Professional Validation + Personal Growth = ICF Credential

Did you know that almost eight in 10 consumers believe that it’s important for coaches to be credentialed or certified? Consumer perception is important, but a credential is so much more than that. It is a demonstration of professional competence, pushing you to continually be a better coach. And it leads to personal fulfillment, making the rigorous process an incredibly rewarding experience. So which credential is right for you?

ICF credentialing exam preparation logo for ACC, PCC, and MCC certifications.

Associate Certified Coach (ACC)

The ACC credential is the foundation for new coaches. It demonstrates your commitment to the coaching profession and equips you with essential knowledge and skills.

Core Requirements

  • Coach-Specific Education: 60+ hours.
  • Coaching Experience: 100+ hours.
  • Mentor Coaching: 10 hours.

Validated Skills

  • Fundamental coaching competencies and core ethical practices.
  • Building client relationships.
  • Effective communication.
Achieve the ACC

Professional Certified Coach (PCC)

The PCC credential is ideal for mid-career coaches seeking to deepen their expertise and professional recognition.

Core Requirements

  • Coach-Specific Education: 125+ hours.
  • Coaching Experience: 500+ hours.
  • Mentor Coaching: 10 hours.

Validated Skills

  • Advanced coaching techniques.
  • Ability to drive transformative change by understanding the “who” of clients.
  • Enhanced client partnerships.
Pursue the PCC
Individual exploring steps to earn ACC, PCC, MCC, or ACTC credentials.
Coach seeking ICF credential to showcase expertise and professionalism.

Master Certified Coach (MCC)

The MCC credential represents the highest level of coaching mastery, reserved for seasoned coaches.

Core Requirements

  • Prerequisite Credential: PCC
  • Coach-Specific Education: 200+ hours.
  • Coaching Experience: 2,500+ hours.
  • Mentor Coaching: 10 hours.

Validated Skills

  • Mastery of coaching practices.
  • Leadership within the coaching community.
  • Exceptional client impact.
Earn the MCC

Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC)

The ACTC is designed for coaches specializing in the complex discipline of team coaching, particularly within organizational settings.

Core Requirements

  • Prerequisite Credential: ACC, PCC, or MCC.
  • Education: Team coaching-specific hours. 
  • Coaching Experience: Specific team coaching engagements. 
  • Supervision: Coaching supervision requirements.

Validated Skills

  • Expertise in team coaching.
  • Competency in system coaching principles.
  • Effective team performance coaching.
Get the ACTC
Coach working toward credentialing to validate coaching skills.

Ready to Start Your Credential Application?

Preparing your application for an ICF credential may seem like navigating uncharted territory. The process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone. Think of us as your guide — helping you map out each requirement into simple steps, avoid pitfalls, and stay on course.

If you’re ready to apply (or unsure of which application pathway is right for you), take the Credential Path Survey.

Renew Your ICF Credential

Just because you have a credential doesn’t mean that your development is complete. Being a coach means being committed to continuous growth, and the renewal of your ICF credential keeps you accountable to this commitment. Through the renewal process, you will continue your education, expand your skills, and reaffirm your adherence to ICF standards.

Renew Your Credential