How to Become a Coach
Process to Earn ICF Membership and the ACC, PCC, or MCC Credential for Academic, Business, Career, Communication, Holistic, Leadership, Life, Wellness Coaching
How to Become a Coach - Welcome to CCC and ICF Requirements
Welcome to the Center for Coaching Certification (CCC) and your journey toward becoming a professional coach! Whether you’re exploring coaching for personal growth or pursuing an ICF credential, you’ll find clear pathways, flexible options, and professional support every step of the way.
Why ICF Certification Matters
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) sets the gold standard in coaching worldwide. Earning an ICF credential demonstrates your commitment to excellence and professional ethics.
ICF offers three credentials:
- ACC – Associate Certified Coach
- PCC – Professional Certified Coach
- MCC – Master Certified Coach (requires holding a PCC for 3 years)
CCC provides approved training programs that meet all ICF requirements (noted in the blue boxes with each step).
Learn more about each credential
Your Training Options at CCC
At CCC, you can complete ICF requirements in credentialing cohorts or through a la carte courses for maximum flexibility.
Level 1: Foundational Cohort (ACC)
- Designed to help you earn your Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential
- Includes: Certified Professional Coach, Certified Master Coach, and Mentor Coaching
- 65 total training hours plus mentor coaching, assessment, and exam prep
Level 2: Advanced Cohort (PCC)
- For earning your Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential
- Includes: All Level 1 courses plus Certified Advanced Coach and Coaching Experience
- 130 total training hours plus mentor coaching, assessment, and exam prep
Option: Start with the ACC for a quicker path to your first credential because all the programs are part of the PCC, then continue. Go directly to the PCC for time and cost savings if you plan to coach senior leaders or executives.
This infographic illustrates the ACC and PCC credentialing journey with CCC:
Prefer Flexibility? Take Courses a La Carte
You can also register for individual courses as your schedule allows.
Certified Professional Coach (30 hours) - Foundational training focused on ICF Core Competencies.
Certified Master Coach (35 hours)</strong - Deepens coaching expertise and completes the 60 hours required for ICF membership.
Certified Advanced Coach (35 hours) - Specialized training in Business, Career, Executive, Life, or Wellness coaching.
Coaching Experience (30 hours)- Hands-on practicum to build real coaching experience for PCC or MCC credentials.
Mentor Coaching (10 hours) - ICF-required mentor coaching with group or individual options.
This infographic shows prices for cohorts by column or for the a la carte / partial hours in the rows:
Earning a Credential
What is Required?
To earn your ICF credential:
- Complete required training hours
- Complete Mentor Coaching including being assessed on your recording(s)
- Log required coaching experience (per ICF requirements for paid hours and number of clients)
- Apply to ICF
- Take the Exam (prep is included in the mentor coaching)
Learn more by visiting the links below:
About Certification and Credentialing
How Do I Join ICF?
To join the ICF, you must:
- Hold an ICF credential or have completed (or be enrolled in) 60 hours of approved training
- Apply for membership
- Pay the ICF membership fee
Why Choose the Center for Coaching Certification?
The Center for Coaching Certification (CCC) is the only ICF-approved program accredited by IACET to offer CEUs.
As a graduate of our program, you gain:
- Access to post-graduate tools, resources, and continuing education
- CEU credits accepted by SHRM, ATD, and other professional organizations
- Amazing ongoing mentor and community support
CCC is your best choice for ICF-approved coaching certification with CEU credits, professional resources, and continuing education.
Ready to Get Started?
Choose your path and begin your coaching journey with CCC today!