International Coaching-Federation ICF ACC PCC

The ICF offers three different levels of credentialing based on your number of coaching hours:

1. Associate Certified Coach (ACC) – 100 coaching hours
2. Professional Certified Coach (PCC) – 500 coaching hours
3. Master Certified Coach (MCC) – 2500 coaching hours

To get this credential, you must complete a certain number of hours of coach-specific training from an ICF accredited coach training program, have 10 hours with a Mentor Coach, and complete a Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA).

The CKA is a long, online multiple-choice exam based on the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics where you can demonstrate your knowledge of the coaching training you received from your coaching program.

Your ICF credential is valid for three years; to keep your credential active, you must have 10 hours of Mentor Coaching and complete 40 hours of continuing education.

• At least 60 hours of coach-specific training through an ACTP or ACSTH program.
• 10 hours of Mentor Coaching over a minimum of three months to be documented on your online application. Your Mentor Coach must be an ACC who has completed a full cycle of the credential through renewal, PCC or MCC in good standing.
• A minimum of 100 hours (70 paid) of coaching experience with at least eight clients following the start of your coach-specific training. At least 25 of these hours must occur within the 24 months prior to submitting the application for the credential.
• Performance evaluation (audio recording and written transcript of a coach session to be uploaded with your application).
• Completion of the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA).

• Completion of an entire ICF Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP).
• A minimum of 500 hours (440 paid) of coaching experience with at least 25 clients following the start of your coach-specific training. At least 50 of these hours must occur within the 24 months prior to submitting the application for the credential.
• Completion of the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA).

ICF Credential-holders are part of a self-regulating group of elite coaches who provide accountability to clients and the coaching profession as a whole. They pursue and complete rigorous education and practice requirements that provide unquestioned legitimacy to their commitment to excellence in coaching.

Coaching is one of the fastest growing professions, and currently, is unregulated. Basically, that means that anyone can call themselves a coach. Making a choice to get an ICF credential will not only set you apart from the pack, but it lets people know that you take coaching seriously, and you are highly invested in your own professional development.

With an ICF credential you set yourself apart from the coaching pack. It also lets your clients know how serious you are about your new profession and your commitment to your own professional development.

What it can also give you is the ability to charge higher rates and earn a higher income, attract more clients who are serious about transforming their lives, secure more corporate contracts, and increase your referrals and client satisfaction.