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ICF Certification Costs & Pricing
Welcome to your complete ICF Coach’s guide, crafted to address all your questions about ICF Coach Certification. Whether you are just starting to explore coaching, you’ve been coaching for a while or you already completed basic ICF Coach Education, this guide will be your go to resource for reliable information on your journey to becoming a Professional ICF Coach.
Cost of an ICF Coaching Credential
Below is a price breakdown of all costs associated with becoming an ICF Certified Coach while following an Accredited Coach Training Programs (ACTP).
ICF LEVEL 1 (Associate Certified Coach Credential) | ICF LEVEL 2 (Professional Certified Coach Credential) | |
|---|---|---|
| Average ICF Certification Cost | $4,300 USD | $10,500 USD |
| Coach Academy ICF Certification Program | $4,650 USD | $8,200 USD |
| ICF Coach Education Requirements | 60 – 124 hours ICF approved coach education. | 125+ hours ICF approved coach education. |
| ICF Mentoring Requirements | Minimum 10 hours of ICF approved mentor coaching. | Minimum 10 hours of ICF approved mentor coaching. |
*Pricing in table above is based on research conducted in 2023 analyzing and comparing the costs of ICF Level 1 programs across North America.
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ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
Everything About Credentialing & Costs
To earn an ICF ACC credential, the ICF requires Approved Coach Education, Mentorship from a Credentialed ICF Coach, Successful completion of a Performance Evaluation, a minimum of 100 logged Coaching Hours, and successful completion of the ICF Credential Exam.
An ACC credential can be earned by successful completion of a Level 1 ICF Approved Program, or by completing a total of 60 hours of CCE credits obtained from various approved programs to qualify for a Portfolio Application.
- Explore ACC coach training programs.
- Learn more about ICF Level 1 and 2 credential paths.
- Average cost of ICF Level 1 Certifications: $4,300 USD.
Eligibility For ACC Credential
- E60+ hours of coaching education
- E100+ hours of coaching experience
Requirements for ACC Credential
- E10 hours of mentor coaching
- ESucessful completion (passing score) of a performance evaluation
- ESucessful completion (passing score) of the ICF Credentialing Exam

ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Credential
Everything About Credentials & Cost
To earn an ICF PCC credential, the International Coaching Federation requires Approved Coach Education, Mentorship from a Credentialed ICF Coach, Successful completion of a Performance Evaluation, a minimum of 500 logged Coaching Hours, and successful completion of the ICF Credential Exam.
An PCC credential can be earned by successful completion of a Level 2 ICF Approved Program, or by completing a total of 125 hours of CCE credits obtained from various approved programs to qualify for a Portfolio Application.
- Explore PCC coach training programs.
- Average cost of ICF Level 2 Certifications: $10,500 USD.
Eligibility For PCC Credential
- E125+ hours of coaching education
- E500+ hours of coaching experience
Requirements for PCC Credential
- E10 hours of mentor coaching
- ESucessful completion (passing score) of a performance evaluation
- ESucessful completion (passing score) of the ICF Credentialing Exam

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Factors Influencing ICF Credential Prices
Duration, mentorship & prestrige all impact ICF accredited training costs
To better understand the factors influencing the costs of ICF certification, let’s break each factor into a standalone component:
1. Training Program Duration: The duration of the training program stands as a pivotal factor influencing the costs of ICF certification. Programs with extended timelines, offering a more prolonged learning period and additional resources, often come with higher fees. The correlation between program duration and overall cost is significant, reflecting the comprehensive nature of longer training initiatives.
2. Mentorship and CCE Hours: Another determinant of ICF certification costs is the inclusion of mentorship or supervision services. Different programs may adopt varying approaches, with some including these services as part of the overall package and others charging separately. The choice of opting for mentorship can influence the total expenses, adding an extra layer of support and guidance for certification seekers.
3. Prestige of the Organization: The reputation and prestige of the coaching organization also play a crucial role in shaping the costs of ICF certification. Well-established and renowned organizations, backed by a proven track record and expertise in the coaching industry, often command higher fees. The perceived value associated with prestigious organizations contributes to the overall expense, reflecting the premium placed on the certification provided by such entities.
Glossary of ICF Credential Related Terms
Designed to Help You Make Informed Decisions
ACC (Associate Certified Coach):
The first level of ICF certification, requiring a minimum of 60 hours of coach-specific training, 100 hours of coaching experience, and a performance evaluation.
**PCC (Professional Certified Coach):
**The second level of ICF certification, requiring a minimum of 125 hours of coach-specific training, 500 hours of coaching experience, and a performance evaluation.
MCC (Master Certified Coach):
The highest level of ICF certification, requiring a minimum of 200 hours of coach-specific training, 2,500 hours of coaching experience, and a performance evaluation.
Coach-specific Training:
Programs or courses that focus specifically on coaching skills and competencies, accredited by ICF.
Coaching Experience:
The actual hours a coach spends in a coaching relationship with clients, a crucial component for ICF certification.
Performance Evaluation:
A process where a coach is assessed based on recorded coaching sessions and feedback, a requirement for PCC and MCC levels.
Core Competencies:
A set of 11 coaching competencies defined by ICF, covering areas like active listening, powerful questioning, and creating awareness.
CCE (Continuing Coach Education):
Ongoing professional development for certified coaches to maintain and enhance their coaching skills.
Portfolio Application:
The submission of a coach’s training and experience records to ICF for evaluation and certification.
Renewal Requirements:
The criteria coaches must meet to maintain their ICF certification, including continuing education and client coaching hours.
Credentialing Fee:
The cost associated with applying for and obtaining an ICF credential.
ICF Assessor:
An experienced coach trained by ICF to evaluate a coach’s performance during the certification process.
ACTP (Accredited Coach Training Program):
A coach training program accredited by ICF that provides a streamlined path to certification.
ACSTH (Approved Coach Specific Training Hours):
Individual courses or programs that contribute to a coach’s training hours requirement for ICF certification.
Cost of an ICF Certification FAQs
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What are the three levels of ICF certification, and what is the price range for each?
- Associate Certified Coach (ACC): $3,000 to $4,500 USD
- Professional Certified Coach (PCC): $3,500 to $13,395 USD
- Master Certified Coach (MCC): $4,200 to $8,000 USD
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What are the key components that contribute to the overall expense of ICF certification?
The key components contributing to the overall expense of ICF certification are application fees, training program fees, and credentialing fees.
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Why is obtaining an ICF certification important in the coaching industry?
Obtaining an ICF certification is important in the coaching industry as it validates professionals’ expertise, opens doors to new opportunities, and enhances career prospects.
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How does the choice of an ICF-approved training program impact the certification process?
The choice of an ICF-approved training program is crucial for a smooth and successful certification process. Accredited organizations meet high standards, providing quality education, experienced instructors, adherence to ICF core competencies, and a supportive learning environment.
Coach Academy is the ivy league of coach training, explore our ICF accredited certification programs today.
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What are the factors that influence the variation in ICF certification program costs?
Factors influencing the variation in ICF certification program costs include the duration of the training program, the inclusion of mentorship or supervision, and the reputation of the coaching organization.
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How does the duration of the training program affect the overall cost of ICF certification?
The duration of the training program affects the overall cost, with longer programs having higher fees due to extended learning periods and additional resources provided.
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What are potential funding options for individuals pursuing ICF certification?
Potential funding options for ICF certification include employer tuition reimbursement, professional development funds, scholarships, grants, and personal savings.
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What makes Canada Coach Academy (CCA) stand out as a top-tier ICF accredited coach training program?
Canada Coach Academy (CCA) stands out as a top-tier coach training institution due to its range of ICF certified coaching courses, commitment to excellence, adherence to ICF standards, and a supportive learning environment.

Nathalie Blais | Co-Founder Coach Academy | MCC Coach
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ICF LEVEL 1 (Associate Certified Coach Credential)
ICF LEVEL 2 (Professional Certified Coach Credential)