The ICF is the main awarding body for coaches worldwide. It has a number of training programmes and credential levels that accredit professional coaches.
In 2022 the ICF launched an update to their Certification levels to streamline the training programmes available and simplify the process to become an accredited coach. Prior to this they also updated their Core Competencies (which is what they assess coaches on) and the credentialing process.
This article explores the new ICF Levels to demystify the terminology used and help you understand which programme is best for you.
Note that the ICF doesn’t differentiate between different styles of coaching (ultimately coaching is coaching!) so these are applicable for executive, career, life or business coaches.
What are the ICF Credentials?
Credentials are levels of competency, training experience and coaching skills. The ICF has 3 levels of ICF Credentials: Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Master Certified Coach (MCC). The requirements for each are below:
Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
- at least 60 hours of accredited coach training (like our Diploma in Integrative Coaching)
- minimum of 10 Mentoring sessions, also included on the Diploma
- 100 hours of client coaching experience, from the first day of your programme
Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
- at least 125 hours of accredited coach training (like our Advanced Diploma in Integrative Coaching)
- minimum of 10 Mentoring sessions, also included on the Diploma
- 500 hours of client coaching experience, from the first day of your programme
Master Certified Coach (MCC)
- at least 200 hours of accredited coach training (like our Advanced Diploma in Integrative Coaching)
- minimum of 10 Mentoring sessions, also included on the Diploma
- 2500 hours of client coaching experience, from the first day of your programme
Want to Become an Accredited ICF Coach?
That’s great! But please don’t get confused by all the jargon. We are here to help you with your Certification.
Our Diploma in Integrative Coaching is delivered online, flexibly over a number of evenings and weekends. It covers the fundamentals of coaching and also frameworks such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Coaching and Solutions-Focused approaches to coaching.
We help you develop your own framework of working with clients in line with the ICF Competencies and Ethics.
What are the ICF Certification Levels?
When you enrol on a coach training programme ensure that it is accredited by the ICF. Prior to 2022 programmes that lead to the credentials above were labelled as ACSTH or ACTP. Nowadays these have been replaced by Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 programmes.
Level 1 Programme: Diploma in Integrative Coaching
A Level 1 programme is one that includes at least:
- 60 hours of accredited Coach Training
- 10 hours of mentoring
- A performance evaluation that confirms you are coaching at ACC Level
Upon completion of a Level 1 programme you can apply for the ACC Credential.
Level 2 Programme: Advanced Diploma in Integrative Coaching
A Level 2 programme is one that includes at least:
- 125 hours of accredited Coach Training
- 10 hours of mentoring
- A performance evaluation that confirms you are coaching at PCC Level
Upon completion of a Level 1 programme you can apply for the PCC Credential.
Level 3 Programme
You must hold a PCC Credential to enrol on this programme. A Level 3 programme is one that includes at least:
- 75 hours of accredited MCC Coach Training
Upon completion of a Level 3 programme you can apply for the MCC Credential.
Are you looking to become a Professional ICF Coach?
We have number of ICF Coach Training Certification including our Diploma in Integrative Coaching and the Advanced Diploma in Integrative Coaching.
Become also offers bespoke mentoring programmes to help you develop your coaching skills. Our mentoring is available on a 1-1 basis or as a group.
