Get Credentials
The mission of the ICF Credentialing program is to:
- Protect and serve consumers of coaching services;
- Measure and certify competence of individuals; and
- Inspire pursuit of continuous development.
A coach who has been credentialed by the ICF has completed stringent education and experience requirements and has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in coaching.
Certification from the ICF is extremely important. It means the coach:
- Has received professional training from a program specifically designed to teach coaching skills in alignment with the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics
- Has demonstrated a proficient understanding and use of the coaching competencies as outlined by the ICF
- Is accountable to the ethics and standards set forth by the ICF
According to the 2007 ICF Global Coaching Study, 52 percent of all coaching clients expect the coach they hire to be credentialed.
The ICF offers three credentials: ACC, PCC, and MCC.
Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
The ICF Associate Certified Coach credential is for the practiced coach. It requires completion of a set amount of coach-specific training; a minimum of 100 coaching experience hours; and at least eight clients, among other requirements.
Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
The ICF Professional Certified Coach credential is for the proven coach. It requires completion of a set amount of coach-specific training, a minimum of 750 coaching experience hours, and at least 25 clients, among other requirements.
Master Certified Coach (MCC)
The ICF Master Certified Coach credential is for the expert coach. It requires completion of a set amount of coach-specific training, a minimum of 2,500 coaching experience hours and at least 35 clients, among other requirements.
Detailed information on each credential and on how to apply for each credential is available here.
To renew you credential, click here.
More Information/Questions
If you have questions or need assistance with your application, contact ICF Headquarters at icfcredentialing@coachfederation.org.
