How do I know the accreditation type of my education program?

Modified on Mon, Nov 3 at 6:43 AM

Navigating Applying for an ICF Credentialing: Understanding Your Education

ICF offers three credentials --the Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Master Certified Coach (MCC). Applicants must meet level specific requirements for coach specific education, coaching experience, mentor coaching, and a performance evaluation, along with passing the appropriate ICF written exam.

ICF Coaching Education offers three accreditation types for a seamless pathway to each Credential.

Level 1 programs offer education, mentor coaching and a performance assessment to the ACC level.
Level 2 programs, formerly ACTP, offer education, mentor coaching and a performance assessment to the PCC skill level. Completion of a Level 2 program may also be used to apply for the ACC.
Level 3 programs offer education and mentor coaching to the MCC level.

Two Ways to Apply for your Credential - Same Credential, Different Pathway

ICF Credentials and Standards offers two application pathways at each credential level. The application pathway you take depends on the type of education program you completed. You’ll earn the same credential, whether you completed requirements within your program or gathered them separately. Both pathways are designed to support your unique coaching journey.

1. Level-Based Application (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3)

If you completed a Level 1, 2*, or 3 program - these programs include three out of five requirements—education, mentor coaching, and performance evaluation—so you can apply directly through the level-based pathway.

*Level 2 programs were formerly known as ACTP programs. ACTP programs fulfill the same requirements as Level 2 programs.

2. Portfolio Application

If you completed any other type of program, for example, ACSTH, CCE, non-ICF accredited or a portion of a level-based program, you’ll apply through the portfolio pathway. You completed the education requirement through one or more of these programs. In addition, you’ll need to:

Provide information on your mentoring coaching
Upload recorded coaching session(s) for the performance evaluation

Tips to Find Your Education Program Accreditation Type

Use the guidance below if you are unsure if you completed an ICF-accreditation level program in full. If you don't see the accreditation type on your certificate, check with your coaching education provider to confirm the accreditation type of your program at the time you completed it.

Did you complete an ICF-accredited Level 1 program?

For Use in Application Pathways: ACC Level 1 / Level 2, PCC Portfolio, or MCC Portfolio

Use the questions below to help determine if you completed an ICF-accredited Level 1 program in full.

NOTE: Not all Level 1 certificates/letters will include ALL of the information below.

1. Is the Level 1 logo present on the certificate?

2. Does the certificate list the hours completed as 60 or more?

3. Does the text of the certificate or letter mention completing the full Level 1 program? Examples of wording indicating completion of the full program:

Completed all requirements
Completed the full Level 1 program
Completed to the ACC level

4. Does the certificate or letter mention having passed the performance evaluation demonstrating coaching to the ACC level?

If you answered “yes” to 2 or more of these questions, then the program you completed was Level 1.

If not, then you may have only completed a portion of the Level 1 program. If you completed a portion of a Level 1 program, then the education hours qualify as ACSTH.

Did you complete an ICF-accredited Level 2 (formerly ACTP) program?

For use in application pathways: ACC Level 1/ Level 2, PCC Level 2, or MCC Portfolio

Use the questions below to help determine if you completed an ICF-accredited Level 2 (formerly ACTP) program in full.

NOTE: Not all Level 2 or ACTP certificates/letters will include ALL of the information below.

1. Is the Level 2 or ACTP logo present on the certificate?

2. Does the certificate list the hours completed as 125 or more?

3. Does the text of the certificate or letter mention completing the full Level 2 or ACTP program? Examples of wording indicating completion of the full program:

Completed all requirements
Completed the full (Level 2 or ACTP) program
Completed to the PCC level

4. Does the certificate or letter mention having passed the performance evaluation demonstrating coaching to the PCC level?

NOTE: If it is indicating it was done to the ACC level, then you did not complete the full Level 2 or ACTP program - this program qualifies as ACSTH education.

If you answered yes to 2 or more of these questions, then the program you completed was ICF Level 2 or ACTP-accredited.

Did you complete an ICF-accredited Level 3 program?

For Use in Application Pathway: MCC Level 3

1. Is the Level 3 logo present on the certificate?

2. Does the certificate list the hours completed as 75 or more?

3. Does the text of the certificate or letter mention completing the full Level 3 program? Examples of wording indicating completion of the full program:

Completed all requirements
Completed the full Level 3 program
Completed 10 hours of Mentor Coaching

If you answered “yes” to 2 or more of these questions, then the program you completed was Level 3.