Stand Out From the Crowd

The ICF credential is more than just letters after your name. It enhances your credibility and builds trust among coaching clients, giving you an edge in your career.

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Differentiate Yourself

Earning an ICF credential is a pledge to uphold the highest level of professionalism, ethical standards, and continuous development. It’s recognized and respected by coaching clients worldwide.

Expand Your Network

With an ICF credential, you open doors to new professional opportunities and meaningful connections with peers who share your commitment to coaching excellence.

Meet Client Expectations

85% of clients value coaches with credentials, according to the 2022 ICF Global Consumer Awareness Study. Clients whose coaches held a credential were also more satisfied (by 28%) with their coaching experience. Clients expect the best. Be the coach they need.

Be Fulfilled

Don’t forget about yourself. Coaches report increased confidence, reduced imposter syndrome, and greater professional fulfillment after earning an ICF credential. It is a validation of your skills, your commitment to the profession, and your dedication to your clients. Why settle for less?

ICF Credentials = Legitimacy as a
Professional Coach

This journey isn't easy, but it is for people like you: someone who is passionate about and committed to transforming lives. There are three levels of ICF credentials, designed to support and recognize you based on your education and experience.

Compare ICF Credentials
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Achieve Your ACC | Associate Certified Coach

Requires 60+ hours of education and 100+ hours of coaching experience.

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Get to PCC | Professional Certified Coach

Requires 125+ hours of education and 500+ hours of coaching experience.

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Advance to MCC | Master Certified Coach

Requires a PCC credential, 200+ hours of education, and 2,500+ hours of coaching experience.

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Expand With the ACTC | Advanced Certification in Team Coaching

Requires 60+ hours of team coaching education, 5+ team coaching engagements, and 5+ hours of coaching supervision.

Preparing Your Application

No matter which credential level you are pursuing, they all have the same key components (although numbers of hours and other specifics may differ for each component per credential).

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Education

Begin your journey with coaching education aligned with the ICF definition of coaching, Competencies, and Code of Ethics. This foundation ensures you’re equipped to make a meaningful impact.

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Experience

Once you’ve begun your education, you start counting your hands-on experience. Every session helps you grow your skills and confidence as you work toward becoming a credentialed coach.

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Mentor Coaching and Coaching Supervision

Enhance your abilities and deepen your impact through mentor coaching (for ACC, PCC, and MCC) or coaching supervision (for ACTC).

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Performance Evaluation

Demonstrate your practice through a performance evaluation that measures your coaching skills against ICF’s rigorous standards. (Note: This is not required for the ACTC.)

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ICF Exams

ICF Exams measure a coach's knowledge and competence.

ICF ACC Exam (for ACC)

ICF Credentialing Exam (for PCC & MCC)

ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam (for ACTC)

Learn About Our Exams

We Wrote the Book on
Coaching Standards

OK, so there’s no book. But we did create the standards and code of ethics that guide the coaching profession and safeguard your clients.
And it’s what sets us apart.

ICF Coaching Competencies

ICF Coaching Ethics

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Be the Reason Someone Thrives: Get Credentialed

Ready to transform lives and elevate your coaching career? Advance your coaching journey with an ICF credential and become a force for positive change.

Take Your Career to New Heights