Question 1

What is the Institute for Life Coach Training (ILCT)?

Accepted Answer

ILCT is a US-based virtual coach training school founded in 1998 by Dr. Patrick Williams, a founding member of the International Coach Federation. It trains coaches primarily from the helping professions — therapists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers — though its programs are open to anyone pursuing a professional coaching credential. The school operates entirely through teleconference and video conference, with some self-directed online electives.

Question 2

Is ILCT accredited by the ICF?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ILCT holds ICF accreditation at both Level 1 (formerly ACTP) and Level 2, and was among the first programs to receive ICF accreditation in 2002. This means graduates can apply directly to the ICF for the ACC or PCC credential through the accredited-program pathway, which reduces the documentation burden compared to the portfolio route.

Question 3

What credentials can I earn through ILCT?

Accepted Answer

ILCT's curriculum supports three primary credentials: the ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC, 60 training hours), the ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC, 130 hours), and the Board Certified Coach (BCC) through the Center for Credentialing and Education. Graduate-degree holders can qualify for the BCC with as few as 30–60 hours of ILCT coursework, depending on their field. ILCT was the first coach training provider selected by CCE for this credential.

Question 4

What specialty certifications does ILCT offer?

Accepted Answer

ILCT offers specialty track certifications in Business Coaching, Christian Coaching, Career Development Coaching, Grief Coaching, Life Coaching, Resilience Coaching, and Wellness Coaching. Each specialty requires 80 total training hours and completion of the foundational Foundations course. Students must also hold or qualify for an ICF or BCC credential before the specialty certificate is awarded.

Question 5

How is ILCT's training delivered?

Accepted Answer

Courses are conducted primarily by teleconference and video conference in small cohort groups, which ILCT calls a live interactive format. A subset of electives are self-directed online courses that students complete at their own pace. ICF rules cap self-directed hours at 50% of total training, so most students combine live and self-directed coursework.

Question 6

How long does it take and what does it cost?

Accepted Answer

The ACC credentialing path — 60 hours of training plus mentor coaching — costs approximately $4,315 and takes about 6 to 8 months. The PCC path requires 130 hours. Specialty certification paths require 80 hours total. Discounts are available for non-profit employees, church workers, and groups of four or more.

Question 7

Do I need a background in therapy or counseling to enroll?

Accepted Answer

No. ILCT was originally designed for helping professionals — therapists, psychologists, social workers — and its curriculum draws heavily on behavioral science. However, it is open to any motivated learner. The theoretically grounded curriculum can serve those with no behavioral health background who want rigorous, research-based coach training.

Question 8

Is ILCT accredited by any other bodies besides the ICF?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ILCT is also a Registered Credential Training Provider with the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE, RCTP No. RCTP1005-BCC), and a NAADAC Approved Education Provider (Provider #107268). The NAADAC approval allows licensed professionals in qualifying states to use ILCT courses for professional CEU renewal.

Question 9

Who founded ILCT and is the founder still involved?

Accepted Answer

ILCT was founded in 1998 by Dr. Patrick Williams (Ed.D., MCC, BCC), a founding member of the ICF and an inaugural honoree of the ICF Circle of Distinction. Williams sold the school in 2012 and is no longer operationally involved, though he remains active in the coaching profession as a mentor and author. The school continues to operate under subsequent leadership.

Question 10

How does ILCT compare to other coach training schools?

Accepted Answer

ILCT occupies a niche between academic depth and accessibility. Its roots in the helping professions give it a more psychologically grounded curriculum than most consumer-facing programs, while its fully virtual delivery makes it more accessible than university-affiliated options. The dual ICF/BCC accreditation is relatively rare and practical for licensed professionals who need credentials recognized by both bodies. Compared to larger schools like iPEC or CTI, ILCT is smaller and less marketed, but its long accreditation history and specialist tracks distinguish it for coaches seeking a particular domain focus.

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