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 2 courses: Coaching Skills and Group Mentor Coaching. Registrants are also invited to join a third course, Applied Positive Psychology, free of charge!
This package is appropriate for many types of people:
- Those who want to build solid coaching skills and work toward an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential through the International Coaching Federation
- Certified coaches who want to reconnect with and sharpen their skills
- People who already coach but have never received formal training in coaching techniques, ethics, and philosophies
What you will learn
Enrollment in this package includes registration in two courses: Coaching Skills and Group Mentor Coaching. It also includes an invitation to join a third course, Applied Positive Psychology, free of charge! Completion of this bonus course leads to the designation of Certified Positive Psychology Coach.
Please click on each course to learn more about them.
Your Instructors
Select a section below that fits your schedule
Package Details
60 credits
Package Fee $5300
The Coaching Skills course runs on Tuesday and Thursday from September 15, 2026 – December 10, 2026.
Group Mentor Coaching begins in January 2027.
Applied Positive Psychology begins in February 2027.
Please see the individual course descriptions (in the links above), course catalog, and program description for more details.
The registration buttons below are for the Level 1 Package.
You will be enrolled in Coaching Skills and Group Mentoring.
Group Mentor Coaching is offered in different times. Choose the one that is the best fit for your time zone and availability.
Section A
Time: Tuesday, 9-11 AM Pacific
Section B
Time: Thursday, 5- 7 PM Pacific
Section C
Time: Thursday, 9-11 AM Pacific
Section D
Time: Wednesday, 5-7 PM Pacific
Frequently Asked Questions
You must complete:
The Coaching Skills course (54 training hours)
10 Hours of Mentor Coaching
Successfully pass a performance evaluation 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.
Although you are welcome to attend both sessions, it is not required. We offer the course at two different times to make it convenient to participants in multiple time zones. Participants can choose the session that best suits their schedule for that day. Recordings of both sessions will be posted for review.
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.
In addition, people registering for the Level 1 course package can take the Applied Positive Psychology course free of charge. This is an additional $2300 dollar value and confers an additional 36 ICF training hours!
You will also receive the Certified Positive Psychology Coach designation upon completion of this additional course.
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!
There are two ways to earn this certification.
If you are not a credentialed coach, you can earn this certification by completing the Coaching Skills and Applied Positive Psychology courses. Those enrolling in our Level 1 program during the 2025-2026 course year can take Applied Positive Psychology free of cost!
For those who already hold a coaching credential from a major professional organization, you can earn this certification by completing the Applied Positive Psychology course.
Learn more about the CPPC Badge
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
DWM Life Coaching Inc.
I have completed other ICF-accredited training, and nothing compares to the Positive Acorn Level 1 program. As an educator, I was particularly impressed by the intentional and innovative design of the learning experience itself – the online classes, interactive activities, and overall course format were thoughtfully and effectively crafted for adult learners in a virtual classroom. The content of the program is very rich, but the real magic is in Robert’s ability to bring it to life, observing his masterful teaching and coaching in action. The program came highly recommended by my peers, many of whom hold graduate degrees in positive psychology. Now I understand why. Positive Acorn is a rare training that truly elevates both your understanding of positive psychology and your capacity to become an excellent coach. And, I would argue, to become a better friend, partner, colleague, and human.
Dana Fulwiler Volk
The Positive Acorn Level 1 credentialing courses has truly changed my life. I am a better listener, feel more curious as opposed to reactive and have the confidence to coach others. Keya really set us up for success with materials and homework, Robert created a safe space for learning and curiosity and Christian provided us the opportunity to reflect, be vulnerable and ask questions. I am so happy with my Positive Acorn experience!
Kaitlyn Marut
International Positive Education Network