PCC vs MCC: Which Credential Should You Aim for?
If you are an aspiring or experienced coach looking to advance your career, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) credentials are considered the gold standard in the industry. Among the three levels of ICF certification—ACC (Associate Certified Coach), PCC (Professional Certified Coach), and MCC (Master Certified Coach)—the two most advanced are PCC and MCC.
Many coaches find themselves at a crossroads:
- Should you aim for ICF PCC Coach Certification first, or go directly toward the MCC Coach Certification path?
- The right choice depends on your current experience, career goals, and long-term vision as a coach.
In this guide, we’ll compare PCC vs MCC, explain their requirements, career impact, and help you decide which is right for you. We’ll also show you how DeeKay Excellence supports you at every stage—from choosing the right credential to achieving it.
Understanding ICF Credentials: A Quick Recap
- ACC – Associate Certified Coach (Level 1)
- PCC – Professional Certified Coach (Level 2)
- MCC – Master Certified Coach (Level 3)
Each level represents not just more training hours but deeper mastery, richer client impact, and greater recognition in the coaching world. New coaches often start with ACC, progress to PCC, and eventually reach MCC, though experienced coaches may consider going directly to PCC or MCC.
What is PCC?
PCC stands for Professional Certified Coach. It is the second-highest credential offered by ICF and is widely recognized as a benchmark for experienced coaches.
ICF PCC Coach Certification Requirements:
- Completion of an ICF Level 2 accredited coach training program (at least 125 hours)
- 500 hours of client coaching experience (with at least 25 clients)
- 10 hours of mentor coaching
- Submission of coaching recordings for performance evaluation
- Passing the ICF Credentialing Exam
At DeeKay Excellence, our PCC program meets all these requirements while equipping you with practical coaching tools, confidence, and real-world exposure.
Who should choose PCC?
- Coaches with substantial coaching hours seeking formal recognition
- ACC credential holders ready for the next level
- Professionals transitioning into full-time coaching
What is MCC?
MCC stands for Master Certified Coach, the highest ICF credential, representing mastery in coaching and global recognition.
ICF MCC Certification Level 3 Requirements:
- Completion of an ICF Level 3 accredited program
- 2,500 hours of client coaching experience (with at least 35 clients)
- Previous PCC credential
- Submission of advanced-level coaching session recordings
- Passing the MCC-level performance evaluation and ICF exam
Our mentoring for MCC is designed for seasoned PCC coaches ready for mastery-level coaching.
Who should choose MCC?
- Experienced PCC coaches with years of client work
- Those aiming to become thought leaders or global authorities
- Coaches focusing on executive or leadership transformation
PCC vs MCC: Key Differences
| Feature |
PCC (Professional Certified Coach) |
MCC (Master Certified Coach) |
| ICF Level |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
| Training Hours |
125+ hours |
Additional Level 3 training after PCC |
| Coaching Hours |
500+ hours |
2,500+ hours |
| Experience Level |
Mid-to-advanced career |
Elite / top-tier |
| Recognition |
Strong industry credibility |
Global mastery recognition |
| Purpose |
Build strong client base & authority |
Influence, legacy, and deep transformation work |
| Ideal For |
Scaling coaching practice |
Becoming an industry leader |
Career Impact: PCC vs MCC
Benefits of PCC Coach Certification
- Strong credibility to attract high-paying clients
- Eligibility to coach in corporate environments and leadership programs
- Solid foundation for a sustainable coaching business
- Opens doors to corporate coaching opportunities
Benefits of MCC Coach Certification
- Positions you as an elite-level coach
- Ability to coach senior executives, boards, and global leaders
- Opportunity to mentor and train other coaches
- Highly competitive global market edge
Which Credential Should You Aim For?
Deciding between PCC and MCC depends on where you stand today and your goals for the next 3–5 years.
Choose PCC if:
- You are an ACC holder ready to step up
- You have 500+ hours of coaching but less than 2,500
- You want to solidify your practice before moving to MCC
Choose MCC if:
- You already have a PCC credential
- You have over 2,500 hours of coaching
- You aim to influence coaching at the highest level
How DeeKay Excellence Helps You Decide and Achieve Your Goal
- Comprehensive ICF-Accredited Programs: ACC, PCC pathways and mentoring for MCC.
- Real-World Practice: Coaching real clients under supervision.
- Mentor Coaching: 10+ hours from ICF-certified Master Coaches.
- Exam & Performance Evaluation Prep: Recording and reviewing coaching sessions.
- Career & Business Coaching: Build a sustainable coaching practice.
- Ongoing Support: Networking, workshops, and advanced courses post-certification.
How to Get Started
Book a free discovery session to assess your coaching stage and identify the best credential pathway. Start your journey today with DeeKay Excellence.
People Also Asked
- What is the difference between MCC and PCC coaching? PCC is Level 2 with 500+ hours; MCC is Level 3 with 2,500+ hours and mastery.
- What is the PCC credential? PCC is awarded after completing ICF Level 2 training, 500+ coaching hours, mentor coaching, and passing evaluation.
- What is PCC and MCC? PCC is Level 2 professional coach; MCC is Level 3 master coach.
- How do I get a PCC certificate? Complete ICF Level 2 program, gain coaching hours, complete mentor coaching, and pass ICF evaluation. Explore DeeKay Excellence PCC pathway.
Final Thoughts
Whether aiming for PCC or MCC, the decision should align with your current experience and long-term career goals. At DeeKay Excellence, we prepare you for a thriving coaching career. Book your free consultation now to design your path to ICF certification.
