The International Coaching Federation’s (ICF) new Level 3 education path is for the Professional Certified Coach (PCC), who is ready to go for the coveted Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential. I’ve heard from many of you that there is a desire to pursue this higher credential; however, several of you still have questions, such as, “Why should I bother? What’s in it for me?” or thoughts like, “My clients aren’t necessarily asking for it, so I don’t see the reason to go through all the hard work to climb what seems like a huge mountain.”
I know there is some skepticism out there among coaches with the PCC credential asking about all the work that it takes to get through a Level 3 education program. But I can tell you with the utmost certainty that it’s worth it — and here’s why:
First, I personally love the idea of being at the top of whatever it is I do in the world. Call me nuts, but I enjoy being part of the top 4% of ICF credential-holders worldwide. That’s really exciting to me. The ICF MCC is like the PhD of coaching. It just feels right for somebody who’s in this profession to want to do well. I personally love being at the top. Not to mention the credibility and respect you receive among peers and clients. There’s a certain level of ego that’s involved for sure. That alone is a motivator for some.
Second, and more importantly, is the absolute up-leveling that occurs in the way you coach and the way you show up as a coach. It’s very different. There’s a big change between coaching at the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and the PCC level. However, the change between PCC coaching and MCC coaching is entirely different. It changes you from the inside out. It helps you to arrive at a whole new level of coaching, which inevitably helps you get your client to the next level. After all, isn’t that why we are in this profession?
When I earned my MCC, it was night and day from the coaching I was doing at the PCC level. My clients noticed too. They began to refer me more, my practice got busier, and my rates went up. Not to mention the tremendous amount of confidence and pride I had in being able to help people get where they wanted to go through this incredible new level of coaching.
Finally, some coaches say people aren’t really looking for you to have that MCC credential. So why bother? I understand the argument. This feeling may have some truth for the moment, but in the future of coaching (and I think sooner than later), there is going to be a real separation of the wheat from the chaff.
MCC credentialed coaches are still rare for now, but I would love to see you at the head of this pack that is going to change the coaching industry. There’s a real opportunity for you to be a trailblazer.
So, yes, there is a bit of work for you to complete an ICF Level 3 course. But you and your coaching practice are worth the effort.
