ACC vs PCC vs MCC: A Complete Guide to ICF Coaching Certifications (2025)

ACC is the entry-level ICF credential for new coaches: 60+ education hours, 100+ coaching hours (75 paid), 10 hours mentor coaching, 1 performance recording, exam. PCC is the professional standard for experienced coaches: 125+ education hours, 500+ hours (450 paid), 10 hours mentor coaching, 2 recordings, exam. MCC is the pinnacle: 200+ education hours, 2,500+ hours (2,250 paid), current/previous PCC, 10 hours mentor coaching, 2 recordings, exam. ICF’s Level 1 → ACC, Level 2 → PCC, Level 3 → MCC education structure replaced legacy ACTP/ACSTH pathways and maps cleanly to each credential. This article is built using a current SEO framework for search intent alignment, skimmable structure, E‑E‑A‑T signals, FAQ schema, and helpful UX patterns so it can win snippets and satisfy readers.

1) ACC vs PCC vs MCC: Who is each for?

• ACC (Associate Certified Coach) — Best for new coaches or professionals integrating coaching into another role who want a credible, global baseline.
• PCC (Professional Certified Coach) — For established coaches delivering consistent results who want the recognized “professional standard” for corporate and executive work.
• MCC (Master Certified Coach) — For elite, seasoned coaches demonstrating sustained mastery and impact; requires holding (or having held) a PCC.

2) ICF credentials at a glance

Sources: ICF eligibility guides and experience requirements; Level mapping on ICF “How to Become a Coach.”

Hours only count after you start coach‑specific education (defined by ICF as a course of ≥30 hours, with ≥24 hours on Core Competencies). 

3) Requirements by level (hours, recordings, exams)

ACC (entry credential)

• Education: 60+ coach‑specific hours (ICF Level 1 or equivalent).
• Experience: 100+ client hours with ≥75 paid; at least 25 hours within the last 18 months.
• Mentor coaching: 10 hours over ≥3 months with an eligible mentor.
• Performance evaluation: 1 recorded session + transcript (submission depends on your application path; see §4).
• Exam: ACC Exam (see §5). 

PCC (professional benchmark)

• Education: 125+ hours (often via ICF Level 2).
• Experience: 500+ hours with ≥450 paid; 50 hours within the last 18 months.
• Mentor coaching: 10 hours.
• Performance evaluation: 2 recordings + transcripts (submission rules in §4).
• Exam: ICF Credentialing Exam (situational‑judgment format for PCC/MCC).

MCC (mastery)

• Prerequisite: You must currently hold or have previously held PCC.
• Education: 200+ hours (typically via ICF Level 3 or Portfolio).
• Experience: 2,500+ hours with ≥2,250 paid (35+ clients).
• Mentor coaching: 10 hours (typically with an MCC‑level mentor).
• Performance evaluation: 2 recordings + transcripts.
• Exam: ICF Credentialing Exam (same format category as PCC).

4) Performance evaluations: when you do/don’t submit recording

All ACC, PCC, and MCC candidates must pass a performance evaluation. However, not everyone submits recordings to ICF:

• If your ICF‑accredited program included a performance evaluation (e.g., Level 1 for ACC, Level 2 for PCC), you’ve already fulfilled the requirement and don’t submit recordings with the application.
• Otherwise, submit:
  • ACC Portfolio: 1 recording + transcript
  • PCC Level 1 / Portfolio: 2 recordings + transcripts
  • MCC Level 3 / Portfolio: 2 recordings + transcripts

5) ICF exams in 2025: ACC Exam vs. PCC/MCC Credentialing Exam

• ACC Exam:
  60 multiple‑choice questions, 90 minutes, scaled 200–600 (460 to pass). Offered via Pearson VUE testing centers or remote proctoring; available in English + 15 languages. Content emphasizes ethics, boundaries of coaching, and core competencies/techniques.
• ICF Credentialing Exam (for PCC & MCC):
  Situational‑Judgment Test with 78 scenario‑based items assessing application of the ICF Core Competencies, Code of Ethics, and ICF’s coaching definition. Delivered through Pearson VUE (in‑person or online).

ICF announced and documents ongoing exam updates and logistics on its credentialing/exam hub.

6) Renewal rules (what changes at ACC renewal)

All ICF credentials renew every 3 years with Continuing Coach Education (CCE). One nuance at the ACC level:

• ACC renewal requires receiving 10 hours of mentor coaching (these 10 hours can also count toward Core Competency CCE).
• PCC/MCC renewals: you may count up to 10 hours mentor coaching and 10 hours supervision toward Core Competency CCE, but they’re not mandatory like ACC’s mentor coaching.

Refer to ICF’s renewal guide if you need the latest process details.

7) Which one should you choose?

• Choose ACC if… you’re starting out or adding coaching to your day job, want a credible foundation fast, and can demonstrate 100 hours.
• Choose PCC if… you’re already coaching regularly, working with organizations, want the standard most corporate buyers recognize, and can document 500 hours.
• Choose MCC if… you’re a full‑time coach with deep experience, impact, and a PCC who wants to signal mastery at the top of the market.

Education map: Level 1 → ACC | Level 2 → PCC | Level 3 → MCC.

8) Application steps & documentation checklist

Step 1 — Pick your path: Complete the short Credential Path Survey, which customizes your application (ACC, PCC, MCC).

Step 2 — Gather evidence:

• Education certificate(s) (Level 1/2/3 or Portfolio syllabus)
• Client coaching hours (only those after the start of your coach education; see §1 note)
• Mentor coaching (10 hours, ≥3 months)
• Performance evaluation recordings/transcripts (if required for your path)
  Step 3 — Submit application via your ICF account; upload documents; pay fees.
  Step 4 — Exam invitation & scheduling (you usually have 60 days to schedule/complete once invited).

9) Common mistakes that cause delay

• Logging hours before you started your coach education (those don’t count).
• Insufficient paid‑hour mix (e.g., ACC needs 75 paid; PCC 450; MCC 2,250).
• Submitting recordings when your Level path already included a performance evaluation (unnecessary).
• Waiting on mentor coaching at renewal (ACC must receive 10 hours).

Aligning Your Credential Choice with the Right Program

After weighing the distinctions between ACC, PCC and MCC—such as required training hours, coaching experience and exam formats—the next challenge is finding a program that prepares you for the specific credential you’ve chosen. Programs mapped to ICF Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 are designed to satisfy the education requirements for ACC, PCC and MCC respectively. As you evaluate providers, consider whether they offer the level you need, and check that their curriculum thoroughly covers ICF competencies, includes sufficient mentor coaching and performance evaluations, and provides flexibility to accommodate your schedule. Look for transparency about faculty credentials and alumni success, as these indicators can signal the program’s quality and support network. To simplify this research, Erickson’s 2026 comparison guide presents side‑by‑side information on India’s leading ICF‑accredited programs, including their level alignment, training hours, mentoring structure and unique features. Consulting this resource will help you match your credential goal with an appropriate program, ensuring you invest in education that sets you up for success.