How Do I Become An ICF Accredited Coach?

The simplest and most common path is to complete an ICF-accredited Level 1 coach training programme, gain coaching experience, and apply for your first credential: Associate Certified Coach (ACC).

Here's the typical journey:

1. Complete an ICF-accredited Level 1 programme

   • 60+ hours of coach-specific education.

   • Learn the 8 ICF Core Competencies and the ICF Code of Ethics.

   • Receive observed coaching practice and feedback.

   • Complete a performance evaluation.

2. Complete mentor coaching

   • Receive 10 hours of mentor coaching over at least 3 months from a qualified mentor coach.

3. Gain coaching experience

   • Log 100 coaching hours, with at least 75 paid hours, before applying for the ACC credential.

4. Apply to ICF

   • If you graduated from a Level 1 or Level 2 programme, you apply through the streamlined Level 1/Level 2 pathway.

5. Pass the ICF ACC Exam

   • The exam tests your understanding of the ICF Core Competencies, ethics, and professional coaching practice.

The three ICF credential levels

• ACC (Associate Certified Coach): Entry-level professional credential.

• PCC (Professional Certified Coach): Requires additional education and significantly more coaching experience.

• MCC (Master Certified Coach): The highest credential, requiring mastery of coaching skills and extensive coaching experience.

How long does it take?

Most coaches complete their Level 1 training in 3–12 months, then spend additional time building their 100 coaching hours. Many achieve their ACC within 6–18 months, depending on how quickly they gain coaching experience.

If your goal is to eventually coach executives, organizations, or build a premium coaching business, it's worth planning beyond ACC and aiming for PCC, as many corporate clients view PCC as the benchmark for experienced professional coaches.

How Do I Become A Comensa Accredited Coach?

To become a COMENSA-accredited (credentialed) coach, you need to complete coach training, join COMENSA, gain coaching experience, and successfully complete the credentialing process. COMENSA is a Coaches and Mentors of South Africa (COMENSA) professional body recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority, and its coaching designations are SAQA-recognized.

A typical pathway looks like this:

1. Complete coach training

   • Enrol in a quality coach training programme, ideally one endorsed by COMENSA or aligned with its competency framework.

2. Become a COMENSA member

   • Join as a Student or Ordinary Member while you complete your training and begin coaching.

3. Build coaching experience

   • Coach real clients and maintain a log of both paid and pro bono coaching hours.

   • Keep records of your coaching practice and professional development.

4. Demonstrate competence

   • When you have sufficient training and coaching experience, apply for a professional designation.

   • COMENSA assesses your:

     • Coaching education

     • Logged coaching hours

     • Understanding of the COMENSA Code of Conduct and Behavioural Standards

     • Overall coaching competence.

5. Receive your professional designation
   COMENSA offers three coaching designation levels:

   • Credentialed Coach – entry-level professional designation.

   • Senior Coach – for experienced coaches working in more complex contexts.

   • Master Coach – the highest designation, recognising extensive experience and mastery.

6. Maintain your credential

   • Renew your designation periodically.

   • Complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and continue to uphold COMENSA's ethical standards.

How long does it take?

Most people become eligible for the first Credentialed Coach designation within 6–18 months, depending on how quickly they complete training and accumulate coaching experience.

COMENSA vs. ICF

If your goal is to coach primarily in South Africa, COMENSA provides strong local professional recognition. If you plan to coach internationally or work with multinational organisations, an ICF credential is often more widely recognised.

Many South African coaches pursue both COMENSA and ICF credentials because the competency frameworks are complementary and the combination provides both local and international credibility.

If you want to become an ICF and COMENSA-aligned professional coach through Level123Coaching.co.za, the pathway is designed to prepare you for both organizations' credentialing requirements.

Step 1: Complete the Level 1 Coach Training Programme

Level123Coaching offers:

• 40 live training sessions

• 60 hours of coach training

• Coaching theory and models

• Live coaching demonstrations

• Practical coaching practice

• Peer coaching

• Mentor feedback

• Assessments and a portfolio of evidence

• Training aligned to both ICF and COMENSA competency frameworks.

Step 2: Practise Coaching

After training, you'll coach real clients to build your experience and confidence. You'll also receive feedback to help you reach professional coaching standards.

Step 3: Apply for ICF

Once you've:

• completed the Level 1 programme,

• completed mentor coaching,

• accumulated the required coaching hours,

• and passed the ICF credential exam,

you can apply for your first ICF credential (ACC). Additional ICF application and membership fees are payable directly to the ICF.

Step 4: Apply for COMENSA

You would:

• join COMENSA as a member,

• log the required coaching hours,

• submit your credentialing application,

• and complete the COMENSA credentialing process.

Cost

Based on the current published information:

• Level123Coaching Level 1 Programme: R19,995.

• ICF Core Competencies Short Course (optional): R400 (US$24).

In addition, if you pursue COMENSA credentialing, current published fees include:

• Student membership: R450/year

• Ordinary membership: R1,970/year plus a once-off R1,000 joining fee

• First credentialing fee: R3,400 (online).

For the ICF, you should also budget separately for:

• ICF membership (optional but discounted for credential applicants)

• Credential application fee

• Credential examination fee (where applicable)

These fees are paid directly to the ICF and vary depending on membership status and the credential being sought.

Estimated total investment

A reasonable estimate to become ready for both pathways is:

• Level123Coaching training: R19,995

• COMENSA fees: approximately R4,850–R6,400 depending on your membership status

• ICF fees: additional fees payable directly to the ICF

This means you should expect to invest roughly R25,000–R35,000 in total to complete your training and pursue both professional credentials, depending on the ICF fees applicable at the time of your application.