Certification Guides

ICF Coaching Certification Guide

Everything you need to know about ACC, PCC, and MCC credentials. Requirements, costs, and how to prepare.

ACC Certification

The Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential is the first level of ICF certification. It demonstrates that you have met the foundational requirements for coaching education, experience, and competency. Here's everything you need to know to earn your ACC.

Training: At least 60 hours of coach-specific education

Experience: Minimum 100 hours of coaching experience (75 paid)

Timeline: Typically 6-12 months from starting training to earning the credential.

ICF PCC

PCC Certification

The Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential represents a significant step up in coaching mastery. PCC-level coaches demonstrate consistent, skilled application of all ICF competencies across diverse coaching scenarios.

Training: At least 125 hours of coach-specific education

Experience: Minimum 500 hours of coaching experience (450 paid)

Timeline: Typically 2-4 years of coaching experience after ACC to reach PCC requirements.

ICF MCC

MCC Certification

The Master Certified Coach (MCC) is the highest credential offered by ICF. It represents coaching mastery — the ability to coach with fluency, depth, and impact across all competencies. Fewer than 5% of ICF-credentialed coaches hold the MCC.

Training: At least 200 hours of coach-specific education

Experience: Minimum 2,500 hours of coaching experience (2,250 paid)

Timeline: Typically 5-10+ years of dedicated coaching practice after PCC.