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About Accreditation
About Advanced Certification
Applying for ACTC
What information will I be required to provide regarding the coaching supervision or guided reflective practice hours submitted as part of my ICF ACTC application?
Applicants will be required to provide their coaching supervisor’s name, email, and credentials, as well as the dates of the engagement and the total hours completed through the supervision engagement. Applicants must obtain written permission in advance to provide their coaching supervisor’s name and contact information as part of the ICF ACTC application.
Who is eligible to provide coaching supervision or guided reflective practice?
To meet the coaching supervision and guided reflective practice requirements for the ICF ACTC, a candidate’s coaching supervisor must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Coaching supervisor must hold an active coaching supervision certification, credential or accreditation by a coaching or coaching supervision professional body; OR
Must have completed at least 60 hours of coaching supervision education and have at least 120 hours of experience; OR
Must be an eligible ICF Mentor Coach with 60 hours of coaching supervision education and at least 120 hours of experience.
May I submit team coaching educational programs or courses that I have developed and delivered toward the educational requirements for the ICF ACTC?
Yes, if you created and taught or delivered a team coaching education program that meets the standards of coaching education, including direct interaction with instructors and alignment with the ICF Team Coaching Competencies, ICF Core Competencies, and ICF Code of Ethics, you may submit that program or course as part of your ICF ACTC application. For any non-ICF accredited courses that you created and taught, you will be required to submit training curriculum documentation for review (course outline or syllabus that indicates content and time for each course module). You will also be required to provide a letter that includes the program or course name and verifies that you created and taught the class. Upon review and approval, the hours for one delivery of the program or course may be counted toward the ICF ACTC education requirements. For instance, if you created a 15-hour team coaching course and delivered it three (3) times, it would count for 15 hours of credit, rather than 45 hours of credit.
What information will I be required to provide for team coaching education programs or courses that I submit to meet the educational requirement?
In the online ICF ACTC application, applicants will provide the following information:
The name of the organization that operated each team coaching program or course completed
The name of each program or educational course completed
The total number of hours of each program or course submitted
The estimated number of hours on team coaching within the program or course completed
The start date for each team coaching program or course completed
Certificate of completion (or letter) for each program or course
For any non-ICF accredited programs or courses provided toward this requirement, applicants will be required to provide a course outline or syllabus to demonstrate alignment of the curriculum to the ICF Team Coaching Competencies or ICF Core Competencies as applied in team coaching contexts, as well as a brief reflection on how each non-accredited program contributed to the applicant’s knowledge and skill development in team coaching practice.
What education/training can be used to fulfill this training requirement?
To be eligible, education or training must primarily focus on team or systems coaching and align with the ICF standards for coaching (including the ICF Core Competencies, Team Coaching Competencies and Code of Ethics). Educational programs are not required to be accredited by ICF, however courses submitted under this requirement will be reviewed to ensure alignment with ICF standards.
If I am working to apply for an ICF Credential or my ICF Credential application is currently under review, may I begin an ICF ACTC application?
Yes. Individuals may open an ACTC application and begin to complete it while in the process of applying for or renewing an ICF Credential. However, a candidate will not be able to submit their ACTC application until they have been awarded an ICF Credential or successfully renewed a lapsed Credential.
If my ICF Credential has lapsed or expired, may I still submit an application for the ICF ACTC?
No. To be eligible for and submit an application for the ACTC, you must have an active ACC, PCC, or MCC.
What supporting information or documentation will I submit with my application?
Candidates will be required to provide the following information or documentation with their ICF ACTC application:
Proof of course completion (certificate or letter) from a team coaching education program(s)
Course syllabi or course summary for any non-ICF accredited team coaching education programs. Course syllabi or outlines should demonstrate alignment with the ICF Team Coaching Competencies, ICF Core Competencies and ICF Code of Ethics.
Coaching supervisor(s)’ name and information, including the total number of coaching supervision or guided reflective practice hours completed with the supervisor(s).
Letter of verification for two team coaching engagements. Each letter of verification can be provided by a team member, team leader, authorized representative of the sponsor organization or by a third-party coaching body. Letters should be signed, submitted on company letterhead (unless prohibited by a confidentiality agreement) and include the following elements: The name and contact information of the authorized representative, their role within the organization or team, the name of the ACTC applicant, the total hours of the team engagement, the start and end dates of the engagement, and the number of team members.
How do I apply for the ICF ACTC?
All ICF certification and credentialing applications are available online, including the ACTC application. To complete the application form, candidates will be required to have or create a profile on the ICF website. Once a candidate submits the online application, it will be reviewed by ICF Credentials and Standards. Please note that any missing or incomplete information in the application may delay processing.
Team Coaching Certification Exam
Do I need to take the exam when I renew my ICF Advanced Certification in Team Coaching?
Individuals renewing an ICF ACTCare not required to take the exam as part of the renewal process.
Is feedback provided regarding the questions missed?
Candidates receive a score and overall exam results. Feedback on incorrect exam items is not provided to candidates.
What score is required to pass the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam?
The passing score and all exam results on the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam are reported as scaled scores. The range of possible scores is 200 to 600, with a passing score of 460.
How is a candidate notified of their exam results?
Once a candidate completes the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam, preliminary results are compiled and provided immediately to the applicant via the testing site. One week after completion of the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam, applicants will receive official notification from ICF Credentials and Standards regarding the status of their ACTC application.
If I miss my appointment or deadline to take the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam, can I still take the exam, or will I need to reapply?
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, butwill be subject to the ICF Credentialing Exam retake fee to schedule a new appointment. The retake fee is $105 USD.
Who created the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam?
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 team coach practitioners served as subject matter experts throughout an extensive process to develop, validate and review each exam item, and to set the passing standard for the exam.
Once I receive an invitation to complete the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam, how long do I have to take the exam?
You are given 60 days to schedule and take the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam. During the exam appointment, you will have 2.5 hours to complete the exam.
When/how does an applicant receive an invitation to complete the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam?
Once an applicant’s ACTC application is reviewed, ICF staff will contact the applicant via email with a status update containing the next step in the review process. Applicants who are approved to sit for the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam will receive an email invitation that includes instructions for scheduling an exam appointment and completing the exam.
How will the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam be delivered?
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 62 questions designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge of the ICF Team Coaching Competencies and how to apply them in practice. Questions are organized into four sections. Sections 1 and 3 contain multiple-choice questions that test candidates’ knowledge of topics foundational to the Team Coaching Competencies. Sections 2 and 4 contain scenario-based questions that test candidates’ judgment and decision-making in realistic team coaching situations.
What if I don’t pass the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam?
Candidates who are not successful in passing the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam are able to retake the exam for a fee of $105 USD. Details for re-examination will be provided to candidates upon notification of their results.
About ICF Credentials & Standards
About Credentialing
Do I have to have an ICF Credential?
If you are serious about developing your coaching business, an ICF Credential is the best way to set yourself apart by demonstrating your knowledge, skill and commitment to high ethical and professional standards. However, because coaching is not regulated by any country or state, you are not required to get training or credentials.Holding a credential – especially an ICF Credential – is extremely important to today’s coaching clients. The 2022 Global Consumer Awareness Study found that 85% of coaching clients say it’s important or very important that their coach holds a certification or credential. Earning an ICF Credential provides you with instant credibility and increased visibility to prospective clients.
Why is it important to have an ICF Credential?
Holding a credential – especially an ICF Credential – is extremely important to today’s coaching clients. According to the 2022 Global Consumer Awareness Study, 85% of coaching clients say it’s important or very important that their coach holds a certification or credential.Earning an ICF Credential provides you with instant credibility and increased visibility to prospective clients in a growing industry. It also helps you build your professional network. You’ll join a global network of more than 70,000 professional coaches, all with the same passion to change lives and make a difference.
Does ICF offer different levels of credentials?
Yes – ICF offers three credentials, correlating with your experience and coaching education.Associate Certified Coach (ACC) – Completed 60 hours of coach specific education and 100 hours of client coaching experienceProfessional Certified Coach (PCC) – Completed 125 hours of coach specific education and 500 hours of client coaching experienceMaster Certified Coach (MCC) – Hold or have held a PCC Credential, completed 200 hours of coach specific education and 2,500 hours of client coaching experience
What is an ICF Credential?
An ICF Credential is a professional certification indicating that you have completed a rigorous credentialing process designed to develop and refine your coaching skills. It is an indication that you are dedicated to upholding strong principles of ethical behavior in coaching. An ICF Credential shows your clients and peers that you are committed to the coaching industry and to developing yourself as a coaching professional.
Applying for a Credential
About Credentialing
Are ICF Credential-holders required to be ICF Members?
The ICF Credential stands independent from ICF Membership. This is an important provision of compliance with globally accepted standards for bodies operating individual certification programs. The value of an ICF Credential as an industry-wide marker of an individual’s commitment to ongoing professional development and outstanding professional practice is distinct from the benefits of ICF Membership (e.g., networking and leadership-development opportunities, discounted event attendance, access to archived virtual learning).
Do I have to get an ICF Credential?
If you are serious about developing your coaching business, an ICF Credential is the best way to set yourself apart by demonstrating your knowledge, skill and commitment to high ethical and professional standards. However, because coaching is not regulated by any country or state, you are not required to get training or credentials.
Can I list my ICF Credential as “Pending” once I’ve submitted the application?
No. You may only reference an ICF Credential in your marketing information, website or other materials after it has been officially granted by ICF.Because submission of an application does not guarantee that you will be granted an ICF Credential, referencing an ICF Credential prior to official receipt is misleading and potentially unethical. Making a false claim is a breach of the ICF Code of Ethics.
Do I have to earn a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Credential before I can apply for the Master Certified Coach (MCC) Credential?
Yes. To apply for the MCC, you must hold or have held a PCC credential.
Do I have to earn an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential before I can apply for the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Credential?
No – you may apply directly to the PCC when you meet all requirements. You do not need the ACC first.
How long does my ICF Credential remain active?
All credentials are valid for 3 years. To renew your credential, you will need an additional 40 CCEs obtained after your credential was awarded or after the last renewal of the credential was granted. Visit the Credential Renewal page to learn more.
When can I apply for my credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF)?
You may apply for a credential whenever you have met all eligibility requirements and are ready to make your application. NOTE: Coach Education, Client Coaching Experience and Mentor Coaching hours do not expire.
Application Issues
I can’t log in to the ICF website. What do I do?
Please contact the ICF Support for assistance with issues logging into the website.
I chose to pay for my application in installments, but now I want to pay for it in full. How can I do that?
If you would like to complete the payment of your application fee:
Scroll down to "My Invoices" section, click on "View All Invoices"
Click into the invoice with the balance due for the application
In the upper right side, click on "Add to Cart"
Follow the prompts to submit payment
I submitted the wrong application. How do I change my application type?
Once your application has been submitted, it is put into the queue to be reviewed. Once the ICF Staff reaches your application, and if indeed it is the incorrect application, they will reach out to with specific directions on which application should be completed and the process for a refund and submission of the correct application.
I created the wrong application but did not submit. How do I change my application type?
To create a new application, you will need to go through the Credential Path Survey again and answer the questions appropriately. If the survey still takes you to the same application, then please reach out to ICF Support and provide your training certificate(s) so they can review and assist you in getting to the correct application. When your submitted application is reviewed, the incorrectly created application will be removed by ICF Staff.
I’m getting an error when uploading my files. Why won’t my documents upload?
There are typically two reasons why you may be having an issue uploading your documents.
If you have had your application open for an extended period of time, for security reasons, the page may time out and will not allow actions (like uploading) to be taken. Please leave your application by clicking on your name in the upper right-hand corner. Then access your application again and try the upload.
Another reason for an upload issue is the file name and size. The document size must be under 95 MB. The file name should not contain any special characters (e.g., ? / | \ ! @ # = $ % +).
If none of the above resolves the issue, please reach out to ICF Support for assistance.
Why am I not seeing the Member price for my Credential application?
To submit your application, you must be signed into the website. If you are a current member, you will be given the member price automatically. You will not need to enter in any code. If you are questioning the price you see, please note your application type and then visit the information page for the credential level you are apply (ACC, PCC, MCC). Locate your application path and verify the member/non-member fee.
The Credential Path Survey will not create my application. What do I do?
If you have completed the survey and are not presented with a page to create your application, please reach out ICF Support for assistance. In your email, please include the credential level (ACC, PCC, MCC) you are interested in applying along with your education certificate(s) so we can create the right application for you.
Applying for MCC
Will I have to take the Exam again, even though I’ve previously passed the Exam?
Yes. The ICF Credentialing Exam must be taken with each new application for a Credential, even if the exam has already been passed. The ICF Credentialing Exam is part of the credential process. In alignment with the highest standards for credentialing bodies, each credential is a stand-alone achievement, and the applicant must complete all requirements for the Credential for which they applied.
Can I use the Mentor Coaching I received for my PCC Credential?
No. Mentor Coaching hours submitted with an MCC Credential application cannot be the same Mentor Coaching hours applied toward a previous application for the ACC or PCC Credential.
Can my education / experience hours from my ACC and/or PCC Credential application be used for my MCC application?
All coach education and experience hours (as of the start of your coach education) can be used towards the MCC requirements, even if used previously for an ACC and/or PCC credential or any renewal of a credential.
Can I apply directly to become an MCC Credential-holder?
No. To apply for the MCC credential, you must currently hold or have previously held the PCC credential.
The Credentialing Process
Do I need to pay for the application first in order for it to be reviewed?
Yes, the application must be paid in full before the review process will start. If you opt to pay for the application in installments (2 or 4), your application review will not begin until the final payment has been received.
How can I monitor the status of my application’s review?
You may monitor your application’s review by signing into yourICF Profile.Then, access your credential application by clicking on “Continue Application.” This will bring you to the applications dashboard and you can view the status of each section of the application.
What is the estimated review time for my application?
The review time of an application is based on the credential level and application path you submitted. Estimated Review Time:
How do I create the application to apply for an ICF Credential?
To apply for your credential, you will take a short survey to help you access the correct credential level and application type for which you are eligible. Access the Survey.
Do I need to upload my coaching log into the ICF Credential application?
Due to data privacy laws, you will not upload your client coaching log to ICF. You will enter your total number of coaching hours you have acquired into the application and attest that you have obtained them in accordance with the requirementsIf you are selected for an audited, you (not ICF) will reach out to your clients asking them to verify to ICF your coaching hours with them.
I completed my coaching education with a provider that is not accredited by ICF. Can I still apply for an ICF Credential with non-accredited education hours?
Yes, you may use non-ICF accredited programs towards your credential education hours. You will apply through the Portfolio Application Path. NOTE: You will need to submit robust documentation to show what you were taught in the program and that it fulfils ICF Education requirements. Visit the Education Requirements page to learn more about what is accepted as Coach Specific Education and the documentation required.
What is the difference between the application paths? Is one path better than another?
All paths are created to have the same five (5) criteria for a credential application. The path you take depends on the type of coaching education you received. All paths lead to the same credential. No one path is better than another. All application paths require:
Once you have met all the requirements to apply for a credential, you will need to click on "Credentials & Standards" in the menu bar and then on the "apply now" button on the resulting gray navigation bar and take a short survey to get you to the right level and application type. Take the Survey.
Upgrading ACC to PCC
Will I have to take another exam if I upgrade to the PCC Credential?
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.
Note: Beginning November 18, 2024, and until March 14, 2025, ACC Candidates will have the opportunity to take either the ACC Exam or the ICF Credentialing Exam. Individuals who pass the ACC Exam will need to take the ICF Credentialing Exam regardless of when they passed the ACC Exam.
Do I need more coaching education or CCEs to apply for the PCC Credential?
For the PCC, you need a total of 125 hours of Coach-specific education. If the education you used for your ACC was for 125 hours, then no, you do not need to have any additional coach education.If your ACC original education was for less than 125, then yes, you will need have additional coach education to add to your ACC education hours until you reach the 125 hours needed.
For my PCC application, can I use the Mentor Coaching that I received for my ACC Credential?
If your ACC mentoring was done with a PCC or a MCC credentialed coach, you do NOT need additional mentor coaching for your PCC application. If it was done by an ACC credentialed coach, you will need an additional 10 hours of mentor coaching done over 3-month period of time or longer.
Can my education/ experience hours from my ACC Credential application be used in my PCC Credential application?
Yes – to move from the ACC to the PCC, you may build up from the hours you had for your ACC until you reach the PCC required amounts. The same hours can be used for both your ACC and PCC applications.
If I hold an ACC credential, how do I apply for the PCC credential?
There is no special process or application to move from the ACC to the PCC. You will use the PCC application for the path through which you will be applying.Each credential application is reviewed independently and due to data privacy laws, we do not store previously entered materials. To apply for your PCC, you will need to upload/enter in all documents/information you wish to use towards your PCC, including those previously for your ACC.
Applying for ICF Accreditation
Certificates | Pins | Logo
Credential Certificate
How do I access the digital version of my credential certificate?
A link to download your certificate was included in the email you received awarding your credential. In addition, you may access the certificate on your ICF Profile, under the “My Account Links” section – click on “Credentialing” and there will be an option labeled "Credential Certificate" under "Quick Links".
Will I get a physical copy of my credential certificate?
No. However, in the email you receive awarding you your credential, there will be a link to download your certificate and then you may print it out.
Credential Logo
Where can I get my credential logo?
A link to download your credential logo was included in the email you received awarding your credential. If the email is no longer available to you, please contact ICF Support to request the logo.
Credential Pin
Can I order a replacement lapel pin?
Yes. For those who have already received their pin but have either lost it and would like to replace it or would like to have a pin featuring the ICF’s new branding (released in 2021), pins are now available for purchase - $10 USD (including shipping). Order yours today!
When will I receive my credential lapel pin?
Credential pins are mailed the following month the credential was awarded. Please allow 6 – 10 weeks from when your credential was awarded for the pin to arrive. If after 10 weeks the pin has not arrived, please check the mailing address in your ICF profile. If all is correct, please reach out to ICF Support to check on the status on the status of your pin. NOTE: ICF is not able to track the pin once it has been shipped.
Chapters
Credential Digital Badges
About Credential Digital Badges
Why does Credly need access to my LinkedIn account?
To share or add a badge to your LinkedIn profile, LinkedIn requires an authorization process, that is required and standard for all third-party programs creating a connection between the two accounts. When you connect your Credly and LinkedIn accounts, you will receive a message outlining the permissions you are granting in the process. LinkedIn predetermines this message based on the authorization scope required to share your badge. Credly will not post to LinkedIn without your initiation or permission. Credly will only add badges to your profile or post them to your newsfeed upon request. You can disconnect Credly’s access to your social media account after you have successfully shared your badge to your profile or newsfeed. You can also manage Credly’s connection through your privacy settings within your social media account.
What is an open badge?
Open badges are web-enabled versions of a credential, certification or learning outcome which can be verified in real-time, online. What’s to keep someone else from copying my badge and using it? While badges are simply digital image files, they are uniquely linked to data hosted on Credly’s Acclaim Platform. This link to verified data makes them more reliable and secure than a paper-based certificate. It also eliminates the possibility of anyone claiming your credential and your associated identity.
What if I don’t want my badge to be public?
You can easily configure your privacy settings in the Credly Platform. You’re in complete control of the information about yourself that is made public.
What are the benefits of a badge?
Representing your skills as a badge gives you a way to share your abilities online in a way that is simple, trusted and can be easily verified in real time. Badges provide clients, employers and peers concrete evidence of what you had to do to earn your credential and what you’re now capable of.
How does my certification get displayed as a badge?
We have partnered with Credly to translate the learning outcomes you’ve demonstrated into a badge, issued and managed through the company’s Acclaim Platform. The technology Credly uses on its Acclaim Platform is based on the Open Badge Standards maintained by IMS Global. This enables you to manage, share and verify your competencies digitally.
Who is Credly?
Credly is the end-to-end solution for issuing and managing digital credentials. Credly works with credible organizations to provide digital credentials to individuals, worldwide.
What is digital badging, and why is it important?
Digital badging helps ensure that all credentialing and your hard work as a coach is validated. ICF digital badges validate your Associate Certified Coach, Professional Certified Coach and Master Certified Coach credential. According to the 2020 ICF Global Coaching Study, coaches say the No. 1 obstacle for the coaching profession is untrained individuals who call themselves coaches. Digital badging gives ICF Credential-holders a way to share their knowledge, skills and abilities online in a way that is simple and trusted and can be easily verified in real time.
How to Use Digital Badges
Where and how can I share my badge through the Credly Platform?
You can share your badge directly from the Credly Platform to LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook; over email; embedded in a website or in your email signature. Visit the Digital Badge Social Media page to learn more.
Is there a fee to use Credly?
No. This is a service we provide to ICF Credential-holders at no additional cost.
I have a question about the Credly Platform. Where can I find support?
You can find answers to frequently asked questions in theCredly Supportpages.
Can I export badges issued through Credly Platform to other badge-storing platforms?
Yes, you can download your badge from the Share Badge page. Your downloaded badge contains Open Badge Infrastructure (OBI) compliant metadata embedded into the image. This allows you to store your badge on other OBI-compliant badge sites, such as the Mozilla backpack.
Can I export badges issued through Credly Platform to other badge-storing platforms?
Yes, you can download your badge from the Share Badge page. Your downloaded badge contains Open Badge Infrastructure (OBI) compliant metadata embedded into the image. This allows you to store your badge on other OBI-compliant badge sites, such as the Mozilla backpack.
