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A list of Frequently Asked Questions and answers about the
IMGCA Certification Program appears below. If you don't find
the answer to your question here, please contact
us.
Can I see a list of topics for my
certification classes?
How long does it take to complete
each certification level?
Are the live classes done via telephone
or Skype?
Are there set times when coaching
call-in sessions take place?
How can I listen to the on-line audios?
Can we complete the entire certification
program at our own pace?
My schedule is very flexible now, and
might not be later, so I would like to have the ability to
accelerate the process, or slow it down. Is that possible?
If I wanted to take the program
as a crash-course intensive, all in one week or so, would
that be possible?
If I need to take a break from certification
training for personal or other reasons (vacations, life transition,
illness, etc.) how does that work?
Is there a mandatory time deadline
I need to adhere to in order to complete each certification
program? Life events have a way of showing up, and when they
do, would I then be able to extend the time line of my program
to reflect this? I don't want to have to hurry to complete
the program so I don't miss a deadline.
What is your policy regarding refunds
if I do not complete the entire certification program?
How do fees need to be paid? Over what
period of time can they be paid, and in what increments?
Are there extra fees for textbooks,
exams or anything else needed to graduate?
Can I test out for a certification
level, pay the fees and simply get the certification and all
benefits at that level of certification?
English is not my main language.
Can I have a translator assist me with the coaching calls?
How much competition is
there in the field of mental training? Will I be able to have
a quality business?
Who would my clients be?
I want to use the certification
for a non-sports population. Is that possible?
Will I be competing
for clients with psychologists and psychiatrists in my area?
I am a hypnotist who wishes to add
sports hypnosis for athletes, parents, coaches and teams as
a specialty in my practice. Do you train hypnotists and hypnotherapists
to utilize mental game coaching in their practices and to
help them add this new client segment to their business?
Do you offer hypnotist certification
or hypnotherapy certification for sports?
What sorts of fees can a mental game coach
command?
How quickly can I start coaching
the mental game?
Do I need to wait to be certified
to call myself a mental game coach?
What makes the IMGCA program different
from the other programs out there offering similar training?
Can you progress through
the certification levels, starting with instructor and working
up to different higher levels of certification?
Can I apply the hours and
payments from lower levels of IMGCA certification to complete
higher certification levels?
What are the 1-1 teleclass
hourly requirements for each certification level?
Do I get access to materials from
all four levels of training – the teleclass contact hours
with Bill Cole, the recorded audioclasses and the videotape
collection?
To save time, instead of
completing the live, 1-1 private teleclasses with Bill Cole,
can I simply audit additional recorded audioclasses and video
tapes?
Does a certification student
need to go through all four levels to achieve certification?
Does this certification
teach you drills so you can teach players to learn the mental
game?
I am interested in
how your certification will teach me to coach players how
to develop competitive attitudes and mental focus.
Can I use content and techniques
from any level in my certification program?
Do you conduct group classes?
Can I have a friend audit my classes?
Can I have a friend take the certification
course with me, at no extra charge?
Do you have a certification
that is 100% web-based? I might want a course that I can do
at my own pace, without phone calls, on my computer.
Would you consider
translating the IMGCA certification into various foreign languages?
Can I see a list of topics for
my certification classes?
There are over 700 possible topics. Here is a sample
Level I curriculum listing some of these core topics (opens
in new window).
How long does it take to
complete each certification level?
Assuming you take a class a week, and make normal progress,
here are the typical time frames for completing each certification
level.
Level I takes approximately six or seven weeks to complete
all classes, homework, field experiences and final exam or
project.
Level II takes approximately three months to complete all
classes, homework, field experiences and final exam or project.
Level III takes approximately six months to complete all classes,
homework, field experiences and final exam or project.
Level IV takes approximately eight months to complete all
classes, homework, field experiences and final exam or project.
We encourage you to do a project instead of an exam, as the
project can be used as a practical basis for your work with
people.
Are the live classes done via
telephone or Skype?
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.
Are there set times when
coaching call-in sessions take place?
Most people arrange a regular weekly time slot for their coaching
calls with Bill Cole. Bill is flexible to your schedule and
will work with you to set a schedule that works well for your
busy life. You do not need to wait for other people to fill
a class to begin your program. Every program is customized
to your needs, and you can arrange meeting times to suit your
schedule.
How can I listen to the on-line
audios?
Once you have enrolled in a certification class, we'll give
you the location of our audio archive, which contains a large
selection of teleclass audios on various topics. Then you
can listen to the archived audio files on your own schedule.
Since we are constantly adding new entries (generally one
or two per week), you'll want to return to that page frequently
to hear the latest additions. If you have not enrolled in
the certification program, you can listen to excerpts
from a few audio files, to give you an idea of the topics
discussed in some of the teleclasses. The topics for your
own teleclasses will be tailored for your needs and interests.
Can we complete the entire
certification program at our own pace?
Yes. This is a self-paced program. We have students at various
stages of the certification process at any given time of the
year. You begin any time of the year, and proceed at the pace
that works best for you and your life.
My schedule is very flexible
now, and might not be later, so I would like to have the ability
to accelerate the process, or slow it down. Is that possible?
Yes. You are in control of the pace of your program. We will
accommodate your requests as much as possible, taking into
account the volume of our other certification students.
If I wanted to take the program
as a crash-course intensive, all in one week or so, would
that be possible?
Yes, this would be possible, depending on which level you
select. Of course, it would also be dependent on matching
your schedule with Bill's schedule. He would need advance
notice to create an opening for this intensive. People have
done this before, when they know they have an open schedule
coming up.
If I need to take a break from certification
training for personal or other reasons (vacations, life transition,
illness, etc.) how does that work?
Altering the pace of your program is fine. We have people
who have taken breaks, changed the speed of the program, and
done so more than once along their path to certification.
The IMGCA wants you to succeed, so we will work with you to
make your program manageable and convenient.
Is there a mandatory time
deadline I need to adhere to in order to complete each certification
program? Life events have a way of showing up, and when they
do, would I then be able to extend the time line of my program
to reflect this? I don't want to have to hurry to complete
the program so I don't miss a deadline.
There is no such time deadline for when you must complete
your program. Unlike some rigidly structured mental training
certification programs and degrees, we recognize that you
have a life, and that other life activities, events and business
obligations can often appear. To that end, we work with you
very closely to make these transitions smother for you. You
can place your program on hold as long as you need, and can
return to certification training when you are ready.
What is your policy regarding
refunds if I do not complete the entire certification program?
The IMGCA wants you to be successful in your certification
program, and to be successful in using it to further your
work in this field. To that end, we intend to work closely
with you throughout your certification process. Sometimes
though, your plans and life situation may change, and you
may find it necessary to either take a break or withdraw from
the program. If you are enrolled in any IMGCA certification
program you agree to accept an IMGCA-calculated pro-rated
refund if you do not complete your certification program.
The IMGCA pro-rated refund is not solely dependent upon the
number of certification classes you have completed, because
part of the IMGCA certification value you receive is calculated
from the value of the proprietary IMGCA handouts, articles,
forms, assessments, audios and checklists you are granted
access to as part of your certification fee. Should you decide
to apply to a future IMGCA certification program, any coursework
you have done towards a previous IMGCA certification can be
used in partial fulfillment of a future IMGCA certification
program.
How do fees need to be paid? Over
what period of time can they be paid, and in what increments?
If you are accepted into an IMGCA certification program, at
that time you can either pay for the full program using our
Certification Payment
form or make an initial payment and pay the rest later
in installments. This can easily be arranged, in manageable
increments. For details on this, please contact us.
Are there extra fees for textbooks,
exams or anything else needed to graduate?
There are no extra fees or costs. You will purchase your textbook
from a list we provide you, from the source you choose (not
IMGCA) and all exams, materials, handouts, forms and all else
are included in your certification fee.
Can I test out for
a certification level, pay the fees and simply get the certification
and all benefits at that level of certification?
Yes, you can completely bypass any classes, homework, fieldwork
and simply pay the fees. When you pass the final exam, you
would be certified at that level. This would of course save
you considerable time. We would supply you with the areas
of study for this exam, suggested readings and speak with
you to guide you in advance of how to study. This is an excellent
option for individuals who already have experience and/or
a degree in this field. Your certification would be the exact
same one as someone who undertook all the training.
English is not my main language.
Can I have a translator assist me with the coaching calls?
Possibly. It depends on the level of your comprehension and
communication skills in English. The IMGCA material is very
nuanced and detailed, and you would need to engage in active
dialogue with the IMGCA trainer, as well as be able to understand
the audio classes, and write reports in English. To determine
your level of English, we would be happy to speak with you
by telephone in an initial screening session, for no charge.
We train and certify people from all over the world, including
some whose main language is not English. We regularly work
with translators (you would supply this person, at your cost)
in coaching sessions. This can work quite well. You can also
have the translator write and submit your class work to us
via email, but we strongly suggest you have a solid command
of the English language. In the future the IMGCA will be training
certified and licensed facilitators and trainers who will
teach IMGCA classes around the world. At that time you may
be able to undertake IMGCA certification training in your
native language.
How much competition is
there in the field of mental training?
The mental game coaching field is expanding rapidly, but there
is plenty of room for quality practitioners. Coaches, parents
and athletes all recognize the extent to which sport psychologists
are utilized in the pro ranks, college world and amateur athletics.
No one wants to be left behind, and everyone wants that extra,
special winning edge. There are very few training programs
like the IMGCA certification process, and getting into the
field now would give you an extra edge. Check around your
local area now. Look at the local yellow pages, Internet for
your area and other venues. How many sport psychologists and
mental game coaches are listed? That answers your question
about how you could start your own business.
Who would my clients be?
You would consult, coach and train coaches, parents and athletes.
In addition, you may find yourself working with fitness and
health professionals, mind-body practitioners and dance and
movement specialists, among others.
I want to use the certification
for a non-sports population. Is that possible?
Yes. The mental game encompasses all sports, occupations,
hobbies, pursuits and life experiences. We work with people
from all walks of life who want to use the certification for
their special purpose. Please contact us and let us know what
you have in mind. We would be happy to work with you on devising
a special, customized program for you.
Will I be competing
for clients with psychologists and psychiatrists in my area?
To a very limited degree. It is the rare psychologist, psychiatrist
or counselor who has any background, training or expertise
in mental game coaching. You would have a specialty in mental
training that they do not have. We teach you how to differentiate
and position yourself in the marketplace as a mental training
expert people would turn to first, before they consider going
to a mental health professional. You also may differentiate
yourself from the mental health professionals who charge top
dollar for their services, by pricing your services just under
theirs, thereby giving you a competitive edge in the marketplace.
We can show you how to do that.
I am a hypnotist who wishes
to add sports hypnosis for athletes, parents, coaches and
teams as a specialty in my practice. Do you train hypnotists
and hypnotherapists to utilize mental game coaching in their
practices and to help them add this new client segment to
their business?
Yes, we offer this training. Hypnotists and hypnotherapists
are probably the single most perfect background to have in
mental game coaching, other than a degree and training in
sports psychology. You already have an excellent understanding
of much of what mental game coaching is all about in what
you do every day in your practice. You could easily add this
dimension to your business. We also suggest you consider adding
offerings on stage fright training for public speakers, artists
and performers, and persons undergoing job interviews, law
and medical school interviews and performance reviews. The
mental game concepts and approaches can readily be used in
these contexts as well. We can make that part of your customized
certification program.
Do you offer hypnotist
certification or hypnotherapy certification for sports?
At this time we do not certify sports hypnotists or sports
hypnotherapists. We are planning on offering these certifications
in the very near future. However, at each level of IMGCA certification
now, you will receive training in some of the key concepts
and techniques of hypnosis that you can use with your clients.
The advanced levels of IMGCA classes offer more advanced approaches
in sports hypnosis.
What sorts of fees can a mental game
coach command?
You would be pricing your services similar to what those mental
health professionals in your local area charge, typically
in the $90-$200/hour range. Companies other than IMGCA who
also train and certify mental training coaches or sports hypnotists
claim that their graduates can charge fees up to $500/hour
or $7500/day. This is irresponsible and misleading. Only the
very, very top leaders in the field can command fees like
that, and then only with their pro clients. Your business
overhead will be very low, so you should be able to keep almost
all of the hourly fees you charge. In addition, when you conduct
team trainings, workshops and seminars your fees can range
from $1000 to $5000 for a 90-minute to all-day program.
How quickly can I start coaching
the mental game?
You are probably doing mental game work now with people. You
can continue this coaching and go into more depth as soon
as you start the IMGCA certification program.
Do I need to wait to be certified
to call myself a mental game coach?
No. You can call yourself a mental game coach anytime, but
you can say you are certified only after you have completed
our program. However, you can state that you are undergoing
certification training with the International Mental Game
Coaching Association, and have that on your web site and other
business materials immediately.
What makes the IMGCA program
different from the other programs out there offering similar
training?
The IMGCA is the worldwide leader in the field. Our breadth
and depth of training is far-reaching. Our customization far
exceeds our competitors. The international scope of the certification
you receive carries far more weight in the marketplace than
local or regional training programs.
Can you progress through
the certification levels, starting with instructor and working
up to different higher levels of certification?
Yes, you may start at the level appropriate for you and advance
as high as you want.
Can I apply the hours
and payments from lower levels of IMGCA certification to complete
higher certification levels?
Yes, you may apply any funds paid and hours completed from
any lower level, to any higher level. For example, if you
complete Level I, with five teleclass hours, you can apply
the tuition paid and hours completed to Level II, pay the
balance, complete five more hours, and other standard certification
requirements, and you are graduated in Level II.
What are the 1-1 teleclass
hourly requirements for each certification level?
Level I – Five teleclass contact hours with Bill Cole
Level II – Ten teleclass contact hours with Bill Cole
Level III – 25 teleclass contact hours with Bill Cole
Level IV – 50 teleclass contact hours with Bill Cole
Do I get access to materials
from all four levels of training – the teleclass contact
hours with Bill Cole, the recorded audioclasses and the videotape
collection?
Yes. When you enroll in any level certification program you
get immediate and ongoing access to many, many more hours
of classes beyond your private, one-on-one teleclasses with
Bill Cole. You get instant access to over 70 hours of audioclasses,
and over 450 videotapes. So in Level I alone, you can access
over 520 hours of mental game training. Each year IMGCA adds
approximately 40 hours of audio classes and 100 videotapes.
To save time, instead
of completing the live, 1-1 private teleclasses with Bill
Cole, can I simply audit additional recorded audioclasses
and video tapes?
Yes, you may bypass the live teleclasses and simply replace
those with class hours via recorded audioclasses and videos,
for the classes portion of the certification. The other certification
requirements remain as is.
Does a certification
student need to go through all four levels to achieve certification?
No. Each level is a standalone level in its own right. You
can be certified at Level I and not have to continue in any
other levels.
Does this certification
teach you drills so you can teach players to learn the mental
game?
Yes, this certification trains you to train others. To coach
others. To help others. You will benefit in powerful ways
in your own sport and performance arenas, but the focus is
on guiding you to be a powerful agent of change for others.
I am interested
in how your certification will teach me to coach players how
to develop competitive attitudes and mental focus.
The will to win, desire to succeed, mental readiness to compete,
the warrior attitude, mental toughness and the ability to
call forth mental focus and get into the zone are taught in
virtually every session.
Can I use content
and techniques from any level in my certification program?
Your program is 100% customized to your needs and with what
you want the program to do for you once you graduate.
Do you conduct group classes?
As of now IMGCA does not conduct group classes, but may do
so in the future. One of the best features of IMGCA certification
is that the training is highly customized to each student,
and 1-1 classes allow for that very nicely, while group classes
do not.
Can I have a friend audit my
classes?
If by audit you mean listen in, we don't mind one time if
your friend is curious about the training. Beyond that though,
they would need to be accepted to the program and pay the
appropriate tuition.
Can I have a friend take
the certification course with me, at no extra charge?
The IMGCA offers discounts for groups and teams taking a certification
course. Please contact us for details.
Do you have a certification
that is 100% web-based? I might want a course that I can do
at my own pace, without phone calls, on my computer.
The IMGCA is formulating such a course. Please stay tuned
for details.
Would you consider
translating the IMGCA certification into various foreign languages?
Yes, we would be interested in speaking with someone who would
like to explore this.
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