ICF submissions
ICF Recording Requirements for ACC, PCC and MCC
By Gary Malcolm, Master Certified Coach (ICF) · Updated 1 September 2026
Key takeaways
- An ICF performance evaluation recording must be 20 to 60 minutes long; sessions outside that range are not scored.
- It must be one continuous, unedited audio file of a real coaching session with a paid or pro bono client who has given written consent.
- Accepted audio formats include MP3, WMA, MP4 and M4A, with a file size limit of 95MB. Video is not required; audio only is standard.
- Each recording needs its own verbatim, speaker-labelled, timestamped transcript, plus an English translation if the session is in another language.
- ACC portfolio applications submit 1 recording; PCC and MCC submit 2. The recording pathway for ACC and PCC portfolio closes 31 March 2027.
A recording that does not meet ICF’s requirements is rejected before any assessor scores it. The rules: a real coaching session with a consenting client, 20 to 60 minutes, one continuous unedited audio file in MP3, WMA, MP4 or M4A format up to 95MB, accompanied by a verbatim, speaker-labelled, timestamped transcript, with an English translation if the session is in another language.
The rules people most often miss
Length is strict. A 19-minute or 61-minute session is not scored, however good the coaching. Recording a 65-minute session and trimming it to 60 breaks the unedited rule instead. Plan sessions to land comfortably inside the window.
One continuous file. No edits, no pauses. If the recorder stopped mid-session, you cannot submit that session. Only you can confirm this: a clean edit may not be audible, and ICF holds the candidate responsible.
Written consent. ICF requires written client consent. Asking the client to also confirm on the recording that they agree to its use for accreditation protects both of you if consent is ever questioned.
A compliant recording can still fail
Compliance only means your recording will be scored. Assessors then mark coaching behavior, and habits such as steering summaries, stacked questions and coach-designed actions can hold a compliant recording below standard.
Check your recording before you submit.
Frequently asked questions
How long must an ICF recording be?
Between 20 and 60 minutes. ICF does not score sessions shorter than 20 minutes or longer than 60, so a 61-minute file fails before assessment begins.
Can I edit or trim my recording?
No. The recording must be one continuous, unedited file. Trimming, splicing multiple parts together, or pausing and resuming the recorder all make the submission non-compliant, and multi-part recordings are rejected outright.
What audio file formats does ICF accept?
MP3, WMA, MP4 and M4A, up to 95MB. Audio is sufficient; you do not need video.
Does my client need to consent?
Yes, in writing. The session must be a genuine coaching session with a paid or pro bono client who has consented to the recording being used for your credentialing. Good practice is to also capture the client confirming this verbally on the recording itself.
Can I use a session in a language other than English?
Yes, but you must provide an English translation of the transcript alongside the original. The translation is your responsibility, including its accuracy.
How many recordings do I need?
ACC portfolio: 1 recording. PCC portfolio: 2 recordings. MCC: 2 recordings. Each needs its own transcript.
What gets recordings rejected before scoring?
Wrong length, edited or multi-part files, missing or non-verbatim transcripts, missing translations and unsupported formats. A rejection still costs you a submission cycle, even though nobody scored your coaching.
Can someone check my recording is compliant before I submit?
Yes. Review My Coaching checks length, transcript and translation before your review starts. If a file fails, your review credit carries over to the replacement recording.