The ICF Credentialing Exam is a computer-based written exam based on the ICF Core Competencies. All candidates for the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) or Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential are required to pass the ICF Credentialing Exam.
Please note: Candidates for an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential are eligible to take the ACC Exam. Through March 14, 2025, ACC candidates can take the ICF Credentialing Exam as an alternative option.
There is only one correct best action and one correct worst action for each coaching scenario. Although more than one response may represent a reasonable response to the scenario presented, candidates will receive credit only for selecting the best possible action or the worst possible action.
Candidate performance on the ICF Credentialing Exam is measured against a pre-determined passing standard. The passing score is developed using the rigorous Angoff methodology, a best practice for certification testing programs, which includes experienced coach practitioners serving as subject matter experts.
The range of possible scores is 200 to 600, with a passing score of 460.
The ICF Credentialing Exam is offered in English with language aids in other languages.
ICF Credentials and Standards has partnered with Pearson VUE to deliver the ICF Credentialing Exam. Through its global network of testing centers and OnVUE (Pearson’s online service), candidates may either complete the exam at an on-site Pearson VUE testing center or at home online while being monitored by a remote proctor.
ICF is pleased to offer an ICF Credentialing 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 ICF Credentialing Exam questions in the testing platform environment at your own pace. This online tutorial is available at no cost.
| Total Number of Candidates Tested, 2023 | First Attempt Pass Rate, 2023 | % of Candidates Who Pass on Subsequent Exam Attempt, 2023 | Total Candidate Pass Rate, 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9,795 | 75% | 12% | 87% |
As U.S.-based organizations, ICF Credentials and Standards and Pearson VUE are subject to and must comply with international trade sanctions laws and regulations imposed by the U.S. government (Office of Foreign Assets Control). These sanctions regulations prohibit ICF Credentials and Standards from providing certain products and services—including exam administration—to individuals or organizations in designated countries subject to comprehensive U.S. sanctions, or to individuals identified on the U.S. Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.
As such, ICF Credentials and Standards is prohibited by law to administer its Credentialing exams in the following countries and regions subject to comprehensive U.S. sanctions, which currently includes: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, Syria, and the Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine.
Additionally, Pearson VUE has suspended delivery of all testing services throughout Belarus, including in-person exam at test centers and online testing via OnVUE. Remote test delivery is also unavailable in China due to limited internet and connectivity issues.
NOTE: The list of countries may change based on OFAC requirements.
Answer: ICF Credentials and Standards is committed to improving exam security as an important mark of quality for our Credentialing process, and we’re equally committed to supporting our global community of candidates. The new exam meets the highest global standards for high stakes certification exam development. That’s why we’re pleased to offer the new ICF Credentialing exam through the global network of Pearson VUE testing centers, as well as through Pearson OnVUE—a live, remote proctoring service. Delivered on a secure platform, live remote proctoring provides the same high quality and security in the testing process, all from the convenience of a candidate’s home or office!
Transitioning to a more secure delivery format for the ICF Credentialing Exam means that each candidate will have a fair, equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skill in coaching. By securely delivering the exam, it also means that the ICF Credentialing Exam will be better protected from any potential misuse or malpractice, including copying and distribution of exam questions, that could prevent an equal and fair examination process for future candidates.
The biggest benefit of these changes is to applicants and ICF Credential-holders – improving the security on the exam, raising the validity, integrity and, ultimately, the value of the credential. A more secure setting for the taking the exam ensures that it is truly the applicant’s knowledge that is being tested.
A: ICF Credentials and Standards is pleased to offer the ICF Credentialing exam through the global network of Pearson VUE testing centers, as well as through Pearson OnVUE — a live, remote proctoring service. Delivered on a secure platform, live remote proctoring provides the same high quality and security in the testing process, all from the convenience of a candidate’s home or office!
The test is comprised of approximately 78 scenario-based items that will test the candidate’s knowledge of the ICF Core Competencies and how to apply them in realistic coaching scenarios. Each item contains a realistic scenario describing a coaching situation, followed by four response options. For each item, candidates will be asked to select the best response and the worst response among the options provided for that scenario. There will be one “correct” answer for each question.
A: Once an applicant’s credential application is reviewed, ICF staff will contact the applicant via email with a status update containing the next step in the review process. The steps for a credential application review vary depending on the path in which the applicant applies for the credential.
A: You are given 60 days to schedule and complete the ICF Credentialing Exam. During the exam appointment, you will have three hours to complete the exam.
A: The total exam time is based on exam completion time data collected through a pilot of the ICF Credentialing Exam and is consistent with other situational judgement certification exams of similar length.
A: The test is comprised of approximately 78 scenario-based items that will test the candidate’s knowledge of the ICF Core Competencies and how to apply them in realistic coaching scenarios. Each item contains a realistic scenario describing a coaching situation, followed by four response options. For each item, candidates will be asked to select the best action and the worst action among the options provided for that scenario. There will be one “correct” answer for each question.
A: All questions are based on the ICF Core Competencies, ICF Code of Ethics and ICF’s Definition of Coaching. Questions are of varying levels of difficulty.
A: The exam was developed by ICF using globally accepted practices for test development, including a comprehensive job analysis of the knowledge, skills and abilities required of coaches. Experienced ICF coaches served as subject matter experts throughout an extensive process to develop, validate and review each exam item.
A: Yes. Sample questions can be viewed on the Exam Content page.
A: By completing an ICF-accredited coaching education program, you will have received instruction that is in alignment with the ICF Core Competencies, ICF Code of Ethics and ICF’s Definition of Coaching. Reviewing the education you receive, along with your coaching experience, is the best way to prepare for the ICF Credentialing Exam.
A: Candidates who are unable to take the exam at their scheduled exam appointment time are requested to cancel or reschedule their appointment at least 48 hours prior to the original appointment time, in alignment with Pearson Rescheduling and Cancellation policies. Those unable to cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours in advance will be subject to the forfeiture of exam fees. Candidates who miss their exam appointment will not be required to reapply, but may be subject to the ICF Credentialing Exam retake fee to schedule a new appointment. The retake fee is $105 USD.
A: Once an applicant completes the ICF Credentialing Exam, results are compiled and provided immediately to the applicant via the testing site. One week after completion of the ICF Credentialing Exam, applicants will receive official notification from ICF Credentials and Standards regarding the status of the credential application.
A: The passing score and all exam results on the ICF Credentialing Exam are reported as scaled scores. The range of possible scores is 200 to 600, with a passing score of 460.
A:An exam score is provided, along with the candidate’s overall result. Feedback on individual exam items is not provided.
A: Candidates who do not pass an ICF exam on their first attempt may retake the exam. Each exam retake is subject to the ICF exam retake fee of $105 USD, which covers the cost of exam administration with ICF test delivery partners.
Candidates must wait 14 days following their first attempt to retake an exam. For any subsequent attempts, candidates must wait 30 days to retake the exam following their most recent attempt.
Candidates may take an ICF exam up to six times within a 12-month (365-day) period following the date of their first attempt. Candidates who do not achieve a passing score within the first 12-month period are eligible to retake the exam up to six times during each subsequent 12-month (365-day) period that begins on the anniversary of the candidate’s initial exam attempt.
A: Those who submit a new or upgraded ICF Credential application after August 1, 2022, will be required to complete the ICF Credentialing Exam, even if they previously completed the CKA for a prior ICF Credential.
Individuals renewing an ICF Credential will not be required to take the exam as part of the renewal process.
A: The Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) has been delivered since 2015 through an online, on-demand format with limited security measures. Because of this, the exam has accumulated high exposure since its original release.
To comply with global standards for certification bodies and to ensure consistency, fairness and equity in the Credentialing process, it is important that each candidate applying for an ICF Credential complete each requirement. Given that ICF is launching a new ICF Credentialing Exam, it will be important for each candidate applying for a Credential to complete the same exam. This allows all candidates to be held to the same standards and requirements for the Credentialing process.
A: At this time, the ICF Credentialing Exam must be taken with each new application for a Credential, unless the exam has been passed within 12 months of applying for the next credential level.
ICF Credentials and Standards will be supporting ongoing updates to the ICF Credentialing Exam. ICF Credential-holders who apply for a higher level credential in the future may see different forms of the exam to be completed at each Credential level.
If you need support regarding the ICF Credentialing Exam and you do not find the answer to your question in the FAQ section above, please visit the ICF Support page.
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