The International Mental Game Coaching Association certifies qualified individuals at four levels as Certified Mental Game Practitioners. The IMGCA courses of study include academic and fieldwork, written work and a final project or examination. Candidates who successfully complete certification receive 21 premium benefits as long as they maintain certification. They also have the right to call themselves IMGCA Certified and display the IMGCA certification logo at their level of certification. IMGCA certification training programs are focused on improving your abilities to directly deliver mental game coaching. Our programs are based on research, theory, academics and clinical experiences, but are 90% focused on real-world applications of this material. You actually learn how to be a mental game coach. Each session focuses on the everyday challenges of what you will experience in the field as you work with coaches, athletes and parents. The IMGCA certification training process takes place by phone, Skype, web and email. We have students from all over the world who study with us. For students wishing face to face class work with an IMGCA-certified instructor for part of their program, this can be arranged, but it is not necessary. One on one classes can be conducted by telephone or by Skype. If we use telephone you can typically purchase a telephone discount card for long distance use, and then call IMGCA using that card. There is no charge to create a Skype account, and the Skype calls are free, no matter where you are in the world. Skype can support audio only or it can support video, again at no extra charge. The only drawback to Skype is that we cannot audio record the classes. If you wish audio recording capability, IMGCA has arranged a separate special phone service that handles that automatically. You would call that number using your telephone discount card and receive a link to an MP3 recording later that day. Top 15 Reasons To Be IMGCA Certified 1. Earn More Money Certified individuals usually earn more money than their non-certified peers.... 2. Get The Advantage Over Non-Certified Competitors If you have a specialized certification, and your competitor does not, you know that will positively impact a decision by a potential employer or client.... 3. Certification Is Highly Customized – You Get Exactly What You Want Certification allows you to create your own personalized course of study with the exact content and skills you want to use in your business or career.... Read the complete list of 15 compelling ways IMGCA certification can give you that special edge (opens in new window - please close that window when finished). Note: No payment is required when the application is submitted. If we accept your application and admit you to the program, payment is due before the first coaching session. Fees can be paid in full at that time or in installments. After you have been accepted into the program, go to Certification Payments to make your payments. See Frequently Asked Questions About IMGCA Certification for additional information, and see a sample list of topics for a Level I Curriculum (opens in new window). Customized Certification Audio Teleclasses Certification students and graduates can listen to more than 65 hours of audio recordings from actual IMGCA certification telelcasses. On average, two or three hours of new audios are added each week. Listen to a few excerpts from our archive of Mental Game Coaching Certification teleclasses. Exclusive Mental Game Video Library For IMGCA Certification Students and Graduates The IMGCA has compiled links to over 450 videos that teach, describe and embrace the mental approach to learning, practicing and performing, in over thirty categories, including golf, tennis, basketball, mental training, mind-body disciplines, music, business, and many more. This is the world's largest collection of mental game videos. This library is for the exclusive use of IMGCA certification students and graduates. Learn more about this video library and see some sample videos.

Make Certification Payment Testimonials For The IMGCA Certification Program "... one of the best investments I have ever made. You can give a gift to yourself to reach your full potential! Go for it." –Ing. Radek Sefcik Level IV IMGCA Certified Mental Game Professional Coach Slovakia Read complete testimonial "Bill's program has helped me immensely in all facets of my life. His extensive business experience was invaluable in helping me grow my business and secure more sponsorships for my motorcycle adventures. His mental game techniques have helped me to become a better motorcycle rider... Along with his guidance I have become a better educator myself." –Chris Carr Professional Motorcycle Racer and Trainer Atlanta, Georgia, USA Read complete testimonial "I'm so pleased I chose IMGCA for my mental game coaching certification! Bill Cole exceeded my expectations as an instructor and facilitator. Certainly, all that I have learned will enhance my coaching business...Bill helped me prepare a presentation where I received very positive feedback from athletes." –Julie Merrick Level I IMGCA Certified Mental Game Instructor, Camarillo, California, USA Read complete testimonial "Bill is an expert in his field and can pitch the training at just the right level for each student... I found the website material and archives to provide endless material for reference and also to help formulate trainings for my clients. Without any hesitation if you are interested in learning about mental game coaching this is the place to be, stop your search now and get on to the programme." –Alan Kane Dip K, APBP Level I IMGCA Certified Mental Game Instructor Ireland Read complete testimonial "The IMGCA Certification program has probably been the best investment I have ever made in terms of wanting to learn a practical way to teach the mental game. My time with Bill Cole was extremely enjoyable and productive." –Kevin Nathaniel Level I IMGCA Certified Mental Game Instructor Memphis, Tennessee, USA Read complete testimonial "Whether you've been coaching for 20 years or have just begun, Bill Cole and IMGCA certification training can and will help you utilize cutting-edge mental game approaches and make you a better coach." –Phil DuBois Level I IMGCA Certified Mental Game Instructor Springfield, Virginia, USA Read complete testimonial "I can't begin to tell you how much I have learned from you in our in-depth conversations. Your expertise in the subject I really believe is among the very best...I know this certification will put me on the right path to be able to teach the skills necessary for my students to achieve higher success in reaching their ultimate dreams." –Billy Fritz Level I IMGCA Certified Mental Game Instructor Dallas, Texas, USA Read complete testimonial "Bill Cole is an expert in the Mental Game. His achievements as an international mind coach, top-level champion athlete, and his background in academic sports psychology and clinical psychology work are infused throughout this training. He gave me down to earth, practical tips and tools I am using now. The IMGCA certification training program bypasses the theory and fluff that many books have, and, he customized my IMGCA program for what I need, now. This certification will really help me gain more credibility and visibility in the tennis coaching and teaching world." –Ashvin Soin Director, Breakpoint Tennis Academy USPTA Certified Tennis Professional Saratoga, CA Read complete testimonial

The Four IMGCA Certified Mental Game Practitioner Levels

1. Level I - IMGCA Certified Mental Game Instructor
2. Level II - IMGCA Certified Mental Game Coach
3. Level III - IMGCA Certified Mental Game Master Coach
4. Level IV - IMGCA Certified Mental Game Professional Coach

What Are Your Reasons For Undertaking IMGCA Certification Training?

People tell us that they are excited to begin IMGCA certification training because they want to be recognized for completing a rigorous, internationally-respected mental game certification training program, a unique and impressive resume item and distinct job-hunting advantages over those without such a credential.

You can also proudly sign your name with these distinguished letters after them. Some examples:

Bob Smith, CMGI
(IMGCA Certified Mental Game Instructor)

Roberta Smith, CMGC
(IMGCA Certified Mental Game Coach)

John Jones, CMGMC
(IMGCA Certified Mental Game Master Coach)

Michelle Jones, CMGPC
(IMGCA Certified Mental Game Professional Coach)

An IMGCA certification can bring you great personal satisfaction and professional recognition as you help others achieve and reach their dreams. Contact us today and discover how you can become IMGCA certified.

Twenty-one IMGCA Certification Benefits

Each certified Mental Game Practitioner, at each certification level, will be afforded these 21 benefits, in addition to the high status as an IMGCA Certified Mental Game Practitioner.

To maintain IMGCA certification, and the privileges that come with IMGCA certification, IMGCA certification participants are required to pass an annual IMGCA re-certification written test and pay an annual IMGCA recertification renewal fee of $100 USD.

Upon certification, IMGCA certified practitioners shall be entitled to these 21 benefits and services each year they maintain their IMGCA certification.

(This is a $1200-$5000-plus value).

1. In-Depth Mental Game Articles. Access to all IMGCA Members-Only mental game articles.
   
   
2. Advertising License. Right to advertise as an IMGCA certified practitioner.
   
   
3. Licensed IMGCA Logos. Right to use proprietary and copyrighted IMGCA Certified Mental Game Practitioner logos on your web site and letterhead designating you as an IMGCA-Certified Practitioner in good standing. A sample of the logo for Level II Certification appears at right (including a Copyright IMGCA watermark that does not appear on the actual logo). The logos are available in various sizes suitable for use on web sites, stationery and advertising material.
   
   
4. Referrals. Active referrals of interested parties searching for a Certified IMGCA Practitioner in their area.
   
   
5. Private Consultation. Two hours of one-on-one telephone consultation annually with Bill Cole, MS, MA, IMGCA President. (Certified Practitioner pays for phone charges.)
   
   
6. Private Email Correspondence. Ten email questions answered annually by Bill Cole, MS, MA, IMGCA President.
   
   
7. IMGCA Premium Speakers Bureau Package. Premium listing as a speaker for associations and businesses when they call for recognized mental game experts to make presentations.
   
   
8. IMGCA Premium Coach Finder Package. Premium listing as an IMGCA certified coach listed on our web page of IMGCA members, used by associations, clubs, individuals and others to find local mental game coaches to hire.
   
   
9. Access To Exclusive Video Library. Our extensive video library, with over 450 videos related to the mental game, is available to certification students starting on day one of their certification program and ongoing after completion of the program.
   
   
10. Access To Audio Teleclasses. More than 70 hours of audio recordings from IMGCA certification classes are available starting on the first day of the certification program. Certification graduates can continue to access this archive of teleclasses, which is constantly being updated with the addition of new recordings.
    
    
11. Access To Proprietary Assessments. The IMGCA has created a mental game assessment you can utilize with your clients. The IMGCA Mental Game of Sports Assessment Tool (IMGCASAT) is a 65-item test with 13 sections, with 14 additional questions about your client's background in mental training. There are additional assessments on various specialty areas.
    
    
12. Access To Proprietary Forms, Checklists and Articles. You get access to every possible form you need to start and run your coaching business, including intakes, client articles, checklists, reviews and charts and diagrams.
    
    
13. Bill Cole's 77-page Mental Game Of Sports Mental Training Manual. Bill uses this with his coaching clients as part of their coaching package, and you can have this manual also, at no extra charge. This gives you an immediate manual for your coaching clients, saving you hundreds of hours of time.
    
    
    
    
14. Opportunity To Advertise In IMGCA Materials. IMGCA Certified Practitioners who wish to advertise their products or services in IMGCA materials and on the IMGCA web site will be provided a 40% discount off prevailing advertising rates.
    
    
15. IMGCA Recognition. Handsome, ready-for-framing certificate of completion as a Certified IMGCA Practitioner. Click on the small sample certificate below to see a larger version in a new window. (Please close that window when finished.)
    
    
    
    
16. Speak At IMGCA Meetings. Priority opportunity to present at IMGCA meetings.
    
    
17. Discounted Meeting Fees. 15% off all IMGCA meeting fees.
    
    
18. Discounts With William B. Cole Consultants. 20% discount on all products and services from William B. Cole Consultants, at www.mentalgamecoach.com.
    
    
19. IMGCA Store Discounts. 10% discount on all products and services (Certification discounts are separate) from the IMGCA store.
    
    
20. Subscription to the IMGCA Mental Game Journal, containing articles, research, strategies and tips on maximizing the potential of the mental game.
    
    
21. Publishing Showcase. Priority opportunity to publish articles in the International Mental Game Coaching Journal, and the public and private article areas of the IMGCA web site.

Discounts as an IMGCA member and as an IMGCA-Certified Practitioner cannot be combined. The higher of the two discounts will apply.

Who Would Benefit From Obtaining IMGCA Certifications?

1. Sports coaches
2. Sports psychologists and sport psychology consultants
3. Athletes who eventually want to teach and coach
4. Physical education instructors
5. College and university faculty in physical education and kinesiology
6. College and university faculty in psychology
7. Students training to become sports educators
8. Media commentators, journalists and sports announcers
9. Athletic trainers, nurses, physiatrists and physical therapists
10. Youth sports administrators and officials
11. Sports academic counselors
12. Stress management specialists and exercise physiologists
13. Sports administrators
14. Sports sociologists, sports philosophers, sports historians and motor development and motor control specialists
15. Sports researchers and writers
16. Mind-body practitioners
17. Dance and movement specialists
18. Performance enhancement coaches and consultants
19. Personal and professional life coaches
20. Hypnosis and NLP professionals
21. Chiropractors and physicians
22. Massage and other body workers
23. Psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists and counselors
24. Parents of athletes
25. Sports officials
26. Sports writers
27. Fitness training professionals and exercise physiologists
28. Trainers in the martial arts

Who Qualifies To Undertake IMGCA Certification Training?

Candidates for IMGCA certification come from all walks of life, and have varied backgrounds in sports, coaching, teaching, consulting and the mental game. The IMGCA has designed four levels of certification to address the needs of persons wishing to advance their knowledge, training and capabilities as mental game practitioners. These levels range from beginning practitioners all the way to highly experienced, advanced professional mental game coaches. The commonality among all candidates is that they possess a love of sports and movement, a willingness to learn more about the mental game, and a desire to help others through state of the art mental game coaching.

For levels I and II IMGCA certification, each applicant is assessed on an individual basis, and does not need to satisfy each of these qualifications to enter the program. Possible qualifying capabilities include:

• Experience as a teacher, trainer or coach.
• Experience in various sports, or deeply in one or two sports.
• Experience in movement or mind-body disciplines.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Academic preparation in a field that is in sport and movement or that supports these fields.

An ideal candidate for the two advanced IMGCA certifications would have a background as an athlete, coach, teacher, consultant, researcher, administrator or trainer, with academic preparation in appropriate, similar fields at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

IMGCA Certification Programs Are Unique For Each Student

The IMGCA Certification Programs are highly customized for each student. IMGCA does not believe in "one size fits all" educational training. We make sure that each program is custom-tailored to each student's background, sensibilities and future goals. To that end, IMGCA has created a menu approach for students to design their programs. They design their program with the help of the IMGCA President, Bill Cole.

The IMGCA Menu-Driven Approach to Certification Program Design

The topics and issues we cover in your certification depend on the level you qualify for and select. There are core competencies for each level, and at higher levels, we go deeper and broader in the material. We customize your certification to make it more practical and meaningful for you, depending on how you will be using the certification in the field. We offer over 700 potential areas and modules of study over the course of our four certification levels.

Each Certification Level Contains These Six Major Elements

The major common threads across these four certification levels are:

1. Awareness
2. Learning
3. Development
4. Change
5. Habit Formation
6. Performance

The IMGCA offers classes leading to certification in four major competency areas that help you launch your potential as a superb mental game coach. All levels contain content from each of these four areas.

1. The Mental Game Coaching Field: Current Practices And Future Trends
2. The Mental Game Coaching Process
3. Topics, Issues And Techniques In Mental Game Coaching
4. Organizing And Running Your Coaching Business

You Will Learn Many Powerful Mental Interventions

No matter what level certification you select, you will learn hundreds of different techniques and methods to help your clients master the mental game. Some examples:

• Master 5 ways to assess clients.
• Learn 36 communication techniques.
• Study and experiment with 23 concentration techniques.
• Learn 38 ways to watch the ball in tennis and other ball sports.
• Discover and test 18 stress control techniques.
• Learn 16 tried-and-true methods for managing client motivation.
• Acquire 22 ways to help clients think like champions.
• Learn 41 strategies for creating practice and performance success.

Over 700 Potential Topics Of Study

See a sample list of topics for a Level I Curriculum (opens in new window). More content modules you can add to your program include:

• Using metaphors and analogies in coaching
• Creating a coaching dialogue
• Coaching vs. consulting vs. training vs. teaching
• Conducting the first coaching session
• How to get clients and have a busy practice
• How life stress events intrude on sport performance
• Common mental obstacles to peak performance
• Coaching parents of athletes
• Hypnosis and self-hypnosis
• The inner game and zen sports
• Top ten mistakes coaches make in building their business
• Running your business day to day
• Business policies and procedures
• Understanding why and how mental game coaching works
• Personal qualities of a great mental game coach
• Your personal values and how they impact your coaching philosophy

...and 700 MORE topics, issues, techniques and methods of the mental game.

Depending on the level of certification you undertake, any of these topics may potentially be added to your training. We customize our classes to your wants and needs and work closely with you to create the most practical, sensible and results-based program possible.

We want you to succeed!

IMGCA Certification Training Programs Are Unconditionally Guaranteed -- Our No-Questions-Asked, 100% Money-Back Guarantee:

The quality of IMGCA certification training is guaranteed. We want you to succeed. If you do not believe we have met the mutually established objectives for your certification program, we will continue to work toward those goals with you for no additional fee or expense consideration. If, after such an additional attempt, you still believe we have not met your objectives for this certification, we will refund your certification fees in total. We believe in our ability to help our clients. Our commitment to your success is total.

Who Delivers The IMGCA Certification Programs?

Certification programs are designed by and delivered by the IMGCA President and founder, Bill Cole, MS, MA, an internationally and nationally recognized peak performance mind coach, multiple Hall of Fame honoree, award-winning scholar-athlete and author who has coached at the highest levels of major-league pro sports, big-time college athletics and corporate America. Learn more about Bill Cole.

How IMGCA Certification Can Improve Your Abilities As A Mental Game Practitioner

The IMGCA certification process is a rigorous and thorough system that prepares you to deliver mental game services to many types of sports, mind-body and movement participants across a wide range of applications. You will be able to deliver mental game services to individuals, groups and teams at a much higher level and will be much more effective in helping them overcome mental and emotional obstacles and in achieving their goals in sports and movement. These certifications are not programs leading to licensing or qualification as a sport psychologist. That requires additional training and schooling.

Specifically, you will experience these enhancements:

1. Deeper levels of awareness, analysis and assessment of the mental game.
2. Improved teaching, consulting and coaching effectiveness in the mental arena.
3. Confidence of knowing how to facilitate mental game interventions across a variety of disciplines, skills levels and situations.
4. Better 1-1, group and team coaching in the mental game.
5. Enhanced speaking and training abilities for use in conducting mental game workshops and seminars.

IMGCA Tools You Can Access During The Certification Training Process

1. Mental game assessment tools
2. Turn-key handouts for teaching the mental game
3. Turn-key handouts for coaching the mental game
4. An IMGCA workbook
5. IMGCA articles
6. Athlete feedback forms
7. Post-competition assessments

How The IMGCA Certification Process Works

Applicants may bypass selected lower IMGCA certification levels, depending on their background, experience, training and education, to undertake an advanced level of certification. This evaluation and determination will be made by the IMGCA.

The IMGCA certification program is comprised of these educational elements:

1. Combination of teleclasses (live and recorded), email, readings, assigned homework and exercises, special assignments, case studies and practicums working with clients and others in the field.
2. Audiotaping of coaching sessions.
3. Written reports of practicum and case studies.
4. Field trips and observational reports.
5. Papers and projects.
6. Final IMGCA certification final project or written examination.

The IMGCA certification training process takes place by phone, Skype, web and email. We have students from all over the world who study with us. For students wishing face to face class work with an IMGCA-certified instructor for part of their program, this can be arranged, but it is not necessary.

IMGCA Certification Requirements

Specific certification requirements vary, depending upon each level of certification desired. Some of the required hours are similar, but the type of assignments, type of material and level and depth of material advances at each successive certification level.

How To Apply For IMGCA Certification

1. Applicants complete the IMGCA certification for Mental Game Practitioner application.
2. Applicants complete an optional (at the discretion of the IMGCA) 20 minute personal interview by phone, fax or email with an IMGCA administrator.
3. Once all applicant materials are submitted, and the optional interview is completed, the IMGCA acceptance committee meets to review the applicant's packet.
4. A decision is made within seven (7) days and the applicant is notified by email or phone.

NOTE: Submission of an application to the IMGCA does not imply automatic acceptance into the IMGCA certification program. Completing this application is the first step in the IMGCA screening process.

How To Become Licensed To Teach The IMGCA Certification Programs

The IMGCA welcomes inquiries from Mental Game Experts and Level IV IMGCA Certified Mental Game Professional Coaches who wish to become licensed trainers in the IMGCA Certification training programs. If you qualify, you or your company can be licensed to teach the IMGCA Certification Training Programs in various regions and countries. Become licensed in your region, country or state to provide IMGCA training and create a profitable business, as well as spread the good works of the IMGCA.

Licensing benefits include intensive training, on-going support, use of our brand names, logos, tools, assessment instruments and our strategic branding initiatives. Contact us today for more information.

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