Understanding ACC, PCC, and MCC: Guide to ICF Credential Levels

For the broad umbrella of coaching, the ICF is the gold standard. It’s the badge of honor that coaches strive to earn. Becoming ICF certified is a big step in supporting you in enhancing your skills and professionalism, empowering you to lead more effectively in your practice.

With multiple credential levels, choosing the proper ICF certification for yourself can be a bit overwhelming. Let’s simplify the process! This blog post will be your compass, guiding you towards becoming an associate certified coach (ACC), professional certified coach (PCC), or even a master certified coach (MCC). 

Whether you’re just starting or looking to reach the very top, this guide will arm you with the insights and knowledge you need to reach new heights with your coaching career. 

Let’s peel back the layers and discover the ICF certification levels for you. 

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What is ICF, and why does it matter to you?

Think of the ICF as the guiding light for the broad coaching profession. Since its founding in 1995, the ICF has been instrumental in outlining professional coaching, establishing ethical guidelines, and providing in-depth credentialing programs.

An ICF credential is a valuable asset for coaches like you. It validates your professionalism, skills, and commitment and signals to potential clients and employers that you’re a serious and qualified coach.

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If you’re a new coach, invest in an ICF credential. It’s a powerful tool for building credibility and attracting clients. 

The ACC Certification: Your Gateway to Professional Coaching

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If you are just starting out your coaching journey, the associate certified coach (ACC) is the ideal starting point. ACC certification acts as a recognition tool; you signal to clients that you’ve mastered the basics and are capable and ready to deliver real value.

Check out this article for additional help: Steps to Getting a Professional Coaching Certification

A look at the ICF ACC requirements

Thinking of becoming an ICF ACC? Let’s peek at the breakdown of its requirements:

• 60 hours of coach-specific education: This covers coaching basics 101, from coaching ethics to core competencies like powerful questioning and active listening.
• 100 hours of client coaching experience: You must have worked with real clients—yes, practice matters! Out of the total clients, at least 8 clients must be paying clients.
• Mentor coaching: You’ll need 10 hours of mentor coaching, in which a more experienced coach helps polish your skills and provides feedback on your sessions to maximize your growth.

Costing of ACC:

Pathway	ICF Member Cost	Non-Member Cost
ACC (Level 1 / Level 2 / ACTP Path)	$175	$325
ACC (ACSTH Path)	$375	$525
ACC (Portfolio Path)	$475	$625

The ACC credential is more than just a certificate; it’s an indication of your proficiency in essential coaching skills. You’ll develop the ability to listen deeply, ask impactful questions, and help clients uncover their own insights—the cornerstones of effective coaching. For instance, an ACC coach follows the checklist of a good coaching contract, ensuring a safe space for clients to explore their emotions and discover new perspectives.

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The PCC Certification: Leveling Up Your Coaching Skills

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Now, with the ACC credential in your hand, it’s time to expand your horizons. Picture ACC as a high school diploma and PCC as a bachelor’s degree. The PCC credential is an attachment to your coaching profile, proving your expanded skill set and ability to navigate and address more complex coaching challenges. It signifies that you’ve deepened your understanding of coaching principles, elevated your techniques, and developed the capacity to facilitate deeper levels of transformation in your clients.

To qualify for PCC certification, here’s what you’ll need:

• 125 hours of coach-specific education: You’ll build on what you learned during your ACC certification, honing your ability to invite and challenge clients more effectively to guide them through an extensive, more transformative path eventually.
• 500 hours of client coaching experience: To meet this requirement, you’ll need to work with an average of 25-30 clients and have 500 paid coaching hours.

Costing of PCC:

Pathway	ICF Member Cost	Non-Member Cost
PCC (Level 2/ACTP Path)	$375	$525
PCC (Level 1/ACSTH Path)	$650	$800
PCC (Portfolio Path)	$750	$900

Envision the PCC credential as a key that unlocks new doors in your coaching practice. Just as a skilled locksmith can open complex locks, a PCC coach can navigate challenging client situations with precision and skills. This newly learned expertise will build trust and standing with your clients, leading to more impactful and rewarding coaching relationships.

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The MCC Certification: The Pinnacle of Coaching Mastery

If you’ve aspired to have a master’s certified coach (MCC) credential, congratulations! You’ve set your sights on the peak of the coaching profession. MCC coaches are the true masters of their craft, known for paving the track for life-changing transformations in their clients. Only a select few achieve this prestigious ICF credential, shedding light on the exceptional dedication and expertise required from you.

The ramped-up requirements for earning your MCC certification are:

• Holding a PCC credential: To qualify for the MCC credential, you must already hold the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential, which displays your established expertise and track record in the coaching field.
• 200 hours of coach-specific education: Your educational journey continues with an emphasis on continuously purifying advanced coaching techniques.
• 2500 of client coaching experience: Although 2500 hours is a lot, it isn’t just about quantity—it’s about exhibiting excellence across the broadest range of coaching scenarios. You’ll need to prove you’ve coached clients through real challenges in real time with life-altering success for them.

Costing of MCC:

Pathway	ICF Member	Non-Member
MCC (Level 3 Path)	$675	$825
MCC (Portfolio Path)	$675	$825

Remember, at the MCC level, you’re not just coaching for change—you’re coaching for a lasting impact. Clients trust MCC coaches to guide and support them through the most significant challenges in their lives, careers, or organizations.

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Tip: Stay on top of your coaching journey, no matter your level! Platforms like Simply.Coach acts as your coaching GPS. Imagine it as your support team, helping you stay organized, manage your schedules, create action plans, forms, and reports, track client progressions, schedule one-on-one sessions, craft a stunning showcase page, and much more, all in one place. 

Simply.Coach also offers a professional development log that lets coaches like you effortlessly track your training and learning activities. It aids in creating logs of completed initiatives for professional development credits, simplifying the process of tracking growth and certifications. 

With features like this, Simply.Coach supports coaches at every stage, fostering continuous learning and professional excellence.

The Journey to an ICF Credential: What to Expect?

Since you have an estimation of the practical requirements, you should also remember that ICF credentials have requirements from various categories. As the renowned coach Tony Robbins once said, ‘The only way to do great work is to love what you do.’ Pursuing an ICF credential demands lighting a torch of passion for coaching from your end. The journey to becoming an ICF-certified coach is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Accreditation, mentorship, and client experiences are not small feats; rather, they’re essential stepping stones. Whether you’re working toward your ACC or eyeing the MCC, remember to track your progress and ensure everything is well-documented so you can always look back on it. 

The ICF certification process is rigorous and demanding, but the rewards are immense. By meeting the high standards set by the ICF, you’re not just earning a credential. You’re building trust with your clients and solidifying your reputation as a professional coach.

Importance of ICF Credentials to your clients

ICF credentials build trust. They signal to your clients that you’ve put effort into your professional development, adhere to high standards of coaching, and know what development plan they need. In a market saturated with self-proclaimed coaches, your ICF credential sets you apart as a reliable, skilled, and ethical professional.

Clients aren’t just seeking a coach; they’re looking for a trusted partner to navigate their personal and professional challenges. Your ICF credentials, whether they are ACC, PCC, or MCC certifications, portray your devotion to merit and reassure clients that they’re in capable hands.

Conclusion

Ready to elevate your coaching practice? The ICF offers a straightforward path to building your reputable and thriving coaching career. Earning your ACC credential is the first step, and with each level, PCC and MCC, you demonstrate your deepening prowess, unwavering commitment, and passion for empowering others.Don’t wait! As you work towards achieving your ICF credentials and managing multiple clients along the way, Simply.Coach provides a comprehensive solution. It streamlines administrative tasks and client management, while helping you set clear goals, break down ICF requirements, and track your progress. With Simply.Coach, you can create a complete, digitized log for credentialing, saving time, and keeping everything organized. Use Simply.Coach to manage the administrative burden, freeing you to focus on what you do best – coaching and transforming lives. Schedule a demo call or start your free trial today and see the difference!