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The ICF is renowned for its globally recognized credentialing program. Learn more, including how to apply for or renew your credential.
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| 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. There is an expectation that all ICF Credentialed coaches will continue their education and build on their level of experience. The resulting growth in competency and professionalism will be evidenced by their journey to the MCC credential. | Quick Links |
PCC Application Types
In an effort to make the ICF Credential application process more streamlined, the ICF has replaced the downloadable paper application with an easy-to-use online application. This change will further enable ICF staff to provide better service to applicants, while at the same time, saving the world's limited resources. For questions, please contact the ICF staff at icfcredentialing@coachfederation.org.
For the PCC credential, there are two application types: ACTP and Portfolio.
- PCC ACTP Application
The ICF accepts the PCC ACTP application year-round. This application is for individuals who have graduated from an Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP). Please review the application to determine if you are eligible.
Online Application
Guide to PCC ACTP Online Application Process
- PCC Portfolio Application
The ICF accepts the PCC Portfolio application year-round. The PCC Portfolio application should be used by individuals who have not completed a full Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP) or have completed coach training with other schools not on the ACTP list. Please review the application to determine if you are eligible.
Guide to PCC Portfolio Online Application Process
PCC Frequently Asked Questions/Documents
- Minimum Skill Requirements for PCC (PDF) - Please refer to this document to learn more about the proficiencies needed to earn the PCC credential. Spanish Version (PDF)
- ICF Core Competencies summary (PDF) - Core Competencies compared by credential.
- For further information on the PCC requirements, please refer to the PCC application.
Definitions and Terms:
- Coach Specific Training: Coach Specific Training is training that is predominantly marketed as teaching coaching skills and not something else and where the major emphasis is on coaching skills or applying technical skills as a coach and in a manner consistent with the ICF core competencies.
- Client Coaching Hours: For purposes of individual credentialing for ACC, PCC and MCC, a client coaching hour is 60 minutes coaching time with a person who has hired you as a coach, with whom you have a formal coaching agreement, and who you coach rather than providing any other service such as consulting or therapy. If you perform coaching and other services for a client, you may only count the actual time spent coaching toward certification. You may not count time providing other services.
More Information/Questions
If you have questions or need assistance with your application, contact ICF Headquarters at icfcredentialing@coachfederation.org.
 | "Renewing my PCC credential and working to attain my MCC is essential for advancement, growth and professionalism for me, my clients and the profession of coaching. We must "walk our talk" in assisting our clients in excelling AND the coaching profession in excelling, credentialing is one way of doing so!" |
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