Certified Associate Coach Program

Curriculum overview

We designed the UWCAC program to teach you the foundational coaching skills aligned with the ICF Core Competencies. As the first step in your coaching development journey, UWCAC establishes a strong, supportive base from which you can confidently grow as a coach.

Our Level 1-accredited curriculum provides the initial scaffolding for our holistic, integrated approach to coach training. Through a blend of live class sessions and online learning modules, you will experience multiple learning methods that cultivate both coaching knowledge and coaching practice.

Below are the five overarching themes that guide all of our coaching curriculum. In UWCAC, our Level 1-accredited program, you will explore the basics of each theme — laying the groundwork for deeper learning and future advancement in our Level 2-accredited program.

Foundations of coaching
Establish a foundational understanding of essential coaching concepts, the coaching framework and the skills necessary to initiate coaching conversations.

Co-creating the coaching relationship
Develop the ability to establish and be a partner in equitable, safe and courageous coaching relationships and conversations. Learn the concept of coaching presence and how to cultivate it for optimal impact.

Communicating effectively
Explore methods to communicate with clarity and purpose, ensuring understanding and meaning. Learn various tools that can support new insight and awareness in others.

Cultivating learning & growth
Gain an understanding of how to explore with clients to move from insight to action, create space for reflection and co-create learning strategies for long-term growth.

Integration
Integrate coaching knowledge with coaching practice. Practice full-length coaching conversations with peers to move toward proficiency. 

Program outcomes

Upon successful completion of this certificate program, you will be able to:

• Name, define and demonstrate proficiency in the eight core competencies and related behaviors of an associate coach, outlined by the International Coaching Federation
• Coach others holistically, in an ICF-aligned, professional manner 
• Practice a coaching mindset that is open, flexible, grounded and curious
• Structure and guide a successful coaching session and relationship from start to finish
• Engage in productive coaching conversations that create conditions for trust and safety
• Partner as an equal with a coachee to support reflection, evoke awareness and facilitate next steps

Our live, in-class sessions are where you practice and experience coaching skills. In aligning with best practices, we have created a class structure that supports virtual learning for a comprehensive program.

You are required to attend all classes. To minimize disruptions and foster a rich learning experience, we ask that you not come to class unless you can attend the entire session. You may miss up to one (1) class, provided it is not the first or last class.

In addition, you are required to work routinely with classmates outside of scheduled class times. Exact dates and times for those meetings will be determined and depend on learner schedules.

Technology requirement

A computer, recording tools for creating MP3 files and high-speed internet access are required. The program utilizes video conferencing software and the University of Wisconsin’s learning platform, Canvas. While prior experience with these tools is not necessary, basic computer skills are essential.

All classes are held in Central Time via Zoom

*Indicates attendance required

An ICF Level 1 Coach Training Program is a comprehensive coach education course accredited by the International Coaching Federation. It requires 60 or more contact learning hours. 

Program requirements

Successful completion of the UWCAC program is based on the fulfillment of the following requirements:

• Attendance in 8 virtual biweekly classes
• Completion of asynchronous, self-paced modules through Canvas
• Completion of 20 coaching experience hours
• Completion of 10 mentoring hours with an assigned UW mentor coach
• Successful completion of a final written exam to demonstrate knowledge of ICF core competencies
• Successful demonstration of ACC-level coaching skills, as defined by the ICF, in a final submitted coaching session 

Attendance requirement

You must attend all classes for the entire class period to complete the UWCAC Program. With an excused absence, you may miss one class. Excused absences are not available for extended classes. If you miss these days, you will not earn your certificate.

 Weekly commitment:

Approximately 15 hours a week outside of class.

Earning an ICF Credential is a rigorous process that provides professional coaches with legitimacy and credibility. Each of the ICF’s credentials (ACC, PCC and MCC) requires the same five components: education, experience, mentor coaching, performance evaluation and credentialing exam. 

By completing all UWCAC program requirements, graduates will have completed the following components necessary for the ACC credential application:

• 60+ hours coach-specific education
• 20 hours of coaching experience*
• 10 hours of mentor coaching with a UW mentor coach.  
• Performance Evaluation

 *The requirement for coaching experience hours varies between credentials. Please visit the ICF’s Coaching Experience Requirement page to learn more. 

Program fee for 2026–2027:

Register March 1 through June 15: $4,990

After June 15: $6,990

Includes 60+ hours of coach-specific education, 10 hours of mentoring and a performance evaluation.

You are responsible for purchasing course books and other materials (approximately $100), securing a professional-level Zoom account and purchasing your own transcription service.

Financing options

As a noncredit professional certificate program, the UWCAC does not qualify for federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, the GI Bill funding or need-based aid.

• Employer education and training budgets. Some employers offer funding for employee education or professional development.
• Universities of Wisconsin employee discount. Universities of Wisconsin employees who are accepted into the UWCAC program receive a 10% discount from the total fee amount. Participants are required to pay for any and all additional costs associated with program textbooks, a computer, a professional Zoom account, etc.
• Private education loans. Some learners finance certificate programs with private education loans. Learners are responsible for contacting lenders directly to determine eligibility for a noncredit professional certificate program. While the University of Wisconsin does not recommend specific lenders, the UWCAC program has an application portal with Sallie Mae.

When prompted for the program you need the loan for, choose “Undergrad | Certificate.” Choose a degree of “Certificate” and then enter a school name of “UW-Madison Division of Continuing Studies Certificate Programs” if it doesn’t already default for you. The Division of Continuing Education will certify Sallie Mae loan amounts up to the full course fee, and the learner will pay out of pocket for the additional required costs listed above.

Payment details & cancellation policy

The total fee is due by Friday, August 21, 2026. Registrants who withdraw from the UWCAC program on or before August 21, 2026, will receive a full refund, minus a $100 administrative fee. No refunds will be granted after August 21, 2026.

We seek applicants who bring diverse experiences, a desire to learn, an ability to self-reflect and the commitment and time for their own transformational learning. 

Our goal is to create a dynamic and diverse learning community.  Each learner contributes unique perspectives, talents and experiences.  Our learners come from a wide range of backgrounds; some have prior coaching experience, while others are new to the world of professional coaching.  Various careers are represented among our applicants. 

Our learners share a commitment to academic excellence, are highly motivated and possess a strong desire for personal and professional growth. They seek the tools to guide, inspire and empower others to reach their potential and achieve results through professional coaching. 

We welcome applicants who believe that this is the right time in their lives for a rigorous, challenging and immensely rewarding learning experience.

Program prerequisites

The following prerequisites ensure a diverse and rich classroom experience for all learners:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is preferred; no specific undergraduate degree is required
• Willingness to engage in self-reflection and self-examination
• Openness to feedback from the instructional team and peers

A complete application includes:

1. Online application questionnaire 
2. Current resume or CV
3. One letter of recommendation written by a personal or professional reference who can speak to your character and capabilities.

Application process:

We will review your application once all materials are received. If you are selected to continue, you will be invited to a 30-minute interview with a program team member.

The interview will:

• Assess your understanding of the program and if it’s a good fit 
• Explore the qualities you’ll bring as a learner to the cohort 
• Discuss your goals and objectives for completing the program
• Provide an opportunity for you to ask questions

We will notify you of admission decisions within two weeks of your interview.

Application deadline:

• The last day to apply to the UWCAC program is July 30, 2026.