Credentialing
Achieve an Internationally Recognised Coaching Credential
An ICF Credential is the globally recognised benchmark for professional coaching, recognising your coaching knowledge, experience and commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards.
Why Earn an
ICF Credential?
An ICF Credential helps you stand out in the coaching profession by demonstrating your professionalism, coaching competence and commitment to continuous learning.
Benefits include
- International recognition
- Greater credibility with clients and employers
- Commitment to professional standards and ethics
- Continuing professional development
- Career progression
Your Credentialing Journey
ICF Global sets the credentialing standards and awards the credentials, and the UK Chapter of ICF is here to help you through the process. Whether you’re starting out, building towards your next level or supporting other coaches as a mentor, you’ll find practical guidance, events and a community of coaches who’ve been there before you.
Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
The first ICF credential, for coaches with 60+ hours of coaching education and 100+ hours of coaching experience. It shows you coach to ICF’s global professional standards.
Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
For experienced coaches with 125+ hours of coaching education and 500+ hours of coaching experience. It recognises a deeper level of skill and a well-established coaching practice.
Master Certified Coach (MCC)
The highest ICF credential, for coaches with 200+ hours of coaching education and 2,500+ hours of coaching experience, who hold or have held a PCC. It recognises mastery and sustained excellence in coaching.
Specialising
Specialising in Mentor Coaching
Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS)
An additional ICF recognition for credentialed coaches who mentor others. It shows you’re qualified to guide coaches towards their own credential.
Specialising in Team Coaching
Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC)
An additional ICF certificate for coaches who work with teams. It shows you’ve completed advanced, accredited training in team coaching.
Specialising in Coaching Supervision
Coaching Supervisor Specialization (CSS)
An additional ICF certificate for coaches who want to specialise in coach supervision. This certification shows you have completed specialist education in coaching supervision.
Find a training provider
The ESS is a free, searchable directory of coaching education that is accredited by ICF.
ICF-accredited education has gone through a rigorous review process and demonstrated that its curriculum aligns with the ICF definition of coaching, Core Competencies, and Code of Ethics.
Staying Current
Renew your Credential
Whatever your credential level, once you receive your credential it is valid for three years.
Renewing it shows your coaching practice is still current, and you do this by completing continuing coach education.
How We Support Your Journey
ICF Global sets the standards for coaching, awards ICF Credentials and provides learning and professional development for coaches worldwide.
The UK Chapter of the ICF complements this with UK-focused guidance, credentialing events, Continuing Coach Education (CCE) opportunities and a supportive coaching community.
| ICF Global | The UK Chapter of ICF |
|---|---|
| Sets standards and ethics | Helps you navigate the credentialing journey |
| Awards and renews credentials | Delivers credentialing webinars and support |
| Publishes official guidance | Signposts you to the right resources |
| Reviews applications | Offers UK-based CCE opportunities |
| Provides global learning | Provides local learning, networking and community |
Join the UK Chapter of ICF
Access credentialing webinars, Continuing Coach Education (CCE), professional development and ongoing support from the UK coaching community.
Helpful Resources
ICF Code of Ethics
Excellence in coaching starts with clarity. The ICF Core Competencies define the skills and behaviors required for an ICF credential.
ICF Core Competencies
Trust isn’t assumed; it’s earned. The ICF Code of Ethics sets the benchmark for integrity across our global profession.
ICF Coachbock
Knowledge strengthens practice. COACHBOCK is the authoritative guide to professional coaching, capturing the collective wisdom of our global community.
Credentialing Requirements
Planning to apply for an ICF credential? This ICF Global guide explains the coach-specific training hours needed for ACC, PCC and MCC, and how to qualify.
Global Learning Portal
Build your coaching practice with ICF’s Learning Portal, an online platform of live and on-demand sessions that earn CCE credits for renewal.
Credentialing Renewal
Keep your ICF credential active. This ICF Global guide explains renewal requirements, CCE credits, timings and fees for ACC, PCC and MCC coaches.
Upcoming Credentialing Events
Latest Credentialing News
Manage Your Membership
Update your searchable coach profile, join a local group, check your renewal date and choose how to stay in touch, all in one place.
