Credential Guide

ACC vs PCC vs MCC

ACC, PCC and MCC differ in education hours, coaching hours, mentor coaching and the exam.

Updated: October 4, 2026 2 min read

ACC requires 60 education hours and 100 coaching hours. PCC requires 125 education hours and 500 coaching hours. MCC requires 200 education hours and 2,500 coaching hours. ACC has its own knowledge-based exam. PCC and MCC candidates take the same exam, the ICF Credentialing Exam.

ACC, PCC and MCC Requirements Compared

ACCPCCMCC
Coaching education60+ hours125+ hours200+ hours
Coaching experience100+ hours, 75 paid500+ hours, 450 paid2,500+ hours, 2,250 paid
Mentor coaching10 hours over at least three months10 hours over at least three months10 new hours with an MCC mentor coach, over at least three months
Prerequisite credentialNoneNoneCurrent or past PCC
Written exam60 multiple-choice questions, 90-minute appointment78 scenarios, 180-minute appointment; new format from November 10, 2026The same exam as PCC
Application fee, ICF membersUS$175 Level 1/2, US$475 PortfolioUS$375 Level 2, US$750 PortfolioUS$675
Review timeAbout 4 weeks (Level 1/2) or 14 weeks (Portfolio)About 4 weeks (Level 2) or 18 weeks (Portfolio)About 18 weeks
Passing score460460460

At ten client hours a week, PCC takes about one year of practice and MCC about five.

Moving Up a Credential Level

To move from ACC to PCC, or from PCC to MCC, submit a new credential application. Renewing a credential does not upgrade it.

ICF ACC Mastery Exam Prep & Practice

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ICF PCC/MCC Exam Prep & Practice

ICF PCC/MCC Exam Prep & Practice

Two courses for PCC and MCC candidates, one for the current exam and one for the new (2026) exam, each with deep dives, 176 flashcards, quizzes, exam tips & strategies, and full exam simulators.

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Frequently Asked Questions

About comparing ACC, PCC and MCC

What are ACC, PCC and MCC?
ACC, PCC and MCC are ICF's three credential levels. Ranked by experience, they are Associate Certified Coach, Professional Certified Coach and Master Certified Coach.

What is the difference between ACC and PCC?
PCC requires 125 education hours and 500 coaching hours, compared with 60 and 100 for ACC. PCC candidates take the ICF Credentialing Exam, not the ACC Exam. ICF assesses the PCC performance evaluation against the PCC Minimum Skills Requirements.

What is the difference between PCC and MCC?
MCC requires 200 education hours and 2,500 coaching hours, compared with 125 and 500 for PCC. Applicants must hold or have held PCC. Both levels use the same written exam.

Do I need ACC before I apply for PCC?
You do not need ACC before you apply for PCC. Coaches who already meet the PCC hours can apply directly. MCC requires that applicants hold or have held PCC.

Is ICF certification the same as ICF accreditation?
ICF certification and ICF accreditation are different. ICF certification usually means a coach holds an International Coaching Federation credential (ACC, PCC or MCC). ICF accreditation is the approval ICF gives to coach training programs, such as Level 1 and Level 2 programs.

How often do ICF credentials need renewal?
ICF credentials need renewal every three years at all three levels. Renewal takes 40 Continuing Coach Education (CCE) credits, including 24 in the Core Competencies and 3 in coaching ethics. ACC renewal also includes 10 hours of mentor coaching.

What is ICF mentor coaching?
ICF mentor coaching is feedback on your own coaching from an eligible mentor coach, measured against the ICF Core Competencies. ACC, PCC and MCC each require 10 hours before you apply.