Learn what is the difference about the 3 Levels of training, the difference about the 3 Levels of ICF accreditation (ACC, PCC and MCC) and choose the right path for you.
The most important thing when you are about to invest in your education and in your profession is clarity. At SunLight Academy we know that and we do our best to offer you a simple approach, with clear details about the levels of coaching education, the type of certification and the credential paths you can access when you graduate with our Academy.
International Coaching Federation (ICF) has been innovating their current global accreditation model to set the highest standards for coach-specific education in the world. At SunLight Academy we have aligned our programs so that we enable coaches to find a clearer path to quality education to prepare for the nuance, complexity and sophistication of today’s coaching consumer.
Keep on reading and learn about the 3 different Levels of coaching education and choose the best one for your needs, your expectations and your vision for the career that you want to pursue.
Level 1
ACC Path
To apply for the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential, the applicant is required to
- have completed at least 60 hours of coach-specific education (Level 1)
- a minimum of 100 hours of client coaching experience
- 10 hours of mentor coaching over a minimum of three months
- must pass a performance assessment of their coaching and a computer-based written exam (CKA) delivered by ICF Credentials and Standards.
Level 1 with SunLight Academy offers 60 hrs of training, and is designated as ACC Accredited Education. Graduates from a Level 1 education and training programs may apply for the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential using the Level 1 application path if they meet the credentialing application.
Level 2
PCC Path
To apply for the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Credential, the applicant is required
- to have completed at least 125 hours of coach-specific education (Level 2)
- a minimum of 500 hours of client coaching experience
- 10 hours of mentor coaching over a minimum of three months
- must pass a performance assessment of their coaching and a computer-based written exam (CKA) delivered by ICF Credentials and Standards.
Level 2 with SunLight Academy offers 130 hrs of training, and is designated as PCC Accredited Education. Graduates from a Level 2 education and training programs may apply for the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Credential using the Level 2 application path if they meet the credentialing application
Level 3
MCC Path
To apply for the Master Certified Coach (MCC) Credential, ICF requires:
- 200 hours of coach-specific education or training (Level 3)
- 10 hours of Mentor Coaching over a minimum of three months. Your Mentor Coach must hold an MCC Credential in good standing. Mentor Coaching hours submitted with an MCC Credential application cannot be the same Mentor Coaching hours applied toward a previous application for the ACC or PCC
- A minimum of 2,500 hours (2,250 paid) of coaching experience with at least 35 clients, following the start of your coach-specific education or training.
- Performance evaluation (two audio recordings and written transcripts of coaching sessions to be uploaded with your application).
- Currently holds (or previously held) a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Credential.
- Complete the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA*) unless previously passed when applying for ACC or PCC. Credential.
See below the comparison of the three Levels of specific coaching education
SunLight Coaching
Certification
Level 1 - Pathway to the ACC Credential
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to get the basic foundation of coaching
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60 student contact hours
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estimated completion time 6-10 months
-
5 observed coaching sessions
-
written feedback for 3 of the sessions
-
80% synch / 20% asynch hours
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10 hours of Mentor Coaching at ACC level
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oral exam: performance evaluation of a coaching session graded at or above the ACC level
-
final written coach knowledge evaluation
-
Level 1 (former ACSTH) certificate
SunLight Coaching
Diploma
Level 2 - Pathway to the PCC Credential
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to become a Professional Coach
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130 student contact hours
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estimated completion time 12-18 months
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6 Observed Coaching Sessions
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written feedback for 4 of the sessions
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80% synch / 20% asynch hours
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10 hours of Mentor Coaching at PCC level
-
oral exam: performance evaluation of a coaching session graded at or above the PCC level
-
final written coach knowledge evaluation
-
Level 2 (former ACTP) certificate
The Art of Coaching
Master Degree
Level 3 - Pathway to the MCC Credential
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from PCC to become a Master Certified Coach
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80 student contact hours
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estimated completion time 9-12 months
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5 observed coaching sessions
-
written feedback for 3 of the sessions
-
80% synch / 20% asynch hours
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10 hours of Mentor Coaching
-
oral exam: performance evaluation of a coaching session graded at or above the MCC level
-
final written coach knowledge evaluation
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Level 3 certificate
