Understanding the three ICF credentials: what they require, how long they take, and which one you should pursue based on your experience and goals.
ICF offers three professional credentials, each representing a deeper level of training and experience. All three are awarded by ICF Global and recognised around the world.
ACC: Associate Certified Coach
The entry-level credential. It requires at least 60 hours of coach-specific training and 100 hours of coaching experience, plus mentor coaching and a performance evaluation. It suits coaches who are building their practice.
PCC: Professional Certified Coach
The middle tier, requiring at least 125 hours of training and 500 hours of coaching experience, again with mentor coaching and a performance evaluation. It signals a well-established practice and is often what larger organisations look for.
MCC: Master Certified Coach
The highest level, requiring at least 200 hours of training and 2,500 hours of coaching experience. It reflects mastery of the ICF Core Competencies over many years.
Check the current requirements on the ICF Global website before you apply. Standards are updated from time to time.
Which one should you pursue?
- Just starting out or finishing training? Aim for ACC.
- Several years of regular practice and a growing client base? Look at PCC.
- A long track record and a desire to mentor others? MCC may be your goal.
Whichever level you choose, plan your coaching log from day one, choose an ICF-accredited training programme, and talk to credentialed coaches who have been through the process. As a chapter member, you can draw on mentoring guidance from our credentialed coaches.
