A Candidate’s Guide to the Updated Credentialing Exam

July 27, 2026 — If you’re planning to earn an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) or Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential, you’ll soon have a new written exam option. Beginning November 10, 2026, you will be able to take the new PCC-MCC Exam, updated to maintain the standard of coaching excellence.

What Has Changed

You’ll see two types of questions on the new exam:

• Situational judgment questions ask you to evaluate realistic coaching scenarios and choose the most and least effective responses from the options provided. This format has been a longstanding component of the credentialing assessment.
• Knowledge-Based questions assess your understanding of coaching concepts, principles, and professional standards through more direct questions.

Because knowledge-based questions are more direct than scenario-based items, you’ll spend less time reading than on the current exam.

Although the question formats have changed, the overall difficulty level and expected pass rate remain consistent with the current exam.

The new exam format also incorporates the most recent updates to both the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics.

Exam Format

The updated PCC–MCC Exam maintains a familiar format while introducing a few minor updates. Understanding the exam structure can help you feel more confident and prepared on test day.

The PCC-MCC Exam will include:

• 80 total exam items.
  • 44 situational judgment questions.
  • 36 multiple-choice, knowledge-based questions.
• 150 minutes to complete the exam.
• One optional 10-minute break midway through the exam.

 

The exam will be administered in four sections:

Section 1: Multiple-Choice Questions

18 knowledge-based questions.

Section 2: Scenario-Based Questions

22 situational judgment questions.

Optional Break

10 minutes.

Section 3: Multiple-Choice Questions

18 knowledge-based questions.

Section 4: Scenario-Based Questions

22 situational judgment questions.

Knowing the exam structure in advance can help you manage your time and approach each section with confidence

What Hasn’t Changed

The new exam was developed through ICF’s established, research-based process to ensure it fairly and accurately measures the competencies required for professional coaching practice.

The PCC-MCC Exam still assesses candidates on the same four competency domains:

• Foundation
• Co-Creating the Relationship
• Communicating Effectively
• Cultivating Learning and Growth

Key Dates

• November 10, 2026: First available test dates for the PCC-MCC Exam; transition period begins.
• March 31, 2027: Final date to sit for the current ICF Credentialing Exam.

During the transition period, you may choose whichever exam best fits their timeline. All candidates will automatically receive a request form to wait for the PCC-MCC exam.

The best preparation for either exam remains the same: develop a strong understanding of the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics and practice applying them in coaching situations. Additional resources, including a free tutorial on the new exam format, will be available before the PCC-MCC Exam launches.

FAQs

Which exam will I take?

If you’re testing or retesting on or after April 1, 2027, you’ll take the new PCC-MCC Exam. If you’re testing or retesting during the transition period (November 10, 2026, through March 31, 2027), you may take either exam.

I already submitted my application. Can I delay taking the exam until the PCC-MCC exam is available?

Yes. If you prefer to wait until the PCC-MCC exam is available and you are in the “ready for exam” status, please contact support@coachingfederation.org. They will send you a sign-up form for the PCC-MCC exam so that you can take it once it’s available on November 10.

As we approach the November 10 launch date, candidates will automatically receive a form to sign up to request to wait for the PCC-MCC exam as they move through the certification process.

 

Will the new exam be harder?

No. While the question formats have changed, the overall difficulty level and expected passing standard remain consistent with the current exam.

Do I need to study differently?

No major changes to your preparation are necessary. The best preparation remains a strong understanding of the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics, along with the ability to apply them in coaching situations. Existing study materials remain valuable resources. For further clarity on the 2025 revisions, review the comparison between the previous and updated versions Core Competencies and Code of Ethics.

 

I’ve already started studying, do I need new materials?

Probably not. Because the competencies and ethical standards being assessed have not fundamentally changed, most existing preparation resources remain relevant. ICF will also provide a free tutorial to familiarize candidates with the new question formats before the exam launches.

 

Will there be practice questions or a tutorial?

Yes. Before the new exam launches, ICF will provide a free tutorial so candidates can become familiar with the exam experience and the new question formats.

 

If I pass either exam, will I receive the same credential?

Yes. Whether you take the current ICF Credentialing Exam during the transition period or the new PCC-MCC Exam, successful candidates earn the same PCC or MCC credential.