Coach Accreditation Levels
A progressive professional pathway from Accredited Coach Practitioner to Accredited Coaching Fellow, recognising increasing levels of training, practical coaching experience, professional development and contribution to the coaching field.
A Clear Pathway Through Professional Accreditation
IGH3P® coach accreditation provides four progressive professional levels. The progression from Accredited Coach Practitioner to Accredited Coaching Fellow involves increasing practical coaching experience and associated Continuing Professional Development activities.
Each level requires commitment to professional standards, ethical practice, continuing learning and the development of professional coaching experience.
The Four Accreditation Levels
Compare the training, practical coaching experience, annual CPD commitment and application fees associated with each professional level.
Accredited Coach Practitioner
Accredited Advanced Level Coach
Accredited Master Coach
Accredited Coaching Fellow
Professional membership provides a reduced accreditation application fee at every level. Non-members are also welcome to apply for accreditation.
Explore Each Accreditation Level
Each level combines professional training, practical coaching experience, ethical obligations and annual Continuing Professional Development.
Accredited Coach Practitioner
- Complete a minimum of 120 hours of training in coaching theory and practise.
- Accumulate a minimum of 80 hours of practical coaching experience.
- Adhere to the code of ethics and professional standards set out by our coaching organisation.
- Completion of 20 hours of CPD activities annually, inclusive of seminars, workshops, webinars, reading relevant materials, and peer supervision sessions.
- Evidence of learning and its application to coaching practise must be documented and submitted for review annually.
Accredited Advanced Level Coach
- Complete a minimum of 120 hours of advanced level coaching training.
- Accumulate a minimum of 800 hours of practical coaching experience.
- Uphold the code of ethics and professional standards set out by our coaching organisation.
- Completion of 30 hours of CPD activities annually, which may include advanced coaching techniques training, attending industry conferences, and participation in research and publication in the field.
- Provide evidence of learning and its application to coaching practise for the annual review.
Accredited Master Coach
- Complete a minimum of 120 hours of master's-level coaching training.
- Accumulate a minimum of 1,200 hours of practical coaching experience.
- Adhere strictly to the code of ethics and professional standards set out by our coaching organisation.
- Completion of 40 hours of CPD activities annually, which may include participation in leadership seminars, developing coaching materials, training other coaches, or conducting original research in the field.
- Demonstrate and document the impact of CPD on coaching practise and submit it for an annual review.
Accredited Coaching Fellow
- Complete a minimum of 120 hours of fellow level coaching training.
- Accumulate a minimum of 3,000 hours of practical coaching experience.
- Uphold the highest standards of the code of ethics and professional conduct as set out by our coaching organisation.
- Completion of 50 hours of CPD activities annually, including advanced leadership training, contributions to professional coaching publications, keynote speaking at coaching conferences, or leading significant projects in the coaching field.
- Provide robust evidence of the influence and application of CPD on their coaching practise and contribute to the development of the profession.
Accreditation Fees & Requirements
Compare the four professional accreditation levels and select the level that reflects your training and practical coaching experience.
From Practitioner to Fellow
Each level represents increasing professional experience, responsibility, continuing development and contribution to the coaching profession.
Practitioner
Foundational professional coaching experience and development.
Advanced
More extensive experience and advanced coaching capability.
Master
High-level professional expertise and established coaching practice.
Fellow
Extensive experience and significant contribution to the profession.
Accreditation Is More Than a Number of Coaching Hours
Across every accreditation level, coaches are expected to demonstrate commitment to ethical practice, professional standards, continued development and responsible professional conduct alongside the relevant training and coaching experience.
About Accreditation Fees
All accreditation application fees shown on this page are in US dollars (USD). IGH3P® Professional Members receive a $150 reduction on the accreditation application fee at every level.
Non-members may apply directly for accreditation and are not required to become an IGH3P® Professional Member before submitting an application.
Applicants should ensure that they meet the relevant training, practical coaching experience and professional requirements before submitting an accreditation application.
Maintaining accreditation is subject to IGH3P® continuing professional development, professional conduct and applicable renewal requirements.
Which Accreditation Level Is Right for You?
Review your professional training, practical coaching experience and continuing professional development against the requirements for each IGH3P® accreditation level.