ICF Coaching Credentials

Your pathway to professional excellence

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) offers three levels of coaching credentials, each representing a significant milestone in your professional development. Discover which credential aligns with your coaching journey.

The Credential Pathway

Progress through three levels of professional achievement

ACC

Level 1
100Hours

Associate Certified Coach

Begin Your Professional Coaching Journey

The Associate Certified Coach (ACC) is the International Coaching Federation's entry-level coaching credential. ACC candidates complete at least 60 hours of ICF-accredited coach training, log 100 hours of client coaching experience with 8+ clients (75 hours paid), receive 10 hours of mentor coaching from a PCC or MCC-credentialed mentor over at least three months, and pass the ICF ACC Exam. The credential validates foundational mastery of the ICF Core Competencies and adherence to the ICF Code of Ethics.

Training
60h
Mentor Coaching
10h
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PCC

Level 2
500Hours

Professional Certified Coach

Advance Your Coaching Practice

The Professional Certified Coach (PCC) is the International Coaching Federation's mid-tier coaching credential. PCC candidates complete at least 125 hours of ICF-accredited coach training, log 500 hours of client coaching experience with 25+ clients (450 hours paid), receive 10 hours of mentor coaching from a PCC or MCC-credentialed mentor, submit two performance evaluation recordings, and pass the ICF Credentialing Exam. The PCC level demonstrates consistent application of the ICF Core Competencies at a professional standard.

Training
125h
Mentor Coaching
10h
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MCC

Level 3
2500Hours

Master Certified Coach

The Highest Level of ICF Coaching Certification

The Master Certified Coach (MCC) is the International Coaching Federation's highest coaching credential, requiring at least 200 hours of ICF-accredited coach training, 2,500 hours of client coaching experience with 35+ clients (2,250 hours paid), and 10 hours of mentor coaching from an MCC-credentialed mentor coach. MCC candidates submit two performance evaluation recordings, pass the ICF Credentialing Exam, and demonstrate mastery of all 8 ICF Core Competencies at the highest professional standard.

Training
200h
Mentor Coaching
10h
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Requirements Comparison

Compare the requirements for each credential level

Requirement
ACCLevel 1
PCCLevel 2
MCCLevel 3
Coaching Hours100hours500hours2500hours
Training Hours60hours125hours200hours
Mentor Coaching10hours10hours10hours
Performance Evaluation
ICF Code of Ethics
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