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The Vanguard Professional Coaching Certification
Future Course Dates:
03-07 February 2025 (Columbus, GA)
12-16 May 2025 (Columbus, GA)
15-19 September 2025 (Columbus, GA)
03-07 November 2025 (Columbus, GA)
The VPCC ICF Level 1 Course is your gateway to becoming an ICF credentialed coach!
The Vanguard Professional Coaching Certification (VPCC) offers two ICF Level 1 Courses. We offer an 80 hour course and a 61-hour executive course where students learn the art of professional coaching and employment of the Vanguard XXI coaching model. Upon program completion of course requirements students may pursue credentialing as an International Coaching Federation Associate Certified Coach.
This course is for leaders in any capacity who desire to improve themselves and their organization through professional coaching.
Course participants include a diverse mix of leaders from a variety of industries and backgrounds to include business and corporate leaders, human resources professionals, leadership consultants, counselors, military leaders, college and professional athletic coaches, mental and behavioral health professionals, and entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their own coaching business. We look forward to including you!
We facilitate an inclusive and psychologically affirming culture empowering personal and group growth.
The relationship built in this course will continue in your professional journey. The course is taught in English with virtual and in-person instruction. To enroll, participants must possess a bachelor's or equivalent degree with at least three years of experience leading or working professionally.
The 61-hour course consists of 39 hours of synchronous learning via 9 hours of virtual instruction and 30 hours of in-person instruction over a course of four days. 12 hours of asynchronous learning includes all-exclusive access to our Vanguard XXI Forge digital learning platform. All participants receive 10 hours of mentor coaching in accordance with ICF Mentor Coaching standards.
The 80 hour course includes an additional 19 hours of performance and directed coach training specific to coaching organizational Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs). This includes an additional "Day 5" in person in conjunction with the 4 day in person course, and two additional four hour virtual instruction sessions.
Students internalize and apply the ICF Coaching Competencies and Ethical practices while learning how to effectively coach clients using the five step Vanguard XXI Coaching Model.
Clay
Business Owner & Special Operations Veteran
The course was absolutely excellent! A diverse group of individuals from different walks of life, different occupational sectors, and personality types. The course structure is seamless in progressing from the fundamentals and foundations of coaching to having full blown coaching sessions with your peers.
The Vanguard coaching framework compliments the ICFs core competencies in a way that really helped (and continue to help) me lead a very genuine session with the depth and authenticity required to really get to the depth where progress and value to the client lie. While I was excited to learn how to be a great coach and become a better leader in my current occupation and organization, I did not expect the course to facilitate as much personal growth as it did. Not only did I leave feeling motivated to coach internally to my organization and start an LLC for coaching externally, I left more self aware and better equipped to have engaging discussions with my family as well as difficult and dynamic conversations at any level of my work place. I also became much more present during conversations and much more capable of relating tone of voice/inflection and body language to deeper emotional or mental pillars to aid in over coming the obstacles of solving complex problems. I remain in contact with a number of the other graduates of my course and we continue to encourage and assist one another in our coaching journeys. It’s been very rewarding to coach and help others progress in reaching their goals.
Lastly, all of the folks involved in the course, students and instructors alike, were great to get to know and learn from.
The Vanguard Professional Coaching Certification is a holistic approach to coaching, teaching and training transformational leaders using
David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle Theory for instruction.
Using concrete experiences, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation, Students engage in a comprehensive coaching and learning process.

The course teaches and trains students to professionally coach and lead clients in a virtual and in person interactive environment. Virtual tools such as Google Jamboard, Zoom Whiteboard, breakout rooms, and screen sharing will engage students in experiential learning and exercises stimulating adult learning and growth.
In person instruction utilizes flipcharts, markers, and audio/visual presentations. Both in person and virtual classes will engage in large and small group adult learning activities and discussions to evoke awareness, create curiosity and discovery, promote presence, and empower human interaction to include six coaching triad practicums.
The course includes two assessments, allowing students to better understand themselves and future coaching clients.
Assessments include the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Conflict Style Report and the Korn Ferry Emotional & Social Competency Inventory (ESCI/EQ360). Students walk away with increased awareness and emotional intelligence. Click here to learn more about our assessments.
Following in-person instruction, each cohort continues to develop their coaching skill and mastery of ICF core competencies through 10 hours of virtual mentor coaching. Vanguard XXI's Mentor Coaching process and purpose is to prepare participants to coach at the ICF ACC level. Click here for more information about mentor coaching.
Students receive a comprehensive curriculum workbook for their personal journey and reflection, and Vanguard SWAG to include a notebook, pen, sticker, and copies of Dr. Anthony Randall's books.
Additional reading and audio/visual resources are provided for self-development and learning through our Vanguard XXI Forge digital learning platform. VPCC cohorts will communicate together on this platform with one another, course facilitators and mentor coaches. All homework assignments and requirements re submitted through our platform creating a safe and efficient digital learning experience.
More Information
A Leadership Coaching Model
The course provides a leadership coaching model and process for trusted professionals to coach and lead in physically present, hybrid, and remote global workplaces within today’s VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world in accordance with International Coaching Federation Competencies and Ethics.
Board Certified Coaches
Graduates may pursue Two (2) Coaching Credentials following this course. The ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential and the CCE Board Certified Coach (BCC) credential. Vanguard XXI is an ICF Member and current credentialed course provider for an ICF 24-hour CCE and a CCE credentialed provider for Board Certified Coach training.
Great Partnerships
Vanguard XXI is a proud partner of The National Infantry Museum (NIM), the #1 ranked free Museum by USA Today. With professional corporate meeting space, catering, and a world-class leadership back drop of leadership in history, we have partnered to offer the course at the NIM. Close to historic downtown Columbus, GA, and Ft. Moore, Georgia, you have access to world class lodging, 5 star dining, entertainment, and a small town feel. We also offer the VPCC in person and virtually domestically and internationally.
Amazing Professional Potential
This course is approved by the United States Army for Active Duty personnel to utilize Credentialing Assistance (CA).
Upon completion of 100 coaching hours and passing the ICF Exam, students may receive their International Coaching Federation Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential.
To start your journey with Vanguard XXI, simply follow the link below. It's time to unlock your potential, and embark on a rewarding journey of personal and professional growth. Vanguard XXI can help you enhance your skills, foster your strengths, and reach new heights of success.
