Founded in 1999, the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) was one of the first ICF-accredited life coach training programs in the world.

With a unique approach to coaching and extensive resources for its students, iPEC has made a name for itself, and rightfully so. In this article. we’ll be exploring the iPEC coach certification program and everything it has to offer so you can determine if it’s the right program for you.

About iPEC

The team at iPEC believes that certification is only the first stage of its students’ journeys with the organization. On a collective mission to “raise the consciousness of the world,” iPEC coaches are trained in an environment filled with intention, passion, and a sense of community. The community, specifically, is the defining feature that you’ll read about in most iPEC reviews you’ll find scattered online.

But before we get to that, let’s discuss their program.

iPEC’s ICF-accredited coach training program consists of 320 hours of coach training and coaches graduate with three different certifications:

• Certified Professional Coach
• Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner
• Certification in COR.E Dynamics

With a robust program, flexible training schedules, and a vast library of resources, iPEC has established itself as a leader in the coach training space.

Accreditation and Credentials

Upon graduation, coaches will be granted the title of Certified Professional Coach (CPC), as recognized by the ICF. iPEC is also approved as a Board-Certified Coach (BCC) program through the Center for Credentialing and Education.

iPEC is also a verified provider of continuing education credits through two different organizations: the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI).

Certified Life Coaching Program

iPEC’s Certified Life Coaching Training Program consists of two phases: the first phase focuses on Core Energy Coaching and Energy Leadership while the second phase revolves around COR.E Dynamics. Let’s examine the details of each phase.

Phase 1: Core Energy Coaching & Energy Leadership

All coaching programs help coaches learn how to empower their clients to identify goals, create actionable plans, and then ultimately achieve those goals. The way iPEC achieves this is through their Core Energy Coaching Technique, setting its coaches apart. This technique helps coaching clients dig into their energy and mental programming to figure out who they want to be and identify personal roadblocks on their path to success. The 3 modules of phase 1 are:

Module I: Life & Leadership Potentials

The foundational aspects of coaching will be taught in module I. Students will identify their core beliefs, learn foundational coaching theory and application, and gain enough knowledge to begin coaching paying clients.

Module II: Core Transformation

Creating action plans, understanding common client concerns, and learning how to deal with common coaching challenges will be the focus of module II.

Module III: Breakthrough Coaching

Learning how to ignite long-term change and honing in on your area of specialization, if chosen, will be the focal points of module III. You will also learn how to administer the Energy Leadership Index (ELI), which is an assessment that helps individuals understand their deep-rooted beliefs and potential blocks.

Phase 2: COR.E Dynamics

A unique aspect of iPEC’s curriculum is the COR.E Dynamics certification which employs a unique process to help coaches raise energy levels and maximize performance in their clients. There are four different tracks for the COR.E Dynamics certification:

• Leadership Track
• Performance Track
• Transitions Track
• Wellbeing Track

Coaches will have one track included in their tuition but can opt to study and get certified in multiple tracks for an additional fee.

Course Structure and Timeline

The course consists of 3 different three-day intensive training programs that can be taken on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday schedule or a Friday, Saturday, Sunday schedule. You can choose whether you want to attend the trainings in-person or online for each session. Sessions will cover different modules of the training material.

In addition to the intensive training programs, students will have webinars, e-books, and self-study sessions that add up to 200 hours of ICF-accredited training. An additional 120 hours of training are available, as well.

Phase 1 of the program can be completed within 7-8 months. At the end of phase 1, you’ll be a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP). Phase 2 can be completed in 3-4 months. When completed, you’ll have your COR.E Dynamics Specialist designation in addition to the certifications earned in phase 1.

Learning Methodology

The iPEC certification program consists of small classes and a healthy amount of peer work, allowing students to form connections with their colleagues in the coaching industry.

Instead of simply sharing materials or lecturing, iPEC instructors train their students with experience-focused learning and problem-solving opportunities. This creates mastery of topics and molds learnings into tangible, actionable items that can be used in real world settings.

Every iPEC trainer is a certified life coach as well, allowing them to bring in real examples, experiences, and advice throughout the course. Being able to relate course materials to the industry and profession is critical, but with dedicated trainers and a smart course design, iPEC does it naturally.

Benefits of iPEC Certification

iPEC has years of industry knowledge and experience embedded in its program. Refined and always improved-upon, the iPEC coaching program offers a whole host of benefits to its participants, such as:

Specialty Training Options

At iPEC, you can choose to narrow your training to a specialized niche. Training in a specialty often allows life coaches to serve a specific segment of the population that they are passionate about, leading to even more successful coaching experiences for clients. If you are interested in picking a niche, iPEC offers specialized training in the following spaces:

• Relationship Coaching
• Transition Coaching
• Group Coaching
• Couples Coaching
• Parents & Teens Coaching
• Health & Wellness Coaching
• Sports Performance Coaching
• Small Business & Professionals Coaching
• Leadership: Executive & Management Coaching

Flexible Learning Schedules

When you start your certification journey with iPEC, you can hand-pick which intensive training session you’re going to join for each phase, as well as decide whether you want to learn in person or online. The flexibility offered by iPEC’s program invites learners from all over the world to become Certified Professional Coaches.

Multiple Certifications

Instead of completing the course with just the CPC certification, students complete the course with two additional certifications (Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner and a COR.E Dynamics Specialist designation). Having multiple certifications is not a requirement to coach, but being able to stand out from other coaches, offer specialized services, and have extra tools under your belt can help you serve your clients with ease.

Community-Based Approach

Since iPEC is a community of coaches, every trainer has a full understanding of what life is like as a coach. At times, it can be lonely, but with a community of like-minded individuals and fellow coaches surrounding you, it doesn’t have to be. iPEC places emphasis on the community aspect of training, often encouraging partner work and group sessions to ensure their students feel connected and supported throughout their life coaching journey.

Training Support

Completing your certification is a great start for any budding coach, but it takes a lot more than sitting through a few training sessions to call yourself a skilled coach. Students at iPEC are expected to dive into their materials with passion, but not without support.

Beyond the trainers and other coaches-in-training, you’ll be able to access regular Q&A’s, webinars, and a library of training materials around the clock, during and after your time with iPEC. There is a tight-knit community among graduates of the program, making it easier than ever to connect with other coaches as you navigate the start of your career.

You will also receive a business toolbox with example coaching agreements, scripts, and marketing tools to help your coaching business flourish.

A Worthwhile Investment

With a price tag of $13,995, the iPEC Coach Training Program is one of the most expensive coach training programs on the market. If you’re looking for something more affordable, we’ve got a great list of ICF-accredited programs that are easier on the wallet (our recommended program is less than one third the cost of iPEC).

If your budget allows, however, we believe an iPEC education can be worth the investment. It offers ample support both during and after the program finishes, and helps its students stand out from other coaches in the industry.

If you’re looking to take the next step in your coaching career and you’re ready to learn more, visit the iPEC website to schedule a call with the admissions team at your earliest convenience.