COVID-19 Resources for ICF Coaches. Learn more
There are three application paths to choose from for the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential. For each path, the applicant is required to have completed at least 60 hours of coach-specific training, a minimum of 100 hours of client coaching experience, 10 hours of mentor coaching over a minimum of three months, and must pass a performance assessment of their coaching and the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA).
Your application path is determined by the training(s) used to meet the 60-hour coach specific training requirement. Review the requirements below to determine which path fits the training you have received or are considering.
Use the tabbed content below to review each pathway’s requirements, pricing and review time, which vary with each path. You can find these details under the appropriate path’s tab.
*An ACTP program, when completed in full, includes at least 125 student contact hours, 10 hours of mentor coaching and a performance evaluation process.
**Given the continued impact of the COVID-19, the ICF Credentials and Standards Board has temporarily approved an increase in the proportion of eligible pro bono coaching hours for ACC applicants who apply by December 31, 2021. This is an extension of the previously announced temporary measure, which was set to end December 31, 2020. The proportion is increasing by 20%, meaning that ACC applicants can count 30 hours of pro bono coaching toward their experience requirement (up from 25 hours).
***Given the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our communities, countries and world, the ICF Credentials and Standards Board has temporarily approved an extension to client coaching experience recency requirements. If a coach applies for their ACC by December 31, 2021, their recency requirement for experience hours will be extended from 18 to 24 months. This is an extension from the previously announced temporary measure, which was set to end December 31, 2020. This means that at least 25 hours of coaching experience must have taken place within 24 months of submitting your application.
Estimated Timeline for Review: 4 weeks
*Given the continued impact of the COVID-19, the ICF Credentials and Standards Board has temporarily approved an increase in the proportion of eligible pro bono coaching hours for ACC applicants who apply by December 31, 2021. This is an extension of the previously announced temporary measure, which was set to end December 31, 2020. The proportion is increasing by 20%, meaning that ACC applicants can count 30 hours of pro bono coaching toward their experience requirement (up from 25 hours).
**Given the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our communities, countries and world, the ICF Credentials and Standards Board has temporarily approved an extension to client coaching experience recency requirements. If a coach applies for their ACC by December 31, 2021, their recency requirement for experience hours will be extended from 18 to 24 months. This is an extension from the previously announced temporary measure, which was set to end December 31, 2020. This means that at least 25 hours of coaching experience must have taken place within 24 months of submitting your application.
Estimated Timeline for Review: 14 Weeks
If you are counting Continuing Coach Education (CCE) units and/or non-approved training toward your training requirements, you are required to follow the ACC Portfolio path.
*Given the continued impact of the COVID-19, the ICF Credentials and Standards Board has temporarily approved an increase in the proportion of eligible pro bono coaching hours for ACC applicants who apply by December 31, 2021. This is an extension of the previously announced temporary measure, which was set to end December 31, 2020. The proportion is increasing by 20%, meaning that ACC applicants can count 30 hours of pro bono coaching toward their experience requirement (up from 25 hours).
**Given the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our communities, countries and world, the ICF Credentials and Standards Board has temporarily approved an extension to client coaching experience recency requirements. If a coach applies for their ACC by December 31, 2021, their recency requirement for experience hours will be extended from 18 to 24 months. This is an extension from the previously announced temporary measure, which was set to end December 31, 2020. This means that at least 25 hours of coaching experience must have taken place within 24 months of submitting your application.
Estimated Timeline for Review: 14 weeks
Candidates on the ACC Portfolio Path must complete at least 60 hours of coach-specific training with robust documentation.
Candidates on the ACC ACSTH and Portfolio paths must document at least 10 hours of Mentor Coaching on their online application.
Applicants for ICF Credentials are required to demonstrate a set number of hours of coaching experience. Coaches must complete an attestation of this experience as part of the application.
The Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) is a tool that can be used to measure coaches’ understanding of the knowledge and skills important in the practice of coaching. The CKA tests coaches on their understanding of the body of knowledge that includes the ICF definition of coaching, Core Competencies and Code of Ethics.
The ACC ACSTH and Portfolio processes include a performance evaluation where ICF Assessors will review one recorded coaching session with transcript. You are required to pass this performance evaluation at the ACC level in order to be awarded the ACC credential.
Do not send documentation to ICF Headquarters by mail or email. Only documentation that has been included with your online application will be accepted.
If you have questions or need support regarding the Associate Certified Coach Credential, please visit the ICF Support page.
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