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?
    In 2023, the IFCE will offer two course meeting times for two separate cohorts. Please note that all class dates are based on enrollment and subject to change. We require a minimum of 4 students to begin a class. Upcoming Class Dates - Late January 2023 | Wednesdays from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm MT - Early April 2023 | Tuesdays from 8:00 am - 11:00 am MT 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?
    Class sizes range anywhere from 4 students to 8. We will never have a class larger than 10 students, unless it is part of a custom program for a group training session.
  • 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?
    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 will receive written feedback on at least four of the 10 mentor coaching sessions. Students must complete 5 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. 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 10 to 12 -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 ACC or PCC Markers for a final performance evaluation. This recording should be between 30 and 45 minutes long (20 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?
    For both the ACC and PCC credential levels, there are three pathways for becoming an accredited coach; ACTP Pathway - complete 65 to 200 accredited coach specific training hours with an Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP). Requires mentor coaching and completion of a Coach knowledge assessment (CKA) and the necessary coaching hours. ACSTH Pathway - for students who have completed at least 65 to 200 hours of Accredited Coach Specific Training (ACSTH) hours. You must submit an audio recording and transcripts, complete a Coach Knowledge Assessment, and the necessary coaching hours. Portfolio Pathway - for students who have completed 65 or 125 hours of Continuing Coach Education (CCE) or non approved coach specific training. You must provide robust documentation that the coursework provided a review of the ICF definition of coaching, the code of ethics, and core competencies. This pathway also requires submission of audio recording, completion of a Coach Knowledge Assessment and the necessary coaching hours. You can find more about the various credentialing pathways by visiting the ICF’s credentialing website here. *The IFCE is pursuing the Level 2 accreditation from the ICF and all coaching hours received from this program will meet requirements for the Level 2 (previously ACC ACSTH) accreditation pathway, once accreditation has been received. Regardless of the IFCE’s accreditation status, students always have the option to pursue ACC or PCC accreditation using the ACC Portfolio Pathway after completing this course. If you are part of the inaugural class, you will be eligible to apply for the Level 2 pathway once the ICF accredits our program.
  • Is the IFCE accredited by the International Coaching Federation?
    Yes! The 125-hour Life, Leadership, & Executive Coaching Program is Accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Our program meets the minimum education and mentor coaching requirements for the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential. Students who complete our 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 Level 2 /ACTP Path.
  • What is the sick leave and absence policy?
    If a student misses more than 3 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). 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. Students can miss up to a total of 5 classes (3 excused and 2 makeup session reviews).
  • 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 program at any time, 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 $5 processing fee. For students who opt in to the monthly payment plan, the IFCE will suspend automatic payments immediately and can provide a refund in the amount of $100 per class not attended after the advance monthly payment has been processed. Because some months have 5 weeks, it is possible students may still owe $100 dollars after withdrawing. In the case a student terminates their enrollment during a month with 5 weeks and cancels before the next automatic deposit goes through, no refund will be provided and a final invoice will be sent to student to cover the cost of class attended. Otherwise, advance payment for lessons not attended will be refunded to students. (see below for an example) For students who have paid for their tuition in full, you can expect a refund of $100 for every lesson you did not attend. For example, if you pay the full tuition ($2,400) and enrollment fees ($300) at a cost of $2,700 and attend 5 lessons, you would receive a refund of $1,900 ($2,400 - $500). Regardless of payment methods, students who withdrawal early are also asked to set aside time to end their peer coaching sessions and complete an exit questionnaire. Students can expect a refund within 14 business day of submitting a written cancellation notice. Withdrawal Calculation Example -- Monthly Payments w/$100 bill Student Enrolls: Student opts into monthly payments ($405 received) Month 1: Student attends 4 classes in a month with 4 Tuesdays ($405+$405 =$810 received) Month 2: Student attends 5 classes & withdrawals before Month 3 payment is processed Month 3: Student does not attend classes and must pay $100 to cover the 5th class attended in Month 2. Refund Calculation Examples -- Monthly Payments w/refund Student Enrolls: Student opts into monthly payments ($405 received) Month 1: Student attends 4 classes in a month with 4 Tuesdays ($405+$405 =$810 received) Month 2: Student attends 2 classes & withdrawals before Month 3 payment is processed Month 3: Student does not attend any classes and will receive a refund of $200.
  • What is the cost of tuition and fees?
    Cost of the Winter 2023 cohorts are $3,200, which includes a payment of $300 for administration fees to secure your seat in class. Please note that there is a $7 processing fee for all payment plans. We currently offer a 6 month, $490 per month, payment plan for tuition. We also accept payments from 3rd parties, including organizations. Beginning August 2023, the cost of tuition and enrollment will increase to $4,000. This will allow us to offer scholarships every semester and continue funding our IFCE Fellowship & Coaching Excellence Award to students. We are offering an extended 8-month payment plan to ensure our program is affordable. We will also be announcing a scholarship program in December of 2023.
  • 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. Payment must be received 48 hours before class to receive joining information and no students will be submitted after completion of the 2nd lesson. Please note that there is a $5 dollar processing fee for monthly payments.
  • What are the requirements for admission?
    Students receive enrollment status once they have submitted an interest 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.

New Students Apply Here

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