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How to Become a Master Certified Coach

certification process master certified coach mcc certification

So, you're thinking about becoming a Master Certified Coach (MCC). It's a fantastic aspiration, and I am excited to share how impactful this journey can be. For me personally, I can honestly say I would not be the person that I am today without having been on this journey. An MCC is the highest level of credential awarded by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and demonstrates command of advanced professional coaching skills, thoroughly understanding coaching competencies, and upholding ethical standards. But it is not just that, it is a journey to finding the center of yourself. However, in this blog I am taking a practical, informational approach to provide you with the nuts and bolts of what it takes to attain your MCC.

If working toward your MCC is not already on your list of things to do in this lifetime, you may be wondering why you would want to embark on this quest. Not only is the demand for Master Certified Coaches skyrocketing because of their level of expertise in guiding clients to achieve their vision, overcome challenges, and to unlock their fullest potential. But also, the coaching world needs more leaders to continue to build and grow this new but burgeoning profession.

You probably already know some of the coaching skills required to be an MCC such as active listening, trust building, powerful questioning, and insightful feedback. An MCC uses these skills and so many others at the deepest level and in the most impact ways. So much so that there are no shortcuts to gaining and sharpening these abilities, and the timetable to achieving this state of being is based on the individual’s life circumstances and self-determination.

In this guide, I’ll share with you what these skills are, why they matter for effective MCC Level Coaching, and walk you through the steps to achieve your MCC. I'm thrilled to share some personal insights and guide you through this transformative process.

 

Prerequisites for MCC Certification:

Educational Requirements: 

To start on the MCC journey, coaches typically need to complete a minimum of 200 hours of coach-specific training from an ICF-accredited program or its equivalent. There are a few coach training schools that provide this LEVEL 3 training (as it is called) and others provide ICF CCE’s that can get you to the educational level you need. This foundational education forms the bedrock of a coach's expertise, equipping you with the necessary skills to excel in your practice.

Coaching Experience: 

Experience is the cornerstone of mastery. MCC candidates must have accumulated at least 2,500 hours, with a minimum of 35 clients. Of these hours, at least 2,250 must be paid coaching hours, reflecting a commitment to professional growth and client engagement.

Mentor Coaching: 

Guidance from seasoned professionals is invaluable on the path to mastery. MCC candidates are required to undergo a minimum of 10 hours of mentor coaching from an MCC ICF-credentialed mentor coach. The Mentorship must be specifically on the ICF Core Competencies and their application to the coaching conversation at the MCC level. This mentorship fosters continuous learning and development, refining a coach's skills to meet the highest standards of excellence.

In addition to discussions around the Core Competencies your mentor coach will listen to the recordings you intend to submit to the ICF (usually for an additional fee) and give you feedback on your use of the core competencies at the MCC level. While your Mentor coach cannot guarantee that your recordings will pass, most experience MCC Mentor Coaching who Mentor at the MCC level will be able to tell you if they would pass it or not. Either way, they can certainly help you grow through the process.

MCC Certification Application Process:           

Application: 

The journey begins by submitting an application, documenting educational qualifications, coaching experience, mentor coaching hours, recordings of coaching sessions, and an application fee directly to the ICF. This application sets the stage for the starting the evaluation of a coach's readiness for MCC certification.

Specific criteria include:

Performance Evaluation: 

The heart of the certification process lies in the evaluation of 2 coaching sessions. Submitted recordings are meticulously assessed by ICF assessors to gauge your coaching competency and adherence to ethical standards. In this process, through your recordings, you will have the opportunity to show your ability to apply the advanced coaching skills required by the ICF to become an MCC.

Credentialing Exam: 

As a final hurdle, you are required to pass a written exam that is handled by the partner company Pearson VUE. This in-depth exam tests your knowledge of coaching competencies and ethics, ensuring that MCCs are well-versed in the principles of professional coaching. To pass this test, you must have a firm grasp of the ICF Core Competencies, including the ICF Code of Ethics. In addition, it is essential to understand the newest Core Competency, embodies a Coaching Mindset, and how this theoretical competency shows up in the coaching relationship and conversation.

 

Benefits of MCC Certification:

Credibility: 

MCC certification instantly elevates your credibility and distinguishes you as an absolute expert in the coaching field. This prestigious credential enhances a coach's reputation and fosters trust with clients, peers and potential clients.

Career Opportunities: 

Achieving your MCC certification will open doors to you to coach at executive levels in organizations, prestigious consulting firms, faculty positions, speaking engagements and leadership development roles. MCCs are sought after for their expertise in guiding people and organizations to transformative growth. MCC’s are also among the highest paid coaches in the world.

Professional Development: 

Having an MCC certification encourages your ongoing personal and professional development, and isn’t that why you got into coaching in the first place? Typically, MCCs are committed to keeping their coaching skills razor sharp, staying aware of the latest trends, and using the best practices in the coaching profession. MCCs are the leading leader in the coaching world.

 

Maintaining MCC Certification:

Renewal Requirements: 

As I mentioned above, the journey doesn't end with certification; it's a lifelong commitment to excellence. As an MCC credential holder, you are required to renew your certification every three years by meeting continuing coach education (CCE) requirements or 40 CCE’s every 3 years and adhering to ICF's Code of Ethics. This ensures that as an MCC you will remain at the forefront of coaching excellence, continuously refining their craft to better serve their clients.

MCC certification represents the very top, the gold medal, the PhD equivalent of achievement in the coaching profession. This designation shows a professional coach's dedication to practicing the highest ethical standards, continuous personal and professional development, and where advanced coaching skills have simply become second nature. In the coaching world, we call it “being in the flow’”.

Because of the demanding prerequisites and the extensive certification process, achieving an MCC certification thought the ICF is a significant milestone in a coach's career journey worthy of celebration. When you are ready to step into the flow of coaching and aspire to make a positive meaningful impact on the world, then show up for yourself and pursue your MCC certification. For more detailed information and specific requirements regarding this certification visit the International Coaching Federation and take a look at my Soar to MCC Master Coaching Group for everything you need to be ready to be a master.  

FAQ

  1. What is Master Certified Coaching (MCC)?

    • MCC, short for Master Certified Coach, is the highest level of certification in the coaching profession. It signifies a coach's exceptional skills, experience, and dedication to coaching excellence.

  2. Why is MCC certification important for coaches?

    • MCC certification from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) validates a coach's expertise and demonstrates their commitment to professional growth. It enhances their credibility, opens doors to new opportunities, and assures clients of high-quality coaching.

  3. What are the prerequisites for MCC certification through ICF?

    • To pursue MCC certification, coaches need a 2500 of coaching hours, 10 hours of mentor coaching, two master level recordings of real-world clients, and successful completion of ICF's coach knowledge assessment.

  4. How can I prepare for the MCC certification process?

    • Preparing for MCC certification involves honing your coaching skills, gaining experience, and seeking mentorship. My blog post provides valuable insights and tips on how to prepare effectively. Check out my group for aspiring MCC’s 

  5. What are the benefits of reading your blog post on achieving MCC certification?

    • My blog post offers a comprehensive guide to the MCC certification journey, drawing from personal experiences and expertise. It outlines the steps, highlights the benefits, and provides practical advice for aspiring coaches who want to achieve MCC status.