If you’re exploring coach training that is accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), understanding the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 pathways can help you choose the right route for your development as a coach.
At Become, we offer both options and we give you the flexibility to start with just Level 1 or to enrol in the full Level 1 + 2 Pathway from the outset. Each route is ICF-accredited, grounded in deep psychological coaching approaches, and designed to meet you where you are. Here’s what you need to know.
Flexible Pathways: Start on Level 1 or Complete the Full Level 1 & 2 Route
Some of our trainees begin with our Diploma in Integrative Coaching (Level 1) and later decide to continue into Level 2 once they’ve built confidence and clarity in their coaching work.
Others join us from the start on the Combined Level 1 and Level 2 Pathway, completing both the Diploma and the Advanced Diploma as one seamless, structured learning journey.
We support both approaches. Whether you want to take it one step at a time or commit to a full professional route towards the PCC credential, we’ll guide you with the same high standards of care, practice and reflection.
Level 1: Diploma in Integrative Coaching
This is the starting point. It’s a practical and reflective programme designed for people who are:
-
New to coaching
-
Coaching already and want a recognised qualification
-
Aiming for their ICF ACC (Associate Certified Coach) credential
The Level 1 Diploma in Integrative Coaching is a transformational, psychology-rooted programme of live online training, 1‑to‑1 observations, structured peer practice with feedback, and coach mentoring. You’ll engage with a variety of evidence‑informed approaches, including psychological frameworks, behavioural models and reflective tools. There is a strong ethical scaffolding aligned with ICF standards. The Level 1 Coaching Course equips you to hold genuinely client-centred, emotionally attuned coaching conversations, and includes personalised feedback loops to support your growth into an impactful, credible professional coach.
The Level 1 Become Coaching Diploma includes:
-
Over 77 hours of accredited coach training.
-
10 hours of ICF mentoring (6 group, 4 individual)
-
Final performance evaluation mapped to ICF ACC level so that you can apply for the Credential once you finish
-
Psychological models, ethical practice, and clear coaching frameworks
-
Delivered flexibly part-time, usually over 6–8 months but you can take up to 18 months to complete it if you wish.
Level 2: Advanced Diploma in Integrative Coaching
The Advanced Diploma in Integrative Coaching is an ICF-accredited Level 2 programme. It is suitable for:
Coaches who have completed an ICF Level 1 programme (with Become or another provider) and want to deepen their practice
Practising coaches ready to work towards either their ICF ACC or PCC credential (the Level 2 allows you to to apply to either Credential Level with the ICF)
Coaches who want to develop a more advanced, psychologically informed and ethically grounded approach
Professionals looking to specialise in areas such as Career & Performance Coaching, Stress & Wellbeing, Leadership & Organisational Coaching, or Somatic Coaching
Coaches working in complex, sensitive or organisational contexts and seeking greater confidence and presence
- Delivered flexibly part-time, usually over 8–15 months but you can take up to 24 months to complete it if you wish.
The Advanced Diploma has a modular structure with a mandatory Certificate in Advanced Coaching Skills and the choice of 2 Niche Certificates. This modular design means you can focus on areas that align with your context and identity as a coach.
The Level 2 Become Advanced Coaching Diploma includes:
➔ Certificate in Advanced Coaching Skills
Building on the solid foundations of Level 1, the Certificate in Advanced Coaching Skills is where your practice deepens. This core module is designed to stretch your capacity to be present, work with complexity, and bring courage and emotional intelligence into your coaching. You’ll be immersed in deep practice, observing and analysing coaching at a professional level. This includes:
exploring the PCC markers and what elevates PCC Coaching from ACC. You’ll be observing others coach, being observed yourself, and receive detailed feedback from experienced mentors.
You’ll complete a formal ICF Performance Evaluation at Level 2 standard, aligned with the PCC requirements. The module also includes an additional 5 hours of mentoring, on top of those completed in Level 1, to support your continued development.
A key part of your learning journey is participation in a facilitated Action Learning Set, a small peer group where you’ll bring real coaching challenges, practise advanced skills, and reflect together in a safe, developmental space. This module is not just about learning more… it’s about learning more deeply!
➔ Choice of Two Specialist, Niche Coaching Certificates, chosen from the following:
At a Glance:
Comparing ICF Level 1 vs Level 2 Coaching Certifications
Level 1 Diploma in Integrative Coaching
|
Level 2 Advanced Diploma in Integrative Coaching
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Up to 76 Hours of ICF Accredited Coach Training | ||
| Includes 10 Mentoring Sessions | ||
| Performance Evaluation up to ACC Credential | ||
| Access to Client Coaching Pool | ||
| 2 Year Access to Learning Portal | ||
| Access to Alumni Community & LinkedIn Group | ||
| Accredited by both the ICF and AC | ||
| Up to 176 ICF Accredited Coach Training Hours | ||
| Includes 15 Mentoring Sessions | ||
| Includes Certificate in Advanced Coaching Skills | ||
| Includes 2 Certificates in Coaching Niches (e.g. Career, Leadership or Stress Coaching) | ||
| ICF Performance Evaluation up to ACC or PCC Credential | ||
| Participation in Peer Group Learning Meet-ups |
FAQs about the Level 1 and Level 2 ICF Coaching Certifications by Become
Yes. You can enrol in both levels at the same time as part of a combined pathway. This gives you a clear, supported route from beginner to professional coach, with mentoring and learning scaffolded across your development.
Absolutely. Some learners begin with Level 1 and decide to continue into Level 2 afterwards. Your learning carries over, and our team will guide you on next steps when you’re ready.
Yes, potentially through our Top Up Route allowing you to upgrade your Level 1 to Level 2 or your ACC to PCC. If your previous training meets ICF standards, we may be able to recognise it. We’ll review your background to see if direct entry into our Level 2 is suitable. Contact us by booking a time with one of our team here.
Yes. Each programme includes both 1-1 and Group Mentoring. The Level 1 Diploma includes 10 hours of ICF mentoring and the Level 2 has 15 hours, all delivered by experienced, credentialed coaches. Note that on top of the mentoring you get additional Drop-In support to help you progress through the programmes and your ICF Application.
Yes, however you do not need prior experience before starting. Both levels require you to be practising with real clients. We can support you with finding clients that you can work with during the programme through a Coaching Pool. This helps you build your ICF coaching hours, reflect on your growth, and meet the requirements for credentialing.
Yes. We help all our graduates prepare for the ICF Credentialing Exam and guide you through the documentation and application process.
Yes. Both the Diploma and Advanced Diploma are delivered fully online, with a mix of live Zoom workshops, mentoring, observations, and self-paced learning resources. This allows for flexibility while still offering high levels of interaction and personal support.
Yes. Both programmes include scheduled live workshops on Zoom, where you’ll practise coaching, take part in feedback and group discussions, and engage in real-time learning with your cohort. You can view upcoming dates here.
It’s a personal decision but most coaches would say no. Many choose one accrediting body. The ICF is the most widely recognised globally. The Association for Coaching (AC) and the EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council) are also respected, particularly in the UK and Europe. You can also use your ICF Diploma to apply for accreditation with the other awarding bodies if you wish.
Yes. We understand that life happens. If you need to pause or defer part of your programme due to personal circumstances, we’ll work with you to find a supportive solution and agree a clear plan for your return.
I hear you! At Become, we combine the rigour of professional standards with a deeply personal and psychologically informed approach. Our programmes are rooted in real-world practice, ethical integrity, and supported reflection. You’ll be learning in small, attentive groups with experienced faculty.
One major thing that sets us apart is our community. We’re a small, friendly team and we genuinely get to know everyone who trains with us. You’re not just a number here. You’re seen, heard and supported throughout. We’re always here for you, whether that’s answering questions, helping you find your way with coaching clients, or just cheering you on when you get your credential!
Our Coach Training Director, Joseph Grech, is both an ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC), a Chartered Psychologist, and currently training as an integrative psychotherapist, so your development is held with insight and care. Find more about us here.
The full programme is for individuals who are starting their coach training. The Top Up programme is only available for individuals who either have an ACC Credential or have at least 60 hours of accredited ICF Coach Training (ACSTH/ACTP/Level 1) pathways. If you’re unsure if your training qualifies do get in touch with us and we can help you.
Yes we do. The full Advanced Diploma course fees can be split into up to 18 payment plans spread across a number of months.
This is an integrative diploma and on the programme we cover the philosophy and practice of coaching that you can apply to various niches. Our Alumni have come from across all walks of life and wanting to focus, or develop, their skills in a range of coaching outcomes. So whether you want to focus more on personal, executive, career, business or another niche, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
There are some witness testimonies on this page and you can also hear from two of our alumni in one of our Podcast episodes here.
Definitely! We want you to make sure that you choose the right Coach Training Programme and we speak to all of our trainees during the application process. We’re honest about our approach and we’d love the opportunity to discuss with you how we work.
Feel free to contact us directly with any questions on info@tobecome.org or if you are thinking of applying book a time with us here.
