Streamlined ACC and PCC Application Pathways

May 22, 2025 — Achieving an ICF credential is a testament to your commitment and expertise as a professional coach. To make the path to that achievement more accessible, we are streamlining the application process. Based on valuable feedback from previous applicants, we are consolidating the current application pathways to reduce complexity while maintaining the same rigorous standards.  

These changes will go into effect on November 3, 2025. 

ICF will offer two application pathways for both the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credentials, simplifying the navigation of credential applications while maintaining access to meet the needs of coaches from diverse educational backgrounds.  

With this change, the following application paths will be available to support ACC and PCC candidates.  

For ACC applicants:  

• Level 1/Level 2 Path: For applicants who have completed a full ICF-accredited Level 1 program or a full ICF-accredited Level 2 program (or former ACTP program).  

• Portfolio Path: For applicants with 60+ hours of coaching education. The current ACSTH pathway will combine with this pathway.  

For PCC applicants:   

• Level 2 Path: For applicants who have completed an ICF-accredited Level 2  program (or former ACTP program) in its entirety.  

• Portfolio Path: For applicants with 125+ hours of coaching education. The current Level 1/ACSTH pathway will combine with this pathway.