Understanding the ACTC
The ICF Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC) is your opportunity to validate your specialized knowledge and expertise in team dynamics to help teams thrive in complex organizational settings. With this certification, you'll be equipped to guide teams through challenges, boost their collective performance, and drive sustainable success.
The ACTC is designed for experienced coaches who have already earned their ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC), ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), or ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC) and are ready to deepen their expertise in team coaching.
The ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam is the final step in achieving this advanced certification. Before you can take the exam, you’ll need to submit your ACTC application for review. Once your application has been reviewed, you’ll be notified if you qualify for the written exam.
Development of the ICF ACTC Exam
The ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam is built to measure your team coaching competence based on the ICF Team Coaching Competency Model.
ICF used globally recognized test development practices to create the exam, including a thorough job analysis of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for effective team coaching. Experienced ICF team coach practitioners played a key role in developing, validating, and reviewing each exam question, as well as setting the passing standard.
In 2023, 91% of candidates passed on their first attempt, with 7% succeeding on a subsequent attempt.
Structure and Format of the ICF ACTC Exam
Since you're pursuing an advanced certification, the exam for the ACTC is designed to assess both your foundational knowledge and your ability to apply that knowledge in real-world team coaching scenarios. Expect a mix of multiple-choice questions, which test your understanding of key team coaching concepts, and scenario-based questions, which challenge your judgment and decision-making in realistic team coaching situations.
Your score is determined by the correct answers you choose, with no penalty for wrong answers. Similar to other standardized testing, scores are reported as scaled scores ranging from 200 to 600. A score of 460 is required to pass.
Exam Format
The ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam is a proctored, computer-based exam available in person at a Pearson VUE testing center or online through Pearson’s OnVUE remote testing platform.
Consisting of 62 questions, the exam evaluates your grasp of the ICF Team Coaching Competencies and your ability to apply them effectively in team coaching contexts. These questions are divided into four sections with an optional 10-minute break midway through the exam.
- Total Exam Time: 150 minutes, including an optional 10-minute break.
- Exam Format: 62 questions divided into four sections.
- Exam Breakdown
- General Exam Instructions: 3 minutes
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- Section 1: Multiple-Choice Questions
- Instructions: 2 minutes
- Exam Items: 23 minutes
- Section 1: Multiple-Choice Questions
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- Section 2: Scenario-Based Questions
- Instructions: 3 minutes
- Exam Items: 40 minutes
- Section 2: Scenario-Based Questions
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- Scheduled Break: 10 minutes
- Section 3: Multiple-Choice Questions
- Instructions: 1 minute
- Exam Items: 23 minutes
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- Section 4: Scenario-Based Questions
- Instructions: 3 minutes
- Exam Items: 40 minutes
- Section 4: Scenario-Based Questions
Exam Content
Exam Language Information
Preparing for the ICF ACTC Exam
Preparing for the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam involves several key steps that can help you build confidence and mastery. Here are some effective ways to get ready:
- Review the ICF Team Coaching Competencies: Familiarize yourself with the ICF Team Coaching Competencies and the specific skills needed for team coaching. These will form the foundation of the exam.
- Engage in Team Coaching Practice: Apply what you’ve learned by practicing team coaching in real-world settings or through simulations. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll be in applying theory to practice.
- Explore Key Resources: Utilize recommended reading materials, reference lists, and other resources to deepen your understanding of the principles and techniques used in team coaching.
- Join Study Groups or Coaching Communities: Collaborate with other candidates or credentialed coaches to share insights, discuss challenges, and exchange study strategies.
- Get Familiar with Exam Format: Understand the types of questions and how they’re presented. Knowing what to expect will help you manage your time and approach the exam with confidence. Dive into the free, interactive tutorial which simulates the Pearson VUE testing platform.
Sample Exam Questions and Tutorial
Exam preparation=exam success. One of the most effective ways to prepare is to get comfortable with the different types of questions you'll encounter. Whether it's knowledge-based or scenario-driven, practicing with our sample questions and online tutorial will help you approach each question with confidence and tackle the exam with ease.
Exam Registration Process
Whether you're just starting the application process or have already submitted your certification application, here’s what you need to know about the next steps toward taking the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam.
Haven’t Yet Submitted Your ACTC Certification Application?
In order to take the exam, you must first submit your ACTC application and hold a current ICF credential (ACC, PCC, or MCC). Once submitted, your application will be reviewed, and you'll be notified of your eligibility to take the exam.
Have You Already Submitted Your ACTC Application?
Great news! If your application has been reviewed and approved, you’ll soon receive an email with next steps. This email will include an invitation to schedule your exam appointment. Once you receive the invitation, you’ll have 60 days to schedule and complete the exam.
After the Exam
Once you finish the exam, you'll receive instant preliminary results to give you a sense of how you performed. Within one week, ICF will update your record with the official results. You’ll then receive an email — either celebrating your success and awarding you the ACTC or providing clear next steps if you need to retake the exam.
Related Resources
Candidate Guide
The ICF ACTC Candidate Guide is a handy resource that walks you through each phase of the ACTC process, including sections about the exam, how to schedule, and what to expect on exam day.
Credentialing Webinar Series
The Credentialing Webinar Series is an excellent resource for understanding the value of ICF credentials and navigating the credentialing process with confidence. Don’t miss the session on the Advanced Certification in Team Coaching about the value of this certification.