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      Top-Rated ICF-Accredited Coaching Certification 

      Training World-Class Coaches Since 2002

      Earn your Certified Professional Coach (CPC) certification through iPEC's coach training program, fully accredited by the International Coaching Federation. Our research-backed program has trained more than 25,000 coaches around the globe.
       

      What's the Difference Between a Certified and Uncertified Coach?

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      Uncertified Coaches Are Everywhere

      Here's the truth about the coaching industry: it's completely unregulated. That means anyone can wake up tomorrow, call themselves a coach, and start working with clients—no training, no credentials, no oversight required. These are uncertified coaches, and while some may have valuable life experience or strong intuition, they're essentially learning on the job, often at their clients' expense.

      Certification Signals Credibility

      This is exactly why certification matters. Choosing to become a certified coach signals to clients that you're serious about your craft and that you've invested in developing real skills, not just winging it. But here's where it gets tricky: there's no shortage of certification programs out there, ranging from weekend workshops to comprehensive training programs, with wildly different levels of quality, credibility, and rigor.

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      Build Confidence and Proven Skills 

      When you earn your coaching certification through a credible program, you're not just getting a certificate to hang on your wall. You're gaining proven coaching techniques, hands-on practice with real clients, and the confidence to step into sessions knowing you can actually facilitate transformation. You're building a foundation that allows you to deliver real, lasting results—and to attract clients who are willing to invest in working with a trained professional.

      So once you've decided that certification is the right path (and we think it is!), the next big question becomes: How do you choose the right certification program? That's where ICF accreditation comes in.

      ICF Accreditation

      Why ICF Accreditation Matters for Coaches

      In today's coaching landscape, holding a professional credential—particularly a certification from an ICF-accredited coaching certification program—can really set you apart.

      According to the 2022 Global Consumer Awareness Study, 80% of coaching clients deem it crucial or highly important that their coach possesses a credential. Obtaining a coaching certification from an ICF-accredited program not only grants you instant credibility, it also enhances your visibility among potential clients, opening doors to new opportunities and partnerships.

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      About the ICF and Its Requirements

      Founded in 1995, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the coaching industry’s governing body with many non-profit chapters located around the world.

      As the global authority on professional coaching, the ICF plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining high standards within the coaching industry.

      While the ICF doesn't offer its own training programs, they do set the gold standard for other coach training programs and lend its seal of approval in the form of accreditation—thereby contributing to the development of competent and skilled coaches worldwide.

      How iPEC Exceeds the ICF Accreditation Requirements

      We go above and beyond to offer students an experience that prepares them to step into the role of a masterful, confident coach.

      Every three years, the ICF conducts an in-depth audit to ensure every program is upholding the most recent industry standards, and for more than 20 years the iPEC Coach Training Program has earned that seal of approval with each review. 

      Some ways that iPEC goes beyond the ICF’s coaching curriculum requirements include: 

      • The Core Energy Coaching™ methodology that equips you to support others in being the agent of change in their lives and creating the things they most want to experience 

      • Access to curriculum hours and materials that significantly exceed the ICF’s already extensive requirements 

      • Tools to help prepare you for your coaching career beyond your certification, including a coaching specialties library and opportunities for ongoing education 

      • Ample opportunities to practice and gain practical coaching experience beyond the ICF’s standards 

      Choose from Two Training Options with iPEC

      Full Coach Training Program

      By completing the iPEC Coach Training Program, in addition to two certifications you’ll earn:
      67 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification
      70 Credit hours toward HRCI recertification
      120 Credit hours toward Board Certified Coach (BCC) credential recertification

      Coaching Fundamentals only

      By completing the Coaching Fundamentals module, in addition to a certificate, you'll earn:
      27 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) toward SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification
      27 Credit hours toward HRCI recertification

      Why Choose iPEC's ICF-Accredited Coach Training Program?

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      Master a Proven Methodology

      Our proprietary Core Energy Coaching™ methodology goes beyond the methods of traditional coaching, offering a proven path for getting to the root of clients’ challenges and creating sustainable transformation. Founded on more than 10,000 hours of research and application over 30 years, this is the foundation of coaching you want.

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      Learn From World-Class Faculty

      Our Lead Trainers are the beating heart of the iPEC coach training experience. All of our trainers have completed 500+ coaching hours to obtain a PCC or MCC credential from the ICF, plus an additional 640 training hours with iPEC—so you can be sure you’ll receive the same exceptional experience, no matter who’s delivering the material to you!

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      Add the ELI Assessment to Your Toolbox

      As an iPEC grad, you’ll be trained and certified to use the Energy Leadership™ Index (ELI) assessment with your clients. The ELI is a research-backed assessment that provides tangible insights into how someone shows up in different areas of their life. As a certified practitioner, you’ll help others facilitate their own increases in self-awareness—and impact the world.

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      Benefit from Built-In Flexibility

      Choose to attend your modules in person in a city near you, or virtually from anywhere in the world! Plus, there are midweek and weekend options so you can choose what fits best with your schedule.

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      Join a Thriving Global Community

      With more than 25,000 iPEC grads around the globe, our community is packed with fellow coaches who have been where you are and who are willing (and eager!) to support you every step of your coaching journey.

      Earn Two Certifications

      Our ICF-Accredited Coach Training Program includes two industry-recognized certifications

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      Certified Professional
      Coach (CPC)

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      Energy Leadership Index® Master Practitioner (ELI-MP)

      Awards and Recognition

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      Named one of the “11 Assessments Every Executive Should Take” by Forbes, the Energy Leadership Index® (ELI) assessment is a research-backed attitudinal assessment that’s exclusively available for ELI-MP certified iPEC graduates to administer.

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      Forbes named the iPEC Coach Training Program as one of the Best Life Coach Certification Programs of 2023 in the Forbes Health Best Of 2023 list—with special recognition for “Best for Support After Graduation.”

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      According to a study conducted by the research firm PayScale, HR professionals who became an iPEC CPC (Certified Professional Coach) were promoted more often than colleagues who had no certifications by 14%. That same group also took home 28% more pay.

      Hear What Past Students Have to Say

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      I learned how to apply coaching techniques to my organization’s leadership development training, helping me cultivate stronger leaders and drive meaningful change.

       

      – Pasquale B.

      Not only have I learned the skills I needed to become a great coach, I grew and changed as a human being as well. I am incredibly grateful for the experience and the people I have met through this amazing journey!

       

      –  Susan S.

      iPEC not only changed my career trajectory but it really changed my life, my self-confidence, resilience, and definition of success and happiness. I show up to all aspects of my life as a more thoughtful, caring, and happy person.

       

      – Piper W.
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      Our Industry Partnerships

      For us, ICF Accreditation was just the beginning. In addition to our ICF accreditation, iPEC currently holds the following industry credentials:

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      HRCI Approved Provider: For more than 45 years, the HR Certification Institute® has stood tall as the premier credentialing organization for the human resource profession.

      The use of this official seal confirms that this Activity has met HR Certification Institute’s® (HRCI®) criteria for recertification credit pre-approval.

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      SHRM-CP & SCP Certified Provider: We are recognized as both Certified and Senior Certified Professionals with the Society for Human Resources Management.

      iPEC is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.

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      CCE Board Certified Coach: iPEC is approved by the Center for Credentialing and Education as a Registered Credential Training Provider.

      Coach Training Program for Credentialing & Education (CCE) registered 1008-BCC training provider. This course is approved as a 120 hours for BCC training

      Does the Coach Training Program count toward an ICF Credential?

      In addition to accrediting coach training programs like the one offered by iPEC, the ICF also offers individual credentialing paths for coaches who choose to pursue them on their own after completing coach training. 

      The great news? The training you’ll receive from iPEC includes 160 ICF-accredited training hours which meets the educational requirements for at least a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Credential from the ICF.

      The Three ICF Credentials a Coach Can Earn

      Associate Certified Coach (ACC)

      This credential signifies a solid foundation and demonstrates a commitment to professional growth. 

      • 60 hours of coach-specific education
      • 100 hours of client coaching experience
      Professional Certified Coach (PCC)

      PCC coaches showcase a dedication to honing their skills and making a significant impact in the coaching realm.

      • 125 hours of coach-specific education
      • 500 hours of client coaching experience
      Master Certified Coach (MCC)

      This credential stands as the pinnacle of coaching excellence.

      • Must possess or have held a PCC Credential
      • 200 hours of coach-specific education
      • 2,500 hours of client coaching experience

      Begin Your ICF-Accredited Life Coach Journey Today

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