ICF Credential Pathways

Elevate Your
ICF Credentials

From your first ACC to the pinnacle of MCC — explore every credential level, understand the exams, and access targeted preparation tools for each pathway.

Credential Exam Prep
🌱
Entry Level
ACC
Associate Certified Coach
Foundational credential. Tests recognition of effective coaching behaviours and alignment with the ICF Code of Ethics.
60
Exam Items
90m
Duration
109
Practice Q's
Start ACC Prep
🏆
Professional Level
PCC
Professional Certified Coach
For experienced coaches. Tests nuanced situational judgment — identifying both the best and worst responses across complex coaching scenarios.
78
Exam Items
3h
Duration
145
Practice Q's
Start PCC Prep
🎓
New · Jan 2027
MCQ
Mentor Coach Qualification
Mandatory from January 2027 for any mentor coach providing ICF-required mentoring. Three levels: MCQ-ACC, MCQ-PCC, MCQ-MCC.
3
Levels
CPL
Pathway Open
Read MCQ Guide
Master Level
MCC
Master Certified Coach
The highest ICF credential, for coaches who have demonstrated mastery across all competency areas at the highest level of coaching excellence.
2,500
Hours Required
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
How the exams compare
Feature ACC PCC
Question formatSingle most appropriate responseBest + Worst response (situational judgment)
Exam items60 items78 items (2 sections of 39)
Time allowed90 minutes3 hours + optional 10-min break
Passing score460 / 600460 / 600
Scoring1 point per scored question (50 of 60 items scored)Up to 2 points per question (partial credit)
Competency depthFoundational markers — recognise coaching vs non-coachingAdvanced markers — fine distinctions within coaching
Experience required100 hours coaching + 60 hours training500 hours coaching + 125 hours training