Top 30 Questions Before Becoming a Certified Coach (ICF ACC, PCC, MCC)
- Geraldine Gauthier
- Jun 10
- 8 min read
Thinking of becoming a certified coach? Whether you're exploring a new career, upskilling as a leader, or launching your own business - this guide answers the most common questions about coaching.
We explore a comprehensive range of topics, including the different certification paths - such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Master Certified Coach (MCC) credentials - along with program structure, exam preparation strategies, career opportunities, and key factors to consider when selecting a coach training program for aspiring coaches.
Use this as your go-to FAQ before starting your coaching journey.
Certification & Training
What does it mean to become a certified coach?
Becoming a certified coach means you’ve completed a coach training program accredited by a recognized body - such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF) - and have
demonstrated the necessary coaching competencies through assessment. It also means you are committed to upholding professional ethics, continuous learning, and a standard of practice that supports meaningful, client-centered coaching.
Do I need a certification to coach?
Legally, you don’t need a certification to work as a coach. However, if you want to build credibility, attract paying clients, or secure corporate or organizational contracts – a well-recognized coaching certification (especially ICF) is strongly recommended.
What’s the difference between a coach, mentor, consultant, and therapist?
Here are the key differences between a coach, mentor, consultant, and therapist:
Coach: A coach partners with you in a thought-provoking and creative process to help you unlock your full potential. Through active listening, powerful questioning, and proven coaching techniques, a coach supports you in setting goals, gaining clarity, and taking action. Coaches focus on the present and future, helping clients move forward with purpose and confidence.
Mentor: A mentor shares their knowledge, experience, and advice to help guide your personal or career development. Unlike a coach, a mentor typically draws from their own journey to provide recommendations and insights.
Consultant: A consultant is an expert in a specific field who analyzes challenges and provides actionable solutions. While a coach draws out the answers from within the client, a consultant tells you what to do based on their expertise.
Therapist: A therapist helps clients explore emotional issues, trauma, and mental health challenges—often focusing on healing from the past. Therapists are licensed professionals trained to diagnose and treat psychological conditions.
What is the ICF?
The International Coaching Federation is the global gold standard for coaching certification and ethics. It sets rigorous standards for coaching ethics, certification, and professional development, making it the most recognized and respected credentialing body worldwide.
They are not the only coaching organization, however, they are the most globally recognized one. Learn more about the ICF.
What’s the difference between ICF and EMCC?
Both the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) are highly respected global coaching organizations that set professional standards for coaches, mentors, and supervisors. However, there are some key differences between the two:
ICF (International Coaching Federation): The ICF is the most globally recognized coaching body, particularly popular in North America, Asia, and within the corporate and career coaching sectors. It offers tiered credentials (ACC, PCC, MCC) and emphasizes coaching competencies, ethics, and ongoing professional development.
EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council): The EMCC is more prominent in Europe and tends to integrate coaching, mentoring, and supervision under one umbrella. It offers its own credentialing pathway and also values reflective practice and supervision as core elements of development.
How do I become a certified coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF)?
Join an ICF-accredited program, log 100+ hours of coaching, complete 10 mentor coaching hours, pass a performance evaluation, and the ICF exam – and you will receive your Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential from the ICF.
What’s the difference between ACC, PCC, and MCC?
ACC (Associate Certified Coach): 60 hours training + 100 coaching hours
PCC (Professional Certified Coach): 125 hours training + 500 coaching hours
MCC (Master Certified Coach): 200 hours training + 2,500 coaching hours
Check out the full checklist of the ICF’s requirement for each credential level.
What are the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) requirements?
In order to become an ACC coach, you will need to:
Complete 60+ hours of training,
Log 100 coaching hours,
Get 10 mentor coaching hours with a mentor coach who is ACC-renewed, PCC, or MCC.
Pass the performance evaluation at ACC minimum skill requirement (1 recording)
Score at least 76% on the ICF ACC exam.
How long does it take to get certified?
The ACC journey typically 3 to 8 months, depending on how fast you complete your coaching hours.
What if I miss a training session?
You can catch up via recordings or join a session on a similar topic with another cohort.
Can I attend both online and in-person?
Yes, GoMasterCoach offers in-person, online, and hybrid formats.
How do I track my 100 coaching hours?
You can use your own spreadsheet to keep track of your coaching hours progress. The spreadsheet needs to show names of your clients, dates of each coaching session, duration of the session, and a note if the session was paid or pro-bono.
The ICF provides a template for coaching hours log. You can access it here. Alternatively, GoMasterCoach offers a complimentary toolbox with your training package that will keep track of your client appointments and coaching hours progress.
You won’t need to submit the log as part of your application, but please keep it in case the ICF chooses to conduct an audit.
Do coaching hours need to be paid?
At least 75 out of 100 should be paid. "Paid" can include exchange of services, peer coaching, or coaching as part of your job. There is no minimum for the amount paid. A maximum of 25 hours can be pro bono.
Exam & Certification Support
How does the ICF ACC exam work?
The ICF ACC exam comprises 60 multiple-choice questions, divided into two sections of 30 questions each. Candidates have 39 minutes per section, with an optional 10-minute break between sections, totalling 90 minutes. The exam focuses on the ICF Core Competencies, Code of Ethics, and the fundamental principles of coaching.
Check out our article on all you need to know to prepare for the ACC Exam.
How does GoMasterCoach help with the exam?
We offer mock exams, prep sessions, and detailed study materials to help you prepare for the exam with confidence.
Where and when can I take the ICF exam?
The exam can be taken online, from anywhere, or at a test center. You can choose your exam delivery mode once your credential application has been validated by the ICF (an email notification will be sent to you).
What is the pass rate for the ICF exam?
Over 95% of GoMasterCoach students pass on their first try.
Are there extra costs for the ICF exam?
Yes, you will need to pay the ICF the credential application fee, which includes the exam fee. The fee is paid directly to ICF: $175 for members / $325 for non-members.
Program & Methodology
What’s your coaching methodology?
Experiential learning grounded in neuroscience, Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), and ICF standards.
What coaching niches do you focus on?
GoMasterCoach’s programs focus on career, executive, wellness, and personal transformation coaching.
Who joins your program?
Leaders, HR professionals, consultants, aspiring coaches, and professionals wanting to upskill in leadership and communication.
What makes GoMasterCoach unique?
GoMasterCoach offers a distinctive approach to coach training by combining innovation, inclusivity, and flexibility:
Global, culturally diverse community – Learn alongside peers from around the world, gaining cross-cultural insights and a rich, supportive network.
Digital and AI-powered coaching companion – Practice coaching anytime with an intelligent, on-demand tool designed to accelerate your skills.
Flexible, affordable ICF certification paths – Choose the learning pace and format that fit your lifestyle and budget without compromising quality.
Career, Clients & Business
How much can coaches earn?
Coaching income can vary widely depending on the coach’s niche, level of experience, credentials, location, and client base. Some coaches offer individual sessions, while others package services into programs or work on corporate retainers. Here's a breakdown by coaching type:
Life Coaches: Typically earn between $50 and $300+ per session. Life coaches help clients with personal growth, confidence, mindset, relationships, and general well-being. Rates increase with experience and specialization.
Executive Coaches: Work with senior professionals and business leaders. Fees often range from $300 to $1,000+ per session, and top executive coaches may command six-figure retainers from corporate clients. This is one of the most lucrative coaching niches.
Career Coaches: Help clients with career transitions, job search strategy, resume development, and leadership growth. Rates generally fall between $100 and $500+ per session, depending on experience and client type (individuals vs. companies).
Wellness & Health Coaches: Support clients in achieving physical health, stress management, and lifestyle goals. Sessions typically range from $75 to $250+, and many offer ongoing packages or group programs to scale their income.
Business Coaches: Often work with entrepreneurs and small business owners to grow their businesses. Rates vary from $150 to $600+ per session, with some offering high-ticket programs for strategy and performance.
How do I get my first coaching clients?
We’ll guide you step by step. You’ll learn how to tap into your existing network, build a professional presence on LinkedIn, host workshops to demonstrate your expertise, and explore opportunities with coaching platforms like CoachHub or BetterUp.
What coaching niches are in demand?
These coaching niches are currently in high demand as individuals and organizations seek targeted support for growth and wellbeing:
Executive Coaching: Popular with organizations investing in leadership development.
Career Coaching: In demand for job transitions, promotions, and workplace fulfillment.
Wellness Coaching: Growing with the focus on health, stress management, and lifestyle change.
Business Coaching: Helps entrepreneurs and small business owners scale and succeed.
Parenting Coaching: Increasingly relevant for families navigating modern parenting challenges.
How do I start a coaching business?
Throughout the training, you will learn how to manage personal branding, pricing, setup, marketing, and client acquisition. Even if you are completely new, you can build up business experience and expand your network with our resources.
Personal Fit
Do I have the right profile to be a coach?
Yes - if you’re empathetic, curious, a good listener, and passionate about helping others grow, coaching could be a great fit.
What skills make a great coach?
Great coaches know how to actively listen, maintain presence, ask powerful questions, and approach each conversation with curiosity. A strong growth mindset and commitment to upholding ethical practice also set a coach apart.
Can I coach while keeping my job?
Yes – many coaches begin their practice on a part-time basis (evenings/weekends) and go full-time when they are ready.
Is coaching AI-proof?
Yes. While AI can support coaches with tools and insights, uniquely human qualities like empathy, intuition, and presence are irreplaceable.
Some bonus insights:
Can introverts be great coaches?
Definitely. Introverts often excel in deep listening, thoughtful questioning, and creating safe, reflective spaces for clients. Many top coaches are introverts who use their natural strengths to build strong, meaningful connections.
What are red flags in coach training programs?
Watch out for programs that lack accreditation (ICF or other coaching organization), offer no mentor coaching, use unclear or outdated methodologies, or provide no post-certification support. A quality program should be structured, ethical, and designed to set you up for long-term success.
What’s the future of coaching in 2025 and beyond?
The coaching industry is evolving fast. Expect growth in hybrid models (human + AI), evidence-based techniques, and personalized learning journeys. Coaches who embrace technology while staying grounded in human connection will thrive.
Can I become an ICF-certified coach online?
Yes, absolutely. GoMasterCoach offers both fully online and hybrid training options. You can attend live online classes from anywhere, or choose to combine them with in-person sessions if you prefer. Our online programs are available in both English and French, with multiple time slots to fit your schedule and lifestyle.
How much does ICF certification cost?
The cost of becoming certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) can vary widely depending on the program you choose. Prices typically start around a few thousand dollars and can go up to USD 20,000 for some high-end or university-affiliated programs.
At GoMasterCoach, our full ICF-accredited program is priced at USD 4,200. It's part of our mission to democratize coaching by making high-quality training more accessible, without compromising on depth, rigor, or support.
Free Download - You First Coaching Tool
Want to level up your coaching skills - or have more impactful conversations in your daily life?
Download our free eBook, 100 Powerful Coaching Questions, a ready-to-use collection of questions designed to spark insight, reflection, and deeper dialogue. Whether you're a coach or just someone who values meaningful connection, this eBook will come in handy!
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