Learn about HCI accreditation

HCI’s programs are proud to have gone through rigorous reviews to become accredited with various national and international governing bodies. Learn more about our accreditation with the following organizations:

International Coaching Federation (ICF)

ICF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to professional coaching. ICF has been the gold standard in coaching for over 27 years offering the most globally recognized, independent credentialing program for coach practitioners.

ICF Credentials are awarded to professional coaches who have met stringent education and experience requirements and have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the coaching competencies that set the standard in the profession. 

The Become a Health and Life Coach (BHLC) program is reviewed annually by ICF as an accredited Continuing Coach Education (CCE) provider. BHLC has been accredited as offering 77 educational hours/CCE units to graduates (52 Core Competency hours and 25 Resource Development hours, divided among Pillars 1, 2, and 3). 

ICF Credentials

ICF offers three credentials: Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Master Certified Coach (MCC). 

As an accredited CCE provider, the BHLC course can be used by graduates in two ways. 

  1. If you currently have ICF credentials, BHLC will provide you with 77 education hours for renewing your credential. 
  2. If your goal is to obtain ICF credentials, BHLC will provide you with educational hours to begin the process of obtaining your ACC credentials. More information below. 

Obtaining ACC Credentials

Obtaining an ICF ACC credential is a rigorous process that provides credibility to Credential-holders. For more information on applying for ACC credentials, please visit the ICF website


Health Coach Alliance

The Health Coach Alliance (HCA) is the largest international professional Health Coach association of its kind. They are a movement of talented, passionate practitioners coming together with a common goal: to preserve and grow an industry that helps people find their way back to health and vibrancy. 

HCA upholds educational standards, a defined scope of practice, and ethical standards. ​This not only ensures easy identification of those lacking qualifications, attempting to market themselves to clients as a Nutrition Coach or Health Coach, but also lends credibility to you, the practitioner, telling the public that you are a trained professional. 

Become a Health and Life Coach

BHLC graduates qualify for the entry level RHC™ designation and can apply for a membership via the HCA website

More information on the RHC™ designation can be found here

Coach Mastery

As a Member of HCA, professional members are required to earn a minimum of 20 CE credits per year to maintain membership status and hold their designations. 

​HCI’s Coach Mastery program has met strict HCA guidelines and is accredited as Continuing Education Credit (CEC) providers offering 40 CE credits.


Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)

The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) is the UK's largest professional association for therapists, ensuring high standards in therapy education and practice since 1962. With thousands of members offering a broad range of specialisms - from sports and remedial therapies - to complementary healthcare and holistic beauty treatments - the FHT is the association of choice for professional therapists.

The Become a Health and Life Coach program is fully approved by the FHT. FHT accreditation ensures that course providers and prospective students can be sure that qualifications and courses have been independently and externally assessed, meeting the highest standards. 

More information can be found on the FHT website.