When it comes to professional coaching, there are three levels of certification that can be achieved by documenting the number of hours of training experience and the number of training hours received. This model, which is used by New Ventures West and other training programs, is known as the “three levels of training”. It is important to note that while the ICF does not offer its own training programs, it does accredit other coach training programs that meet the requirements of the ICF's rigorous review process. The first level of certification is Associate Certified Coach (ACC).
To become an ACC, you'll typically need to complete at least 60 hours of professional training and have more than 100 hours of coaching experience. The second level is Professional Certified Coach (PCC). To become a PCC, you'll need to complete at least 125 hours of professional training and have more than 500 hours of coaching experience. The third and highest level is Master Certified Coach (MCC).
To become an MCC, you'll need to complete at least 200 hours of professional training and have more than 2,500 hours of coaching experience. When you are entitled to a professional coaching certificate, it means that you are not just any coach, but a certified expert in your field. A coaching relationship is a place where the coach sheds light on the client's “blind spots”, challenging and expanding their fixed views on themselves, others and the world. As coaches, our intention is to help our clients develop as human beings, not just maintain life horizontally.
We must ask ourselves: “What approach to coaching facilitates vertical transformation?”By leveling up in your education, skills and accreditation, you'll become an even better coach and serve the world at the highest possible level. Many consider their credentials to be the “gold standard” in the field of training. With this in mind, it is important to understand the three different training credentials offered by the ICF and the individual requirements for each. The Associate Certified Coach (ACC) certification requires a minimum of 60 hours of professional training and more than 100 hours of coaching experience. The Professional Certified Coach (PCC) certification requires a minimum of 125 hours of professional training and more than 500 hours of coaching experience.
Finally, the Master Certified Coach (MCC) certification requires a minimum of 200 hours of professional training and more than 2,500 hours of coaching experience. In order to become an expert coach, it is important to understand what each level entails and how they differ from one another. By understanding these three levels of certification, you can make an informed decision about which one best suits your needs.
