Preparing for (and Passing!) the ICF PCC Exam

If you’re getting ready for an ICF Credentialing Exam, I thought I’d share my own journey. When I was preparing, I loved hearing from other coaches who’d already been through it. Their stories helped me feel less alone, and I hope mine will do the same for you.

Starting with the Foundations

I began my prep with the ICF Core Competencies and the Code of Ethics. These were my anchor points. Not just something to “learn for the test,” but a reminder of why I coach and what ICF standards really mean in practice.

Here are the links I found most useful:

• ICF Core Competencies

• ICF Code of Ethics

I read them, re-read them and spent time reflecting on what they looked like in my actual client conversations.

Learning from Other Coaches

One of the most encouraging parts of my preparation was realising how connected I was with so many amazing coaches and groups. People were generous with their time and tips—sharing subtle insights into how the exam works and how to think through tricky scenarios.

I also found the ICF Ethics video series on YouTube really valuable. They take the concepts off the page and bring them into real coaching situations, which helped me understand how the ethics play out practically.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Like many of you, I was a little nervous about the exam format. To get comfortable, I:

• Took online mock exams to build confidence and timing.

• Used ChatGPT to create sample questions in the style of the exam—asking it to generate situations where I had to pick the “best” and “worst” responses.

That kind of practice was invaluable. It taught me not just to look for the “right” answer, but to notice when an answer drifted away from coaching presence, ethics, or client-centredness.

Test Day at the Centre

You can choose to take the exam at home or at a Pearson VUE testing centre. I decided on a local test centre, and I’m glad I did.

I visited the location beforehand so I’d know where to go, which really reduced my nerves. On the day itself, I was still nervous—but I reminded myself: I’d already done the hard work. I had over 500 client hours, mentor coaching, and training behind me. This exam was just the final step in recognising the level I’d reached as a coach.

There was a funny moment when the internet at the test centre briefly went down. For a second my heart stopped—but the staff handled it quickly and I was able to get back on track.

And the best part of choosing a centre? I got my results before I even left the building. Instant relief!

Looking Back

If I reflect on what really helped me most, it was this combination:

• Deep study of the competencies and ethics

• Honest conversations with other coaches about subtle application

• Practice with as many mock questions as possible

• Visiting my test centre so the environment felt familiar

• Trusting in the hard work I’d already put in

Final Thoughts

If you’re preparing for your PCC exam, here’s my advice:

• Ground yourself in the competencies and ethics—that’s what the exam (and coaching itself) is really about.

• Reach out to your coaching network. Other coaches are a goldmine of support and encouragement.

• Practice until you feel confident with the style of questions.

• And when test day comes, remember: you’ve already done the hard work. The exam is simply a recognition of the coach you’ve become.

Good luck—you’ve got this.