The Coaching PlayLab is a cohort-based learning experience for ACC- and PCC-level coaches who want to deepen their mastery of the ICF Core Competencies through practice, feedback, and reflection.

Rather than focusing on content alone, the PlayLab emphasizes experiential learning—live coaching, observation, and real-time feedback—so you can apply the competencies with greater confidence in real coaching conversations.

The PlayLab is for you if:

• You’re an ICF-aligned coach

• You’re an ACC or PCC (or working toward either)

• You want more practice and feedback—not just theory

• You’re open to reflection, experimentation, and growth in community
  
  

The PlayLab may not be a fit if:

• You’re brand new to coaching and looking for foundational training

• You’re seeking a lecture-based or content-heavy program

• You’re not able to attend live virtual sessions consistently

The PlayLab runs as a small, mentor-led cohort with a strong emphasis on learning by doing.

Each cohort includes:

• 5 live, 90-minute Zoom sessions over 10 weeks

• Small cohorts of 6–8 coaches

• A blend of mini-lessons, live coaching practice, and structured feedback

• Practice in pairs or small groups with facilitator observation

• Optional add-on 1:1 mentor coaching sessions (for those pursuing 10 mentor hours)

Each PlayLab session focuses on one or two ICF Core Competencies, with practical application using PCC-level markers as a learning lens.

Rather than “grading” coaching, markers are used to:

• Clarify what competency mastery looks like in practice

• Support more intentional skill development

• Help you strengthen your coaching in preparation for credentialing or recordings

You’ll leave with greater confidence in how the competencies show up in real conversations.

In addition to the five 90min live virtual sessions, participants should expect:

• Light pre-work (e.g., reviewing competency markers or noticing patterns in your coaching)

• Optional reflection or short written exercises

• Practice outside of sessions with peer partners or your coachees (optional and self-organized)

The overall time commitment is designed to be meaningful but manageable for working coaches.

The Coaching PlayLab enrolls new cohorts based on interest. To be the first to hear about upcoming cohorts, complete our no-commitment interest form.

After you submit the application:

• We’ll review your responses to ensure a strong mutual fit

• You may be invited to a short conversation

• Invitations are sent on a rolling basis as cohorts form

• There’s no obligation until you receive an invitation and confirm your spot

• Confidentiality: What’s shared in the group stays in the group.

• Participation: Please plan to attend at least 4 of the 5 group sessions to support consistency and connection. (See "CCEUs & Mentor Coaching Hours" for missed session impact.)

• Engagement: Arrive ready to participate fully, coach with presence, and support your fellow cohort members.

• Supportive Environment: We grow together. Encourage, uplift, and respectfully challenge each other.

• Responsibility: Your experience will reflect the energy and ownership you bring to it

• Vulnerability & Authenticity: Come as you are. The more you bring, the more you’ll gain.

• Respect for IP: Materials shared in the PlayLab are proprietary and not to be recorded, copied, or distributed without explicit permission from the facilitators. You agree not to use the materials from this program for commercial or training purposes outside this cohort.

The Coaching PlayLab offers 7.5 ICF Continuing Coach Education Units (CCEUs) and 7 group Mentor Coaching Hours.

Earning the full 7.5 CCEUs

To receive all CCEUs:

• You must attend all five sessions live and participate fully

• If you miss a session, you may still be eligible for its CCEUs by:

  • Reviewing the session notes or recording, and

  • Submitting a short written reflection demonstrating your learning from the missed session’s exercises

• You are responsible for finding practice partners for any exercises assigned outside of live sessions (we encourage networking within the cohort)
  
  

Using sessions toward Mentor Coaching Hours

To count sessions toward the ICF’s Mentor Coaching requirement:

• Mentor Coaching Hours must be attended live (this is a non-negotiable ICF requirement)

• If you miss a PlayLab session you planned to use for mentor hours, you may request a 1:1 make-up session with a qualified Mentor Coach

  • This may be a PlayLab facilitator or another Mentor Coach of your choosing

  • Make-up sessions are offered at an additional fee and are subject to availability

• While we’ll do our best to support you, we cannot guarantee make-up sessions and are not responsible for securing Mentor Coaching Hour eligibility if sessions are missed