Updated PCC–MCC Exam · 2025 ICF standards
ICF PCC exam prep
These independent study resources cover the updated exam used for ICF’s Professional Certified Coach and Master Certified Coach credentials. Eligible candidates sitting or retesting November 10, 2026 through March 31, 2027 can choose either edition. From April 1, 2027, ICF uses the updated exam for all PCC and MCC sittings and retests.
Which PCC exam are you booked to take?
Check the exam name in your ICF invitation and Pearson VUE appointment confirmation. ICF calls the updated version the PCC–MCC Exam and the outgoing version the ICF Credentialing Exam. A rescheduled appointment or retest can fall on the other side of the cutoff, so confirm the edition again if your date changes.
If your confirmation says ICF Credentialing Exam, use the outgoing tutorial on Pearson’s ICF page and check the older standards cited in your candidate guide. If it says PCC–MCC Exam, use the updated tutorial and the 2025 references below.
How to start studying for the updated exam
The updated exam asks you to recall the standards and use them in context. On a knowledge question you pick one correct answer. On a judgment item you make two decisions about the same scenario, choosing the most effective and least effective actions. A study session should include both kinds of reasoning.
- Use the syllabus to identify which competency a question is testing and find its section in the 2025 standards.
- Attempt one knowledge item and one judgment scenario from ICF before checking the published answers. Explain your choices in one sentence each.
- Rehearse the switch from shorter knowledge questions to longer scenarios. Use Pearson’s tutorial to learn the controls for your booked version.
How the exam fits into the PCC application
For PCC, ICF lists at least 125 hours of coach-specific education, 500 hours of client coaching and 10 hours of mentor coaching. Check the qualifying-client, paid-hour and recent-hour rules before submitting your log. ICF sends eligible applicants a scheduling invitation after reviewing their credential application.
For PCC Portfolio applicants, new mentor coaching hours from January 1, 2027 must be with an ICF-specialized mentor coach. From April 1, 2027, new PCC Portfolio submissions use the mentor’s Competency Review Form in place of evaluation recordings and transcripts. ICF says a Level 2 certificate remains accepted for the Level 2 path.
If you are gathering evidence for your application now, first identify whether you have a complete Level 2 certificate or need to document your education and coaching through the Portfolio path. Use the requirements for your path to plan what to submit.
What can I use today?
Start with the free format comparison, the syllabus and the walkthrough of ICF’s sample questions. You can use them before booking or while waiting for ICF’s invitation. The TestCertify PCC kit includes eight study chapters, 160 drills, 100 flashcards and two 80-item practice forms for the updated exam.
Frequently asked questions
Do PCC and MCC candidates take the same written exam?
Yes. ICF uses the updated PCC–MCC Exam for both credentials. Each credential has its own application requirements.
Does the PCC exam transition apply to ACC?
The PCC–MCC exam transition applies to PCC and MCC. Associate Certified Coach candidates take the separate ACC Exam.