The ICF certification process includes 3 levels, organized at global level. For each level, the future coach must follow a number of hours and demonstrate a minimum experience. 

• ACC or Associate Certified Coach: 60 hours of training for coaching and 100 hours of practice
• PCC or Professional Certified Coach: 125 hours of training and 500 hours practice
• MCC or Master Certified Coach: 200 hours of training and 2500 hours of practice

According to the chosen level (ACC, PCC or MCC), the coach will have to introduce a file (portfolio) and pass a test (a recorded coaching session and a written exam) with the ICF.

These exams are available in English, French and German. Unlike the academic qualifications which validate a training level, ICF certification validates updated levels for training and experience. To maintain its validity, the certification process must be renewed every 3 years.

Future coaches who have already followed a partial route with an ICF accredited school (without certification in this context) or have been trained in coaching at a non-accredited school, must prove that the training was focused on coaching in accordance with the 11 skills of the coach defined by ICF.

Overview per level