The document summarizes the credentialing process for the International Coach Federation (ICF). It outlines the three credential levels - Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Master Certified Coach (MCC) - and the requirements for each. There are over 6,000 coaches across 67 countries currently holding an ICF credential. Coaches can apply either through an accredited coach training program or a portfolio application, with varying requirements for training hours, client coaching experience, references, and examinations depending on the credential and application type. Further information can be found on the ICF website.

1. The Road to
Credentialing

2. Credentialing Facts
• The ICF Credentialing program has been in operation
for over 10 years and has experienced tremendous
growth and global acceptance
• To date, there are over 6,000 Credentialed Coaches
• Coaches in 67 countries currently hold an ICF
Credential

3. ICF Credentials
ICF offers three Credential levels:
•Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
•Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
•Master Certified Coach (MCC)

4. Application Types
• For the ACC and PCC Credentials offered there
are two applications that you can use to apply
for the credential. These application types are
called:
– ACTP Application- this is for individuals who have
completed an ICF Accredited Coach Training Program
(ACTP).
– Portfolio Application- this application is used by
individuals who have not completed a full ACTP or
who have completed coach training with other
schools not on the ACTP list.
• The MCC Credential only has one application
type called the MCC Application.

5. ACC ACTP Application ACC Portfolio Application
Application Period Accepting Applications 2009 Year Round Accepting Applications 2009 Year Round
Coach-Specific Successful completion of certification 60 documented hours of Coach-Specific
Training requirements with an ACTP Training
Work with a Completion of 10 hours work with
ACTP certification fulfills this requirement
Mentor Coach a qualified mentor coach
Client Coaching Log Documenting:
Client Coaching Log Documenting:
--Minimum of 100 hours
--Minimum of 100 hours
--Minimum of 75
Coaching Experience paid hours
--Minimum of 75
paid hours
--Minimum of 8 clients
--Minimum of 8 clients
Coach References 2 reference letters from qualified coaches 2 reference letters from qualified coaches
Successful completion of ICF’s oral
Successful completion of the ACTP
Examination certification exam through your school.
examination. Exam is scheduled through
the ICF.
$225 for ICF members,
$100 for ICF members,
Fee $300 for non-members
$425 for non-members
Additional $75 exam fee

6. PCC ACTP Application PCC Portfolio Application
Application Period Accepting Applications 2009 Year Round Accepting Applications 2009 Year Round
Coach-Specific Successful completion of certification 125 documented hours of Coach-Specific
Training requirements with an ACTP Training
Work with a Completion of 10 hours work with
ACTP certification fulfills this requirement
Mentor Coach a qualified mentor coach
Client Coaching Log Documenting: Client Coaching Log Documenting:
--Minimum of 750 hours --Minimum of 750 hours
Coaching Experience --Minimum of 675 --Minimum of 675
paid hours paid hours
--Minimum of 25 clients --Minimum of 25 clients
Coach References 2 reference letters from qualified coaches 2 reference letters from qualified coaches
Successful completion of ICF’s three-part
Successful completion of the ACTP
Examination certification exam through your school.
Portfolio Examination. Exam is scheduled
through the ICF.
$425 for ICF members,
$300 for ICF members,
Fee $500 for non-members
$625 for non-members
Additional $150 exam fee

7. MCC Application
Application Period Accepting Applications 2009 Year Round
Coach-Specific Training 200 documented hours of Coach-Specific Training
Work with a
Completion of 10 hours work with a qualified mentor coach
Mentor Coach
Client Coaching Log Documenting:
--Minimum of 2500 hours
Coaching Experience --Minimum of 2250 paid hours
--Minimum of 35 clients
Coach References 3 reference letters from qualified coaches
Demonstrated competency in ICF’s three-part MCC Exam.
Examination Exam is scheduled through the ICF.
$425 for ICF members,
$625 for non-members
Fee
Additional $150 exam fee

8. Further Credentialing
information can
be found on:
www.coachfederation.org

9. Access these
links for
credentialing
information and
applications

10. The Road to
Credentialing