Do PCC and MCC applicants take the same exam?

Yes. Since November 2024, the ICF Credentialing Exam is the SAME exam for both PCC and MCC applicants — the same 78 situational-judgment items, same 3-hour time limit, same 460 passing score on a 200-600 scale. The credentials differ in coaching hours, training hours, and mentor coaching requirements, not in the exam itself. ACC applicants take a separate, shorter knowledge-based exam introduced in November 2024.

What is the format of the ICF Credentialing Exam?

It is a Situational Judgment Test (SJT). Each item presents a realistic coaching scenario with four response options, and you must select both the BEST action and the WORST action. There is one correct best and one correct worst per scenario; you are scored on identifying both. There are 78 items total — 68 scored, 10 unscored — completed in 3 hours with an optional 10-minute break.

What is the passing score?

Scores are reported on a scaled range of 200-600. A scaled score of 460 is required to pass. Points are awarded for each correct best and worst response identified; there is no penalty for wrong answers, so candidates should answer every item.

Where can I take the exam?

The exam is delivered through Pearson VUE — either at a Pearson VUE test center worldwide or online through Pearson OnVUE remote-proctored testing from your home or office. Both options follow the same exam structure and rules.

What replaced the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA)?

The current ICF Credentialing Exam replaced the older CKA (a knowledge-based multiple-choice test) in 2022-2023. The new exam is scenario-based situational judgment — it tests how you APPLY the Core Competencies and Code of Ethics in real coaching situations, not whether you can define them.

How should I prepare?

Plan 40-80 hours of focused prep on top of your training. Internalize the 8 ICF Core Competencies and the 4 sections of the ICF Code of Ethics. Practice scenario items in the best/worst format and, for every wrong answer, identify which Competency or Standard the correct option aligns with. Avoid memorizing — practice the discernment between coaching, therapy, mentoring, consulting, and training.

Can the exam be retaken?

Yes. Candidates who do not pass may retake within their application window, subject to ICF's current retake fees and waiting periods. Some candidates participating in ICF pilot programs receive one free retake under specific pilot terms.

What's included for free?

All study guides, practice questions, and explanations are completely free. We also include 10 AI-powered questions daily. For unlimited AI assistance, you can upgrade to Pro.

Why is the content free?

OpenExamPrep was founded by Ran Chen, a CFP® who passed multiple financial exams and believes quality exam prep shouldn't cost hundreds of dollars. With AI, we can create quality content at scale and make it accessible to everyone.

Is the content up to date?

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

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ICF Credentialing Exam (Professional & Master Certified Coach)

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ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC)

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Your Study Path

ICF ICF Coaching Credentials License: Complete Roadmap

Age

Education

Coach-specific education from an ICF-accredited program (PCC: 125 hours; MCC: 200 hours)

Experience

PCC: 500 client-coaching hours (450 paid) with 25+ clients; MCC: 2,500 hours (2,250 paid) with 35+ clients

Additional Requirements

•Performance Evaluation (recorded coaching sessions submitted with transcripts)
•Active ICF membership recommended for member rates
•Pass the ICF Credentialing Exam (PCC and MCC use the SAME exam since November 2024)
•Adherence to the ICF Code of Ethics

ICF Credentialing Exam (PCC/MCC) Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

8-12 weeks of focused exam prep, on top of completed coach training and supervised hours

From start to license in hand

Exam Provider

Pearson VUE (test center) or Pearson OnVUE (live online proctoring)

Remote Testing Available

Schedule Your Exam

Retake Policy

Retake 14 days after a first attempt and 30 days after each subsequent attempt; up to 6 attempts per 365-day period; $105 retake fee (ICF PCC Candidate Guide, May 2026).

Total Cost Breakdown

Exam FeeExam included in PCC/MCC application fee ($675 member / $825 non-member)

Total Estimated Cost$7,000-$19,000 including training, mentor coaching, and credential application

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ICF Credentialing Exam (PCC/MCC) Exam Details

ICF Credentialing Exam (Professional & Master Certified Coach)

Administered by International Coaching Federation (ICF)

Official Source

460 on a 200-600 scaled score

Passing Score

Questions

Hours

PCC application fees: Level 2 path $375 member / $525 non-member; Portfolio path $750 / $900 (ICF). MCC: $675 / $825.

Exam Fee

Study time: 40-80 hours of focused exam prep on top of training

Prerequisites: ICF-aligned coach training, supervised coaching hours (PCC: 500h / MCC: 2,500h), mentor coaching, and Performance Evaluation

Valid for: Credential renews every 3 years with continuing coach education and CCE units

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official International Coaching Federation (ICF) content outline

Demonstrates Ethical Practice & ICF Code of Ethics13%

Confidentiality, conflict of interest, dual relationships, scope of practice, distinctions between coaching, therapy, mentoring, consulting and training, risk-of-harm protocols, mandated reporting and lawful disclosure.

Embodies a Coaching Mindset12%

Open, curious, flexible, client-centered stance; ongoing reflective practice and supervision; cultural humility; managing the urge to advise; client-as-expert principle.

Establishes & Maintains Agreements12%

Overall and session-level contracting, three-way agreements with sponsors, confidentiality scope, re-contracting when topics shift, defining measures of success.

Cultivates Trust & Safety13%

Psychological safety, cultural sensitivity, client autonomy, repair after relational ruptures, holding space for emotion.

Maintains Presence13%

Self-management, regulating coach reactions, working with silence, attending to the whole client (verbal, nonverbal, somatic).

Listens Actively12%

Reflection vs interpretation vs advice, summarizing for clarity, noticing nonverbal and language patterns, supporting the client's expression.

Evokes Awareness13%

Powerful (open, non-leading) questions, reframing without imposing, exploring beliefs and identities, somatic noticing, surfacing patterns.

Facilitates Client Growth12%

Co-designing actions, integrating learning, accountability without prescription, acknowledging progress, closing sessions and engagements well.

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What's Next After the ICF Credentialing Exam (PCC/MCC)?

After passing the ICF Credentialing Exam (PCC/MCC), you can pursue these career paths

ICF ACC

ICF Associate Certified Coach — separate, shorter knowledge-based exam introduced in November 2024 for ACC applicants.

NASM CWC

NASM Certified Wellness Coach — adjacent wellness coaching credential for behavior-change practice.

ACE Health Coach

ACE Certified Health Coach — health-behavior coaching credential complementing ICF coaching.

PN Level 2

Precision Nutrition Level 2 Master Health Coaching — deeper coaching skills applied to nutrition behavior change.

ICF Credentialing Exam (PCC/MCC) Exam FAQ

Official International Coaching Federation (ICF) Resources

Verify information with these official sources

ICF PCC/MCC Credentialing Exam — official page Compare ICF Credentials (ACC, PCC, MCC)ICF Core Competencies ICF Code of Ethics ICF Credentialing Exam Sample Questions

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