Comparing the Credential Application Paths

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.

Jump to PCC Paths ↓ | Jump to MCC Paths ↓

Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Application Paths

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

Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Application Paths

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

Master Certified Coach (MCC) Application Paths

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