- Home
- Join
- Become A Coach
- Get A Credential
What Is A Credential?
An ICF Credential is a professional certification indicating that you have met specific standards and requirements designed to develop and refine your coaching skills. It is an indication that you are dedicated to upholding strong principles of ethical behavior in coaching. An ICF Credential shows your clients and peers that you are committed to the coaching industry and to developing yourself as a coaching professional.
For over a decade, the International Coach Federation has been leading the development of professional coaching. More than 20,000 coaches have participated in one of ICF’s three credentials (ACC, PCC or MCC), gaining coaching expertise and professional fulfillment. With an ICF Credential, coaches demonstrate not only knowledge and skill, but also a commitment to high professional standards and a strong code of ethics.
ICF Offers Three Credentials
Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
| Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
| Master Certified Coach (MCC)
|
What Does It Take To Earn A Credential?
Earning an ICF Credential is a rigorous process that provides legitimacy and credibility to Credential-holders. Each of the credentials (ACC, PCC and MCC) requires the same five key components:
- EDUCATION: Obtain coach-specific education aligned with the ICF definition of coaching, ICF Core Competencies and ICF Code of Ethics.
- EXPERIENCE: Coaching experience hours must begin after you’ve started a coaching education program.
- MENTOR COACHING: Receive mentor coaching to strengthen your skills within the ICF Core Competencies.
- PERFORANCE EVALUATION: Pass a performance evaluation(s) that assess your coaching skills against ICF standards.
- EXAM: Pass a written exam designed to test your understanding of and ability to apply the ICF definition of coaching, ICF Core Competencies and ICF Code of Ethics.
