What Are the ICF Credentialing Requirements?
Earning an ICF credential or certification sets you apart as a coaching professional dedicated to excellence. And it all begins with coach-specific education — designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and ethical principles needed to create transformative client experiences. By embarking on this journey, you’re investing in your growth as a coach, while building the confidence to make a lasting impact.
60+ hours coach-specific education
The ACC credential is the ideal starting point for early-career coaches ready to showcase their foundational coaching skills, apply practical knowledge, and build confidence in their abilities.
125+ hours coach-specific education
The PCC credential is designed for experienced coaches who excel in applying ICF Core Competencies and upholding the ICF Code of Ethics. It’s your next step in advancing credibility and making a deeper impact.
200+ hours coach-specific education + Currently holds (or previously held) a PCC credential
The MCC credential is the pinnacle of coaching excellence, tailored for seasoned professionals who demonstrate unmatched expertise, ethical practice, and mastery of the art and science of coaching.
60 hours of team coaching education + Currently holds an ACC, PCC, or MCC credential
The ACTC is perfect for accomplished coaches seeking to expand their influence and master the complex dynamics of team coaching and empower teams to achieve shared success.
Understanding Coaching Education and Training Accepted by ICF
With so many coaching education options available, it can feel like you're navigating a maze. But understanding your education is crucial — it not only determines which ICF credential you're eligible for but also the application path you'll need to follow.
So, how can you tell if your program meets ICF’s coach-specific education requirements? Let’s explore the types of education that qualify for ICF credentialing and certification.
Using ICF-Accredited Education for an ICF Credential
Choosing an ICF-accredited program ensures you receive the high-quality, ethical education needed to earn your credential and thrive as a coach.
With these programs, you’ll master the ICF Core Competencies, and fully understand the Code of Ethics — giving you the strong foundation you need to thrive in your coaching career.
Using Non-ICF Accredited Education for an ICF Credential
If your coaching education is not accredited by ICF, don’t worry — you can still pursue an ICF credential! Your education can count toward meeting the requirements for an ICF credential through the Portfolio application path.
Key Considerations of the Portfolio Path
| Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Flexibility to use non-accredited coaching education. | Higher documentation burden to ensure the program meets ICF standards for coach-specific education. |
| Allows a mix of accredited and non-accredited training. | Lengthier review process and higher application fees since curriculum has not been pre-approved by ICF. |
What Counts as Coach-Specific Education for the Portfolio Application Path?
- ICF-Affiliated Training: Courses from Continuing Coach Education (CCE) providers, ICF conferences, Communities of Practice, or chapter events.
- Other Relevant Training: Non-ICF-accredited programs that are specifically marketed as teaching coaching skills or that teach how to apply technical skills in a coach-like manner. Must teach coaching skills in accordance with the ICF definition of coaching, Core Competencies, and Code of Ethics.
What Does Not Count as Coach-Specific Education for the Portfolio Path?
- General Skill Training: Courses marketed as teaching other skills, even if they can be applied in coaching.
- Personal Development: Classes focused solely on personal growth.
- Unrelated Fields: Training in areas like psychology, counseling, or natural language processing (NLP), unless explicitly taught as coaching education aligned with ICF coaching standards.
- Teaching Coaching Classes: Generally, this does not count unless the following three requirements are met. If they are, then you may only count this type of class once, regardless of how many times it was taught.
- You created the class.
- You taught the class.
- The course curriculum meets the definition of coach-specific education or training, including direct interaction with instructors and alignment with the ICF Core Competencies.
Education and Training Requirements for ICF Credentials and Certification
Now that you have a better understanding of how coaching education shapes your application path, let’s dive into the specific education requirements for each ICF credential and certification.
And don’t forget: Make sure all your education hours are completed prior to submitting your application.
ACC
| Application Path | Level 1 / Level 2 | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|
| Who's It For? | You have completed a full Level 1 or Level 2 ICF-accredited coaching education program. | You are using non-ICF-accredited programs or CCE credits. |
| What Credential Requirements Does the Education Program Meet? |
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| What Documentation Is Required for Your Application? |
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Did you complete an ACTP or ACSTH program? If so, get more information relevant to your education.
PCC
| Application Paths | Level 1 | Level 2 | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who’s It For? | You have at least 125 hours of ICF-accredited education from Level 1 or Level 2 programs. | You have completed a full Level 2 ICF-accredited coaching education program. | You are using non-ICF-accredited programs or CCE credits. |
| What Credential Requirements Does the Education Program Meet? |
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| What Documentation Is Required for Your Application? |
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Did you complete an ACTP or ACSTH program? If so, get more information relevant to your education.
MCC
| Application Paths | Level 3 | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|
| Who’s It For? | You currently have (or have previously held) a PCC credential and have completed a Level 3 ICF-accredited coaching education program. | You currently have (or have previously held) a PCC credential and are using non-ICF-accredited programs or CCE credits. |
| What Credential Requirements Does It Meet? |
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| What Documentation Is Required for Your Application? |
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ACTC
| Application Paths | Option 1: 60 Hours of Team Coaching Education | Option 2: Completion of an Advanced Accreditation in Team Coaching Program | Option 3: Credit for Prior Learning |
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| Who’s It For? | You have completed at least 60 hours of team coaching education aligned with the ICF Team Coaching Competencies, ICF Core Competencies, and ICF Code of Ethics. (48 of the hours must apply the Team Coaching Competencies or the ICF Core Competencies in team coaching contexts.) | You have completed an education program with the ICF Advanced Accreditation in Team Coaching designation. | You are a long-term team coach practitioner with extensive team coaching experience. |
| What Documentation Is Required for Your Application? |
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| What Certification Requirements Does It Meet? |
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| You can receive credit for up to 30 hours of team coaching education if you have:
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Diving Into the Portfolio Path: Criteria and Documentation
To meet the education requirement for an ACC, PCC, or MCC credential, your coach-specific education must break down in the following way.
| Description | ACC | PCC | MCC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Hours | 60 | 125 | 200 |
| Minimum hours spent in synchronous (real-time) interactions between you and faculty. Examples include direct instruction, real-time discussions, observation and feedback of practice coaching sessions, and mentoring students. | 30 | 62.5 | 100 |
| Minimum hours focused on the ICF Core Competencies (all competencies must be covered). | 48 | 100 | 160 |
Your remaining education hours may include the following:
- Homework/Independent Study: Asynchronous hours spent outside of real-time interaction between faculty and students. Examples include reading, writing, research, journaling, and various other activities that may occur outside of the synchronous setting. These hours must be part of your education program and include a way to verify completion.
- Resource Development: Training in skills that contribute to a coach’s professional development (e.g., personal development, coaching tools or personality and productivity assessments, business building, etc.) that falls outside the ICF Core Competencies.
ACC, PCC, and MCC Portfolio Path Documentation Requirements
Documentation for CCE Credits and Non-ICF-Accredited Education
If you are submitting education that is from a CCE course or a non-ICF-accredited program, you will need to document the following on your Portfolio Path application:
Education Details
- Number of coach-specific education hours completed.
- Type of program (CCE credits or non-ICF-accredited program).
- Name of the training organization and program.
Proof of Completion
- Certificate or signed letter issued by the organization or program with the program name, dates of completion, and total hours completed.
- Breakdown of synchronous vs. asynchronous hours (minimum requirement of 50% synchronous).
Verification of Education
- Evidence the program aligns with ICF’s definition of coaching, Core Competencies, and Code of Ethics.
- A concise outline or syllabus summarizing course modules and the time allowed for presentation.
- Student materials that clearly illustrate the detailed curriculum. (e.g., manuals, handouts, or slide decks).
Documentation for ICF-Accredited or Non-Accredited Education Instruction
If you are submitting documentation for classes you have taught, whether they are ICF accredited or not, you will need to submit the following:
For Classes You Taught
- Letter verifying that you created and taught the class.
- Description of the class that demonstrates it meets the definition of coach-specific education or training above, including direct interaction with trainers and alignment with the ICF Core Competencies.
- For non-accredited education: A sample of materials that you created for the class, such as a course description, PowerPoint presentation, student handbook, or another document that shows some of the content of the program.
How To Find the Right Coaching Education
If you don’t yet have the coaching education required for a credential, that’s OK! Finding the right education is a key part of your journey, and there are plenty of options to help set you on the right path. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Know Your Goals: Take some time to reflect on your current and future career goals. This will help you decide which credential or certification you want to pursue and what education you’ll need to get there.
- Accreditation Matters: To streamline your application process and ensure your education meets ICF standards, choosing a program accredited by ICF is a great choice. ICF-accredited programs are designed to meet all core coaching competencies and align with ICF’s ethical guidelines.
- Training Focus: Make sure the program focuses on the ICF Core Competencies and professional coaching practices. Look for programs that emphasize practical coaching skills, ethical considerations, and comprehensive training.
- Format and Flexibility: Coaching education comes in many formats, such as in-person, virtual, or hybrid options. Think about your schedule, preferred learning style, and how much interaction you’d like with instructors and peers.
Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, the ICF Education Search Service (ESS) is a great tool to help you find the right program. The ESS allows you to:
- Search for programs by accreditation type.
- Filter results based on location, delivery method, and language.
- Learn more about each program’s hours and focus areas.
Applying for an ICF Credential With the Right Education
If your education meets the requirements for the credential or certification you are pursuing, then congratulations! You’re one step closer to earning it!
Now, let's make sure you're fully prepared. Here's a quick checklist of what else you'll need before submitting your application:
- Education — You’re on track!
- Coaching Experience
- Mentor Coaching and Coaching Supervision
- Performance Evaluation
Then, after submitting your application, you’ll receive a notification once you’re approved to take an ICF Exam.
Resources for Ongoing Education
Once you’ve completed your education for your credential or certification, your development shouldn’t stop! The true growth happens when you commit to lifelong learning. While ongoing education is essential for renewing your credential or certification, the real benefit lies in how it helps you evolve into a more skilled, confident, and impactful coach.
By continuing to expand your knowledge and refine your craft, you’ll stay at the forefront of coaching practices and deepen your ability to support your clients’ transformation. Here are just a few of the many opportunities to continue your professional development.
