ICF Level 1 Credential Package

Course Package

Begin your coaching journey with a path to certification

This Level 1 ICF-accredited program provides coursework in the foundations of coaching, including opportunities for practice and the study of ethics. It includes 3 courses: a foundational coaching skills course, a deep dive into applied positive psychology, and a group mentor coaching course.

This package is intended for people who want to build coaching skills and work toward an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential through the International Coaching Federation. It is also ideal for certified coaches who want to reconnect with foundational skills and add a positive psychology focus to their services. It is also useful for people who already coach but have never received formal training.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, you will receive Positive Acorn’s Certified Positive Psychology Coach endorsement.

What you will learn

Enrollment in this package includes registration in three courses. Please click on each course to learn more about them.

Your Instructors

Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener

Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh ​

Package Details

85 credits

The successful completion of all requirements confers Positive Acorn’s Certified Positive Psychology Coach endorsement.

Students in this program have the opportunity to work toward the 100 client contact hours required for ICF ACC certification. Credentialed coaches can use these courses for re-accreditation purposes.

September 20, 2024 – March 29, 2025.
Friday 5-8 pm Pacific time or Saturday 9 am-12 pm Pacific time.

Please see the individual course descriptions, course catalog, and program description for more details.

Select a section below that fits your schedule

The registration buttons below are for the Level 1 Package. You will be enrolled in Coaching Skills, Applied Positive Psychology, and Group Mentoring. Mentor Coaching is offered in four sections. Choose the one that is the best fit for you.

Sections A and B are intended to cater to people in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Sections C and D are intended to cater to those in Asia, Australia, and the Pacific.

Section A

Time: Friday – 5pm GMT


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Section B

Time: Saturday – 5pm GMT


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Section C

Time: Friday – 5pm PST


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Section D

Time: Saturday – 9 am PST


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Frequently Asked Questions

You must successfully complete:

The Coaching Skills and Applied Positive Psychology courses

10 hours of mentor coaching

A performance review of a recorded coaching session

Yes. People need to complete 3 individual hours of mentor coaching. In addition, you need to submit a recording and transcript of a coaching session so that a qualified evaluator can review your performance. You must pass this performance evaluation.

Almost! Graduates of this package need to meet two more requirements. First, they must receive 3 hours of individual mentor coaching. We believe that people should be free to find individual mentors who fit them well, speak their native language, and live in a time zone convenient to them. Positive Acorn will provide a list of excellent individual mentor coaches to participants in this package. 

Second, they must pass a performance evaluation by submitting a recording and transcript so that Positive Acorn can assess their coaching.

Graduates who have earned their Level 1 Certificate can apply to the ICF for credentialing.  You can learn more at the ICF website.

We are interested in training great, rather than good, coaches. We endeavor to exceed minimum standards. Make no mistake, we ask a lot of our students. The effort that goes into the practice, reflection, and learning will translate to more effective and responsible coaching. These hours, including the additional 15 hours, can  be applied toward a PCC credential. 

Yes, the hours in our courses are approved by the ICF and can be used for reaccreditation purposes.

Yes! You save $300  when enrolling in this package. 

Yes! We offer monthly payment plans with no additional fees. At checkout, you will have the opportunity to use a monthly payment plan. If the payment plan you prefer is not listed, email us at info@positiveacorn.com and we can get you set up!

Have more questions?

Learning should be challenging and satisfying

We care that each and every student has a peerless learning experience. As a result, we listen to your specific needs and support your learning in a highly personalized way.

What our alumni say

From the very first class taught by Robert, I was hooked. The insight and knowledge that Robert brings to each class and course is unique and professional. The live virtual classroom that’s used throughout the programs enables an orderly and interactive experience second to none. Any administrative questions or technical support issues are handled with a quick and friendly encounter. As a recent graduate of the full Positive Psychology Coach program, I highly recommend the programs to all coaches at every level.

David W. McQuarrie

CCC, CPPC, Life Coach
DWM Life Coaching Inc.​

Positive Acorn offers world-class coach training coupled with the latest research and applications. Robert is a masterful teacher and coach who challenges the status quo and always has a fresh professional perspective and interesting or provocative view to add. He not only provides excellent training in Positive Psychology Coaching but also ensures that students are exposed to the very latest, non-mainstream findings in Positive Psychology – something unique to Positive Acorn. Classes are enjoyable and conducted with the utmost professionalism. I would highly recommend Positive Acorn to anybody seeking ICF credentialed coach training.

Paula Facci

Personal and Professional Life Coach

I took the ICF ACC Credential Package. Not only is this package filled with practical coaching tips but Robert challenges you to think and learn; investigate on your own, and practice. You are not just taking a class but you are enjoying an experience and going on a journey. Robert meets you where you are in your learning stage and the whole team is generous with their time so that students gain the utmost from the courses. This was one of the best experiences in my professional career.

Elizabeth Rager

Talent Development Consultant
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