What Are the Different Types of ICF Coaching Levels?

 Welcome! If you want to become a certified coach or want to take your coaching career to the next level, you are in the right place. This guide is designed to be simple, practical and easy to follow. We will drive you through different ICF coaching levels, what is the meaning of each individual, and how to choose the best way for you.



Introduction: Why You Should Care About ICF Coaching Levels

Coaching is growing fast. More people want guidance. More companies want certified professionals. That’s where the International Coaching Federation (ICF) comes in.

ICF determines the global standard for coaching. If you look seriously at coaching, you give ICF certified credibility, structure and confidence.

But there's a catch. There are three levels: ACC, PCC, and MCC. Each has different requirements. Which one should you choose?

In this blog, you'll learn:

  • What ACC, PCC, and MCC actually mean

  • How the ICF certification process works

  • How to choose the right level for you

  • What makes a coaching program trustworthy

  • Why Abhyudaya Global Coach Academy is a great place to start

Let’s break it down together. No jargon. No fluff. Just what you need to know.

What is ICF?

International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the world's largest and most recognized body for professional coaching.

When you are certified through ICF, you prove that:

  • You’ve been trained properly

  • You know how to coach effectively

  • You follow high ethical standards

In short, it helps clients trust you.

The 3 ICF Coaching Certification Levels (Made Simple)

1. ACC (Associate Certified Coach)

Best for: New coaches who are just starting out.

You need:

  • 60+ hours of training

  • 100+ hours of coaching practice

  • 10 hours of mentor coaching

  • To pass the ICF Credentialing Exam

What it tells others: You’re a trained coach with real experience. You’re serious about helping people grow.

2. PCC (Professional Certified Coach)

Best for: Coaches who already have experience and want to go deeper.

You need:

  • 125+ hours of training

  • 500+ hours of coaching practice

  • 10 hours of mentor coaching

  • To pass the exam again (yes, it’s required)

What it tells others: You’re a skilled, professional coach who knows how to handle a wide range of clients.

3. MCC (Master Certified Coach)

Best for: Coaches who live and breathe coaching. This is the top level.

You need:

  • 200+ hours of training

  • 2,500+ hours of coaching practice

  • 10 hours of mentor coaching (with an MCC mentor)

  • A performance evaluation (recorded session)

  • To pass the exam (yes, again)

What it tells others: You’re a master. You bring transformation, not just conversation.

ICF Certification Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s what the journey looks like, no matter your level:

Step 1: Pick Your Level

  • New coach? Start with ACC

  • Have experience? Go for PCC

  • Aiming for mastery? Choose MCC

Step 2: Join an ICF-Accredited Program

Find a program that is officially approved by ICF. It should cover coaching skills, ethics, and real practice.

Abhyudaya Global Coach Academy offers trusted programs at all levels.

Step 3: Complete Your Training Hours

Every level has a different training requirement. Make sure you attend live sessions, join peer coaching, and complete assignments.

Step 4: Log Your Coaching Hours

Start coaching real people. They can be paid or unpaid clients. Track it all in a simple log sheet.

Step 5: Get Mentor Coaching

You need at least 10 hours with an experienced ICF coach who gives you feedback and helps improve your skills.

Step 6: Pass the ICF Exam

The exam tests your knowledge of coaching ethics and core competencies. It’s online and multiple-choice.

ACC vs PCC vs MCC: What's the Real Difference?

Let’s make it really easy to compare:

Level          TrainingCoaching Hours             Who it’s for               
ACC60+ hrs           100+ hrsBeginners
PCC125+ hrs500+ hrsExperienced
MCC200+ hrs2,500+ hrsExperts

Still unsure? Think of it like this:

  • ACC: Learn the foundations and start coaching

  • PCC: Grow deeper and coach professionals

  • MCC: Coach at the highest global standard

How to Choose the Right ICF Coaching Level

Ask yourself these simple questions:

  • Am I just starting out?

  • Do I already coach and want to get certified?

  • Do I want to be a top-level coach?

Start with ACC if:

  • You're new to coaching

  • You want a strong, credible start

Go for PCC if:

  • You have coaching experience

  • You want to work with organizations or executives

Aim for MCC if:

  • You coach full-time

  • You want global recognition

Best ICF Accredited Coaching Programs in the World

There are many coaching schools out there. But the best ones:

Why Coaches Choose Abhyudaya Global Coach Academy

  • Certified programs for ACC, PCC, and MCC

  • Personalized mentor coaching

  • International faculty with real-world experience

  • Simple, structured learning path

  • Support even after you graduate

You’re not just joining a program. You’re joining a coaching community.

ICF Credentialing Guide: Things You’ll Need

Here’s a checklist:

  • Log of all coaching hours

  • Mentor coaching certificates

  • Recorded coaching sessions (for MCC)

  • Training completion certificate

  • ICF application account

  • Exam prep materials

FAQs

Q1: What is the first step to become an ICF coach?

Start by enrolling in an ICF-accredited program. We recommend Abhyudaya for its hands-on learning.

Q2: How long does it take to get certified?

  • ACC: Around 6 to 12 months

  • PCC: Around 12 to 18 months

  • MCC: 2+ years (including experience)

Q3: Is the ICF exam hard?

It’s fair but detailed. With proper training and practice, you’ll pass.

Q4: What if I don’t have paying clients?

That’s okay! Practice coaching with peers, friends, or pro bono clients counts too.

Q5: What makes Abhyudaya different?

We focus on real coaching skills, live feedback, and personal growth. You get support even after the course ends.

Conclusion: Take Your First Step Today

Now that you understand the different ICF coaching certification levels, it’s time to choose your path.

  • Start with ACC to build confidence

  • Grow into PCC for deeper mastery

  • Aim for MCC to become a global expert

Your coaching journey can begin today. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Join Abhyudaya Global Coach Academy and take the next step toward becoming an ICF certified coach.

👉 Click here to explore our programs

Be the coach people remember. Be the coach who changes lives.

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