If you’re new to coaching, ICF-accredited courses are the gold standard place to start. The International Coaching Federation is the world’s most recognised coaching body and its accredited programs are built around eight Core ICF Competencies — evidence-based skills like active listening, powerful questioning, and facilitating client growth — refined over decades of research into what actually creates client transformation.
Unlike generic online courses, our ICF accredited programs require you to practice real coaching, receive feedback from experienced mentor coaches, and demonstrate your skills before you’re certified. This means you don’t just learn the theory of coaching but you’ll actually practice it regularly with your peers on the course. You receive honest feedback against competency markers from experienced mentor coaches that help grow your confidence session by session. Training is structured around proven frameworks, including our very own trademarked Optimus Holistic Coaching Framework™ and SELFLESS Model. An ICF credential also signals credibility to clients and employers worldwide, giving you both the competence to transform lives and the recognition to build a thriving practice.
At Optimus we offer ICF accredited courses for both the Associate Certified Coach(ACC) and the Professional Certified Coach ( PCC)
| ACC (Associate Certified Coach) Level 1 | PCC (Professional Certified Coach ) Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| What is it | ICF's entry credential — Core Competencies applied reliably | Same competencies with greater depth, consistency, and maturity |
| Length of Course | 4 months | 8 Months |
| Training Hours | 85 hours | 150 hours |
| LIVE Training | 45 hours | 98 hours |
| Feedback and Reflection | 8 hours | 10 hours |
| 1:1 Mentoring | 5 hours | 5 hours |
| Group Mentoring | 5 hours | 5 hours |
| ICF Ethics Course | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Self Study Hours | 19 hours | 29 hours |
The difference between ACC and PCC isn’t just about hours and requirements — it’s about the depth and maturity of your coaching. The competencies are identical on paper. What changes is how consistently and skilfully they’re demonstrated. In the coaching agreement, ACC coaches typically clarify the client’s topic and session outcome, while PCC coaches co-create a contract with success measures and revisit it as the session evolves. ACC sessions can carry a “performance layer” of applied models and structure; PCC sessions sound steadier and more fluid, responding to what emerges. ACC listening accurately tracks facts, goals, and options; PCC listening is layered, attuned to emotion, assumptions, energy, and what’s left unsaid. ACC questioning drives clarity and next steps; PCC inquiry stretches thinking around values, identity, and perspective for more durable insight. That’s why the extra hours exist — not as a hurdle, but as space to develop depth through deliberate practice.
You will better understand what it is like to study on either of our Accredited Diplomas with Video testimonials included
A detailed breakdown of the different modules taught in both our ICF Accredited Diplomas.
Find out course dates and meet members of the Optimus team
"Doing the Optimus Coach Academy diploma has been such a game-changer for me. I now feel armed with a great range of tools to support any individual. The mix of practical learning, live practice, and support from mentors and peers made the whole experience both challenging and inspiring. I've come away with real confidence in myself as a coach."
"Great coaches, very supportive, no issue is small to raise. The training is very practical and at the same time the portal has so much information and materials, there is plenty for everyone. The flexibility of the training sessions was very helpful as someone who works full time. In summary: I couldn't be happier that I chose the Optimus team. They are simply amazing."
It’s the ICF’s entry-level accredited training. Level 1 coaching education gives aspiring coaches fundamental skills and a clear pathway to the ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential. Note that Level 1 and Level 2 are program designations, not credential levels. The course itself doesn’t make you an ACC; ICF awards that separately.
ACC is the first credential level and is designed for newer coaches. At this stage, coaches demonstrate they can apply the ICF core competencies, build coaching relationships, and conduct effective coaching conversations. It signals that a coach has formal training and supervised development, but is still building experience.
PCC is often considered the benchmark credential for full-time professional coaches. Coaches at this level have significantly more client experience and are expected to facilitate deeper awareness, behavioral change, and accountability. Many organizations looking to hire external coaches specifically request PCC-level credentials.
