Overview of the ICF Credential and Certification Process
Excellence. Professionalism. Integrity.
The ICF credential is a globally recognized mark of credibility in coaching, signaling a commitment to high standards and ethics. Earning an ICF credential not only enhances your marketability but also opens doors to clients, career advancement, and international networks.
For many coaches, it’s more than a credential; it’s a lifelong journey of learning and growth, allowing them to make a deeper impact on the lives of others. According to the 2023 Global Coaching Study, coaches who said they hold one or more credentials from a professional association reported higher average annual income from coaching compared to those without a credential.
To ensure you meet the highest standards in the profession, the ICF certification and credentialing process rigorously assesses your training, experience, and ethical commitment.
Not sure which credential suits you best? Take the ICF Credential Path Survey to receive personalized recommendations that align with your unique experience and goals. In just a few questions, discover the path to elevate your coaching career.
ICF Credential Process: 6 Steps to Follow
Follow these six steps to gather and submit everything you need to showcase your coaching skills and prove you’re ready for ICF certification.
1. Prepare
Collect coaching education documents, mentor coaching evidence, and update your client coaching log.
2. Explore
Complete the ICF Credential Path Survey to determine your credentialing path and requirements. (Or complete the ACTC survey if pursuing the Advanced Certification in Team Coaching.)
3. Gather
Upload certificates, log coaching hours, document mentor coaching, and include any required recordings and transcripts.
4. Apply
Use the ICF Credential Path Survey or ACTC Survey results to create and submit your application.
5. Study
Prepare for your exam. Meanwhile, you can track your application status, respond to evaluator questions, and make any necessary updates as needed.
6. Take the exam
Schedule and take your exam, demonstrating your knowledge of coaching competencies and ethics.
ICF Exams
ICF exams are a vital step in the credentialing process, ensuring that coaches demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards essential for effective coaching. Created with insights from experienced coaches worldwide, these computer-based written exams assess your understanding of the ICF definition of coaching, Core Competencies, and Code of Ethics — and your ability to apply them in practice. Successfully completing the exam validates your readiness and commitment to excellence, solidifying your credibility as a professional coach.
ACC Exam: Earning Your ACC Credential
As a coach pursuing the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential, the ACC Exam is a significant milestone that validates your knowledge and fundamental understanding of the coaching competencies. This written assessment is specifically tailored to gauge the knowledge expected of ACC candidates at this stage of your journey as a professional coach.
ICF Credentialing Exam: Earning Your PCC or MCC Credential
The ICF Credentialing Exam is a pivotal step on the journey to earning a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) or Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential. This exam is more than just a requirement — it’s a chance to demonstrate your mastery of coaching principles and ethical standards at a professional level. This exam measures not only your knowledge but also your ability to apply the ICF definition of coaching, Core Competencies, and Code of Ethics in real-world scenarios. Passing this exam is a powerful step in proving your expertise, commitment, and readiness to thrive as a high-impact coach.
ACTC Certification Exam: Earning Your Advanced Certification in Team Coaching
The ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam is designed to assess your ability to coach teams effectively, grounded in the ICF Team Coaching Competency Model. This exam is an essential step for those aspiring to earn the ICF Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC). By passing, you demonstrate your advanced knowledge and skills as a professional coach, and your ability to apply the ICF Core Competencies and Team Coaching Competencies in complex team contexts. To pursue this certification, you must already hold an ACC, PCC, or MCC credential.
Next Step: Understanding Exam Accommodations and Scheduling
Do you have everything in steps 1-5 completed? If so, you’re ready for the final step of the credentialing process: taking the exam. Start now and plan ahead by scheduling your exam and arranging any necessary accommodations you may need to set yourself up for success.
Exam Accommodations
To ensure that all exam takers have fair access to the exam, accommodations are available for candidates with a documented disability or other qualifying condition.
How to Schedule Your Exam
It’s time to schedule your exam appointment! Once your application has been accepted, you’ll receive an invitation that includes detailed instructions on scheduling your exam appointment with Pearson VUE (either in person or online).
Haven’t Started Your Application Yet?
Preparing your application is a valuable opportunity to organize your professional achievements and clarify your goals. We’re here to guide you through each step, ensuring you understand how they contribute to your journey.
Legal Restrictions
As U.S.-based organizations, ICF Credentials and Standards and Pearson VUE are subject to and must comply with international trade sanctions laws and regulations imposed by the U.S. government (Office of Foreign Assets Control).
These sanctions regulations prohibit ICF Credentials and Standards from providing certain products and services — including exam administration — to individuals or organizations in designated countries subject to comprehensive U.S. sanctions, or to individuals identified on the U.S. Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.
As such, ICF Credentials and Standards is prohibited by law to administer its credentialing exams in the following countries and regions subject to comprehensive U.S. sanctions, which currently includes: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, Syria, and the Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine.
Additionally, Pearson VUE has suspended delivery of all testing services throughout Belarus, including in-person exams at test centers and online testing via OnVUE. Remote test delivery is also unavailable in China due to limited internet and connectivity issues.
NOTE: The list of countries may change based on OFAC requirements.