Starting Your Coaching Journey: The ACC Level 1 Program
- Ayesha Masood
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
“And suddenly you know: It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” – Meister Eckhart
If you’ve been curious about coaching and you’ve just discovered the world of ICF programs, you’re probably asking yourself: “Where do I actually begin?” The answer for most people is simple—start with the ACC Level 1 program.
I remember when I was exploring my first training back in 2018. Everything felt big and confusing. Programs had long names, complex requirements, and I wondered if I needed a secret decoder ring just to apply. But once I understood what the ACC Level 1 program was about, things started to make sense. It’s the foundation of professional coaching, and if you’re serious about starting your journey, this is where you’ll want to begin.
What Is ACC Level 1?
ACC stands for Associate Certified Coach, and Level 1 is your first official step into the world of ICF coaching. Think of it like learning the basics of driving—you may not be ready for Formula 1 just yet, but this program will teach you how to get behind the wheel with confidence (and without crashing into too many “old habits” along the way).
The program typically includes:
60+ hours of coach-specific training
Practice coaching sessions (so you don’t just learn theory—you actually coach!)
Mentor coaching with an experienced ICF-certified coach
Clear guidance on logging your practice hours so you’re ready to apply for your ICF credential
Who Is It For?
The ACC Level 1 program is designed for:
Professionals who want to become certified coaches
Leaders, HR managers, and consultants who want to integrate coaching into their work
Anyone who wants to seriously explore coaching as a career
Basically, if you’ve ever found yourself giving advice and your friends say, “Wow, you should be a coach!”—this program helps you do it for real (and without accidentally turning coffee catch-ups into free therapy sessions).
What Will You Learn?
At the heart of the program are the ICF Core Competencies—the skills and behaviors that define great coaching. In Level 1, you’ll learn to:
Listen deeply and ask powerful questions
Create trust and presence in coaching conversations
Support clients in setting and reaching goals
Understand ethics and professional standards of coaching
It’s a bit like learning to “ask, not tell.” And trust me, resisting the urge to solve someone’s problem in five seconds is harder than it sounds.
What ACC Is Not
To keep things fun (and realistic), let’s clear up a few misconceptions:
❌ It’s not about giving life advice like “Just think positive!”
❌ It’s not motivational speaking—no microphones or stage lights required.
❌ It’s not therapy—you won’t be unpacking childhood memories.
❌ It’s not about being the “guru with all the answers.”
Instead, it’s about creating space where clients discover their own answers—with you guiding the process through curiosity and powerful questions.
Why ACC Level 1 Matters
Without proper training, “coaching” can sometimes look like giving advice, motivational talks, or your best “in my opinion” speech. But real coaching is different—it’s about empowering people to find their own solutions.
Level 1 training makes sure you build those foundational skills the right way, so your coaching is credible, ethical, and impactful. (And no, “Go to the gym” or “Drink more water” does not count as coaching.)
My Honest Reflection
When I completed my first coaching program, I realized quickly: coaching is not just about helping others—it transforms you. It makes you more self-aware, more present, and more intentional in your own life. It also makes you catch yourself giving unsolicited advice to your family and thinking, Oops, that’s not coaching.
In summary: The ACC Level 1 program is the doorway into professional coaching. It gives you the basics, the confidence, and the credibility to start practicing as a coach. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start, this is it—(and no, this isn’t a motivational poster, it’s a gentle nudge).
Important Links to ICF Website about ACC Credential:
In the next article, I’ll break down the ICF Core Competencies—what they mean, and why they are the heart of coaching.
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