01. Choosing Where to Take the ICF Credentialing Exam: At Home or at a Center

This is Part 1 of a 4-part series on the ICF Credentialing Exam.

• Part 1: Choosing Where to Take the ICF Credentialing Exam: At Home or at a Center
• Part 2: ICF Credentialing Exam Day: An In-Depth Look at My In-Person Experience in NYC
• Part 3: Understanding the ICF Credentialing Exam
• Part 4: How I Studied for the ICF Credentialing Exam and What Helped Me Pass

A Quick Disclaimer: This post is based on my experience taking the ICF Credentialing Exam as part of my MCC application in April 2024. I’ve done my best to update the information as of June 2025. However, since the ICF regularly makes changes, please do your own homework and verify current requirements by checking their Credential Updates page.

This post focuses on my experience taking the ICF Credentialing Exam in person, including the decisions, logistics, and stressors I navigated along the way. If you’re looking for tips on how to study or understand the exam format, check out Part 3, Understanding the ICF Credentialing Exam and Part 4, How I Studied for the ICF Credentialing Exam and What Helped Me Pass.

Before we dive in, I want to clear up a common confusion. As of the time I’m writing this blog post (June 2025):

• ACC exam is a separate multiple-choice test introduced in November 2024, focused on coaching knowledge and ethics.
• ICF Credentialing Exam is the exact same test used for both PCC and MCC applicants. It’s a scenario-based exam where you choose the best and worst actions in coaching situations. There is no separate or harder version for MCC.

Honestly, I was the most anxious about the Credentialing Exam more than any other step in my journey. The irony isn't lost on me, given that passing two session recordings with the required practicum and training hours at the MCC level is known to be a high bar. But I just couldn't seem to befriend multiple-choice test formats. I even failed my written driver's test when I was a kid! I know I'm an experiential learner who thrives on embodied processes rather than analyzing words. I also definitely have a rebellious and creative parts that resist picking a single answer from limited options. Plus, there's so much hype around how challenging this exam is (And my response? Yes. It really was).

Aside from all of the complex emotional stuff, I had a bigger and simpler challenge. Anyone who knows me knows I hydrate constantly and operate like a dog on a mission to mark every fire hydrant in New York City. (Just to be clear, I don’t do that.) The idea of not being able to drink water or go to the bathroom during the exam gave me so much anxiety. (For the record, you might be able to run to the bathroom if you absolutely must, but that'll be taken out of the much-needed exam time.)

For this reason, I was leaning toward taking the exam at home. We were only given a 5-minute break (thankfully, it was extended to 10 minutes after August 20, 2024). I couldn't fathom rushing to a potentially crowded bathroom outside the testing center, taking a sip of water, stretching, and then going back through the security process all within 5 minutes. It was starting to feel more like a test to become a professional ninja than a coach. But then I spoke to a colleague who seems to know a lot about testing procedures, and they pointed out that my plant-filled home office might not pass the environment check unless I was willing to clear it all out. Sigh.

Ultimately, I decided to take the exam at a testing center. NYC offers many options, so my next step was choosing the right one. Some had great online reviews, while others did not. Apparently, not all testing centers are created equal. As always, my colleagues from the NYC coaching community were incredibly generous, patiently indulging my detailed inquiries about the environment and bathroom situations.

I ended up choosing Pearson Professional Center Midtown NYC at 19 W 44th St and took the exam there on the very rainy April 2nd, 2024. I’ll share the full story of exam day, along with practical tips, in Part 2: ICF Credentialing Exam Day: An In-Depth Look at My In-Person Experience in NYC. Meanwhile, here are some key points to consider when deciding whether to take the test in person or online at home.

Tips for Choosing Between Taking the ICF Credentialing Test at Home or In-Person at a Testing Center

Passing the ICF Credentialing Exam is the last requirement before earning an ICF credential. After the specific requirements for your credential level (ACC, PCC, or MCC) are approved, you'll receive a link to schedule the exam. You have 60 days to schedule and complete the test from the time you receive the link.

The first decision you need to make is whether to take the exam at a testing center or online at home. For some people, this is an easy choice, especially if you live very far from a testing center. For others, like myself as I shared above, it may not feel as straightforward. Here are some common pros and cons for taking the exam at home versus at a testing center for your consideration. You can also check out this link to learn more.

Testing Online at Home:

PROS:

• Personal Comfort: You have control over your surroundings, including seating, room temperature, and lighting, which can contribute to a more comfortable testing experience.
• Convenience: No need to travel or commute, reducing the risk of unexpected delays or issues.
• Break Management: At home, you might find it easier to manage your short break without the added stress of navigating an unfamiliar facility.

CONS:

• Technical Issues: If your internet connection drops or your computer crashes, it can be a stressful experience. In the past, time was taken out of the exam time, but now the timer is paused while you work through the issue. If you're unable to resolve it, you'll need to reschedule and start over on another day.
• Environmental Checks: The process of working with the proctor to make sure your environment meets their standards can be surprisingly stressful. You might be asked to rearrange your space on the spot. Not exactly the calming ritual you'd hope for before a long and intense exam.
• Surveillance: You'll be watched by a live proctor throughout the exam, which might feel intrusive or uncomfortable. You need to stay within the monitor’s view the entire time. If a family member walks in, whether it’s a curious kid, a furry companion, or someone delivering a package, your exam might be stopped. You may need to reschedule and pay to take it again.

Testing In Person at a Testing Center:

PROS:

• Ease of Process: You go to the testing center, take the exam, and leave. It’s straightforward. All you have to focus on is getting there on time and taking the test.
• No Home Setup Stress: You don’t have to worry about sorting out your space, dealing with technical issues, or managing any unexpected interruptions.
• On-Site Support: If something goes wrong, whether technical or otherwise, there’s staff available to help. You don’t have to resolve it alone.

CONS:

• Scheduling: Testing centers may have limited availability due to demand from other exams, so you might need to work around their open slots rather than your ideal time.
• Commuting: You need to travel or commute to the testing center, and there is potential for unexpected delays or issues that could add stress. You’ll also need to account for extra time before and after the exam, which can take up more of your day than testing at home.
• Unfamiliar Environment: You’ll be taking the test next to strangers in a setting that’s unfamiliar. During the 10-minute break, you might want to stretch, take a sip of water, and run to the restroom. Doing all of that, plus going through a quick security check before returning to your seat, can feel like a lot.

My Advice:

When weighing these pros and cons, I encourage you to talk to your colleagues who have taken tests online and at your local testing centers. Their experiences can provide valuable insights to help you make the best decision for your situation. I also recommend not waiting too long to schedule your test after receiving your invitation. Scheduling at testing centers can be more limited compared to online options, even in New York City. Remember, you can always reschedule if you change your mind.

In my next post, Part 2: ICF Credentialing Exam Day: An In-Depth Look at My In-Person Experience in NYC, I will share my detailed experience on the day of the exam and provide some practical advice to help you navigate the process.

If you have questions or need mentoring, feel free to reach out. I’m here to support you.

For additional support with the ICF Credentialing Exam, you can also contact support@coachingfederation.org.

Good luck with your test. I'm rooting for you.

About the Author: Rei Perovic is the Founder & CEO of Cofactors Strategies, an Executive and Leadership Coach, ICF Mentor, and Coach Educator. A Master Certified Coach (MCC) through the International Coaching Federation — a distinction held by fewer than 5% of coaches globally — she has coached more than 1,500 clients worldwide. She partners with purpose-driven leaders to navigate power, identity, and impact across cultures. Tokyo-born and NYC-based, she is fluent in English and Japanese and also translated Sushi Chef: Sukibayashi Jiro, based on Jiro Dreams of Sushi.