Coaching is booming. According to the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the number of professional coaches has grown by over 33% globally in the last five years. But here’s the catch: coaching is still an unregulated industry. That means anyone can wake up one morning, call themselves a coach, and start charging clients—without any formal training or credentials.
Because of this lack of regulation, more clients are becoming cautious. They’re asking questions like:
Without certification, you might find yourself:
- Losing clients to coaches with official credentials
- Struggling to command premium rates
- Lacking access to corporate or international opportunities
That’s exactly what becoming a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) can do.
The PCC credential—offered by the ICF—is your golden ticket. It tells the world you’ve:
- Completed rigorous coach training
- Logged substantial coaching hours
- Passed an in-depth performance evaluation
- Committed to ethical practices
It’s not just a title—it’s your coaching superpower.
What Is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC)?
A Professional Certified Coach (PCC) is a coach who has earned a mid-level credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF)—the global gold standard for coaching excellence.
To qualify for the PCC, you must:
- Complete at least 125 hours of coach-specific training
- Accumulate 500+ hours of client coaching experience
- Work with a qualified mentor coach
- Pass a Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA)
- Demonstrate skill via recorded coaching sessions
This isn’t some weekend workshop badge. It’s a serious, structured program that certifies your skill, integrity, and professionalism.
Why Becoming a PCC-Level Coach Is Totally Worth It
Let’s look at what a PCC brings to the table, both for you and your clients.
1. Credibility That Sells Itself
Clients, especially corporate clients, trust ICF credentials. A PCC tells them you know what you’re doing—and you have the hours, training, and track record to prove it.
2. Better Income Potential
According to the ICF’s Global Coaching Study, certified coaches earn more than their non-certified peers. PCCs often charge 20-50% more per session.
3. Access to Corporate and Global Markets
Many organizations only work with ICF-certified coaches. Want to coach in Fortune 500 companies, international NGOs, or government sectors? A PCC is your pass through the door.
4. Mastery of Coaching Skills
The training and feedback you receive while pursuing the PCC hone your skills to a fine edge. You’ll learn how to:
- Listen deeply
- Ask powerful questions
- Create transformational change in clients’ lives
5. Join a Global Community
Coaching education connects you to a professional network of peers, mentors, and opportunities across more than 140 countries.
How to Become a Professional Certified Coach
Becoming a certified professional coach might seem long, but it’s entirely doable and incredibly rewarding.
Step 1: Choose an ICF-Accredited Training Program
Look for a program accredited as Level 2 (formerly ACTP) by the ICF. These programs are designed to meet all PCC-level training requirements.
Coach Campus offers a flexible, 100% online Level 2 program that covers all your bases:
- Over 150 training hours
- Mentoring from experienced PCC or MCC coaches
- Peer coaching and feedback
- A supportive global community of coaches
It’s designed to fit around your busy schedule—whether you’re a full-time professional, parent, or both.
Step 2: Complete Your Training + Mentoring
Log those 125+ hours and complete 10+ hours of mentor coaching over at least 3 months.
Step 3: Get Your Coaching Hours In
You’ll need at least 500 hours of coaching experience with 25+ clients.
Pro tip: Your program may help you start getting clients early!
Step 4: Pass the Performance Evaluation
Submit recordings of real coaching sessions that meet the ICF’s Core Competencies.
Step 5: Take the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA)
This multiple-choice exam tests your grasp of coaching ethics, process, and skills.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to become a PCC?
A: Most people complete the journey in 12–18 months, depending on how quickly they accumulate client hours.
Q: Do I need prior experience to start?
A: Nope. You can start from scratch. Many successful coaches begin with no prior experience—just passion and a desire to help others.
Q: Is certification really necessary to coach?
A: Technically, no. But if you want to stand out, earn more, and get corporate work, certification is a huge advantage.
Q: What’s the difference between ACC, PCC, and MCC?
A: These are different levels of ICF credentials:
- ACC (Associate Certified Coach) – Entry-level
- PCC (Professional Certified Coach) – Mid-level
- MCC (Master Certified Coach) – Highest level
Q: Can I coach part-time or alongside another job?
A: Absolutely. You can begin part-time and transition to full-time as your own coaching practice grows.
Ready to Start Your Coaching Journey?
You don’t need to wait another year—or even another month—to become the coach you’re meant to be.
The coaching world needs skilled, certified professionals like you. And with the right training, mentoring, and support, you can go from passionate helper to Professional Certified Coach in as little as a year.
Take the first step today with training providers like Coach Campus—your coaching future starts here.
