The coaching industry is rapidly growing, and as more individuals choose this career path, the desire of clients and organizations for a particular standard of coaching is increasing too. In this scenario, if you’re interested in taking up a coaching career, you might wonder whether it is worth investing in becoming an Associate Certified Coach or Level 1 coach training program.
In this blog, we will discuss a few reasons why it is worthwhile to invest in becoming an Associate certified coach. Before we get there, let’s learn about an Associate Certified Coach and how to become one.
What Is an Associate Certified Coach?
Associate Certified Coach (ACC) is the first level credential out of the three credentials offered by the international coaching federation (ICF) to individuals who have completed an ICF-accredited coach training program and meet all the ICF’s requirements to receive it. The ACC level is also the basis for obtaining the next credential level, i.e., The Professional Certified Coach (PCC).
About the ICF
The international coaching federation (ICF) is a non-profit organization formed in 1995. Over the years, ICF has been recognized as the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting the gold standard in coaching, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals.
The ICF does not directly offer coaching programs but accredits coach training programs offered by the Coach Education Institutes. ICF rigorously reviews the curriculum to ensure that all the accredited programs are based on the ICF core competencies and aligned with the ICF code of ethics, which every coach should strive for at the end of the program.
The ICF accredits only those programs that comply with the ICF gold standards and guidelines. It ensures that the coach training program provides development opportunities for aspiring coaches who want to take up coaching as a professional career and for leaders/managers or entrepreneurs who wish to enhance their leadership style with coaching skills.
How to Become an Associate Certified Coach?
To become an Associate Certified Coach, you must meet the following requirements by the ICF:
- 60+ hours of coaching education through an ICF-accredited coach training program
- 100+ hours of coaching experience
- 10 hours of mentor coaching
- Successful completion of performance evaluation and ICF Credentialing Exam
Are You Looking for an ICF-Accredited Coach Training Program?
Accredited Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH), also known as the Level 1 program, is an ICF-accredited coach training program offered at The 3D Coaching Academy by CoachWhizz. It provides comprehensive start-to-finish coach training and enables you to coach at the ACC credential level. Enroll Now!
Is It Worth Investing in Becoming an Associate Certified Coach?
Here we discuss a few reasons that might encourage you to take the leap of faith in advancing your coaching career and help you determine whether investing in becoming an Associate Certified Coach is worthwhile.
Career Opportunities
Employers and clients in today’s world look for the best and most qualified coaches. The ICF-Certified Coaches are in high demand as they demonstrate their commitment to coaching excellence as a professional. Being an ICF Associate Certified Coach will elevate your level of coaching, and you will be immediately recognized by organizations and clients, providing you with numerous career opportunities.
Increased Confidence
The training process you go through while becoming an Associate Certified Coach transforms you into a better individual. You gain deeper insights into how you approach people and develop active listening skills allowing you to look at every situation with a positive approach and support your clients to do the same.
Adherence to Ethical Standards
Becoming an Associate Certified Coach is not just about obtaining the credential but also ensuring that you adhere to the ICF code of ethics that allows the coach to partner with their client in reaching their full potential and builds trust between the coach and the client. These codes of ethics describe the ethical standards of behavior and principles for an ICF credentialed coach, which include:
- Continued learning in the coaching field
- Search for constant self-awareness, self-monitoring, and self-improvement
- Having a clear understanding with clients and sponsors on maintaining confidentiality about the coaching engagement
- Maintaining the distinctions between coaching, consulting, and other support professions
In Conclusion,
An ICF credential, such as the ACC Credential attained by ACC Coach Certification, is a great way to start your coaching career! It helps you gain credibility, build professional contacts in the industry, and develop and hone your coaching skills to a level where you partner with the clients and support them on their journey to discovering what their hearts desire instead of directing or advising them.
Investing and getting certified as an ICF Associate Certified Coach is worthwhile if you are determined to take your coaching career to a professional level.
The 3D Coaching Academy by CoachWhizz offers an ICF-accredited ACSTH/ Level 1 coach training program that provides coaching education based on the ICF core competencies and backed by science which makes your training interactive and experimental. Join Now!
