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PCC & MCC Exam Update
New ICF PCC-MCC Exam 2026:
What Changes and How to Prepare
The ICF written exam for PCC and MCC candidates is changing. The new PCC-MCC Exam begins on 10 November 2026 and combines situational judgement with knowledge-based multiple-choice questions.
If you are preparing now, the practical question is not only “What changed?” It is also: Which exam should I take, which standards apply to it, and how should I prepare?
AT A GLANCE
What Is Changing in the New PCC-MCC Exam?
The new format keeps professional judgement at the centre, but adds a substantial knowledge component and reduces the total testing time.
80
Total Items
44
Situational-judgement items
36
Knowledge-based MCQs
150
Minutes + optional 10-minute break
Detail
Current ICF Credentialing Exam
New PCC-MCC Exam
New-exam section order: 18 knowledge questions → 22 situational-judgement questions → optional 10-minute break → 18 knowledge questions → 22 situational-judgement questions.
Total items
78
80
Situational judgement
78 items
44 items
Knowledge-based MCQ
None
36 items
Total time
180 minutes, including optional break
150 minutes, plus optional 10-minute
break
Structure
Two 39-item sections
Four sections: knowledge and situational-judgement sections around the optional break
Core standards
2019 ICF Core Competencies + 2020 ICF Code of Ethics
2025 ICF Core Competencies +
2025 ICF Code of Ethics
Important: CoachReady’s current PCC and MCC preparation reflects the current 78-item situational-judgement exam. It is not being presented as a simulator for the new 80-item PCC-MCC Exam. CoachReady is developing new-format preparation separately.
KEY DATES
When Does the New PCC-MCC Exam Start?
10 November 2026
New exam + transition begin
The first new-format test dates become available. The transition period also starts
31 March 2027
Final current-exam date
ICF has published this as the final date to sit for the current Credentialing Exam.
From 1 April 2027
New exam becomes required
Candidates testing or retesting from this date will take the new PCC-MCC Exam.
During the transition, you may take either exam. ICF says candidates testing or retesting from 10 November 2026 through 31 March 2027 may take the current Credentialing Exam or the new PCC-MCC Exam. If you are already in “ready for exam” status and prefer to wait for the new exam, ICF provides a process to request that option. Always follow your own ICF credentialing communication and booking instructions.
THE PREPARATION SHIFT
The New Exam Tests Two Different Abilities
For the current PCC/MCC exam, every item is situational judgement: read a coaching scenario and identify the BEST and WORST response.
In the new PCC-MCC Exam, that judgement still matters. But candidates must also answer 36 knowledge-based multiple-choice questions.
That changes preparation. You need to be able to know the standard and apply the standard. Memorising terminology alone is not enough; neither is relying only on scenario intuition.
WHAT TO PREPARE
How Should PCC and MCC Candidates Prepare for the New Format?
1
Know the 2025 standards
Study the 2025 ICF Core Competencies and 2025 Code of Ethics directly from ICF. Know what the standard says before trying to apply it.
2
Practise professional judgement
Continue working with realistic coaching situations. For situational-judgement items, practise explaining why one action is stronger and another weaker.
3
Practise both formats under time
The new exam mixes knowledge and judgement. Preparation should therefore include both question types and eventually realistic new-format timing.
COACHREADY NEW-FORMAT PREPARATION
CoachReady Is Working on the New 80-Item Exam
CoachReady is developing preparation for the new 80-item ICF PCC-MCC Exam, aligned to the 2025 ICF Core Competencies and 2025 Code of Ethics.
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Our target is to make the new-format preparation available before the new exam launches on 10 November 2026. Release will follow content review and validation so that we do not label today’s 78-item PCC/MCC preparation as something it is not.
Until then, candidates preparing for the current Credentialing Exam can continue to use CoachReady’s existing PCC and MCC readiness and practice experiences for the current format.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Start With ICF’s Own Material​
CoachReady is an independent preparation platform. ICF remains the final authority for exam eligibility, scheduling, format, transition arrangements and the standards that apply to your attempt
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Questions About the 2026 PCC-MCC Exam Change
Is the PCC-MCC written exam changing in 2026?
Yes. ICF has announced the new PCC-MCC Exam with first test dates from 10 November 2026
How many questions are in the new PCC-MCC Exam?
The published structure is 80 items: 44 situational-judgement items and 36 knowledge-based multiple-choice questions.
Can I choose the current exam or the new exam during the transition?
Yes. ICF says candidates testing or retesting from 10 November 2026 through 31 March 2027 may take either exam. From 1 April 2027, candidates will take the new PCC-MCC Exam.
Will passing either exam give me the same PCC or MCC credential?
Yes. ICF states that successful candidates earn the same PCC or MCC credential whether they pass the current exam during the transition or the new PCC-MCC Exam.
Is the new exam only for PCC candidates?
No. The new written exam is for both PCC and MCC credential candidates.
Can I use CoachReady’s current PCC/MCC mock as a new 80-item exam simulator?
No. CoachReady’s current PCC/MCC preparation reflects the current 78-item situational-judgement format. New-format preparation is being developed separately.
When will CoachReady’s new-format preparation be available?
CoachReady is targeting availability before 10 November 2026, subject to content review and validation. We will not publish a new-format product simply by relabelling the current one.
Reviewed: September 2026. Exam information can change; always verify your own credentialing and scheduling instructions with ICF and Pearson VUE.