For each ICF Credential (ACC, PCC, and MCC), ICF offers multiple paths to apply for — and earn — a credential. All paths contain the same requirements and lead to the same Credential. However, your specific application path depends on the type of coaching education you have received.
Below you will find tables that compare the various paths to applying for each Credential – ACC, PCC, and MCC.
| Requirements | Level 1 / Level 2 / ACTP Path | ACSTH Path | Portfolio Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coaching Education | Completion of a Level 1, Level 2 or a full ACTP program, including final assessment | 60+ hours of coach-specific education through either part of an ACTP program or completion of ACSTH program(s) | 60+ hours of coach-specific education that include use of CCE program(s) or non-ICF accredited program(s) |
| Coaching Experience | 100+ hours with 8 or more clients, of which 75 hours are paid. At least 25 of these hours (paid or unpaid) must occur within 18 months of submitting your credential application | 100+ hours with 8 or more clients, of which 75 hours are paid. At least 25 of these hours (paid or unpaid) must occur within 18 months of submitting your credential application | 100+ hours with 8 or more clients, of which 75 hours are paid. At least 25 of these hours (paid or unpaid) must occur within 18 months of submitting your credential application |
| Mentor Coaching | Completed in Level 1, Level 2, ACTP program | 10 hours with a PCC, MCC credentialed coach or an ACC who has renewed, over 3 months or longer, 3 hours must be one-on-one | 10 hours with a PCC, MCC credentialed coach or an ACC who has renewed, over 3 months or longer, 3 hours must be one-on-one |
| Performance Evaluation | Completed in Level 1, Level 2, ACTP program | Submit 1 recorded coaching session with transcript | Submit 1 recorded coaching session with transcript |
| Written Exam | Required | Required | Required |
| Application Fees | $175 USD – ICF Member | $325 USD – Non Member | $375 USD – ICF Member | $525 USD – Non Member | $475 USD – ICF Member | $625 USD – Non Member |
| Estimated Review Time | 4 weeks | 14 weeks | 14 weeks |
| Requirements | Level 2 / ACTP Path | Level 1 / ACSTH Path | Portfolio Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coaching Education | Completion of a Level 2 or full ACTP program, including final assessment | 125+ hours of coach-specific education through Level 1 program and/or part of an ACTP program and/or completion of ACSTH program(s) | 125+ hours of coach-specific education that include use of CCE program(s) or non-ICF accredited program(s) |
| Coaching Experience | 500+ hours with 25 or more clients, of which 450 hours are paid. At least 50 of these hours (paid or unpaid) must occur within 18 months of submitting your credential application | 500+ hours with 25 or more clients, of which 450 hours are paid. At least 50 of these hours (paid or unpaid) must occur within 18 months of submitting your credential application | 500+ hours with 25 or more clients, of which 450 hours are paid. At least 50 of these hours (paid or unpaid) must occur within 18 months of submitting your credential application |
| Mentor Coaching | Completed in Level 2 or ACTP program | 10 hours with a PCC or MCC credentialed coach, over 3 months or longer, 3 hours must be one-on-one | 10 hours with a PCC or MCC credentialed coach, over 3 months or longer, 3 hours must be one-on-one |
| Performance Evaluation | Completed in Level 2 or ACTP program | Submit 2 recorded coaching sessions with transcripts | Submit 2 recorded coaching sessions with transcripts |
| Written Exam | Required | Required | Required |
| Application Fees | $375 USD – ICF Member | $525 USD – Non Member | $650 USD – ICF Member | $800 USD – Non Member | $750 USD – ICF Member | $900 USD – Non Member |
| Estimated Review Time | 4 weeks | 14 weeks | 18 weeks |
| Requirements | Level 3 Path | Portfolio Path |
|---|---|---|
| Credential Prerequisite | Must hold or have held a PCC Credential | Must hold or have held a PCC Credential |
| Coaching Education | Completion of Level 3 Program | 200+ hours of coach-specific education |
| Coaching Experience | 2,500+ hours with 35 or more clients, of which 2,250 hours are paid | 2,500+ hours with 35 or more clients, of which 2,250 hours are paid |
| Mentor Coaching | Completed in Level 3 program | 10 hours with an MCC credentialed coach, over 3 months or longer, of which 3 hours must be one-on-one. These hours may not have been applied towards any other previous credential |
| Performance Evaluation | Submit 2 recorded coaching sessions with transcripts | Submit 2 recorded coaching sessions with transcripts |
| Written Exam | Required | Required |
| Application Fees | $675 USD – ICF Member | $825 USD – Non Member | $675 USD – ICF Member | $825 USD – Non Member |
| Estimated Review Time | 18 weeks | 18 weeks |
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