ICF Level 1 or Level 2?
Here's Which One You Actually Need.
Most people researching coach training can't tell the difference between an ICF-accredited program and a certificate that means nothing. We explain the levels below — and the free Course Guide gives you every TLCC course compared, the credential pathway, and exactly what each one costs.
- Which TLCC course is ICF Level 1 and which is Level 2
- The ACC and PCC credential pathway, explained plainly
- Every course compared — units, duration and delivery mode
- What each course costs, and how the payment plans work
- What coaches actually earn, from the ICF's 2025 industry study
- Why 81% of clients expect certification — and why ICF is the one they look for
Get the ICF Accreditation Guide
Sent to your inbox instantly. We'll text you the link too, and Anthony will call within the day if you have questions about which level fits.
Your information is 100% secure and never shared. One call, no pressure — and you can say no.
Industry figures: ICF Global Coaching Study, 2025 (research conducted by PwC).
The Question Everyone Asks First
ICF Level 1 vs Level 2 —
What's the Actual Difference?
The International Coaching Federation accredits training programs at three levels. The level you study determines which ICF credential you can apply for afterwards. Here's how the two most common levels compare, and which TLCC course sits at each.
ICF Level 1
The Entry Pathway
At TLCC: Practitioner of Coaching — 6 months, self-paced
- Accredited education toward the ACC credential (Associate Certified Coach)
- Covers coaching foundations, core competencies and ethics
- Enough to start taking on paying clients
- Shortest route to a recognised, credible qualification
ICF Level 2
The Professional Pathway
At TLCC: Diploma of Life Coaching — 12 months
- Accredited education toward the PCC credential (Professional Certified Coach)
- Includes NLP Practitioner and Conscious Hypnosis training
- Substantially more supervised practice and mentor coaching
- The level most working coaches hold, and most corporate clients look for
Inside the Free Guide
Everything You Need to Know
About Getting Accredited
No fluff. No sales pitch. The clear, honest information you need to choose a coach training program you won't regret.
- ICF Level 1 and Level 2, side by side Which TLCC course sits at each level, and what that qualifies you for.
- The ACC and PCC pathway explained How Level 2 accredited education leads to applying for your ICF credential.
- Every course compared in full Practitioner through Master Practitioner — units, duration, delivery mode.
- Graduate stories, and the trainers who teach you Including Mark, a former CPA who earned $100,000 in his first 10 months coaching.
- What accreditation is worth financially Credentialed coaches earn around 25% more than non-credentialed ones.
- Investment, timelines and payment options Courses from $6,000–$25,000, with flexible payment plans available.
Real Results from Real Students
What Our Graduates Say
"I started coaching clients after my very first weekend. The training was practical, powerful, and nothing like I expected. TLCC changed the direction of my life completely."
"I was sceptical at first — I'd looked at a lot of courses. TLCC was the only one that offered real face-to-face training with ICF accreditation. Best investment I've ever made."
"Within 6 months of graduating I had a full client roster and had left my corporate job. The Master Practitioner program gave me the confidence and skills to do it properly."
Why Study With TLCC
Accredited at Both Levels,
Taught Face to Face
ICF Level 1 & Level 2 Accredited
Both pathways under one roof — start at Level 1 and progress, or go straight to the Diploma at Level 2. You're not locked into a decision you can't revise later.
Face-to-Face, Not Just Video
Coaching is a practised skill. Our live training in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth means you coach real people from day one — and log real hours toward your credential.
NLP and Hypnosis Included
The Diploma bundles NLP Practitioner and Conscious Hypnosis certification into the same program, taught by NLPAA-certified trainers. Most ICF programs cover coaching alone.
Earn While You Learn
Many students take on paying clients after their first training weekend — which also builds the coaching hours the ICF requires before you can apply for a credential.
Specialist Pathways Beyond the Diploma
Advance into Leadership & Executive Coaching, or Kids, Parents & Relationship Coaching — accredited specialisations, not just a generic certificate.
A Community That Lasts
Join 5,000+ certified coaches across Australia. TLCC graduates support each other, refer clients, and build businesses together long after graduation.
Straight Answers
ICF Accreditation Questions
Does finishing an ICF-accredited course make me an ICF-certified coach?
No — and be wary of any provider who says otherwise. Accredited training satisfies the education requirement. The credential itself is awarded by the ICF once you've also logged the required client coaching hours and met their assessment requirements. TLCC's programs are accredited so that the education requirement is already satisfied when you apply — the Diploma is designated PCC accredited education, and graduates apply via the Level 2 application path.
Do I have to start at Level 1?
No. You can enrol directly in the Level 2 Diploma without completing Level 1 first. Most students who intend to coach professionally start there.
Is ICF accreditation actually worth it, or is it just a badge?
The ICF's 2025 Global Coaching Study found credentialed coaches earn around 25% more than non-credentialed ones, and that 81% of clients expect their coach to hold a certification. The ICF is the international standard those clients are looking for — it is the credential recognised across markets, and in corporate and executive work it is often a hard requirement rather than a preference.
How do I check a program is genuinely accredited?
Ask for the accreditation level and verify it against the ICF's own published directory of accredited programs — not just the provider's website. The free guide walks through exactly what to look for, including the wording that indicates a program is not accredited.
Can I study while working full time?
Yes. Most TLCC students do. Training is self-paced with face-to-face sessions run mostly on weekends, and payment plans are available across all courses.
One Step Away
Get the ICF Accreditation Guide
Which course sits at which ICF level, the ACC and PCC pathway, every course compared, and what it costs. Free, instant, and written to help you choose well.
Your information is 100% secure and never shared.