ICF PCC exam format, passing score and transition dates

Which PCC exam will I take?

Eligible PCC and MCC candidates can sit either version November 10, 2026 through March 31, 2027. March 31, 2027 is the last day ICF offers the outgoing Credentialing Exam. Prepare for the updated PCC–MCC Exam if you move your appointment or schedule a retest for April 1, 2027 or later.

Use the name in your invitation and appointment confirmation to choose your resources. Pearson lists the PCC–MCC Exam Tutorial for the updated form and the ICF Credentialing Exam Tutorial for the outgoing form. Check with ICF if the confirmation and your expected version differ. Passing either version fulfills the same written-exam requirement for the PCC credential.

• ICF exam transition dates and candidate FAQ
• Pearson VUE booking and both ICF exam tutorials

What changed in the PCC–MCC Exam?

Both exams ask candidates to apply the coaching standards to decisions. If you’re using an older prep resource for the updated exam, keep the coaching concepts that still apply, then check the 2025 wording and add single-answer knowledge practice. The older form is entirely scenario-based, so its pacing is a poor template for the new knowledge blocks.

• ICF PCC–MCC exam format and blueprint
• ICF outgoing Credentialing Exam guide
• ICF PCC Candidate Guide, including the outgoing exam
• ICF MCC Candidate Guide, updated shared exam on page 16

How are the 150 minutes divided?

ICF sets aside four minutes for general instructions and one minute for instructions before each of the four blocks. The 132 minutes of question time are split between shorter knowledge blocks and longer judgment blocks. The optional midpoint break accounts for the remaining ten minutes.

• ICF PCC–MCC exam format and blueprint
• Pearson VUE booking and both ICF exam tutorials

How do the two question types work?

On each knowledge question, choose one correct answer from three options. Look for the answer that matches the standard named or implied by the prompt. Situational judgment items give you four possible responses to the same scenario. Choose the strongest action and the weakest action separately. The other choices may be plausible in different circumstances.

As a practice checkpoint, nine knowledge items in about 10 minutes or eleven judgment items in about 23 minutes puts you near the midpoint pace for those blocks. Use the checkpoint to learn which item type needs more rehearsal. Use the Pearson tutorial to check the navigation and controls that apply to your appointment.

• ICF MCC Candidate Guide, updated shared exam on page 16
• ICF preparation guidance for both question formats
• Work through the official sample questions

What is the passing score for the updated PCC exam?

The updated exam requires a scaled score of 460. Treat practice results as feedback by question type or competency. Use your count of correct answers to track your progress across practice sessions.

ICF awards separate credit for a correct best choice and a correct worst choice and applies no penalty for an incorrect answer. ICF’s candidate guide for the shared exam describes 12 unscored field-test items mixed into the updated form. Work through each item without trying to identify which ones contribute to the score.

• ICF PCC–MCC exam format and blueprint
• ICF MCC Candidate Guide, updated shared exam on page 16

Which date matters for booking and for your application?

ICF’s standard scheduling window is 60 days from the invitation to schedule and complete the exam. Check your invitation for the deadline and confirm your delivery option, language and any accommodations before booking. Pearson VUE offers testing at a center or through OnVUE online where available.

The exam change applies to the date you sit or retest. The separate PCC Portfolio evidence change applies to the date you submit your application. From April 1, 2027, a new PCC Portfolio application uses the Competency Review Form completed by a qualified mentor coach. For new Portfolio mentor coaching hours from January 1, check ICF’s Mentor Coach Specialization requirement. Level 2 applicants can still use their Level 2 certificate.

• See PCC booking steps, fees and retakes
• Check PCC eligibility and choose your application path
• ICF scheduling, accommodations and retakes
• Pearson VUE booking and both ICF exam tutorials
• ICF changes to the PCC Portfolio application