A Guide to Obtaining Your PCC Credential with the ICF

Steps To Getting Your PCC Credential

Are you passionate about becoming a certified coach and establishing yourself as a credible authority in the field of coaching? Earning an International Coach Federation (ICF) credential is a testament to your expertise and dedication. The ICF offers three levels of credentials: ACC, PCC, and MCC. Each of these credentials requires the completion of the same five key components, ensuring that coaches meet rigorous standards of excellence.

Step 1: Lay the Foundation

Before you begin your journey toward PCC certification, it’s crucial to meet the prerequisite requirements set by the ICF. These include completing a specific number of coach-specific training hours and coaching experience.

Life Purpose Institute, based in San Diego, California, is accredited by the ICF and offers a rigorous, reputable program.

Step 2: Gain Coaching Experience

One of the essential requirements for PCC certification is to document a substantial amount of coaching experience. As of 2023, the ICF mandates that PCC candidates document at least 500 hours of coaching experience. Of these 500 hours, 450 must be paid coaching hours, and at least 50 of these hours, whether paid or unpaid, must have occurred within the 18 months prior to submitting your application for the credential.

This coaching experience should be gained following the start of your coach-specific education or training. 

Step 3: Mentor Coaching

Mentor coaching is pivotal in strengthening your coaching skills and understanding of the ICF Core Competencies. Engaging in mentor coaching sessions provides you with valuable feedback and guidance from experienced mentors who are well-versed in ICF’s coaching standards. This process is designed to support your growth as a coach and help you align your coaching practice with the highest industry standards. Here is more information about the ICF mentoring requirements. 

Step 4: Performance Evaluation

The ICF’s performance evaluation is another important step on your path to PCC certification. You must submit a recording of a 30-minute coaching session for evaluation. A trained assessor will review your session to ensure you meet the ICF’s core competencies and ethical guidelines.

Step 5: Exam

The final step in earning your ICF certification involves passing a written exam. This exam is designed to test your comprehension of the ICF definition of coaching, ICF Core Competencies, and the ICF Code of Ethics. It assesses your ability to apply these principles effectively in coaching sessions. Preparing for and successfully passing this exam is a significant milestone on your path to becoming a certified coach.

Step 6: Apply for Certification

Once you successfully complete the performance evaluation, the written exam, and meet all the requirements, you can apply for your PCC certification through the ICF website. They will review your application and, if approved, grant you your PCC certification.

Step 7: Continuing Education

After achieving your PCC certification, continuing your professional development is essential. The ICF requires PCC coaches to participate in ongoing education to maintain their certification status. This ensures that you stay updated with the latest coaching trends and best practices.

Becoming a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation is a significant achievement in the coaching world. It demonstrates your commitment to excellence and ethical coaching practices. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can embark on your journey to PCC certification and make a lasting impact as a professional coach.

Fern is the Founder and Director of the Life Purpose Institute, Inc. Before working as a coach; she was a mental health counselor, social worker, and career counselor. She developed her unique coaching method in 1984 and has assisted thousands of people in her coaching practice in making positive life and career changes. Fern developed a strong and compelling vision to help people discover their purpose, move forward in all areas of their life, and create a life they love.

After serving for many years as a Life Coach and licensed therapist in her private practice, she began training coaches internationally to perform this important work. Fern wrote and developed comprehensive manuals and materials for the Life Coach Certification and Spiritual Coach Training Programs.