Registration and Scheduling for ICF Exams
Haven’t submitted your application yet? Check the requirements to ensure you’re ready.
Once your ICF credential application is accepted, you’ll receive an email invitation with everything you need to get started, including detailed instructions for scheduling your exam appointment. You have 60 days from the date you receive your invitation to schedule and complete your exam — so don’t wait too long to act. Here’s what to do next:
- Choose your exam delivery format.
- Schedule your exam appointment.
- Prepare in advance for exam day.
- Arrive ready on exam day.
- Celebrate completing your exam!
Decide on the Right Exam Format for You
Taking an exam can be stressful, so it’s important to choose the format that will help you feel most comfortable and perform your best. For your ICF exam, you have two options: in-person or online testing. ICF partners with Pearson VUE to administer both formats in secure testing environments with proctors and required security checks, ensuring a fair and consistent experience for all ICF credential candidates.
Consider the benefits and challenges of each to select the option that works best for you, so you can approach your ICF exam with confidence and set yourself up for success.
In-Person Testing
Do you thrive in a structured environment with minimal distractions? If so, taking your exam at an in-person testing center may be the best choice for you.
ICF surveys show that candidates who test in person report satisfaction rates over 20% higher than those who test online, making it the preferred choice for many.
Pearson VUE offers more than 5,000 testing locations in 180 countries.
Benefits of Testing at a Pearson VUE Center
Minimal Distractions
Test centers offer a quiet, standardized environment designed for high-stakes exams — giving you the perfect space to concentrate and perform your best.
Reliable Technology
High-quality equipment and a stable internet connection are important for computer-based tests like the ICF exams. Test centers offer both, reducing the worry and risk of any technical issues.
Support at Your Side
Highly trained exam administrators and proctors are on site to assist with any technical or procedural needs so that you have a smooth testing experience.
Security
Testing centers ensure exam integrity with advanced measures like ID verification and standardized check-in procedures.
Factors To Consider With Testing at a Pearson Vue Center
Travel Time and Costs
Depending on where you are located, reaching the nearest test center may require some travel time.
Scheduling Considerations
Test centers are limited in space and host a variety of exams. During peak testing periods, finding a convenient appointment at your preferred location could be a challenge, so scheduling in advance is important.
Unfamiliar Environment
If you think an unfamiliar setting and heightened security measures might increase your anxiety, then a test center might not be the best option for you.
Online Testing
Do you focus best in the familiar environment of your home? If so, you can complete the exam remotely while being monitored by a proctor with the Pearson OnVUE platform. This exam format is available 24/7 for your convenience, but it does have its own set of requirements for you to comply with.
Benefits of OnVUE Remote-Proctored Testing
Ultimate Convenience and Flexibility
The biggest advantage of Pearson’s OnVUE remote-proctored testing is the freedom to take your exam from the comfort of your home, choosing a time that fits seamlessly into your schedule.
No Travel
Say goodbye to the hassle of traveling to a test center, remote testing saves you time, energy, and the stress of arriving on time.
A Comfortable, Familiar Setting
Taking your exam at home can help ease test anxiety by providing a calm, familiar environment where you can focus and perform your best.
Key Considerations for OnVUE Remote-Proctored Testing
Technical Risks
Testing from home means relying on your own equipment and internet connection. To avoid possible exam-day disruptions, it's crucial to test your system in advance and confirm your system meets the requirements for online testing.
Environmental Distractions
OnVUE requires a quiet, private space. Interruptions from household members or outside factors can cause distractions or even result in your exam being terminated.
Limited Support
While remote proctors are available to help you during the exam, their support may not be as immediate or in depth as the in-person assistance available at a testing center. Plus, online proctors only communicate in English.
Online Testing Rules
To maintain exam integrity, strict rules apply when testing from home. You must stay in view of the camera, avoid reading questions aloud, and ensure no materials are in your testing space.
Schedule Appointment
Ready to schedule your exam? Make sure you’ve thoroughly considered the in-person and remote testing options, as you will need to know which format you want prior to scheduling your exam. And if you need any exam accommodations or language support, those need to be requested prior to scheduling your appointment.
Prepare for Exam Success
Your hard work has brought you this far — now it’s time to finish strong! Knowing what lies ahead on test day will help you feel prepared and focused, so you can perform at your best.
Study for Your Exam
Studying for your ICF exam is a key step toward achieving your credential. Here are some effective strategies to help you succeed.
- Revisit Core Information: Review the ICF Core Competencies, the ICF Code of Ethics, and the materials from your coaching education program.
- Familiarize Yourself With the Exam Structure: Is it multiple choice? Does it include situational judgment-based questions? Review your specific exam content by selecting the relevant link for your certification level: ACC | PCC | MCC | ACTC.
- Leverage Your Support Network: Studying with others can help reinforce your learning. Consider teaming up with peers, or reach out to your mentor coach or coach supervisor for guidance.
- Practice Makes Perfect: To feel more comfortable with the exam platform, take advantage of an exam tutorial. Doing so will help you navigate the interface, get used to the features, and answer sample questions at your own pace.
Required System Check for Online, Remote Exam via Pearson OnVUE
If you are scheduled to take the remote-proctored, online exam, you must complete a system test on the device you will use for the exam prior to your exam appointment to ensure compatibility with the OnVUE platform.
If you don’t complete the system test in advance of your exam appointment, you’ll need to do so before connecting with the greeter. If you fail the system test, troubleshooting information will be provided. If you are unable to complete the system check, you can use the OnVUE self-service feature to reschedule your exam.
Data shows that candidates who complete a system check prior to their exam appointment are more likely to have a successful exam delivery than those who do not. ICF strongly recommends that you complete the system check at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled exam
Day of Exam
Exam day is your game day — the moment all your hard work, dedication, and preparation come together. You’ve put in the effort, and now you’re almost at the finish line. As you head into this final stretch, here are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure you’re ready to give your best performance.
Exam Check-In
Every ICF exam-taker must complete a series of admissions and security checks on the day of their exam. These steps ensure a fair and consistent experience for all candidates while protecting the integrity of the ICF credential you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Think of them as safeguards for your success. To allow enough time for the check-in process, you should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your exam appointment.
In-Person Testing at a Pearson VUE Test Center
When arriving early at a Pearson VUE test center, you will:
- Sign in and present one valid form of identification.
- Complete a check-in photo and provide a digital signature.
- Secure your personal items in a locker.
- Undergo a visual inspection to ensure no prohibited items are brought into the testing area. This could include being asked to empty your pockets, roll up your sleeves, remove your eyeglasses, or complete a palm scan.
Online Testing via Pearson OnVUE Platform
When setting up to take your exam remotely, you will:
- Clear your testing space of all personal items and study materials. Mobile phones may be used during check-in but must be out of reach once the exam starts.
- Complete a final system check and shut down all other applications running on your computer.
- Log in and present one form of valid identification.
- Take a check-in photo.
- Photograph your testing environment.
Prohibited Exam Items
Do you need access to personal items due to a disability or medical condition? If so, you must get approval from ICF before scheduling your exam.
With the essential steps for preparing and checking in for your exam covered, let’s shift our focus to what you should leave behind:
- Food/snacks/candy.
- Coats.
- Calculators.
- Papers/books (unless previously authorized by ICF).
- Writing instruments.
- Mobile phones, tape recorders, and other electronic devices.
- Eyeglass cases.
- Wallets and purses.
- Headphones/headsets (unless previously authorized by ICF).
Identification Requirements
Your primary ID should be an unexpired government-issued photo ID with a signature. Make sure the name on your ID matches exactly with the name you used when registering for the exam.
IDs should be issued by the country where you’re testing. If needed, you can use an International Travel Passport. The passport must be issued from your country of citizenship, and the information on the passport must be in Roman characters. Please note that passports from U.S. sanctioned countries are not accepted forms of identification. You may wish to bring a secondary form of identification to your exam appointment, in case there is an issue or concern with your primary identification.
During the Exam
Once your exam has started, it’s crucial to understand the rules and protocols to ensure a smooth experience. Knowing what’s expected helps you stay focused and avoid unnecessary interruptions.
Protocol at a Pearson VUE Test Center
If you need anything while you are taking your exam, you should raise your hand to catch the attention of a proctor. This includes taking a scheduled or unscheduled break and letting them know that you have completed the exam. The proctor will escort you in and out of the testing space as needed throughout your exam appointment.
Requirements for Remote Testing
Once the exam begins, you must adhere to specific testing requirements, including:
- Having a clear testing space free of personal items, and avoiding access to any items during your exam.
- Maintaining a quiet testing environment free of other individuals.
- Remaining within the designated testing space and in view of the webcam at all times, except during scheduled breaks.
- Avoiding reading exam questions aloud, covering your mouth, or hiding your face.
To ensure alignment with these requirements, online proctors will monitor you via webcam, and may communicate with you in English via microphone and chat.
Examination Policies
Understanding the exam policies is an important part of your exam preparation. These guidelines help ensure a smooth and fair experience for all candidates. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the details so you’re fully prepared for any changes that may arise before your exam day.
Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy
If you must reschedule or cancel your appointment, contact Pearson VUE or access your online Pearson VUE account at least 48 hours prior to your appointment. Failure to reschedule or cancel in time, or failure to appear for an exam appointment, will result in the forfeiture of exam fees, and you will be required to pay an exam retake fee of $105 USD to reschedule your exam.
No-Show Policy
If you are a no-show for your exam, you forfeit all exam fees and are required to pay an exam retake fee of $105 USD to reschedule your exam.
What counts as a no-show?
You are considered a no-show if you do at least one of the following:
- Fail to reschedule or cancel your exam appointment at least 48 hours prior to your exam time.
- Do not appear for the exam on the scheduled appointment date.
- Arrive at the testing center or for your remote-proctored testing session more than 15 minutes after your appointment time.
What about technical difficulties?
If you are unable to connect to an online, remote-proctored exam due to technical issues, you will be marked as a no-show but will have multiple attempts to test.
- First and Second Attempts: Your no-show status will be canceled for the first two online attempts. Within two business days of a no-show, you will be notified via email that your exam has been canceled. After receiving this notification, your exam authorization will be restored, and you can reschedule the exam remotely or at a Pearson VUE center. If your authorization has expired, contact ICF to request a new one.
- Third Attempt: If you have a third no-show, the status will not be canceled, and you will incur a $105 USD retake fee to reschedule.
After the Exam
Once you complete your exam, you’ll receive preliminary results right away. Within one week, ICF will update your record with your official results. You’ll then receive an email confirming your credential or, if needed, instructions for retaking the exam.
Exam Retakes
If you don’t pass your ICF exam on your first attempt, don’t worry — you can retake the exam after some extra study and preparation time.
- Retake Timeline: Wait 14 days after your first attempt. For subsequent retakes, wait 30 days. You can retake the exam up to six times within 12 months of your first attempt. After 12 months, you can retake it up to six times each year, based on the anniversary of your initial attempt.
- Retake Fee: Each retake is subject to a $105 USD fee to cover exam administration.
Additional Certification Exam Resources
Useful Guides
ACTC Candidate Guide
The ACTC Candidate Guide outlines the steps for obtaining the ICF ACTC credential. It includes details on eligibility, application, performance evaluation, and preparing for the team coaching exam.
MCC Candidate Guide
Learn how to achieve the ICF MCC credential with this guide. It outlines eligibility, application submission, exam preparation, and post-exam next steps.
PCC Candidate Guide
Discover the step-by-step process for obtaining the ICF PCC credential. This guide outlines eligibility, application, exam preparation, and what happens after the exam.
ACC Candidate Guide
The ACC Candidate Guide is a detailed roadmap for those pursuing the ICF ACC credential. It covers eligibility requirements, application steps, performance evaluations, exam prep, and post-exam next steps.