ICF Certification
In today’s evolving coaching landscape, credibility, ethics, and professional standards matter more than ever. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the global gold standard for professional coaching certification—recognized and respected by clients, organizations, and coaches worldwide.
Complete Guide to ICF Coaching Certification with OTC Coach Training
Possible future paths for ICF credentialing.
K-Talk is currently pursuing accreditation of its OTC coach training program from the International Coach Federation (ICF) as a Level 1 & 2 coach training educational program. Upon successful accreditation, graduates of the K-Talk OTC coach training program who meet the ICF’s requirements and conditions will be eligible to apply for ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credentials after completing 500 hours of coaching. Additionally, graduates with 100 coaching hours (75 of which must be paid) at the time of graduation from the OTC coach training program may apply for Associate Certified Coach (ACC) level credentials.
Advance Your Coaching Career with an ICF Credential
We highly encourage all coaches to pursue professional credentialing through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Earning an ICF credential not only enhances your credibility and confidence but also affirms your commitment to the highest standards of coaching excellence and ethical practice. It’s a powerful step forward in your development as a transformational coach.
About the ICF
Accreditation Levels for Coaching Programs
Rationale for Pursuing Level 2 Accreditation:
This document outlines the distinctions between Level 1 and Level 2 accreditation programs offered by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), as well as Continuing Coach Education (CCE) units.
- Level 1 Accreditation
- ICF Level 1 accreditation is suitable for novice coaches and corresponds to the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential.
- Level 1 programs provide foundational knowledge and skills necessary for initiating a professional coaching practice and pursuing the ACC credential upon meeting ICF requirements.
- These programs comprise a minimum of 60 hours of coach-specific training and 10 hours of mentor coaching over three months.
- Level 1 programs emphasize the ICF Core Competencies to fulfill basic ICF knowledge and criteria.
- Performance evaluations, including recordings assessed by qualified ICF assessors, are integral to the curriculum.
- Level 2 Accreditation
- ICF Level 2 accreditation is designed for experienced coaches seeking advanced development and aligns with the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential.
- Level 2 programs, such as the OTC model, aim to enhance coaching knowledge and skills, preparing coaches for the PCC credential.
- These programs involve a minimum of 125 hours of coach-specific training and 10 hours of mentor coaching over three months.
- The focus is on advanced coaching skills and competencies, equipping coaches to handle complex coaching scenarios.
- Performance evaluations, typically through recorded sessions assessed by highly qualified ICF assessors, are included.
- Continuing Coach Education (CCE) programs are intended for coaches seeking ongoing professional development post-credentialing. CCE units are awarded in two categories:
- Core Competencies: Advanced training in complex coaching skills related to the ICF Core Competencies.
- Resource Development: Training in supplementary skills, such as business, health, sports, or personal development.
- CCE units are essential for credential renewal at all levels (ACC, PCC, MCC) and for maintaining current knowledge of evolving coaching frameworks and methodologies.
The selection of the appropriate ICF accreditation level depends on the individual coach’s professional stage. Understanding these distinctions enables coaches to make informed decisions regarding their training, thereby fostering a successful coaching career.
ICF credentialing requirements
🟢 ACC – Associate Certified Coach Requirements
- Training Hours: Minimum 60 hours of coach-specific training (Level 1 or 2 ICF-accredited program).
- Coaching Experience: Minimum 100 hours of client coaching (at least 75 hours must be paid).
- Clients: At least 8 different clients.
- Mentor Coaching: Minimum 10 hours of mentor coaching over at least 3 months, by a qualified mentor (PCC or MCC).
- Performance Evaluation: One recorded coaching session with a transcript, demonstrating ACC-level skills.
- Exam: Pass the ICF Credentialing Exam.
🟡 PCC – Professional Certified Coach Requirements
- Training Hours: Minimum 125 hours of coach-specific training (ICF-accredited Level 2 program or equivalent).
- Coaching Experience: Minimum 500 hours of client coaching (at least 450 must be paid).
- Clients: At least 25 different clients.
- Mentor Coaching: Minimum 10 hours over at least 3 months with a qualified mentor (PCC or MCC).
- Performance Evaluation: Two recorded coaching sessions with transcripts, evaluated at PCC level.
- Exam: Pass the ICF Credentialing Exam.
🔵 MCC – Master Certified Coach Requirements
- Training Hours: Minimum 200 hours of coach-specific training (must include a Level 2 or Level 3 ICF-accredited program).
- Coaching Experience: Minimum 2,500 hours of client coaching (at least 2,250 must be paid).
- Clients: At least 35 different clients.
- Mentor Coaching: Minimum 10 hours over at least 3 months with an MCC-certified mentor coach.
- Performance Evaluation: Two recorded coaching sessions with transcripts, evaluated at MCC level.
- Credential Requirement: Must already hold a valid PCC credential.
- Exam: Pass the ICF Credentialing Exam.
