Credentialling
The gold standard in coaching internationally: ACC, PCC and MCC.
Why credentialling?
ICF Credential-holders are part of a self-regulating group of elite coaches who provide accountability to clients and the coaching profession as a whole. They pursue and complete rigorous education and practice requirements that provide unquestioned legitimacy to their commitment to excellence in coaching.
In Ireland, we promote the use of credentialled coaches as we believe, along with ICF, that this represents the gold standard in coaching internationally. The Global Coaching Survey showed over 40% of respondents expect their coach to be credentialled. Increasingly, organisations are requesting coaches to hold a credential or accreditation. We see this as one of the key factors in improving the professionalism and integrity of the coaching industry.
Credential types and paths
Each credential type has a number of possible pathways. Both ACC and PCC can be achieved via the ACTP Path, ACSTH Path or the Portfolio Path; the MCC Path is different.
- ACC
Associate Certified Coach
A minimum of 60 hours coach-specific training and a minimum of 100 hours of coaching experience (70 paid).
- PCC
Professional Certified Coach
An entire ICF Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP), or a minimum of 125 hours coach-specific training and a minimum of 500 hours of coaching experience (440 paid).
- MCC
Master Certified Coach
A minimum of 200 hours coach-specific training and a minimum of 2,500 hours of coaching experience (2,200 paid).
Credential renewal
If you wish to apply for a higher type of credential (going from ACC to PCC for example), this is achieved via the normal credential application process. To renew your existing credential with ICF Global, go to coachingfederation.org.
Mentor Coaching
Mentor Coaching for an ICF Credential consists of coaching and feedback in a collaborative, appreciative and dialogued process. This is based on an observed or recorded coaching session to increase the coach’s capability in coaching, in alignment with the ICF Core Competencies.
Mentor Coaching should take place over an extended time (three-month minimum) in a cycle that allows for listening and feedback from the Mentor Coach while also allowing reflection and practice on the part of the individual being mentored.
10 hours of mentor coaching is required for all three credentials. Of the 10 hours, seven may be conducted in a group setting and the remaining three must be 1:1.
- For ACC: your Mentor Coach must be an ACC (who has completed a full cycle of the credential through renewal), PCC or MCC in good standing.
- For PCC: your Mentor Coach must be a PCC or MCC in good standing.
- For MCC: your Mentor Coach must be an MCC in good standing. This cannot be the same Mentor Coaching that was applied toward a previous ICF Credential.
For more information on Mentor Coaching, see coachingfederation.org/mentor-coaching.