In coach training, the trainer is the curriculum.
ICF Coach & NLP Practitioner Certification
with NLP, EI, Positive Psychology & Neuroscience.
The only course in Asia dual-approved by ICF and the American Board of NLP - 5 certifications in one program.
Fill the form to know more
ICF Level 2 PCC Pathway: 125 hours of coach-specific training | Online or Offline Program
IST 7pm–10pm (Online)
NLP + Emotional Intelligence + Neuroscience frameworks
Why join this ICF Coach training, based on NLP, Emotional Intelligence, Neuroscience-based Coaching?
This is an Integrated Five Certification Program (only course in Asia with this approval - ICF accreditation & NLP) - Instructor-Led Classroom Workshop: ICF Certification Program + NLP Coaching program leading to the following certifications as part of Coaching Combos:
- -NLP Diploma (Approved by American Board)
- -Certified NLP Practitioner (Approved by American Board)
- -Certified Life Coach (ICF approved)
- -Certified Associate Leadership and Executive Coach (ICF approved)
- -Certified Organizational Development Coach (ICF approved)
- -ICF Level 1 (ICF ACC level program)
- -Emotional Intelligence Coach Practitioner (complimentary for those attending ICF ACC)
- -Pathway for ICF Level 2 (PCC) Certification
Who Should Attend
Our ICF Level 1 approved program includes
Your entry point into professional coaching - build a certified foundation and start taking paid clients.
- •60 hours of coach-specific training
- •10 hours of mentor coaching
- •Support to complete your 100 hours of coaching experience with unlimited peer to peer coaching practice
- •Review of your 8 coaching sessions (audio files), for feedback from expert mentor coaches
- •Level assessment (internal evaluation)
- •Guidance towards the ICF ACC Credential Exam
Our ICF Level 2 approved program includes
The professional-level credential that opens corporate, executive, and leadership coaching contracts.
- •Completion of the Level 2 PCC Program with 125 hours coach-specific training
- •10 hours of mentor coaching
- •Level 2 assessment (internal evaluation)
- •Review of your 9 coaching sessions (audio files), for feedback from expert mentor coaches
- •Support to complete your 500 hours of coaching experience with unlimited peer to peer coaching practice
- •Guidance towards the ICF Credentialing Exam
Certified NLP Practitioner (Approved by American Board)
- •NLP Diploma + Certified NLP Practitioner (Approved by American Board of NLP)
- •Emotional Intelligence Coach Practitioner included
- •Behavioral change frameworks: NLP + EI + Neuroscience
- •Peer coaching practice + book-based study
- •Combine with ICF Level 1 for a dual NLP + ICF credential
ICF Level 1 (ACC Pathway) - From Foundation to Credential
The ICF Level 1 (ACC) pathway, in clear steps.
60 hrs — 15-day online / 7-day classroom + guided reading
Coaching Mastery + Coaching Labs in peer pods
Recorded session submissions with written feedback
100 coaching hours (peer coaching counts)
Group + 1:1 mentor coaching after your first practice hours
Performance assessed by NLP Coaching Academy
Training letter + ICF filing help + ACC exam guidance
ICF Level 2 (PCC Pathway) - From Advanced Foundation to Credential
The ICF Level 2 (PCC) pathway, in clear steps.
125+ hrs - PCC modules + guided reading
Advanced Coaching Mastery + Labs
6 PCC-level session submissions with written feedback
500 coaching hours (peer & client)
10 hrs - 7 group + 3 one-to-one
Performance evaluation by NLP Coaching Academy
Training letter + ICF filing help + PCC exam guidance
ICF Coach Certification
ICF Coaching is the gold standard in coaching, and individuals interested in becoming a Certified Life Coach, Business Coach, Certified Career Coach, ICF Certified Leadership Coach, or ICF Certified Executive Coach should pursue ICF certification, as ICF Certified Coaches are more well-known in the coaching community. A coach training program approved by the ICF can lead to the ICF ACC or ICF PCC levels.
ICF ACC & ICF PCC
ICF ACC is the first level of accreditation, and ICF credentials can open numerous opportunities for corporate coaching because ICF Coach certification at ICF ACC or ICF PCC validates coaching skills. While pursuing coach certification, the ICF Coaching approach - based on the ICF definition of coaching, standards, and guidelines - ensures that ICF Coaches have good skills, experience, brand, and recognition in the market.
Best ICF accredited coaching programs
The best ICF accredited coach programs ensure participants grasp the differences between Life Coaching, Business Coaching, Executive Coaching, and Wellness Coaching during the ICF Coach certification program. These are coaching niches, and ICF-accredited coaches can specialize in any of them to grow their business.
Why NLP Coaching Academy Is Different
Most coach training programs offer either an ICF credential or an NLP certification, taught by rotating faculty. Ours is built differently.
One trainer, start to finish
Every session - ICF, NLP, EI, and Neuroscience - is led personally by Vikram Dhar, not handed off to junior faculty.
Four accreditations, one program
The only course in Asia approved by both ICF and the American Board of NLP - most schools offer one or the other. Accredited by ICF, American Board of NLP, IAPCCT, and the Worldwide Association of NLP Coaching.
Integrated, not add-on
NLP, Emotional Intelligence, Positive Psychology, and Neuroscience are built into the coaching curriculum itself, not sold as separate upsells.
A track record you can check
8,000+ coaches trained across 65+ nationalities - with real graduating cohorts, not stock photos.
"The right methodology empowers your technique; the right facilitator elevates your identity as a coach."
You will get tools to
The accreditation matters. The trainer matters more.
Whether you're working towards ICF Level 1 (ACC), Level 2 (PCC), or eventually Level 3 (MCC), the certification only carries as much weight as the person preparing you for it. The framework can be taught by anyone - how you learn to show up as a coach depends on who's in the room.
Learn directly from one of Asia's Top ICF MCC, NLP Master Trainer, Licensed Neuro-Semantics Trainer, and EI Master Trainer.
Vikram Dhar
Vikram Dhar is an internationally acclaimed ICF Coach Trainer and Mentor Coach and an NLP Master Trainer & Coach who facilitates NLP and Coaching programs across the globe. He is also a Licensed Behavioral Master Trainer, Licensed Meta-NLP Trainer certified by Michael Hall (co-founder of Neuro-Semantics) and Certified NLP Master Trainer (ABNLP, USA). Vikram is also a Licensed NLP Coach (certified by Richard Bandler, co-founder of NLP) and has attended the International NLP Coach & New Code Practitioner training directly with John Grinder (co-founder of NLP).
Vikram has been listed by Global Gurus in the World's Top 30 NLP Professionals from 2021 onwards. He has also been listed among the top 100 coaches globally in 2017, 2020 and 2023, and was presented with the "Talent Award" during the World Coaching Summit for his tremendous contribution to the world of coaching. He has co-authored the book "The Ultimate Coaching Guide."
He is the founder of "NLP Coaching Academy," holds a Master's Degree in Computer Science from Bradley University, USA, and is a modern-day Business Growth Hacker and Business Coach. In his corporate career, he worked with market leaders in roles including IT Risk Management, Cyber Security, Business Sales, Leadership & Team Development, and Leadership Coaching for over a decade and a half.
What Coaches Say
Verified 5-star reviews from Google, attributed to named participants.
"The ICF Approved program was extremely well built, combining theoretical concepts with in-built experiential learning. Vikram Dhar is an excellent trainer, logical, with a very easy flow, and brings his wealth of corporate experience to every session."
"NLP Coaching Academy is one of the very few institutes combining certified coaching with NLP certification, saving time and cost for those who aspire to be coaches. Vikram has a unique ability to present difficult techniques in an easy-to-understand manner."
"The best program I have ever done. Vikram is a great trainer and coach and he has NLP in his blood. He really makes the concepts look simple. Highly recommend for anyone looking to do NLP and ICF certification together."
Recent Graduating Cohorts
NLP Coaching Academy holds the formal ICF Accreditation, and the course is delivered by Mr. Vikram Dhar - Certified NLP Trainer, Licensed Meta-NLP Trainer and ICF Mentor Coach.
FAQs
About ICF - International Coaching Federation
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the world's largest organization dedicated to coaching and coaches. ICF is dedicated to promoting the coaching profession by establishing high standards, providing independent certification, and establishing a global network of qualified coaches.
ICF offers a globally recognized, independent credentialing program for coaches. Professional coaches who have met rigorous academic and experience standards and demonstrated a thorough comprehension of the coaching skills that set the standard in the field are awarded ICF Credentials.
Coach specific training programs are also accredited by the ICF. Training programs that are ICF accredited must go through a rigorous review process and show that their curriculum fits with the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics.
ICF is consistently recognized among coaching professionals worldwide for:
- Developing coaching core competencies
- Setting guidelines through accreditation for coach specific training programs
- Creating an internationally recognized credentialing program
- Establishing a professional code of ethics and standards
- Providing continuous education through world-class events, Communities of Practice, and archived learning
- Leading and informing conversations about the future of coaching
ICF definition of Coaching
ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership.
ICF Credentials
The ICF offers three different levels of credentialing based on your number of coaching hours:
- Associate Certified Coach (ACC) - 100 coaching hours
- Professional Certified Coach (PCC) - 500 coaching hours
- Master Certified Coach (MCC) - 2500 coaching hours
To get this credential, you must complete a certain number of hours of coach-specific training from an ICF accredited coach training program, have 10 hours with a Mentor Coach, and complete a Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA).
ACC candidates take the ICF ACC Exam; PCC and MCC candidates take the ICF Credentialing Exam - both are proctored, computer-based exams based on the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics, where you demonstrate your knowledge of the coaching training you received from your coaching program.
Your ICF credential is valid for three years; to keep your credential active, you must have 10 hours of Mentor Coaching and complete 40 hours of continuing education.
Requirements - ICF Level 1
- At least 60 hours of coach-specific training through an ICF Level 1 program.
- At least 100 hours of real client coaching experience, gained after starting your coach-specific training - at least 25 of these hours must fall within the 18 months prior to applying.
- 10 hours of Mentor Coaching with an eligible mentor coach, spanning a minimum of three months.
- A performance evaluation of your coaching, plus completion of the ICF ACC Credential Exam, which assesses your grasp of the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics.
- Requirements are set and updated by ICF directly - always confirm the current details on the official ICF website before relying on any third-party summary, including this one.
ICF Core Competencies
The ICF Core Competencies were developed to support a greater understanding of the skills and approaches used within today's coaching profession as defined by ICF. These competencies and the ICF definition of coaching were used as the foundation for the development of the ICF Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA).
The Core Competencies are grouped into four domains according to those that fit together logically based on common ways of looking at the competencies in each group. The groupings and individual competencies are not weighted - they do not represent any kind of hierarchy and are all core and critical for any competent coach to demonstrate.
Why earn an ICF Credential?
ICF Coach Certification. ICF Credential-holders are part of a self-regulating group of elite coaches who provide accountability to clients and the coaching profession as a whole. They pursue and complete rigorous education and practice requirements that provide unquestioned legitimacy to their commitment to excellence in coaching.
Coaching is one of the fastest-growing professions, and currently is unregulated - basically, anyone can call themselves a coach. Making a choice to get an ICF credential sets you apart from the pack, and lets people know you take coaching seriously and are highly invested in your own professional development.
With an ICF credential, you set yourself apart from the coaching pack. It also lets your clients know how serious you are about your new profession and your commitment to your own professional development.
It can also give you the ability to charge higher rates and earn a higher income, attract more clients who are serious about transforming their lives, secure more corporate contracts, and increase your referrals and client satisfaction.
If you want to be a Leadership Coach, Certified Life Coach, Executive Coach, Career Coach, Business Coach, or Wellness Coach, enrolling in an ICF approved coach training program is the best way to get started.
ICF Credential Exams
Once a person finishes the required ICF Coach training hours, ICF mentoring, and coaching experience, they file an application with ICF, and once the application is reviewed and approved, the participant takes the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) exam. The exam is online and ensures that the participant has an understanding of the coaching domain.
These exams assess coaches' comprehension of important coaching knowledge and skills, including the ICF definition of coaching, Core Competencies, and the Code of Ethics.
Requirements for Professional Certified Coach (PCC) - ICF Level 2 Path
- Completion of an entire ICF Level 2 accredited coach training program.
- A minimum of 500 hours (440 paid) of coaching experience with at least 25 clients following the start of your coach-specific training. At least 50 of these hours must occur within the 24 months prior to submitting the application for the credential.
- Completion of the ICF Credentialing Exam.
- For more details and updated information please visit ICF's website - ICF may change the requirements from time to time.
Is ICF Level 1 the same as ACC certification?
ICF Level 1 is the official training pathway that prepares coaches for ACC (Associate Certified Coach) credentialing, including the required education hours, mentor coaching, and performance evaluation.
Who should choose an ICF Level 1 coaching program?
ICF Level 1 is ideal for first-time coaches, working professionals, trainers, therapists, and leaders who want to begin their coaching journey with an internationally recognised ACC credential.
Can I progress from ICF Level 1 to Level 2 later?
Yes. Coaches can progress from ICF Level 1 (ACC) to ICF Level 2 (PCC) through advanced training pathways after gaining experience and deeper competency mastery.
I've trained elsewhere - can I get credit towards ICF Level 2?
Yes. We accept transfer credit hours from other ICF-accredited programs. Contact us to review your prior learning and map it to the Level 2 (PCC) pathway.
Ready to become a certified coach?
Call us on +91 8976215404 / +91 7506070907 (WhatsApp only) or fill the form to get in touch.
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