International Coaching Federation (ICF) Level 1 Training Program

Advance Your Coaching Career with ICF Level 1 Certification at Queens

Now enrolling for the fall 2025 semester that begins in August!

Queens University of Charlotte is proud to offer International Coaching Federation (ICF) Level 1 training, equipping aspiring coaches with the knowledge and competencies required to thrive in the field. As the global authority in professional coaching, the ICF sets the standard for excellence, ethics, and impact in the industry.

The coaching program at Queens University of Charlotte will prepare you to support others in meaningful ways—whether that’s helping them grow personally, build stronger relationships, or enhance their professional performance. By completing this program, you’ll join a community of coaches committed to upholding high standards and fostering positive change, while gaining the tools, confidence, and insight to make a real difference in the lives of your clients.

ICF Level 1 Training Overview at Queens

• Two courses spanning two semesters, or nine months, plus 10 hours of mentor coaching
• Total cost: $8,965
• Classes start in August 2025
• Apply to enroll through the Executive Coaching certificate program in the McColl School of Business
• ICF Level 1 candidates need to complete 100 experience hours (75 of which need to be paid). Students can begin counting hours after their first day of class in this program. Students in the Queens program will have the opportunity to earn a portion of experience hours through peer coaching outside of class hours.
• After completing all Level 1 ICF requirements, candidates need to pass the online exam, offered through ICF.
• Complete a third course to earn your Executive Coaching certificate through Queens. (You do not need to complete the full Queens Executive Coaching Certificate to complete the ICF Level 1 program.)

How do I earn my ICF Level 1 credential?

You’ll take these two courses:

Course 1: Introduction to Coaching

• Meets three Saturdays (Sept. 20, Oct. 25, and Nov. 22) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• All class meetings are offered online with virtual synchronous instruction
• Sept. 20 and Oct. 25 sessions also offered in person on the Queens campus in Charlotte, NC
• Classes include two individual feedback or assessment sessions

Course 2: Advanced Coaching

• Meets three Saturdays between January and April 2026 (dates TBD) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• All class meetings are offered online with virtual synchronous instruction
• Two sessions will also be offered in person on the Queens campus in Charlotte, NC
• Classes include three individual feedback or assessment sessions

You’ll also need to meet several requirements:

• Mentor Coaching (offered at Queens)
  • 7 hours of group coaching and 3 hours of 1:1 coaching
  • Offered on Saturdays in the February-April timeframe (dates TBD)
  • A minimum of three recorded client sessions are required for mentor coaching. We can help you recruit a client from our networks if you do not have a client who is willing to be recorded.
• Performance Evaluation (offered at Queens)
  • To receive the Level 1 credential, one recording of a client session must pass the ACC level assessment. You will practice evaluating your client recordings during mentor coaching to prepare for this evaluation.
• Practical Final Exam
  • When you have completed your 100 hours of client hours, you will apply to the ICF for the ACC credential and take the ICF ACC Credentialing exam.

ICF Requirement	Can be completed at Queens?	Completed outside of Queens?
65 hours of education	Yes
5 feedback sessions	Yes
10 hours of mentoring (including 3 individual + feedback session)	Yes
Performance Evaluation	Yes
ICF Online Exam	No	Via ICF website
100 hours experience requirement (75 need to be paid)	Partially	Yes

Completing a Full Certificate or Graduate Degree Through Queens

Looking to elevate your career and expand your professional credentials?

Once you complete the ICF Level 1 training, you’ll be just one course away from earning the Queens Executive Coaching Certificate. Options for the third course include Coaching Practicum, Leadership Development, Interpersonal and Group Dynamics, Understanding Social Identities, Conflict and Negotiation, or Transformational Change. Students enrolled in the Coaching Practicum can earn experience hours toward their credential.

By completing the ICF training, you’ll also have completed six credits that can be applied toward a Master of Business Administration or Master of Science in Talent and Organization Development with a specialization in Executive Coaching.

Accreditation Statement

This program is currently under review to meet the Level I ICF standards and requirements for accreditation.