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ICF Individual and Team Competencies
Orientation covering both individual and team coaching competencies within the ICF framework. Experience our teaching style and meet the community – no cost, no commitment.
For coaches with 60+ hours of International Coaching Federation (ICF) accredited coach education. Earn your Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential and Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC) through systems coaching methodology. Designed and delivered by an MCC & PCC coaching team.
With Cherie Silas, MCC & team
You’re already coaching. You’ve got hundreds of hours of experience, maybe even an ACC. But you know the PCC credential would change the game – better clients, bigger contracts, organizational credibility. The question isn’t whether to pursue it. It’s finding a program that actually advances your skills, not just checks boxes.
The requirements for Professional Certified Coach are more demanding than ACC – 125 hours of coach-specific education, 500 coaching experience hours, a performance evaluation with two recorded sessions. And now there’s the Level 2 pathway vs. portfolio pathway to figure out. Most programs teach you the same foundational content you already know. You need advanced training that meets you where you are.
And then there’s the “after training” gap. Who helps you navigate the ICF application, prepare for the credentialing exam, and make sure your recorded sessions meet PCC-level standards? Most programs hand you a certificate and wish you luck.
That’s why our Systems Coach bridge is designed differently. Not a rehash of ACC content, but advanced systems coaching that builds real expertise – with MCC-level mentors guiding you from enrollment through credential in hand.
Most PCC programs are taught by PCC-level coaches. Ours is designed and led by Master Certified Coaches – the highest credential ICF awards, held by fewer than 4% of credentialed coaches worldwide. At the PCC level, instructor quality matters even more – our team brings combined 60+ years of experience coaching Fortune 500 leaders.
Our Level 2 program includes both PCC and ACTC (Advanced Certification in Team Coaching) pathways. You don’t just advance your individual coaching – you gain a specialized team coaching credential that opens doors to organizational contracts and leadership development roles.
Two modules are completely free – ICF Individual and Team Competencies plus Mastering ICF Core Competencies. Experience our teaching style, meet the community, and decide if Tandem is right for you – before spending a dollar.
Training is just one piece. We help you with mentor coaching hours, performance evaluation recordings, exam prep, and navigating the ICF PCC application – so you’re never stuck figuring out the 500-hour documentation alone.
You’ve earned your ACC and built real coaching experience. Now you want the PCC credential to match your capabilities, command higher fees, and qualify for organizational coaching contracts that require PCC-level credentials or above.
You’ve been coaching for years – maybe through an internal role or an independent practice. You have the 500+ hours but not the credential. The Level 2 pathway lets you formalize your expertise with a globally recognized Professional Certified Coach credential.
You’re in leadership development, organizational development, or HR and want to integrate advanced coaching into your practice. The PCC + ACTC dual credential positions you as both an individual and team coach – rare and valuable in the corporate market.
This program requires 60 hours of ICF-accredited coach training (such as our ACC Level 1 program or equivalent). Starting from scratch? The Professional Coach Program ($7,499) includes everything — ACC training through PCC + ACTC credentials — in one enrollment.
Orientation covering both individual and team coaching competencies within the ICF framework. Experience our teaching style and meet the community – no cost, no commitment.
Deep dive into the eight ICF Core Competencies and ethical standards at the professional level. Build the foundation for PCC-level demonstration.
Systems thinking fundamentals, coaching with metaphors, making observations, and building systemic intuition through live demos and 4 interactive classes.
Enroll in Module 1Coaching entire organizational systems, working with system roles, and applying techniques like Deep Democracy and constellations in team contexts.
Enroll in Module 2Advanced framing and reframing skills, PCC-level coaching demonstrations, and circle constellations for shifting how systems perceive challenges.
Enroll in Module 3Developing deep system awareness, group coaching perspectives, and integrating all systems coaching skills into your professional practice.
Enroll in Module 4Guided group sessions that run throughout the program and beyond – reflect on your coaching practice, develop professional self-awareness, and receive feedback from experienced coaching supervisors.
Refine your coaching skills with MCC-level mentors in a collaborative group setting. Meets ICF mentor coaching requirements.
EnrollOne-on-one mentoring with an MCC-level mentor for personalized feedback on your coaching at the PCC level.
EnrollTargeted preparation for the ICF credentialing exam. Individual coaching prep ($49) and team coaching prep ($59) available.
Individual Prep ($49)Jump in with any module — no sequential order required. All times Eastern (ET).
Get a head start — begin free self-paced coursework now and be ready when your module begins.
Start Free CourseworkPCC + ACTC training modules run on a flexible schedule. View upcoming session dates below and start with any cohort.
Save over $700 vs. buying modules individually. Includes all core modules, mentoring, supervision, and both exam prep courses – everything you need for both PCC and ACTC credentials.
Our Level 2 program is designed by Master Certified Coaches and delivered by an MCC & PCC team who bring decades of executive, leadership, and organizational coaching experience to every session.
Cherie is a co-founder and CEO of Tandem Coaching with over 20 years of experience as a corporate leader turned professional coach. She ranks in the top 3.7% of over 56,000 credentialed coaches worldwide and was named the #16 most influential coach by Global Gurus. Her background in executive, leadership, and agile coaching – combined with deep organizational design expertise – gives students a rare blend of real-world leadership and coaching mastery. Cherie is also a co-author of the Enterprise Agile Coaching book and one of only 215 Accredited Coaching Supervisors worldwide with EMCC.
Kalina is a senior trainer and facilitator with 15+ years of experience delivering practical, business-focused leadership and organizational effectiveness training in large corporate environments. An ICF PCC, she integrates NLP, Positive Psychology, and neuroscience into human-centered learning experiences that translate into real-world application.
At the PCC level, instructor quality matters more than ever. Most Level 2 programs are taught by PCC-level coaches. Our curriculum is designed and led by an MCC – the highest credential ICF awards, held by fewer than 4% of all credentialed coaches worldwide. This MCC & PCC team ensures you’re developing advanced coaching competencies guided by coaches who’ve demonstrated mastery at the highest standard. You won’t just learn what PCC-level coaching looks like – you’ll learn from coaches who’ve gone beyond it.
Real reviews from coaches who advanced their practice through our Level 2 program.
"The program helped me to better grasp the concepts of Systems Thinking and how to apply them in coaching sessions. I found myself recognizing the system itself as a different entity – something I hadn't considered before. The live coaching demos and hands-on practice were invaluable."
"I see people as creative, resourceful, and whole. This program reinforced that belief and gave me practical tools to coach at a deeper level. Cherie has been a great mentor – her experience and insight made every session valuable. I'd recommend this to any coach serious about advancing their practice."
"The program struck a perfect balance of theory and practice. The learning far exceeded my expectations – every module built on the last in a way that felt intentional and well-designed. The coaching demonstrations were particularly powerful for seeing PCC-level skills in action."
"I enjoy each session of the PCC class and look forward to making a positive difference as a Human Systems Coach. The program gave me frameworks and tools I didn't know I needed. Cherie's ability to draw out insights during coaching demos is remarkable."
"Direct coaching and immediate candid feedback from the instructors was so valuable to growing as a coach. The program challenged me in ways I didn't expect – not just on technique, but on how I think about the systems I'm coaching within. This is the kind of professional development that creates lasting change."
The Professional Certified Coach (PCC) is the intermediate credential level awarded by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) – the largest and most recognized professional coaching organization in the world, representing over 50,000 members across more than 140 countries. The PCC represents a significant advancement beyond the ACC (Associate Certified Coach), requiring substantially more coach-specific education, coaching experience, and demonstrated mastery of the ICF Core Competencies.
Of the three ICF credential levels – ACC, PCC, and MCC (Master Certified Coach) – the PCC is where most certified professional coaches establish themselves for long-term career growth. Earning your PCC credential signals to clients, organizations, and employers that you have completed 125+ hours of advanced coaching education, logged 500+ hours of coaching experience, and demonstrated competency at a professional level through a rigorous performance evaluation and the ICF Credentialing Exam.
For coaches who already hold an ACC, the PCC is the natural next step – unlocking higher-fee coaching sessions, organizational coaching contracts, and leadership development roles that require PCC-level credentials or above. Many certified professional coaches report a significant increase in their earning potential after achieving PCC, with executive coaching engagements and corporate contracts becoming accessible. It’s also an essential credential if you want to become a recognized expert in your coaching practice and build a sustainable coaching business.
Get the complete PCC + ACTC Level 2 program details, schedule, and pricing in a convenient PDF – delivered straight to your inbox.
The jump from ACC to PCC is significant. It’s not simply more hours of the same training – ICF expects PCC-level coaches to demonstrate a deeper, more nuanced command of coaching skills. Here’s how the two credential levels compare:
Beyond the numbers, PCC-level coaching is assessed differently. ICF evaluators look for coaches who create space for deeper exploration, use powerful questions that go beyond surface-level inquiry, and demonstrate sustained coaching presence throughout the session. At the ACC level, demonstrating foundational competency is sufficient. At PCC, evaluators expect you to show mastery – coaching that consistently reflects the ICF Core Competencies at a professional level.
If you currently hold an ACC, Tandem’s Level 2 program is designed specifically for this transition. You won’t repeat foundational content – our modules build on your existing skills with advanced systems coaching techniques. Learn more about the ACC credential.
To earn your PCC credential, ICF requires you to meet five core criteria. Here’s what each one involves:
Tandem’s Level 2 program covers all five requirements: education hours, mentor coaching, performance evaluation preparation, and exam prep are built into the program. Your coaching experience hours are accumulated through your own coaching practice during and after the education. This ICF-accredited program helps you learn best practices, develop advanced skills, and meet ICF credentialing standards efficiently.
The ICF Core Competencies are the foundation of all ICF-credentialed coaching. Updated in 2019, the framework defines eight competencies organized into four domains that every coach must demonstrate. At the PCC level, ICF expects consistent, advanced application of these competencies – not just awareness of them.
A. Foundation: (1) Demonstrates Ethical Practice – understanding and applying the ICF Code of Ethics and coaching standards. (2) Embodies a Coaching Mindset – developing and maintaining an open, curious, flexible approach committed to ongoing learning and professional development.
B. Co-Creating the Relationship: (3) Establishes and Maintains Agreements – partnering with the client and stakeholders on coaching plans and goals. (4) Cultivates Trust and Safety – creating a supportive environment for free expression.
C. Communicating Effectively: (5) Maintains Presence – being fully conscious and engaged with the client. (6) Listens Actively – focusing on what the client is and is not saying to understand the full context. (7) Evokes Awareness – facilitating client insight through powerful questioning, silence, and observation.
D. Cultivating Learning and Growth: (8) Facilitates Client Growth – partnering with the client to transform learning into action, promoting client autonomy in the coaching process.
At the PCC level, evaluators assess whether you demonstrate these competencies with depth and consistency. For example, “Listens Actively” at the ACC level might mean reflecting what the client said. At the PCC level, it means hearing what’s beneath the words – patterns, beliefs, and systemic dynamics that the client hasn’t articulated yet. Tandem’s program specifically trains this deeper level of competency through systems coaching techniques.
ICF offers multiple application paths to earn your PCC credential, but the two most common are the Level 2 pathway and the Portfolio pathway. Understanding the difference can save you significant time and complexity.
Complete an ICF Level 2 accredited program (like Tandem’s). Your program certificate is the primary document you submit to ICF – no need to collect paperwork from multiple providers. Education, mentor coaching, and performance evaluation preparation are all included. Application review typically takes 4 weeks.
Piece together your 125+ education hours from non-accredited or CCE-approved courses. You’ll need to document each education provider separately, arrange your own mentor coaching and performance evaluation, and submit a more complex application. The review takes longer (up to 14 weeks) and the application fee is higher.
Tandem’s PCC program follows the Level 2 pathway – meaning everything you need is built into one cohesive accredited program. When you finish, you receive a single completion certificate that ICF accepts directly. No chasing down transcripts or coordinating with multiple vendors. Our program also includes ACTC (Advanced Certification in Team Coaching) as a bonus – giving you two credentials from one program.
The Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) is the standardized credentialing exam required for all ICF credentials, including PCC. It’s a knowledge-based exam – not a coaching demonstration – designed to test your understanding of ICF Core Competencies, coaching ethics, and the definition and boundaries of professional coaching.
The exam is computer-based and can be taken at testing centers worldwide or online through a proctored format. It uses scaled scoring, with a passing score of 460 out of 600. Most coaches who have completed a structured training program pass on their first attempt, but targeted preparation makes a meaningful difference.
Tandem’s program includes dedicated exam prep modules – both for individual coaching ($49) and team coaching ($59). These cover the most commonly tested scenarios, help you recognize the ICF-aligned answer patterns, and give you practice with the exam format. Many of our graduates report feeling well-prepared and confident on exam day.
The PCC performance evaluation requires you to submit two recorded coaching sessions with written transcripts. An ICF-trained assessor reviews these recordings to verify that your coaching demonstrates PCC-level competency across all eight ICF Core Competencies. This is the most rigorous part of the credentialing process – and the area where many coaches feel least prepared.
Each recorded session should be a real coaching engagement (not a practice session with a peer) lasting 20–60 minutes. The assessor evaluates how you establish the coaching agreement, listen actively, evoke awareness, and facilitate client growth. At the PCC level, they’re looking for depth and nuance – not just competent coaching, but coaching that consistently reflects professional-level mastery.
Tandem prepares you for this throughout the program. Our modules include live coaching demonstrations at the PCC level, structured practice with feedback from MCC-level instructors, and guidance on selecting and recording sessions that showcase your best work. By the time you submit, you’ll know exactly what evaluators are looking for.
Transparency matters when you’re making an investment in your coaching career. Here’s the full cost breakdown for earning your Professional Certified Coach credential through Tandem:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tandem Full PCC + ACTC Level 2 Program (all modules, mentoring & exam prep) | $3,999 |
| ICF Credential Application Fee (Level 2 pathway, member) | $375 |
| ICF Credential Application Fee (Level 2 pathway, non-member) | $525 |
| ICF Membership (optional, annual) | $245/yr |
| Total Investment (with ICF membership) | ~$4,619 |
If you prefer to go module by module, individual core modules start at $399 each, and two modules – ICF Individual and Team Competencies and Mastering ICF Core Competencies – are completely free. You can experience Tandem’s teaching style and meet the community before committing financially. See the full program breakdown for individual pricing.
Compared to many ICF Level 2 programs that charge $5,000–$15,000 for similar training, Tandem’s MCC-led program with both PCC and ACTC credentials included represents exceptional value. Learn more about all of our ICF coaching training programs.
The timeline for PCC certification depends largely on how many coaching experience hours you’ve already accumulated. Most coaches complete the full process in 12 to 24 months, but your individual timeline can vary:
If you already have 500+ coaching hours: You can focus on completing the 125 hours of education. Tandem’s modular structure lets you start with any upcoming cohort and progress at your own pace. The training itself can be completed in 6–9 months, depending on cohort scheduling and your availability.
If you’re building coaching hours: The 500-hour requirement (with 450 paid hours across 25+ clients) is typically what determines your overall timeline. These hours accumulate during and after your training. Many coaches already have significant hours from their existing practice.
After submitting your application through the Level 2 pathway, ICF typically reviews it within 4 weeks. Once approved, you’ll schedule and take the credentialing exam. Many coaches who enter the program with existing coaching experience go from “starting training” to “PCC letters after their name” in 12–18 months.
Your PCC credential is valid for three years from the date it’s awarded. To renew, ICF requires you to complete 40 hours of Continuing Coach Education (CCE) during your credential period. At least 24 of those hours must be in core competency development (training that directly develops your coaching skills), and the remaining hours can be in resource development (business of coaching, related professional skills).
The renewal application fee varies depending on your ICF membership status. ICF members pay a lower renewal fee, which is one reason many coaches choose to maintain their membership throughout their credential period.
Tandem’s ongoing supervision programs, workshops, and community events can count toward your CCE renewal hours. Many of our graduates stay connected with the Tandem community well beyond their initial certification – both for continuing education and for the peer support that sustains a thriving coaching practice.
Still have questions about PCC certification or whether this program is right for you?
Book a Free ConsultationSee how our Level 2 program stacks up against typical PCC training programs.
| Feature | Tandem Coaching Level 2 Accredited | Typical Programs Other ICF Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Instructor Level | MCC & PCC Team | PCC-level instructors |
| Credentials Earned | PCC + ACTC (dual) | PCC only |
| Free Trial Modules | 2 free modules, no CC | None or paid trial |
| Full Program Price | $3,999 | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Module-by-Module Option | Yes – $399/module | Usually no |
| Mentor Coaching Included | Group + Individual | Sometimes extra |
| Exam Prep Course | Included ($49 – $59) | Usually extra |
| Format | Online, flexible cohorts | Varies |
Everything you need to know about earning your Professional Certified Coach credential.
The Professional Certified Coach (PCC) is the intermediate credential level awarded by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). It represents a significant step beyond the ACC (Associate Certified Coach), requiring 125+ hours of coach-specific education, 500 hours of coaching experience, and demonstrated mastery of the ICF Core Competencies through a performance evaluation and credentialing exam. The PCC is where most professional coaches establish themselves for long-term career growth.
To earn your PCC credential, you need: (1) 125+ hours of coach-specific education through an ICF-accredited Level 2 program, (2) 500 hours of coaching experience with at least 450 paid hours and 25+ clients over 24 months, (3) 10 hours of mentor coaching with a PCC or MCC-level coach, (4) a performance evaluation with two recorded coaching sessions and transcripts, and (5) a passing score on the ICF Credentialing Exam (CKA). Tandem’s program covers requirements 1, 3, 4, and 5 – coaching hours are accumulated through your own practice.
With Tandem, the full PCC + ACTC Level 2 program costs $3,999 and includes all core modules, mentoring, supervision, and exam prep. On top of that, you’ll pay ICF’s credential application fee – $375 for ICF members or $525 for non-members. Optional ICF membership is $245 per year. All in, most graduates invest approximately $4,400–$4,800 from enrollment to credential. You can also start with individual modules at $399 each, and two modules are completely free.
ICF requires 500 hours of coaching experience for the PCC credential. At least 450 of those must be paid coaching hours, with a minimum of 25 different clients over at least 24 months. The remaining hours can be pro bono. These hours are accumulated alongside and after your training – many coaches pursuing PCC already have significant hours from their existing practice. If you’re still building hours, our team can provide guidance on structuring and documenting your coaching engagements.
The ACC (Associate Certified Coach) requires 60+ hours of education and 100 coaching hours. The PCC (Professional Certified Coach) requires 125+ hours of education and 500 coaching hours (450 paid), plus two recorded coaching sessions for performance evaluation instead of one. PCC-level coaching is assessed for deeper competency – evaluators look for sustained coaching presence, nuanced questioning, and consistent demonstration of mastery across all ICF Core Competencies. The PCC credential commands higher fees and is typically required for organizational coaching contracts. Learn more about ACC.
Most coaches complete the full process in 12 to 24 months. If you already have 500+ coaching hours, you can focus on completing the 125 education hours – the training itself can be finished in 6–9 months. If you’re still building hours, the 500-hour requirement determines your timeline. After submitting your Level 2 application, ICF typically reviews it within about 4 weeks.
The Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) is a computer-based exam covering ICF Core Competencies, coaching ethics, and the boundaries of professional coaching. It uses situational judgment format with 155 scored questions plus 20 unscored pre-test items. The passing score is 460 out of 600 on a scaled scoring system. The same exam is used for both ACC and PCC credentials. Tandem’s program includes dedicated exam prep modules – $49 for individual coaching and $59 for team coaching – to help you feel confident on exam day.
Yes. Tandem’s entire PCC + ACTC Level 2 program is delivered online. Core modules include live, instructor-led sessions via Zoom combined with asynchronous materials you work through at your own pace. The live sessions are where real coaching practice, demonstrations, and feedback happen. The ICF credentialing exam can also be taken online through a proctored format. You can earn your Professional Certified Coach credential from anywhere in the world.
Your PCC credential is valid for three years. To renew, you need 40 hours of Continuing Coach Education (CCE) – at least 24 hours in core competency development and the remainder in resource development. You also pay a renewal fee that varies based on ICF membership status. Tandem’s ongoing supervision programs and community events can count toward your CCE renewal hours.
Yes. This Systems Coach bridge program earns you both PCC and ACTC (Advanced Certification in Team Coaching) credentials. The systems coaching methodology at the core of our curriculum prepares you for both individual and team coaching at the professional level. You get two globally recognized credentials from one integrated program. The Professional Coach Program also qualifies you for ACTC as part of its complete ACC-through-PCC pathway. Learn more about ACTC certification.
This Systems Coach bridge program requires 60 hours of ICF-accredited coach training (such as Tandem’s ACC Level 1 program or equivalent from another provider). If you completed your foundational training elsewhere, your hours transfer directly – no additional paperwork required. If you don’t yet have 60 hours, consider the Professional Coach Program ($7,499) which bundles ACC training plus this bridge into one enrollment.
This program (Systems Coach) is the bridge from ACC to PCC + ACTC for $3,999. The Professional Coach Program ($7,499) bundles ACC training + this bridge into one enrollment. If you already have ACC or equivalent training, you only need this bridge. If you’re starting from scratch, the Professional Coach Program saves $499 vs. enrolling in ACC and Systems Coach separately.
Choose the path that fits your goals and budget. Every option includes our MCC-led instruction and supportive coaching community.
