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L2C Mentoring

ICF framework

ACC, PCC and MCC explained

Three ICF credentials, and the same three levels in our reports.

The three credentials

ACC · Associate Certified Coach

The first ICF credential: coach-specific training and early coaching experience.

In your report

Present but coach-led: the coach relies on technique and their own agenda; questions and reflections stay close to the surface of what the client says.

PCC · Professional Certified Coach

Established coaches whose coaching is consistently partnered with the client.

In your report

Consistent and client-centred: the coach partners with the client, adapts to what emerges and works with the client’s own words, feelings and goals.

MCC · Master Certified Coach

The highest credential: very experienced coaches, spacious, direct, client-led.

In your report

Spacious and fully client-led: the coach works with the whole person as well as the topic, uses silence and direct communication with ease and holds no attachment to an outcome.

How our feedback rates a session

Each of the eight competencies is rated from the transcript alone. There is no overall score.

Ethical Practice is met or not met. Too little evidence shows N/A. ACC, PCC and Not met come with next-level suggestions.

  • Shown at ACC (Associate Certified Coach) level
  • Shown at PCC (Professional Certified Coach) level
  • Shown at MCC (Master Certified Coach) level
  • Ethical practice standard met
  • Ethical practice standard not met
  • Not observed in this session

Certification readiness review

A session reviewed against a target level. Per competency:

  • Shows the level — the session shows this at the target level.
  • Partly — some of the target level’s markers show, not all.
  • Not yet — the session does not show the target level here yet.
  • Not observed — too little evidence in this session to judge.

Overall (PCC target shown):

  • On track for PCC — the session shows the target level across the competencies it gives evidence for.
  • Getting close — most of the target level shows; a few markers need strengthening.
  • Building towards PCC — several competencies are not yet at the target level; keep practising them.

Practice guidance from one session: never a pass or fail, never a forecast of an ICF decision. Review it with a mentor coach.

Preparing a recorded session for a credential application