Supporting Coaches With Greater Clarity: New Minimum Skills Requirements

October 9, 2025 — ICF credentials are a mark of excellence in coaching. With updates to the Minimum Skills Requirements for ACC and MCC credentials, we are strengthening that standard with even greater clarity and consistency.

These refinements reflect our ongoing commitment to excellence, consistency, and integrity in coaching worldwide. Beginning January 1, 2026, ACC and MCC credential candidates will be evaluated using the updated Minimum Skills Requirements. The revised skills requirements provide greater clarity on what excellence looks like at each credential level. This will help coaches enhance their skills and confidence while ensuring a consistent, fair, and credible credentialing process.

For mentor coaches, educators, and assessors, training for the new ACC and MCC BARS will be available in November and December to help you navigate this transition with confidence.

We have also recently updated the ICF Core Competencies. While developed separately, the two initiatives reflect a common goal: to ensure the coaching professional is guided by clear, consistent, and credible standards that empower coaches and strengthen the profession worldwide.

Together, we are continually strengthening the coaching profession.

Please note, the PCC requirements have not changed, but the format has been updated to match the ACC and MCC requirements for consistency.

Explore the updated Minimum Skills Requirements and download your copy:

ACC Minimum Skills Requirements.

PCC Minimum Skills Requirements.

MCC Minimum Skills Requirements.