ACC vs PCC: The Difference Between ICF Credentials (and Level 1 vs Level 2 Training)

Human beings are wonderfully complex. We carry old stories into new possibilities, make decisions at the edge of what we know, and sometimes need a different perspective to see what’s been within reach all along. Coaching creates space for that kind of discovery. It brings curiosity and intention to the moments when a person is ready to think differently, choose boldly, or move toward a future they can almost picture.

To do this work well takes more than an instinct for people. It takes a finely developed craft: the ability to listen beneath the surface, recognize patterns, ask questions that open up new thinking, and help insight find its way into action. In a coaching conversation, these skills come together in real time, as a coach listens closely, follows the client's thinking, and creates room for new perspectives to emerge. They deepen with training, practice, and experience.

That’s where your professional path begins to take shape. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) offers credentials that recognize different levels of coaching education, experience, and demonstrated competence. The Associate Certified Coach (ACC) requires at least 60 hours of coach-specific education and 100 hours of coaching experience. The Professional Certified Coach (PCC) requires at least 125 hours of education and 500 hours of coaching experience, alongside a more advanced standard of demonstrated coaching skill.

Understanding the difference between ACC and PCC, and between ICF Level 1 and Level 2 training, helps you choose how to begin, where to deepen your skills, and what kind of coaching practice you want to build.

Key Takeaways

• ACC is an entry-level ICF credential for coaches building their professional practice and demonstrating foundational coaching competence.

• PCC recognizes a more advanced level of coaching education, experience, and demonstrated skill.

• ICF Levels 1 and 2 refer to accredited coach training programs. ACC and PCC are individual credentials awarded by the ICF.

• Level 1 training provides a foundation for pursuing ACC. Level 2 training offers a more comprehensive route that can support applications for ACC or PCC, provided you meet the full credential requirements.

ACC vs PCC: At a Glance

The main differences between ACC and PCC come down to the amount of coach-specific education and coaching experience required, along with the level of competence you need to demonstrate.

These are the core requirements. The full application criteria depend on the credential pathway you choose, so check the ICF’s current credential requirements before applying.

What Is an ACC Credential?

The Associate Certified Coach credential is an important first milestone in professional coaching. It shows that you’ve completed the required education, gained relevant coaching experience, and met the ICF’s standards for foundational coaching competence.

For many people, ACC is the beginning of a longer professional development path. It can suit aspiring independent coaches, leaders who want to bring coaching into their organizations, HR professionals, and managers looking to help their teams grow.

Working toward ACC also gives you a clear goal as you start putting your skills into practice. You’ll build your coaching hours, refine your approach, and learn how to apply the ICF Core Competencies in real conversations.

At Erickson Coaching International, The Art & Science of Coaching^TM Level 1 gives you a foundation in solution-focused coaching. Through structured learning, practical application, and mentoring, you’ll develop your skills and work toward the Erickson Accredited Coach (EAC) designation.

Explore The Art & Science of Coaching^TM to learn more about the training pathway.

What Is a PCC Credential?

The Professional Certified Coach credential marks a more advanced stage of professional coaching. It requires more coach-specific education and experience, along with demonstrated proficiency against the ICF’s PCC-level competency standards.

Reaching PCC takes sustained practice. Across hundreds of coaching hours, you’ll work with different clients, goals, working relationships, and professional challenges. You’ll deepen your ability to establish clear agreements, listen beyond the obvious, support client awareness, and help people turn insight into action.

PCC can be a valuable milestone if you’re building an independent practice, working with executives or organizational clients, or taking on more extensive professional coaching engagements. It can also be a foundation for further development, including specialist training and, for those who choose to pursue it, the ICF’s Master Certified Coach (MCC) pathway.

A credential alone won’t guarantee a particular income, client base, or career outcome. Its value lies in the education, experience, and professional standards it represents, along with how you put those skills to work.

ICF Level 1 vs Level 2: What’s the Difference?

ICF accreditation levels describe coach training programs. Individual credentials describe coaches who’ve met the relevant application requirements.

That distinction matters when you’re choosing your training. Completing an accredited program can fulfill specific education requirements, but you’ll still need to meet the other criteria before the ICF awards you an individual credential.

You can learn more about how Erickson’s programs align with the credential framework in Erickson Leads the Way with the ICF.

Level 1 Training at Erickson

Level 1 is designed to help you build a strong coaching foundation. At Erickson, The Art & Science of Coaching^TM Level 1 includes the Essentials Course and the Level 1 Mentor Bundle.

You’ll develop core coaching skills, explore Erickson’s solution-focused methodology, and practice applying the coaching process. Mentoring and an oral assessment will help you refine your approach and demonstrate your developing capabilities.

Successful completion leads to the Erickson Accredited Coach designation. The training meets the relevant Level 1 education requirements and gives you a route toward applying for ACC, provided you meet the ICF’s other requirements.

Level 1 could be a good fit if you’re new to coaching, want to bring coaching skills into a leadership or HR role, or are ready to start building a professional practice.

Level 2 Training at Erickson

Level 2 gives you a more comprehensive training experience. It includes the Essentials Course, the Advanced Course, and the Level 2 Mentor Bundle.

The Advanced Course builds on the foundations you developed in Essentials. You’ll explore client motivation, values, objections, commitment, and follow-through, integrating the coaching competencies into a more developed professional practice.

Successful completion leads to the Erickson Certified Professional Coach designation. The full program provides an accredited training route that can support applications for ACC or PCC, depending on your experience and the other requirements of the credential you’re pursuing.

Level 2 is particularly relevant if you want to make coaching a central part of your career, work with organizational or executive clients, or develop toward PCC.

Level 1 vs Level 2 at Erickson

Training hours and credential eligibility depend on the program and the ICF’s requirements. Check the current Erickson tuition and program information to see what each training package includes.

Why Complete the Full Level 2 Program?

A more extensive training program gives you more room to develop, practice, and integrate your coaching skills. It also provides a structured way to work toward the professional standard associated with PCC.

Three things may help you decide whether Level 2 is right for you.

You want coaching to become a central part of your professional life. If you plan to establish a coaching practice or work extensively with organizations, the full program gives you a broader foundation to build on.

You want to deepen your skills. The Advanced Course builds on the Essentials curriculum, helping you develop a more integrated approach to coaching and work with greater complexity.

You want to work toward PCC. Level 2 is an established training route for coaches pursuing PCC, although completing the program alone doesn’t guarantee eligibility. You’ll still need to meet the applicable experience, mentoring, assessment, and application requirements.

Your development can continue beyond the core program, too. Erickson offers options such as High Performance Team Coaching and specialist training, mentorship, and supervision. If you’re interested in the next ICF credential, you can also explore The Art & Science of Coaching^TM Level 3: The MCC Journey.

Which Coaching Path Is Right for You?

Your starting point will shape the most practical route forward. Here’s how to think about your next step.

I’m New to Coaching

Start by building your foundation. Level 1 introduces essential coaching skills and provides a structured route toward ACC. It can also help you explore how coaching fits into your current career before you decide whether to develop a full-time practice.

If you already know you want comprehensive professional training and a pathway toward PCC, compare the full Level 2 program before making your decision.

I’ve Completed Level 1

Your next step depends on your experience, goals, and the training you’ve already completed. You might want to consolidate your practice and work toward ACC, or continue into the Advanced Course and Level 2 Mentor Bundle as you develop toward PCC.

Before deciding, check how your completed training lines up with the current requirements for your chosen credential.

I Trained Somewhere Else

If you completed coach training with another provider, start by reviewing your education, mentoring, and coaching experience against the ICF’s requirements. Your previous training may count toward an application, depending on its accreditation and the pathway you choose.

An advisor can help you understand your options and identify any additional requirements. You can speak to an Erickson advisor to discuss your background and potential next steps.

You can also use the Global Course Finder to explore available training formats and locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is ACC higher than PCC?

  No. PCC is the more advanced of the two credentials. It requires more coach-specific education and coaching experience, as well as demonstrated proficiency against the PCC competency standard.

• Does Level 2 training automatically give me a PCC credential?

  No. Completing Level 2 training fulfills the relevant education requirements, but you’ll also need to meet the ICF’s coaching experience, mentoring, assessment, and application criteria.

• Can I apply for ACC after Level 1?

  Yes. Level 1 training can provide the required education for an ACC application. You’ll also need to meet the other ICF requirements, including coaching experience, mentor coaching, and the applicable credential assessment.

• Can I move from ACC to PCC later?

  Yes. Many coaches continue developing their practice after earning ACC and pursue PCC once they’ve accumulated the required education and coaching experience and can demonstrate the relevant level of competence.

• Are there changes to ICF credential requirements in 2027?

  The ICF has announced changes affecting mentor coaching and performance evaluations for ACC and PCC applicants using the Portfolio path. From January 1, 2027, new mentor coaching hours for these applicants must be completed with a mentor coach holding the relevant ICF Mentor Coach Specialization. From April 1, 2027, the performance evaluation requirement for ACC and PCC Portfolio applicants is scheduled to be replaced by enhanced mentor coaching documentation. Requirements differ by pathway, so check the ICF’s latest guidance before applying.

Take the Next Step in Your Coaching Development

A coaching qualification is an investment in the work you’ll be able to do with others, and in the professional you’ll become along the way. Whether you’re taking your first steps or ready to deepen an established practice, choose a route that gives your ambition the training, experience, and room to grow.

Explore The Art & Science of Coaching^TM, compare tuition and program options, or speak with an Erickson advisor about the path that fits your goals.

As an Erickson graduate, you can also explore the Erickson+ Alumni community for continued learning and connection as your coaching practice develops.