Introducing a new exam for Associate Certified Coach (ACC) candidates, designed by coaches, for coaches.
The new ACC Exam is designed specifically to access the knowledge of ACC Candidates at this stage in their coaching journey.
As the initial credential in the ICF credential framework, the ACC demonstrates a coach’s fundamental knowledge and skills in the ICF Core Competencies, Code of Ethics, and definition of coaching. The ACC is a smart first step for any coach practitioner to demonstrate their credibility and competence, showing clients they are ready to support them.
The ACC validates a coach’s foundational knowledge of the ICF Core Competencies, Code of Ethics, and definition of coaching, demonstrating the coach’s understanding of core coaching principles, and is designed for coaches who may be early in their coaching career, coaches who may practice part-time, and professionals who work in other disciplines but understand the value of integrating a coaching approach into their work.
To apply for the ACC, candidates’ must demonstrate requirements for coach-specific education, client coaching experience, complete mentor coaching with a qualified mentor coach, and demonstrate proficient application of the ICF Core Competencies through a performance evaluation. As a final step of the ACC certification process, all ACC candidates must achieve a passing score on the written exam.
Discover your application path and start today!
Previously, ACC candidates were required to take and pass the ICF Credentialing Exam to complete their ACC application. Now, the ACC Exam will be used to access the ACC candidate’s knowledge of the ICF Core Competencies, Code of Ethics and definition and boundaries of coaching against pre-determined standard.
The ACC exam tests knowledge of coaching competencies. This new exam is designed to be more accurate gauge of an ACC candidate’s coaching knowledge.
The ACC Exam was developed through a robust process aligned with best practices for the development of certification and high stakes exams. It is specifically designed by coaches and for coaches.
Your peers, credentialed coach practitioners, were integrally involved in every stage of the exam development process — from drafting and reviewing exam questions to determining the correct responses and the exam passing standard. Each question is reviewed and validated by dozens of coaching subject matter volunteers through multiple phases of review and testing to ensure each item is fair, accurate, and valid.
The ACC Exam consists of 60 multiple-choice knowledge items. Each item includes a brief prompt or question and four response options. There is only one correct response for each item.
The ACC Exam consists of two sections with an optional 10-minute break midway through the exam. The total exam time is organized in the following format:
I. Exam Instructions: 2 minutes
II. Section 1 (30 items): 39 minutes
III. Scheduled Break: 10 minutes
IV. Section 2 (30 items): 39 minutes
Exam Time: 90 minutes, including a 10-minute break.
Exam Length: 60 multiple-choice questions.
Exam Format: Computer-based written exam administered through proctored delivery at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide, or online through Pearson’s OnVue remote-proctored testing service.
Exam Content: The ACC Exam covers three broad domains of coaching knowledge. Exam questions cover these domains outlined below.
Domain: Coaching Ethics – 30%
Domain: Definition and Boundaries of Coaching – 30%
Domain: Coaching Competencies, Strategies, and Techniques – 40%
For those exam takers for whom English is not their native language, we offer various language aids. These aids are designed to help you understand and navigate the ACC Exam, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills without language barriers. Language aids, bilingual translation dictionaries, and the option to request translation support.
The ACC exam is offered in the following languages (with an English language aid):
Get ready to take your exam with confidence! Don’t discount your hours of experience as a valuable tool in taking the ACC Exam. If you’re looking for some additional study tips, take a look at the following:
ICF is pleased to offer an ACC Exam online tutorial. The tutorial is an interactive simulation of the Pearson VUE testing platform. Use this tutorial to become familiar with the exam platform features, practice the exam navigation functionality, and review and answer sample ACC Exam questions in the testing platform environment at your own pace. This online tutorial is available at no cost. Please scroll to the bottom of the webpage and look for the link to ACC Exam Tutorial.
As a first step, you must first submit an ACC credential application and required supplemental documentation. To review the application requirements, fees, and instructions for applying, visit the ICF ACC Credentials.
Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive an email invitation to schedule and take the written exam. This is the final step in the credentialing process.
This invitation will include detailed instructions on how to schedule an appointment with Pearson VUE to complete the exam (either in person or remotely). Upon receipt of this email, you will have 60 days to schedule and complete the exam.
Upon completion of the exam, you will receive immediate notice from Pearson Vue with preliminary exam results. Please allow 48 hours for ICF to update individual records with official exam results.
After your exam results have been entered into the ICF record, an email will be sent to either award the credential or provide directions on how to retake the exam.
A candidate’s score is based on successfully identifying each correct response. Candidates are not penalized for incorrect responses. The passing score and all exam results on the ACC Exam are reported as scaled scores. The range of possible scores is 200 to 600, with a passing score of 460.
If you do not pass the exam, you may retake the exam. The retake fee is $105 USD.
When can I take the ACC Exam?
The ACC Exam will be offered to candidates starting November 18, 2024. All ACC candidates authorized for the written exam from November 18th, 2024.
I have been authorized to take the ICF Credentialing Exam as part of my ACC application. Can I request to take the ACC Exam instead?
Yes, if you have been approved for the ICF Credentialing Exam as part of your ACC application, you may request to take the ACC Exam. Please reach out to support@coachingfederation.org to request the ACC Exam.
If you have already scheduled to retake the ICF Credentialing Exam, note that cancellation rules still apply as listed in your exam scheduling information and will not be waived [see here and click on ‘Policies’].
If you can cancel without penalty, please do so and reach out to support@coachingfederation.org for more information and instructions if you wish to schedule from November 18, to take the ACC exam. To cancel a scheduled exam, use the following instructions:
Can I still take the ICF Credentialing Exam?
ICF recognizes that some candidates may prefer to take the ICF Credentialing Exam. ACC candidates who still desire to take the ICF Credentialing Exam will be able to request the ICF Credentialing Exam through March 14, 2025. Any ACC candidate taking the exam after March 14, 2025 will be required to take the ACC Exam.
Where can I take the ACC Exam?
ICF Credentials and Standards partners with Pearson VUE for the delivery of its exams, including the new ACC Exam. Candidates may choose to complete the exam at one of over 5,000 Person VUE
test centers worldwide, or through Pearson OnVUE, a live, remote-proctored testing service that allows candidates to test from their home while being monitored by an online proctor.
Will the ACC Exam be available in languages other than English?
The ACC Exam is offered in 15 additional languages.
The ACC Exam is offered in the following languages (with an English language aid):
The ICF Credentialing exam uses Situational judgment questions, and the ACC Exam uses knowledge-based questions, what is the difference?
Situational judgment questions evaluate how individuals respond to practical situations, while knowledge-based questions assess knowledge and understanding of specific facts or concepts. Situational judgment questions are often longer and require more deliberation to answer correctly.
To better illustrate the differences, an example follows (please note the example is not representative of any content included in ICF exams):
Situational Judgment:
You are a graphic designer working on a project for a client. The client has requested a design that conveys a sense of trust and reliability for their financial services company. They are uncertain about color choices. What do you do?
(Correct Response: 3. Recommend using conservative and professional colors such as blue and gray to evoke trust.)
Knowledge-Based:
Question: In color psychology, which color is often associated with trust, reliability, and professionalism?
(Correct Response: 4. Blue)
When will I receive my results when taking the ACC Exam?
ACC Exam results will be available for candidates immediately following the completion of the exam.
I have taken but did not pass the ICF Credentialing Exam and I am eligible to retake the ICF Credentialing Exam. Can I request to take the ACC Exam as my exam retake option instead?
Yes, you may. For any candidate currently eligible to retake the ICF Credentialing Exam, please contact support@coachingfederation.org to request to take the ACC Exam. NOTE: You will still need to pay the $105 USD retake fee. No ACC candidates will be allowed to take the ICF Credentialing Exam after March 14, 2025.
If you have already scheduled to retake the ICF Credentialing Exam, note that cancellation rules still apply as listed in your exam scheduling information and will not be waived [see here and click on ‘Policies’].
If you can cancel without penalty, please do so and reach out to support@coachingfederation.org for more information and instructions if you wish to schedule from November 18, to take the ACC exam. To cancel a scheduled exam, use the following instructions:
This handbook contains helpful information for those applying for the ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential. Applicants should use this resource as a source of guidance and direction in navigating the ICF Credentialing process.
The ACC Exam Reference List offers ACC candidates a list of core resources and additional references that can be useful in the journey to earn the ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential, including preparing for the ACC Exam. This list will be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect current resources to support coaches and credential candidates.
The resources included in this reference list are not required reading and do not reflect an exhaustive listing of helpful reading resources. Rather, they are provided as a starting place for candidates in their pursuit of the ACC. Each candidate is encouraged to develop their own personal reading list and study plan based on individual needs, knowledge, and resource base, including materials and textbooks from their coaching education program and coursework.
The following ten items are representative of the types of questions that may be on the ACC Exam. The questions are designed to measure a candidate’s knowledge of the ICF Core Competencies, Code of Ethics, and definition of coaching.
For each knowledge-based item, four possible response options are provided. There is one correct response for each item. Correct responses are shown in bold and italicized.
Which of the following actions is considered a violation of the ICF Code of Ethics?
A) Maintaining confidentiality of client information
B) Engaging in a romantic relationship with a client
C) Continuing professional development
D) Setting clear agreements with clients
How MUST a coach maintain records pertaining to a client’s coaching session?
A) In folder that is easy to access for reference
B) In digital and hardcopy formats
C) In a secure format that promotes client confidentiality
D) With the other records for the client
After two months of a six-month coaching engagement, a client begins missing appointments and not following through on agreed-upon actions. What is the BEST approach for the coach to take?
A) Terminate the coaching agreement immediately
B) Ignore the issue for now and hope the client gets back on track
C) Refer the client to a colleague who may be a better fit
D) Explore with the client whether or not to continue with the coaching
A client asks a coach for advice about how to carry out a new, challenging assignment. What is the best action for the coach to take?
A) Give the client the requested advice
B) Suggest that the client ask their supervisor for advice
C) Send the client an email after the coaching session with several strategies the client could consider
D) Explain the distinction between coaching and consulting and invite the client to identify strategies they could explore together
A coach accepts a new client who values the coach’s industry work experience. Which is the best action for the coach to take?
A) Offer the coach’s advice based on their industry work experience
B) Clarify the distinction between coaching and consulting
C) Provide the coach’s credentials in the industry
D) Suggest engagement goals for the client, based on the coach’s industry experience
What is a key difference between coaching and facilitation?
A) Coaching involves giving direct advice, while facilitation focuses on asking questions.
B) Coaching is primarily for personal development, while facilitation is only for professional settings
C) Coaching is a thought-provoking and creative process to support a client to meet their full potential, while facilitation is about guiding group discussions
D) Coaching requires a license to practice, while facilitation does not
Which of the following represents the most important purpose of silence in coaching?
A) To allow a client to process their thoughts
B) To enable the coach and client to hear one another
C) To provide the coach time to think of their next question
D) To provide the client time to think of the right response to the coach’s question
Respecting a client’s perceptions is a critical element of which coaching competency?
A) Cultivates trust and safety
B) Listens Actively
C) Facilitates Client Growth
D) Establishes and Maintains Agreements
A coach asks the client permission to coach in a new and sensitive area. What is the purpose of this request?
A) To allow the client to think through their potential solutions
B) To make the client feel anxious to speed results
C) To create a space where the coach is able to accept negative feedback
D) To create a safe space where the client has a choice
Using metaphors as a coaching tool is most useful in which of the following situations?
A) The coach is teaching a concept
B) The coach wants to nuance a message
C) The client is seeking clarity or meaning
D) The client does not see the coach’s perspective
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