Introduction
The Institute's accreditation program is designed to ensure that coaches trained by us meet the standards required by our corporate clients; - it is therefore positioned at the leading edge of the executive coaching profession. The program is made up of:

• Foundational knowledge -the theory and frameworks that underpin coaching,
• Practice knowledge - the tools and skills an executive coach requires,
• Personal knowledge - the practice of self-awareness and being present.

Through a program of reading, intensive experiential workshops, reflective learning tasks, professional supervision and ongoing professional development, participants engage in, and become accredited members of our community of practice. IEC Accreditation is a prerequisite for those people interested in working with the Institute as an Associate. IEC Accreditation also supports accreditation with the International Coaching Federation for those following that path.

Overview
The Institute's accreditation program consists of three levels of training leading to full accreditation. These levels are explained below and are shown in the accreditation pathway diagram.

The first two-thirds of the accreditation program (Level One and Level Two training) are designed to give participants a thorough grounding in coaching theory and practice, and an understanding of the coaching encounter so they can begin to practice professionally.

After the successful completion of the Level Two training, coaches are invited to apply to engage in Level Three. Level Three culminates in IEC Accreditation and, potentially, work with the Institute as an Associate.  Level Three is designed to focus on the advanced aspects of coaching such as coaching at different levels in organisations, deepening the relationship, raising the tension, understanding the ethics of the coaching encounter and 'holding the coaching crucible'. At the Institute we consider that the quality of the encounter between coach and coaching counterpart is the crucible in which change and growth can occur. We also recognise that coaching at different levels in organisations requires different sets of skills and tools. This means that coaches need to go beyond the foundational skills and tools (covered and expanded in Levels One and Two) and develop other coaching styles and skills. This is done through the understanding and practice of "metaskills". Metaskills bring awareness to the dance of relationship (trust, value and challenge) as well as to the choreographing of the dance (skills and tools).

Once accredited with IEC, regular participation in the Institute's program of continuous professional development is required to maintain Accreditation.