Become a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) With ICF

You’ve moved beyond the basics and have built a solid foundation as a professional coach. Now, it’s time to level up. The PCC is designed for coaches who have gained significant experience and are ready to showcase their mastery of coaching skills. Earning the PCC means you've demonstrated a deep understanding of the ICF Core Competencies and the ICF Code of Ethics. It shows you’re equipped to make a lasting impact through your work as a coach practitioner.

Smiling female coach educator sitting at a desk with a laptop, learning about accreditation for coach training programs.

Earning a PCC Means More than a Credential

It’s not just about experience — it’s about your ability to support clients at the highest levels. As a PCC, you’ll become a trusted guide, a partner in your clients’ growth. You’ll earn a symbol of what it means to pursue continuous development. To be eligible for the PCC, you’ll need 125 hours of coach-specific education and 500 hours of coaching experience (think: time spent actually coaching clients). You’ll also continue learning from experienced coaches by completing 10 hours of mentor coaching. 

PCC Eligibility Requirements

  • 125 hours of coaching education.
  • 500 hours of coaching experience (including at least 450 paid hours).
  • 10 hours of mentor coaching.
  • Successful completion of a performance evaluation. 
  • Passing score on the ICF Credentialing Exam.
Prepare with the PCC Candidate Guide
Coach educators preparing ICF-accredited programs for aspiring coaches

PCC Application Paths: Choose Your Route

ICF offers three paths to earning your PCC. Each one is catered to your coaching education journey. Whether you’ve completed an ICF-accredited program or taken a variety of non-accredited courses, there’s a clear path to getting certified with your PCC credential. Not sure about the differences between each application path? Check out the comparison chart for PCC application paths.

Bonus Tip: ICF members receive a discount on their credential application. If you haven’t joined yet, now is the perfect moment to invest in yourself and your coaching future.

Choose Your Path

Level 1 Path

For coaches who have completed accredited coaching hours through a Level 1 program.

  • ICF member price: $650 USD.
  • Non-member price: $800 USD.
  • Estimated time to review: 14 weeks.

Level 2 Path

For coaches who have completed an entire ICF-accredited Level 2 program. 

  • ICF member price: $375 USD.
  • Non-member: $525 USD.
  • Estimated time to review: 4 weeks.

Portfolio Path

For coaches whose education includes Continuing Coach Education (CCE) and/or non-ICF-accredited coaching courses.

  • ICF member price: $750 USD.
  • Non-member price: $900 USD.
  • Estimated time to review: 18 weeks.

Did you complete an ACTP or ACSTH program? If so, get more information relevant to your education.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re committed to raising the bar in your coaching practice, the PCC credential is waiting for you. Start your application today and begin your journey toward mastering the art of coaching. 

Start Your PCC Application

Need More Info Before You Get Started?

Dive deeper into the requirements you’ll need to meet, and explore resources to help you succeed in your application journey.

Prepare for Your Application

Find everything you need to know about education requirements, experience requirements, performance evaluations, and more.

Get Ready for the Exam

Be prepared for the final step on your journey to earning the PCC: the ICF Credentialing Exam.

Access More Resources

Want even more? We’ve got you covered. Browse our credentialing-related resources, including the PCC Candidate Guide, sample applications, and more.