How to Get Your ICF Level 1 Coaching Certification in 2025: What You Need to Know

How to Get Your ICF Level 1 Coaching Certification in 2025 What You Need to Know (1)

If you want to get your ICF level 1 certification, you might be at the right place with The Agile Company!

As coaching becomes an essential leadership skill in Agile environments, more and more Scrum Masters, Agile Coaches, and transformation leaders are turning to the International Coaching Federation (ICF) to deepen their practice. The ICF’s Level 1 Certification Pathway offers a clear, structured route to becoming a certified coach—one who can work ethically, confidently, and with true impact in complex systems.

At The Agile Company, we offer two flexible, ICF-accredited programs to help you meet the Level 1 requirements—each designed to match different learning styles, professional goals, and availability.

Let’s break it down.

What is ICF Level 1 Certification?

ICF Level 1 (formerly known as ACSTH) is the International Coaching Federation’s first milestone toward becoming a certified professional coach. Completing a Level 1 pathway qualifies you to apply for the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential and demonstrates that you’ve received rigorous, ICF-aligned training.

To earn your ICF Level 1 certification, you need:

  • At least 60 hours of ICF-accredited coach-specific training
  • 10 hours of Mentor Coaching with an ICF-certified coach (3 hours 1:1 with your mentor)
  • Experience logging 100 hours of coaching practice
  • A successful performance evaluation by an ICF-qualified assessor
  • To pass the ICF Credentialing Exam

It sounds like a lot—but with the right program, you can progress step by step and come out confident, prepared, and fully supported.

Two Pathways, One Certification Goal

The good news? At The Agile Company, we offer two tailored pathways—both accredited—so you can choose the route that fits your goals, availability, and budget.

 

Path 1: Coach Competencies for Agilists (Includes ICP-ACC + ICP-ATF + ICF Deep Dive)

 

Who it’s for:
Experienced Agile Coaches, Scrum Masters, and facilitators looking to bring professional coaching skills into team-based agile environments.

This comprehensive pathway is designed for those who coach teams, work inside organizations, and need both an ICF-aligned coaching foundation and practical agile facilitation and leadership skills.

What’s included:

  • ICP-ACC and ICP-ATF certifications
  • High-touch, live cohort-based learning (minimal asynchronous)
  • The ICF Coach Competency Deep Dive module to integrate ICF’s 8 core competencies
  • Observed coaching sessions with feedback and mentor coaching
  • Real-time peer practice, reflection, and integration

This path includes more live hours and deeper facilitation-based content, and is ideal for those looking to coach Agile teams at a professional level while working toward ICF certification.

Investment:
Higher price point due to the full cohort-based experience, extensive live facilitation, and inclusion of multiple certifications. You’ll walk away with a complete ICF Level 1 education—and be ready to apply it with real teams.

Path 2: Fast Track Coach Training for Professionals (includes Coaching Essentials + ICF Deep Dive)

Who it’s for:
New coaches, leaders, consultants, and professionals who want a more flexible, individual-focused coaching path with asynchronous options.

This path is perfect if you’re starting from scratch or need a more budget-conscious and time-adaptable way to begin your ICF journey.

What’s included:

  • Step-by-step learning with 50% asynchronous and 50% live cohort learning
  • The same ICF Coach Competency Deep Dive module shared with the other path
  • Full mentor coaching package and access to final performance evaluation
  • Individual-focused coaching foundations designed to build confidence fast

This is a practical, powerful option that allows you to pace your learning—while still benefiting from key live sessions and expert feedback.

Investment:
More affordable due to the hybrid format. Ideal for busy professionals or those looking to test the waters before diving into larger engagements.

Which Path Should You Choose?

FeatureCoach Competencies for AgilistsFast Track: Coaching Essentials
FocusAgile team coaching (ICP-ACC + ATF)One-on-one coaching fundamentals
Learning FormatMostly live cohort-based50% asynchronous, 50% live
Includes ICF Coach Deep Diveâś…âś…
Mentor Coaching Includedâś…âś…
Price RangeHigher investmentMore affordable
Ideal forAgile Coaches, Team LeadersLeaders, Consultants, New Coaches

Final Step: The ICF Coach Competency Deep Dive

No matter which path you choose, all participants go through our ICF Coach Competency Deep Dive module. This is where we bring it all together: a focused integration of the 8 ICF core competencies, observed coaching sessions, feedback, and mentor coaching to prepare you for the performance evaluation and credentialing process.

This module is the heart of the transition from learning to application—and it’s where our students often report the biggest breakthroughs in their coaching presence and confidence.

Take the Next Step

Whether you’re leading Agile teams, beginning a career in coaching, or deepening your professional toolkit, the ICF Level 1 pathway is a smart, internationally recognized move.

At The Agile Company, we’re proud to support coaches at every stage of their journey—with the structure, feedback, and live support they need to thrive.

Explore your path. Join a cohort. Become an ICF-certified coach.

Picture of Natascha Speets
Natascha Speets

Natascha is always on the looking for opportunities to help her clients become the best version of themselves. She does this by integrating her professional coaching skills in everything she does.

For senior leaders, who have often spent years entrenched in traditional management practices, this transformation can be particularly challenging. Let's explore why senior leadership is essential in this journey and how they can effectively model and embed Agile/Lean expectations throughout their organizations.
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