson Activities. Level 1 Program Requirements Student will receive 10 observed, mentor coaching sessions. Three of those sessions will be in a 1:1 environment with an IFCE instructor. Students must complete three coaching additional coaching sessions in class to be eligible for graduation. IFCE instructors may submit the recording to the ICF for accreditation purposes. Students will be paired with a peer coach and are expected to meet regularly to practice the Core Competencies. The IFCE will provide a template for tracking coaching hours, but it is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are tracking hours in accordance with ICF requirements. Students must complete 10 peer coaching sessions to be eligible for graduation. All students must complete the IFCE’s Cumulative Knowledge Assessment at the end of the course and must receive a passing score of 70% to be eligible for graduation. Students must also complete the Learning Checks after each Module. Students must submit one audio recorded coaching session that meets the ICF’s ACC Markers for a Final Performance Evaluation. This recording should be between 30 and 45 minutes long (30 minutes at the least and no more than 60 minutes long). Recordings shorter than 30 minutes or longer than 60 minutes will not be accepted. Students must also submit a transcript saved in .DOC or .DOCX format that indicates when the client and coach are speaking. Recorded sessions should be sent to the Instructors before graduation, unless the student requests an extension. Students who do not meet the ACC Markers but complete all course requirements, will still receive a Certificate of Course Completion but will not receive the designation of IFCE Certified Life, Leadership, & Executive Coach. Students can submit up to 3 final performance evaluations for review. Unless otherwise approved by the IFCE in writing, students must complete 100% of the self-paced course reflections, homework, and presentation slides on Thinkific by July 17th to receive a certificate. It is the student’s responsibility to join the virtual class meeting at the regularly scheduled time. The student will inform IFCE instructors if they are unable to make a mentor session or class via email or by declining the invite. The student understands that all class recordings and slides will be made available to them 24 hours after class via the Cohort folder on Google Drive. If the student misses more than 2 classes for any reason, they are required to make up the session (or sessions) by reviewing the recording and providing a high-level summary and any key takeaways and insights (2 paragraphs minimum) to instructors via email. If there was an activity or discussion in the session, the student will also need to complete it to the best of their ability and submit proof of completion. Students can miss up to a total of 3 live classes (2 excused and 1 makeup session reviews). Students must complete and submit any makeup sessions before Lesson 17 to graduate, unless they have made other arrangements with instructors in writing. Level 2 Program Requirements As part of this course, the student will receive 10 observed, mentor coaching sessions. At least three of those sessions will be in a 1:1 environment with an IFCE instructor. Students must complete 3 in class observed coaching sessions in order to be eligible for graduation. As part of this course, students will be paired with a peer coach and are expected to meet on a weekly basis to practice the core competencies and track coaching hours for their accreditation. The IFCE will provide a template for tracking coaching hours, but it is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are tracking hours in accordance with ICF requirements. Students must complete 15 peer coaching sessions in order to be eligible for graduation. Students cannot miss more than 5 lessons (3 excused and 2 makeup sessions), in order to still be eligible for graduation. All classes are recorded and uploaded to the shared student folder immediately following class. Students are expected to participate in weekly class discussions and complete homework prompts in the IFCE's Slack. Students must complete 70% of all Slack assignments, and homework templates. All students must complete the IFCE’s Cumulative Knowledge Assessment at the end of class and must receive a passing score of 70%. You must also complete the learning checks after each Module. There are no passing score requirements for Learning Checks. Students are required to complete a 8 to 10-minute promotional presentation as part of their Capstone Project. This presentation can be a Ted-style talk, a PowerPoint presentation, or a pre-recorded marketing video. ALL of the following concepts must be included in your capstone presentation to be eligible for graduation: A) An elevator introduction to you, your coaching business, and approach, B) Utilize or teach a skill or technique learned in class, C) Provide a summary of your specialties and service offerings, D) Share a resource or cite a professional body of work you have researched, E) A description of how to acquire your services. Students must submit one recorded coaching session that meets the PCC Markers for a final performance evaluation. This recording should be between 30 and 45 minutes long (30 minutes at the least and no more than 60 minutes long) Recordings longer than 60 minutes will not be accepted. Students must also submit a transcript saved in .DOC or .DOCX format.
  • What materials are required for this course?
    You will need a computer or smart tablet with reliable wifi access before our first class. Although not required, we also recommend securing a journal for taking notes, reflecting, and completing written assignments.
  • What if I have additional questions or a complaint?
    For questions about the ICFE and upcoming course, send an email to info@theIFCE.org. If you are currently a student and/or wish to file a complaint, you can review the International Coaching Federation’s reporting process and file a complaint regarding an individual practitioner or a coaching program here.
  • Who is the ICF?
    The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals. As the world’s largest organization of professionally trained coaches, ICF confers instant credibility upon its members. ICF is also committed to connecting member coaches with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their careers. ICF offers the only globally recognized, independent credentialing program for coach practitioners. ICF Credentials are awarded to professional coaches who have met stringent education and experience requirements and have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the coaching competencies that set the standard in the profession. Achieving credentials through ICF signifies a coach’s commitment to integrity, understanding and mastery of coaching skills, and dedication to clients. Taken from the ICF Website
  • What are the different ICF credential levels?
    There are three ICF credential levels; Associate Certified Coach - coaches who have completed 60 hours of ICF approved training and at least 100 hours of ICF approved coaching. You can find more about the ACC credential requirements and process here. Professional Certified Coaching - coaches who have completed 125 hours of ICF approved training and at least 500 ICF approved coaching hours with at least 25 clients. You can find more about the PCC credential requirements and process here. Master Certified Coach - coaches who have completed at least 200 hours of ICF approved coursework and 2,500 hours of ICF approved coaching hours with at least 35 clients. You must submit a recording of 2 coaching sessions and complete at least 10 mentor coaching sessions in the three months prior to submission. You can learn more about the MCC accreditation requirements here.
  • How do I become an ICF credentialed coach?
    The ICF provides three different professional coaching credential levels. Below is a summary of the credential requirements for each level. Please note that our Level 1 Program satisfies the education requirements for those interested in pursuing an Associate Certified Coach Credential (ACC) and our Level 2 Program satisfies the education requirements for both the ACC and PCC credential. You can find more about the various credentialing pathways by visiting the ICF’s credentialing website here. Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential Requirements 60+ hours of ICF approved coaching education 100 hour of coaching Complete ACC Credentialing Exam Provide Final Performance Evaluation (not needed with our program) Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Credential Requirements 125+ hours of ICF approved coaching education 500 hours of coaching experience Complete ICF Credentialing Exam Provide Final Performance Evaluation (not needed with our program) Master Certified Coach Credential (MCC) Requirements 200+ hours of ICF aligned coaching education 2,500 coach experience hours Complete ICF Credentialing Exam Provide Final Performance Evaluation
  • Is the IFCE accredited by the International Coaching Federation?
    The International Coaching Federation only accredits programs, not institutions. See below for an updated accreditation status for each of our programs. Please visit the ICF website to learn about their requirements for pursuing a professional coaching credential. Level 1 Program (ACC Pathway, Accreditation Pending) Accreditation for our Level -1 Program is underway. We anticipate receiving accreditation for that program before classes commences in March of 2025. Regardless of that program's accreditation status, individuals who complete this program, pass the ICF's Coach Credentialing Exam , and obtain the necessary coaching hours can apply for the ACC or PCC credential using the ICF's ASCC Portfolio Pathway. We are happy to provide the documents to support your credentialing journey. Level 2 Program (PCC Pathway, Fully Credentialed) Our 6 month, Level 2, 135-hour Life, Leadership, & Executive Coaching Program is Accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). It meets the minimum education and mentor coaching requirements for the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential. Please visit the International Coaching Federation's website for more information about Level 2 (formerly ACTP Path) programs. Self Paced Program Our Self Paced course is not accredited and we do not have plans to accredit this asynchronous only course. However, it is an ICF-aligned program and regardless of that program's accreditation status, individuals who complete this program, pass the ICF's Coach Credentialing Exam, and obtain the necessary coaching hours can apply for the ACC credential using the ICF's ACC Portfolio Pathway. We are happy to provide the documents to support your credentialing journey.
  • What is the sick leave and absence policy?
    Level 1 Leave of Absence Policy Students can miss up to a total of 3 live classes (2 excused and 1 makeup session reviews). If a student misses more than 2 classes for any reason, they are required to make up the 3rd missed session by reviewing the recording and providing a high-level summary and any key takeaways and insights (2 paragraphs minimum). If there was an activity or discussion in the session, the student will also need to complete it to the best of their ability and submit proof of completion. Students must complete and submit any makeup sessions before the course completion date. Students should submit their makeup review(s) to Instructors via email. If a student is unable to complete a makeup session before the course concludes they may be dropped from the program and invited to finish their coursework with the next IFCE cohort. If the student completes their coursework with another IFCE cohort, they are still required to pay the full cost of tuition from the original Student Agreement. Level 2 Absence Policy Students can miss up to a total of 5 classes (3 excused and 2 makeup session reviews). If a student misses more than 5 classes for any reason, they are required to make up the 4th and 5th session (or sessions) by reviewing the recording and providing a high-level summary and any key takeaways and insights (2 paragraphs minimum). If there was an activity or discussion in the session, the student will also need to complete it to the best of their ability and submit proof of completion. Students must complete and submit any makeup sessions before the Capstone Presentations. Students should submit their makeup review(s) to Instructors via email. If a student is unable to complete a makeup session before the Capstone project they may be dropped from the program and invited to finish their coursework with the next IFCE cohort. If the student completes their coursework with another IFCE cohort, they are still required to pay the full cost of tuition from the original Student Agreement.
  • What if I begin classes but am unable to complete the program?
    If the student enrolls in an IFCE program, submit timely payments, and participates without incident but is unable to complete the coursework due to sickness, personal emergency or any other reason, they are welcome to pause their coursework and join a future class. In most cases, students are not required to start all over, but will pick up where their studies left off. If the student has paid in advance for tuition, they will receive a refund in accordance with our refund and withdrawal policy.
  • Does the IFCE offer refunds?
    Students can withdrawal from the Level 1 or Level 2 Programs by providing written notice to admin@theifce.org. Students who withdraw from the program without incident, are welcome to re-join a future cohort to complete their coursework. The IFCE does not provide refunds for admission fees once the student agreement has been signed, but can provide refunds for tuition paid in full, and students who have set up a monthly payment plan, less the $10 processing fee. Students who request a refund, including students who make their full tuition payment in advance, can expect a refund in accordance with the policy below. Please note that students are responsible for covering tuition for any classes that fall within 24-hours of their notice to withdraw. Withdrawals made less than 24 hours before the next class will become active the following day. You are still responsible for paying for any lessons attended, but not paid for my your automatic payments. You must make all tuition payments to receive a Certificate of Completion. Level 1 Program Refund Policy The last day to drop and receive a partial refund is 24 hours before Lesson 11. After Lesson 11 the student is responsible for 100% of the remaining tuition balance. Regardless of the student’s current or future enrollment status, payments will continue to be automatically debited for those on payment plans, until the remaining tuition balance is paid. Level 2 Program Refund Policy The last day to drop and receive a partial refund is 24 hours before Lesson 15. After Lesson 14 the student is responsible for 100% of the remaining tuition balance. Regardless of the student’s current or future enrollment status, payments will continue to be automatically debited for those on payment plans, until the remaining tuition balance is paid.
  • What is the cost of tuition and fees?
    Beginning January 1, 2025 the Level 1 IFCE Certified Coach Training Program will cost $3,500 and the Level 2, Life, Leadership, & Executive Program will cost $5,500, which includes a payment of $300 for administration fees to secure your seat in class. Please note that there is a $10 processing fee for all payment plans. We also currently offer 4, 6, and 8 month extended payment plans for tuition. We also accept payments from 3rd parties, including organizations, and partial payments. Here is a 2025 Price Sheet with updated pricing information.
  • How are billings and payments collected?
    Unless we are working directly with an organization or institution, payments are managed using either Paypal or your credit or debit card on the IFCE’s secure payment processing page. You can pay upfront or enroll in our monthly deduction program. Unless otherwise negotiated with instructors beforehand, payments must be received 3 weeks before class to receive joining information and no students will be submitted after completion of the 4th lesson. Please note that there is a $10 dollar processing fee for monthly payments. Students must submit an enrollment payment to hold their seat in the class. Class seats are first come first serve.
  • What are the requirements for admission?
    There are no requirements for the Self-Paced Program, although we recommend that students have an intermediate level of English Language fluency. For the Level 1 and Level 2 Programs, students receive enrollment status once they have submitted an enrollment form, attended an Information Session, submitted their $300 deposit, electronically signed their student agreement, and enrolled in a payment plan. All students must be at least 18 years of age. Apart from having basic English language speaking and writing proficiency, there are no education requirements for enrollment.
  • Does the IFCE accept credit transfers?
    At this time the IFCE does not offer credit transfers from other institutions or coaching programs. However, we encourage you to reach out with any questions or issues regarding past education so that we can make an attempt to accommodate your specific situation.
  • Does the IFCE offer scholarships or work/trade programs?
    Although the IFCE does not have a formal scholarship or work/trade program, we do offer flexible invoicing and extended payment plans to accommodate your financial situation. We have intentionally made our program affordable and will make every attempt to support aspiring coaches who do not have access to wealth as part of our commitment to equity - just email us with more information about your situation so we can assist.

Ready to learn more?

It takes 5 minutes to start your journey. Just click the link below to provide your information,

share your questions and someone will be in contact with you about the next informational meeting.

bottom of page