ICF Credentialing Application: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Portfolio Paths

An ICF credential application follows one of two paths for each credential. Graduates of a Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 program apply through the matching level path with their program certificate. Coaches with other coaching education apply through the Portfolio path, which asks for more documents, has higher fees and takes longer to review.

ICF Application Paths and Who Each Is For

For each credential, the coaching hours and the ICF exam are the same on both paths. The paths differ in the education, mentor coaching and performance evaluation you submit.

ACC Level 1 / Level 2 Path

This path is for coaches with a Level 1 or Level 2 program certificate. Level 1 programs offer 60 to 124 hours of coach-specific education, and Level 2 programs offer 125 to 175 hours.

Applicants still need at least 100 coaching hours (at least 75 paid) with at least 8 clients, including at least 25 hours within the 18 months before you apply, and a passing score on the ICF ACC Exam, as listed in our ICF ACC credential requirements.

PCC Level 2 Path

The PCC Level 2 path is for coaches who have completed an entire ICF-accredited Level 2 program. Our ICF PCC credential requirements list the coaching hours and other steps.

MCC Level 3 Path

The MCC Level 3 path is for graduates of a Level 3 program. ICF says a Level 3 program “includes the necessary education and mentor coaching hours” for this path. Both MCC paths require a current or previously held PCC credential. Our ICF MCC credential requirements cover the rest.

Portfolio Path

The Portfolio path is for coaches whose education includes CCE courses or non-ICF-accredited education. PCC and MCC applicants may combine accredited and non-accredited education. MCC applicants may not use Level 3 education on this path.

In ICF’s words, the Portfolio path has a “Lengthier review process and higher application fees since curriculum has not been pre-approved by ICF.”

ICF provides separate application guidance if you took an ACTP or ACSTH program or attended only part of a Level 1 or Level 2 program.

What You Submit on Each Path

On the ACC Level 1 / Level 2 path and the PCC Level 2 path, submit your program certificate. Mentor coaching and the performance evaluation are part of the program. On the MCC Level 3 path, mentor coaching is part of the program, and you submit two recorded coaching sessions with transcripts.

Portfolio applicants submit more:

• Document your education. Submit a certificate or signed letter with dates and total hours, a breakdown of synchronous and asynchronous hours (minimum requirement of 50% synchronous) and a syllabus or outline and course materials. For non-ICF-accredited education, submit the program curriculum to demonstrate that it meets ICF standards.
• Meet the minimum hours. Complete at least 30 synchronous hours for the ACC, 62.5 for the PCC and 100 for the MCC. Complete at least 48 hours focused on the ICF Core Competencies for the ACC, 100 for the PCC and 160 for the MCC, with all competencies covered.
• Arrange your own mentor coaching. Complete 10 hours over at least three months, including at least 3 hours of one-on-one sessions. Our guide to coaching supervision vs mentor coaching explains who can be your mentor coach.
• Submit a performance evaluation. Send one recorded coaching session with a transcript for the ACC, or two for the PCC and the MCC.

ICF asks you to complete all your education hours before you submit your application.

ICF Application Paths Compared

Our post on ICF membership compares member and non-member fees.

ICF Credential Application Steps

ICF’s Apply for a Credential page lists six steps:

1. Evaluate Your Education and Experience. Review your coaching education and track your coaching experience hours.
2. Identify Your Application Path. Complete the Credential Path Survey (for ACC, PCC, or MCC) to find out which credential and application path you qualify for.
3. Prepare Your Materials. Gather your program certificates, document any non-ICF-accredited education and prepare your coaching hours, mentor coaching details and any required recordings.
4. Create and Submit Your Application. Start your application using the link after completing the Credential Path Survey.
5. Track Your Application. Track your application status after you submit and pay. Respond quickly to any requests for clarification from ICF to avoid delays.
6. Take an ICF Exam. Once your application is approved, prepare for and complete the required ICF written exam.

ICF Application Path Changes in 2027

ICF announced that “the Performance Evaluation will no longer be a requirement for ACC and PCC Portfolio credentials effective April 1, 2027.” ACC and PCC Portfolio applicants who submit on or after that date complete enhanced mentor coaching with a mentor coach who holds ICF’s Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS). At least three of their coaching sessions must be observed and reviewed by the mentor coach, who completes a Competency Review Form.

ICF says applicants on the ACC Level 1 / Level 2 path and the PCC Level 2 path do not need to do anything differently. Their coaching education program will incorporate the new mentor coaching requirements. A Level 1 or Level 2 certificate completed before April 1, 2027 is still accepted for an application submitted after that date.

MCC applicants keep the performance evaluation. From January 1, 2027, all credential candidates (ACC, PCC and MCC) need to complete mentor coaching with a mentor coach who holds the MCS. For MCC candidates, mentor coaching hours completed before that date will be accepted.

Coaching Hours and the ICF Exam

Only coaching hours completed after you begin your coaching education count toward a credential. Our guide to the ICF coaching log explains how to record them.

Every path requires a passing score on an ICF exam. ACC candidates take the ICF ACC Exam, and PCC and MCC candidates take the ICF Credentialing Exam. Our ICF Credentialing Exam guide explains the exam at each credential level. Prepare with ICF ACC Mastery Exam Prep & Practice or ICF PCC/MCC Exam Prep & Practice.

FAQs About the ICF Credentialing Application

What is the ICF credentialing application?

The ICF credentialing application is how a coach applies to the International Coaching Federation for the ACC, PCC or MCC credential. Each credential has two application paths: Level 1 / Level 2 or Portfolio for the ACC, Level 2 or Portfolio for the PCC, and Level 3 or Portfolio for the MCC.

What is the difference between ICF Level 1 and Level 2?

The difference between ICF Level 1 and Level 2 programs is the number of education hours and the credential each leads to. Level 1 programs offer 60 to 124 hours of coach-specific education and lead to the ACC credential. Level 2 programs offer 125 to 175 hours and lead to the PCC credential. A Level 2 certificate also qualifies for the ACC through the Level 1 / Level 2 path.

What is the ICF Portfolio path?

The ICF Portfolio path is the application path for coaches whose coaching education includes Continuing Coach Education (CCE) courses, non-accredited education, or a mix of accredited and non-accredited education. Portfolio applicants document their own education hours, arrange their own mentor coaching and pay higher application fees, and ICF takes longer to review their applications.

How long does ICF take to review a credential application?

ICF review time for a credential application depends on the application path. ICF lists 4 weeks for the ACC Level 1 / Level 2 path and the PCC Level 2 path, 14 weeks for the ACC Portfolio path, and 18 weeks for the PCC Portfolio path and both MCC paths.

Can I apply for an ICF credential without a Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 program?

You can apply for an ICF credential without a Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 program. Coaches with other coaching education or CCE courses apply through the Portfolio path, which has a longer review and higher application fees.