ICF Accreditation
The International Coach Federation (ICF) offers the only globally recognized, independent credentialing program. More than 4,700 coaches have earned one of three offered ICF Credentials since the program began over a decade ago.
The ICF Credentialing Program:
- Establishes and administers minimum standards for credentialing professional coaches and coach training agencies.
- Assures the public that participating coaches and coach training agencies meet or exceed these minimum standards.
- Reinforces professional coaching as a distinct and self-regulating profession.
Coaches who have been credentialed by the ICF have received coach-specific training, achieved a designated number of experience hours and have been coached by a mentor coach.
ICF Credentials Growing in Demand
According to the ICF Global Coaching Study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, 52 percent of coaches report that their coaching clients expect the coach they hire to be credentialed.
ICF Credentialing System to Continue to Meet Global Standards
In order to continue to meet the growing global need for the ICF Credential, the ICF is taking steps to refine our current credentialing system to meet the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards for bodies operating certification of persons.
This important initiative will further define our current system, maintain and increase its permanent value and continue to strengthen global credibility among coaches and clients everywhere.
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.
The Road to Credentialing
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.
Mentoring Requirement for ACC Portfolio Applicants – Effective July 1, 2008
In recognition of the value of working with a qualified mentor coach and to align the initial requirements for the ACC with those of the PCC and MCC, the ICF Board of Directors adopted the following new requirement for those applying for the ACC via the Portfolio process: Those applying for the ACC credential, by submitting a portfolio application, are required to document 10 hours of work with a qualified mentor coach. Further details can be found in the ACC Portfolio application.
ACC Applications
For the ACC credential, there are two applications types:
- ACC ACTP Application The ICF accepts ACC ACTP applications 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.
Paper Application
Online Application
ACC ACTP Guide for Online Application
Listen to step-by-step instructions for completing the ACC application.
- ACC Portfolio Application The ICF accepts the ACC Portfolio application year-round. The ACC 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.
Paper Application
Online Application
ACC Portfolio Guide for Online Application
Listen to step-by-step instructions for completing the ACC application.
Before listening, please have the appropriate application downloaded and available for review. ICF staff members will go step-by-step through the applications to help applicants avoid issues that commonly delay application processing.
ACC Frequently Asked Questions/Documents
Minimum Skill Requirements for ACC (PDF) – Please refer to this document to learn more about the proficiencies needed to earn the ACC credential.
More Information/Questions
If you have questions or need assistance with your ACC, PCC OR MCC application, contact ICF Headquarters at icfcredentialing@coachfederation.org.
