Updated PCC–MCC Exam · 2025 ICF standards
ICF PCC Study Plan for the Updated Exam
Use the five-week plan for the updated PCC–MCC Exam. Start with an official sample of each question type, review the 2025 ICF references, then practise both formats under time limits.
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Adjust the plan to your appointment
With less time, combine related competency reviews and keep the baseline, a timed rehearsal, and an error review. With more time, repeat the areas where you struggle to explain the official rationale. Check your booking before starting. The outgoing exam uses a different format and different editions of the standards.
A five-week study plan for the updated PCC exam
Use this independent study schedule as a starting point. Keep the baseline, targeted review and rehearsal steps even if your appointment requires a shorter schedule. Give extra time to competencies where you cannot yet explain your choice.
| Week | Focus | What to complete |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baseline and Foundation | Attempt an official sample of each type. Revisit ethical practice, confidentiality, role boundaries, reflective practice and bias. |
| 2 | Co-create the relationship | Use the competencies to describe how a coach agrees on a useful outcome, responds to a concern and leaves space for reflection. |
| 3 | Communication and growth | Review listening, evoking awareness and client-owned action. Explain when an observation or question would be useful. |
| 4 | Timing rehearsal | Try knowledge and judgment blocks back to back. Track pacing and review knowledge, best-choice and worst-choice misses separately. |
| 5 | Targeted review and logistics | Revisit the two most frequent error patterns, practise with different available examples and confirm your booked edition and testing arrangements. |
Study resources for this exam
Use the issuer’s current candidate materials for the exam rules. TestCertify provides free guides and a sample ZIP, plus an optional independent prep kit.
Frequently asked questions
What should I study first?
Confirm the exam version, then try an official knowledge item and an official judgment scenario to identify your starting point.
Can I follow the plan with less than five weeks?
Yes. Combine related review sessions and keep time for both formats, a rehearsal and a targeted error review.
Does this plan cover the outgoing exam?
It is written for the updated exam. Use the PCC exam-format guide to choose references and timing for the outgoing version.