Executive Function Coaching & Professional Certification
What is the IEFCC?
The International Executive Function Coaching Certification (IEFCC) is an internationally recognised professional certification body, registered in England (UK) and governed by a global Board of Advisors.
Its purpose is to support the development of executive function coaching as a recognised profession by:
Holding clear professional and ethical standards
Separating training delivery from certification
Protecting against unintentional harm in practice
Bringing clarity and consistency to a growing international field
IEFCC exists to support the maturation of executive function coaching as a profession while remaining accessible and avoiding unnecessary barriers for practitioners.
Connections in Mind & IEFCC Approval
Connections in Mind has been independently evaluated and formally approved as a training provider within the IEFCC framework, alongside a growing number of other providers currently progressing through the approval process.
This means:
Your Connections in Mind training is recognised and valued within the certification pathway
Prior learning and professional experience are acknowledged
CiM qualifications form a strong professional foundation for those who choose to pursue certification
The 28 professional standards that underpin IEFCC certification are designed to make good practice visible and to give shared language to work that many practitioners are already doing well.
They are not intended to replace existing learning or reset the field, but to support clarity, safety and professionalism as the discipline grows.
Understanding Training vs Certification
It’s helpful to understand the difference between training and professional certification within the executive function coaching pathway.
🧠 Level 1 & Level 2 Training
Completing Level 1 training enables practitioners to:
✔ Apply executive function-informed strategies within an existing role or professional context
✔ Use executive function knowledge to support students, clients, teams or individuals more effectively
✔ Integrate executive function coaching approaches into existing professional practice
ℹ️ Important:
Level 1 practitioners can apply executive function strategies in their work, but cannot describe themselves as a Certified Executive Function Coach.
Many professionals complete Level 1 to strengthen their work in areas such as:
• Education
• Therapy
• Coaching
• Leadership
• Allied professions
🏅 Professional Certification
To describe yourself as a Certified Executive Function Coach (IEFCC), practitioners must:
✔ Complete Level 2 training or above
✔ Participate in ongoing professional supervision and CPD
✔ Hold current certification through the IEFCC
Certification is a choice, not an obligation.
However, the title “Certified Executive Function Coach” is legally linked to IEFCC certification.
📅 From January 2026:
Only practitioners with current certification may use this title.
Practitioners who choose not to pursue certification may still practise executive function coaching and accurately describe their work in other ways.
⚖️ Important clarification
Executive function coaching strategies may still be used in professional practice after Level 1 training.
However, the title “Certified Executive Function Coach” may only be used by practitioners who hold current IEFCC certification.
Our Latest Executive Function School Course Availability
Summer 2026
Start Date: 6 May 2026
Click here to find out more
Why become a trained coach?
Our approach gives educators, working with students who face executive function challenges, the knowledge and skills to co-design and support the implementation of helpful new habits.
Effective coaching techniques help individuals unlock their potential by using methods such as:
- Questioning
- Reflective Listening
- Empathy
- Paraphrasing
- Scaffolding
- Clear Directions
- Genuine Specific Praise
Who can become a coach?
- School learning support professionals
- Teachers
- SLT members
- Pastoral/House Staff
- Tutors
Is the course Certified?
Executive function coaching is a growing field, and while there isn’t yet an international regulatory body for accreditation, we assess 28 key training standards through online assessments, both internally and externally graded. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certification, allowing you to work as an IEFCC Certified Executive Function Coach.
- Coaching skills
- Neuroscience & Executive Functions
- Effective use of contact time
- Growth mindset & goals
- Flexibility & adaptability
- Relationships with stakeholders
- Reflective practice & development
- Use of technology to support practice
- Boundaries, client protection and safeguarding
What support do I get?
Peer learning is central to the training, allowing you to connect with participants from diverse educational backgrounds. You’ll also join our Mighty Networks community to ask questions, share resources, and stay connected with your cohort and past trainees for ongoing support.
Bespoke Training
We have trained top schools, universities, world wide to integrate executive functioning coaching into their day-to-day work, enhancing their ability to support neurodivergent colleagues and students effectively.
Our Bespoke Training Programme equips staff members with a deep understanding of executive functioning, neurodiversity, and practical strategies for working people with diverse needs. Delivered in a flexible six-week short course format, this programme can be tailored to the specific needs of your organisation, with scheduling options designed to work seamlessly for your team.
Meet Your Training Facilitators
Expert Executive Function Coaching for Schools
Victoria Bagnall
Co-Founder & Managing Director
Victoria Bagnall is a world-renowned speaker and author on executive functioning, brain development and behaviour.
She is the co-founder of Connections in Mind and has dedicated her life to raising awareness about neurological differences, executive functioning and brain states. She believes that this knowledge has the power to bring about significant societal change by fostering a culture of neuro-inclusion.
As a teacher by profession, her skill lies in translating complex neuroscientific findings into engaging, thought provoking learning experiences.
Liz Fernandez
SENCO & Dyslexia Assesor
Liz was working as a SENCO and dyslexia assessor when she first heard about executive functions. This was a lightbulb moment for her, explaining the challenges that the young people she worked with faced.
Since then, Liz has researched all she can about how brains are wired, and having trained as a coach with CiM, has radically changed the way she supports young learners. Understanding how our executive functions affect who we are, and how we get things done, means that Liz wants everyone to be able to have this knowledge, both young and old, and is passionate about spreading the word to young people, professionals, and anyone around her who cares to listen!
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