Are there any prerequisites to join the program?
The minimum prerequisite to join the program is a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
What does a typical cohort look like?
We craft our cohorts to ensure that there is representation across a wide range of industries. Participants come from all career stages, but most are predominantly from mid- to late career and into retirement. Many participants have coached or been coached before, while others are new to coaching. Regardless of your industry, experience level, and coaching experience, CoachRICE is designed to help you develop the foundational knowledge and skills you need to be an impactful and effective coach.
How much time will I need to allot for assignments/reading?
To help you prepare to learn, you will want to complete readings, reflections, and preparatory activities before attending Learning Modules, coaching sessions, and practices. While the total preparation time needed will vary, you can expect an approximate ½ : 1 ratio of prep time per Module/Session. So, for a 10-hour Learning Module, we recommend you set aside up to 5 hours
What makes CoachRICE different from other Level 1 programs?
CoachRICE stands out because it offers something most programs can’t: a true community and a high-impact hybrid learning experience backed by Rice University.
Hybrid Learning on the Rice Campus
While many programs are fully virtual, CoachRICE combines online convenience with in-person sessions on the Rice campus, creating deeper learning, richer conversations, and real coaching practice you can’t replicate on Zoom.
A Cohort of Top Coaches and Professionals
You’ll train alongside a carefully selected group of high-achieving leaders and coaches, not random online participants. This tight-knit cohort becomes your support system, sounding board, and team of collaborators.
A Network That Lasts
The real value of CoachRICE is the community you build—with your cohort and with alumni. These are meaningful, lasting connections that help you grow your coaching practice and your career long after the program ends. Lower cost virtual programs simply can’t offer this level of network or depth of relationship.
The Credibility of Rice University
CoachRICE is an ICF-accredited program backed by one of the most respected universities in the country.
CoachRICE isn’t just a certification—it’s a community, a network, and a transformational experience you can’t get anywhere else.
What happens if I have to miss a Module or Mentor Coaching session?
CoachRICE is intentionally designed to support the learning needs of busy professionals with personal lives; however, we understand that life happens. If for any reason any portion of the program is missed, participants are required to attend a future portion that corresponds to the missed content (e.g., Module 2, Day 2). For each missed day, a make-up fee of $50 will be invoiced. Any missed content must be completed before a CoachRICE Certificate of Completion can be issued.Is
CoachRICE accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF)?
Yes. CoachRICE is a Level 1 ICF-accredited program. What does that mean?
CoachRICE meets the rigorous standards set by the International Coaching Federation for programs designed to prepare professionals for application to achieve an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential – the first level of a credentialing journey. Requirements include:
- Complete at least 60 hours of coach-specific training
- Complete at least 100 hours of coaching practice
- Complete the ICF credentialing exam
- Be mentored by an experienced coach
- Adopt a coaching style that aligns with ICF standards
- Provide a minimum of five observed coaching sessions for each participant
- Provide written feedback for at least three of the five sessions
Who should apply for CoachRICE?
- Managers to senior leaders who wish to add coaching to their portfolio
- Practicing coaches (internal/external) seeking formal training toward an ICF credential
- Professionals looking to make a career change to professional coaching
- Professionals in allied fields who want to add coaching skills to their practice and resume
- Human resource and organizational development professionals who want to advance their career with this specialized skill set
How do I apply for CoachRICE?
To apply for CoachRICE, please complete our online application.
When is the application deadline for the Fall 2026 cohort?
The application deadline is Friday, May 29, 2026.
How long does the program take to complete?
The program is completed in 80 hours over eight (8) consecutive months:
- 40 hours of in-person Learning Modules sitting alongside your peers on the beautiful Rice University campus once a month for the first four months.
- 10 hours of Mentor Coaching completed over three months after the Learning Modules
- 1 final month to complete and submit all program requirements, including a final coaching recording and transcript for formal ICF ACC assessment.
- 30 hours of coach reading, learning, reflection, practice, feedback, and activities incorporated across the eight months of coach education and training.
You can view the entire schedule by downloading the Information Packet.
Does CoachRICE provide ICF coaching credentials?
CoachRICE provides Level 1 program certification in the form of a Certificate of Completion to participants who complete all program requirements.
Program grads then submit the required Certificate of Completion to the International Coaching Federation (ICF) as part of their application for a coaching credential (ACC) issued directly by ICF. In addition to the Level 1 Certificate of Completion, you will need to complete 100 hours of coaching and pass the ACC Exam administered by ICF to obtain your ACC credential.
Do I need to be affiliated with Rice University?
No. CoachRICE is open to anyone—professionals, leaders, and aspiring coaches inside and outside of Rice University.
What is the tuition for the program?
All tuition information is available in our Information Packet that is available for download.
Does the program include the 10 hours of mentor coaching required for ACC?
Yes. CoachRICE includes all 10 hours of required mentor coaching (7 group + 3 individual), delivered by experienced ICF-certified coach mentors.
What do graduates typically do after completing CoachRICE?
Graduates go on to:
- Build internal coaching programs within their organizations
- Start private coaching practices
- Integrate coaching skills into leadership roles
- Enhance HR, DEI, or talent development careers
- Continue training toward PCC or ACTC credentials
When are applications due for the next cohort?
Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are currently open. We review applications on a rolling basis, and spaces fill quickly—so we encourage applicants to apply early to secure a spot.
Final application deadline is May 29, 2026.