International Coaching Federation Support

Search All FAQ Categories

Search our database for specific answers to your most frequently asked questions

• Are there sample questions available for review?
• What is Resource Development? 
• Can I join / affiliate with more than one ICF Chapter?
• Does ICF offer different levels of credentials?
• What resources does ICF offer its Members?
• Can I earn Core Competencies Continuing Coach Education (CCE) with self-study?
• How do I keep track of my coaching hours? Where is the Client Log Template?
• What is the difference between the application paths? Is one path better than another?
• I finished the exam. Can I access the answers to advance my growth as a coach?
• Will my Performance Evaluation be evaluated in alignment with the updated ICF Core Competencies before the updated ICF Credentialing Exam is available?
• How can I monitor the status of my application’s review?
• What are the benefits of a badge?
• What are the benefits of a digital badge?
• I can’t log in to the ICF website. What do I do?
• What constitutes a Coaching hour? How do I count my time spent coaching?
• Why is ICF Coaching Education moving away from the model of accrediting only curriculum to accrediting the entire organization?
• Is there an additional cost to join an ICF Chapter?
• Where do I find the link to schedule my exam?
• If I previously passed the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) for a prior Credential, why do I have to take the new ICF Credentialing Exam when applying for a higher level Credential?
• Can I use CCEs to become credentialed?
• When will I be given access to the CKA?
• How many questions are on the CKA?
• How do you ensure a compatible partnership?
• Can my clients make a donation to a charity in lieu of paying me?
• 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?
• I have a question about the Credly Platform. Where can I find support?
• How do I purchase an enhanced listing in the Credentialed Coach Finder (CCF)?
• I teach a coaching program, can I use that for my renewal?
• Who created the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam?
• Can I list my ICF Credential as “Pending” once I’ve submitted the application?
• 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?
• How will the updated ICF Credentialing Exam be delivered?
• Can I submit a session from the Reciprocal Peer Coaching program?
• 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?
• How do I take the new ICF Credentialing Exam online?
• When will the winners be announced?
• If I previously passed the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) for a prior Credential, why do I have to take the new ICF Credentialing Exam when applying for a higher–level credential?
• Can my education / experience hours from my ACC and/or PCC Credential application be used for my MCC application?
• What is digital badging?
• Can two ACCs mentor each other for credential renewal?
• What are the benefits of being an ICF Member?
• What are Continuing Coach Education Units (CCEs)?
• What is the question format of the CKA?
• If my coaching education was to the original 11 ICF Core Competencies, can I still pass the Performance Evaluation to the updated criteria? 
• Do I have to pay to access the Learning Portal?
• How is the information submitted in the accreditation application used by ICF?
• How did ICF determine three hours was sufficient to complete the exam?
• What is Credly?
• Once I receive an invitation to complete the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam, how long do I have to take the exam?
• Can I export badges issued through Credly Platform to other badge-storing platforms?
• Where do I find the link to take the CKA?
• Will ICF be adding new award categories?
• Do I have to have an ICF Credential?
• When will the nomination period begin?
• Is the time a Mentor Coach spends observing the Mentee’s coaching counted toward the 10 hours of Mentor Coaching?
• Can I apply directly to become an MCC Credential-holder?
• For my PCC application, can I use the Mentor Coaching that I received for my ACC Credential?
• For the 2 recordings at the PCC and MCC levels, do they both need to be in the same language?
• If my ICF Credential has lapsed or expired, may I still submit an application for the ICF ACTC?
• Why did ICF change the name of its awards?
• Do I have to earn an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential before I can apply for the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Credential?
• How long does my ICF Credential remain active?
• What training or certifications do I need to be a Mentor Coach?
• How do I change my name on my ICF Record?
• What is digital badging, and why is it important?
• Where can I access the free ICF Ethics Course?
• Can I export badges issued through Credly Platform to other badge-storing platforms?
• Are there prerequisites to becoming an ICF Member?
• What if I don’t pass the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam?
• What is “Experience Coaching”?
• If the Chapter I affiliate with does NOT collect separate dues, how do I change my chapter affiliation in my profile on the ICF website?
• What do I need to renew my PCC?
• s the CKA an open book exam?
• Are there sample questions available for review?
• Who needs to take the updated ICF Credentialing Exam? Do I need to take the exam again when I renew my ICF Credential?
• Will all languages be available immediately with the new ICF Credentialing Exam?
• Do I need more coaching education or CCEs to apply for the PCC Credential?
• How can I renew my Mentor Coach Registry listing?
• Who is eligible to be a Mentor Coach? How do I join the Mentor Coach Registry?
• How do I document self-study hours in my renewal application?
• What information will I be required to provide for team coaching education programs or courses that I submit to meet the educational requirement?
• If I do not pass the evaluation, what happens?
• How do I check the status of my application?
• When can I apply for my credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF)?
• How do I transcribe my audio file?
• Will accommodations be available to support candidates with a disability or physical condition that may impact their ability to test?
• Why does Credly need access to my LinkedIn account?
• How long do I have to take the exam once I start it?
• Who manages the Learning Portal?
• I submitted the wrong application. How do I change my application type?
• I already have an account / profile on the ICF website but am not yet an ICF Member. How do I go about completing my application for membership?
• Will I get a physical copy of my credential certificate? 
• Can I upgrade my credential instead of renewing?
• How do I get my credentials through ICF?
• How do I apply for the ICF ACTC?
• How much does it cost to have a listing in the Credentialed Coach Finder (CCF)?
• Are the trophies still of sustainable material?
• Is the exam available in my language?
• Who can I use as my Mentor Coach?
• How do I access my digital badge?
• Does group mentoring count toward the mentor coaching requirement?
• What was the reason behind these updates?
• Can I start the Coach Knowledge Assessment and save to complete at a later time?
• What score is required to pass the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam?
• I renewed my membership. Do I still have to renew my credential?
• What is ICF’s refund policy with regards to membership?
• Does Mentor Coaching count towards CCEs?
• How do I document giving or receiving Mentor Coaching in my renewal application?
• Do I need to upload my coaching log into the ICF Credential application?
• Can I provide a direct link to my Credentialed Coach Finder (CCF) profile listing?
• How can I find out if the education program I completed is ICF-accredited?
• What is an ICF Credential?
• How long will a request for proposal (RFP) remain active in the Credentialed Coach Finder?
• How do I access webinars and recordings?
• Is there a fee to use Credly?
• How do I determine the accreditation type of coaching education program(s) I completed?
• Do I upload my client log to my ICF Credential application?
• Can one nominee be entered in more than one category?
• How do I access my profile on the ICF website?
• Once I receive the link, how long do I have to take the exam?
• How do I get my coaching education program accredited?
• Updates to the ICF Coaching Education accreditation structure indicate that Continuing Coach Education (CCE) programs should not be designed for initial coach-specific education. Does this mean that Credential candidates will no longer be able to use CCE units to meet the education requirements through the Portfolio Application Path? 
• After my education is complete, how long do I have to submit my application for a Credential?
• Once I receive the notice that I may take the exam, how long do I have to take the exam?
• Where are ICF Chapters located?
• How do I create the application to apply for an ICF Credential?
• Does Coaching Supervision count towards CCEs?
• How do I find education opportunities that I can use toward my ICF Membership application?
• I did not receive my ICF Member Digital Badge from Credly. What do I do?
• I completed courses in the ICF Learning portal.  Why aren’t they showing in my Credential renewal application?
• Can I choose how much of my information is publicly visible?
• How should I prepare to take the ICF Credentialing Exam?
• Which competencies are being used on the CKA – 11 or 8?
• How will candidates complete the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam?
• If I hold an ACC credential, how do I apply for the PCC credential?
• What will happen to the award winners of the past ICF awards’ structure?
• How will I know if I’ve earned a badge?
• How can I verify that the coach I’m already working with is an ICF Member and/or Credential-holder?
• Who is Credly?
• What if my coaching specialty is not listed as an option in the Credentialed Coach Finder (CCF)?
• What is considered “paid” coaching hours?
• What do I need to renew my MCC?
• Who should apply for the ICF ACTC?
• Does ICF offer installment payments for new or renewing membership dues?
• Why am I not seeing the Member price for my Credential application?
• Where do I find the application I started, so I can complete it?
• May I submit team coaching educational programs or courses that I have developed and delivered toward the educational requirements for the ICF ACTC?
• If I completed part of an ICF Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP) but not the full program, can I still use these training hours toward my Credential application?
• What is Coaching?
• I’m having issues paying for ICF Membership dues on the ICF website. Who do I contact?
• What is ICF Coaching Education?
• What is Mentor Coaching?
• Do I have to have an ICF Credential to be an ICF Member?
• How does my certification get displayed as a badge?
• To apply for my PCC Credential, can I use the Mentor Coaching I received with my ACC Credential? Or for a renewal of my ACC Credential?
• What does it mean to have a coaching education organization or program accredited by ICF?
• Do all the nominations need to be made by ICF members?
• Is feedback provided regarding the questions missed?
• Who is eligible to provide coaching supervision or guided reflective practice?
• What score is required in order to pass?
• I finished the CKA. Can I access the answers to advance my growth as a coach?
• How do I enroll in automatic renewal for my ICF Membership?
• Do I need additional Coaching Experience hours to renew?
• How is the assessment scored?
• My ICF Credential expired two months ago. Can I still renew?
• Can a nominator enter more than one submission?
• Where can I find CCEs?
• My 60-day period to take the CKA has expired. How can I receive access again?
• Where do I locate Performance Evaluation Feedback?
• The Credential Path Survey will not create my application. What do I do?
• Within the partnership, what does the coach do? The individual?
• How do I find a Mentor Coach?
• Where and how can I share my badge through the Credly Platform?
• When/how does an applicant receive an invitation to complete the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam?
• Do I have to earn a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Credential before I can apply for the Master Certified Coach (MCC) Credential?
• When will I receive my credential lapel pin?
• How do I find a coach to partner with?
• What do I need to renew my ACC?
• Can Coaching Supervision take the place of Mentor Coaching?
• Are there opportunities available in the Learning Portal that can be used for Continuing Coach Education Units (CCEs)?
• Where can I find information on ICF’s climate initiatives?
• I renewed my ICF Membership, but my ICF Member Digital Badge is still showing as expired. What do I do?
• How can the success of the coaching process be measured?
• What do the exam questions cover?
• What are some typical reasons why someone might work with a coach?
• What is the timeline for review of an application once submitted?
• Will I have to take the Exam again if I upgrade to the PCC Credential?
• How will I be notified of my results?
• If I want to take the exam in-person, how will I find a testing center where I can take the ICF Credentialing Exam? 
• I coach for my work – does that count as paid coaching hours?
• I am preparing to apply for the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Credential and have already completed 125 hours of coach-specific education. Do I now need to take a Level 2-accredited program? 
• What are the criteria for the Professional Coaches category? Do I need to be a certain age to be eligible?
• Do I need to take the New ICF Credentialing Exam in order to be listed on the registry?
• How do I access my invoices and transaction history with ICF?
• What are the main differences between each type / level of accreditation?
• Is feedback provided regarding the questions missed?
• What happens if an applicant doesn’t pass the CKA?
• For the two (2) recordings required at the PCC and MCC levels, can the recordings be done with the same client?
• The ICF Core Competencies were updated in 2019. Why are the ICF Credentialing Exam and Performance Evaluation criteria only coming into alignment in 2022?
• What supporting information or documentation will I submit with my application?
• How much time is needed for the exam?
• Do I need to take the updated ICF Credentialing Exam to be listed on the Mentor Coach Registry?
• Do I have to use an ICF-accredited program to become credentialed?
• Do I have to join / affiliate with an ICF Chapter?
• Where do I find the score report from the Exam?
• I’m getting an error when uploading my files. Why won’t my documents upload?
• What factors should be considered when looking at the financial investment in coaching?
• How do I access the Learning Portal?
• How did ICF determine that three hours is sufficient to complete the test?
• How do I create my credential application?
• How is a candidate notified of their exam results?
• If I studied for the CKA using the original 11 ICF Core Competencies, can I still pass the new ICF Credentialing Exam?
• How long is the review time of a credential renewal application?
• How do I join ICF?
• How do I access the digital version of my credential certificate? 
• What is the ICF Member Directory?
• Where is the Client Coaching Log Template?
• How long does the recording need to be?
• What happens if a candidate does not pass the ICF Credentialing Exam on their first attempt?
• How much does it cost to become an ICF Member?
• How will Credentialed Members I know when they have been sent an RFP?
• How early can I submit by credential renewal?
• I completed the ICF Ethics course to meet the Ethics requirements for renewing my credential. How can I access my certificate / credits to upload to my renewal application?
• Are ICF Credential-holders required to be ICF Members?
• Will my Performance Assessments be evaluated in alignment with the updated ICF Core Competencies before the updated ICF Credentialing Exam is available?
• What counts as client coaching experience hours?
• If I submit my application prior to July 27, 2022, and I fail my first attempt at the CKA, which exam will I take for my retake?
• What is the Learning Portal?
• I am both an ICF Member and ICF Credential-holder. How do I use the Credentialed Coach Finder (CCF)?
• Can I order a replacement lapel pin?
• Can I use coaching hours from before I completed an ICF-accredited program?
• How will the updated ICF Credentialing Exam be delivered?
• I get a message indicating that I am not eligible to be listed on the registry, but I believe I am.  What do I do?
• Do I need to pay for the application first in order for it to be reviewed?
• Will I have to take the Exam again, even though I’ve previously passed the Exam?
• When I am ready to apply for the Master Certified Coach (MCC) Credential, will I be required to receive education or training from a Level 3-accredited organization or program?
• Will Credential levels be changing from ACC, PCC and MCC to Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3?
• Where can I find ICF’s Privacy Policies?
• How can I be listed on the Mentor Coach Registry?
• Can Coaching Supervision or Mentor Coaching be counted toward client coaching experience hours?
• I completed an ICF-Accredited education or training program years ago for my initial ICF Credential. If I pursue a higher-level Credential in the future, will my previous ACTP or ACSTH education/training still be recognized?  
• Are self-nominations allowed?
• What counts as Core hours?
• What is coach-specific education?
• Can I be mentored by more than one person?
• What is the ICF Advanced Certification in Team Coaching?
• What kinds of learning opportunities can I find in the Learning Portal?
• What documentation needs to be submitted in the application for the Mentor Coaching hours?
• Where can I find my performance evaluation feedback from the assessor?
• How is coaching delivered? What does the process look like?
• Who is eligible to be a Mentor Coach?
• What do the exam questions cover?
• I chose to pay for my application in installments, but now I want to pay for it in full. How can I do that?
• My organization has applied for ICF accreditation. Can we promote the pending accreditation on our marketing materials?
• What score is required to pass the exam?
• How do I find resources to study for CKA?
• If I complete more than the required Continuing Coach Education (CCE) units for credential renewal, can I use the excess hours for a future credential renewal?
• Do I have to get an ICF Credential?
• Are there free learning opportunities available to those who are not ICF Members?
• How do I update my listing on the mentor coach registry?
• How do I make changes to my profile?
• If I submit my application prior to July 27, 2022, and I do not pass the Performance Evaluation, how will my retake be assessed? 
• For my ACC Credential, I completed an Approved Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH) program that was less than 125 hours. Can I complete a Level 1 program to meet the 125 hours of coaching education required for the PCC Credential? 
• My training / education program is not listed in the ICF Membership application. What do I do?
• I participated in a number of ICF Chapter Events. Why aren’t they showing in my Credential renewal application?
• What were the recent updates to the accreditation process with ICF and when did they occur?
• What if I don’t want my badge to be public?
• What is the ICF Member Digital Badge?
• What is an enhanced listing in the Credentialed Coach Finder (CCF)? What are its benefits?
• Where can I download my ICF Membership certificate?
• How many questions are on the exam?
• What is the estimated review time for my application?
• Once I take the updated ICF Credentialing Exam, will I need to take it again, if I apply for another credential?
• Does ICF still offer the Prism Award?
• I created the wrong application but did not submit. How do I change my application type?
• How will the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam be delivered?
• Who needs to take the new ICF Credentialing Exam? Do I need to take the exam when I renew my ICF Credential?
• Does group / team coaching count toward the experience requirements?
• What does coaching ask of an individual?
• What happens after I become an ICF Member?
• What happens if I submit my Credential application before the new ICF Credentialing Exam is launched, but by the time I am ready to take the exam, the updated ICF Credentialing Exam is available – do I take the current CKA or the new ICF Credentialing Exam?
• What is the International Coaching Federation (ICF)?
• Why is it important to have an ICF Credential?
• Do I have to complete an additional 10 hours of Mentor Coaching each time I renew my ACC Credential?
• Is there any expectation of award winners?
• The ICF Core Competencies were updated in 2019. Why are the ICF Credentialing Exam and Performance Evaluation Criteria only now coming into alignment in 2022?
• Where can I get my credential logo?
• How should I prepare to take the Coach Knowledge Exam?
• I attended a session in the Learning Portal but did not receive my certificate to verify CCEs. What do I do?
• For my ACC Credential, I completed an ACSTH program that was less than 125 hours. Can I use CCEs to attain the 125 hours of coaching education required for a PCC Credential? 
• Why are the Credential application fees increasing?
• What is the New Member Onboarding Call / Meeting?
• How do I access the CKA?
• How long does a coach work with an individual?
• What is Continuing Coach Education (CCE)?
• My ICF Credential expired two YEARS ago. Can I still Renew?
• Is ICF Membership related to ICF Credentials?
• Can I submit training that is not ICF-accredited as Continuing Coach Education (CCE)? What if it is not accepted?
• Can my education/ experience hours from my ACC Credential application be used in my PCC Credential application?
• Will Credential levels be changing from ACC, PCC and MCC to Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3?
• How is the ICF Member Digital Badge different from the ICF Credential Digital Badge?
• If I encounter a problem during the Coach Knowledge Assessment whom should I contact?
• Can I submit a recording in my own language?
• Can I access my renewal application and enter in my CCEs as I earn them?
• What education/training can be used to fulfill this training requirement?
• I completed an ACTP program and currently have my ACC Credential. Can I still apply for the PCC Credential through an ACTP application path?
• Why should I look for an ICF-credentialed Coach?
• How will I be notified of my results?
• When will the nomination period end?
• Where do I find my renewal application?
• How do I earn the ICF ACTC?
• My organization or institution provides in-house coaching for internal coaches. Does ICF accredit these programs as well?
• Where can I find coaching education programs?
• If my client is also a coach, is that okay?
• Is feedback provided regarding the questions missed?
• How do I document giving or receiving Coach Supervision in my renewal application?
• Will the ACTP and ACSTH application paths be discontinued for ACC and PCC Credentials? 
• What will the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam cover and in what format?
• What is the difference between the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) and the new ICF Credentialing Exam?
• What is the Credentialed Coach Finder (CCF) and why is it a member benefit?
• My enhanced listing in the Credentialed Coach Finder (CCF) expired. What should I do?
• How do I count non-ICF accredited education towards Core hours?
• Is the CKA available in my language?
• What is the question format?
• Does ICF offer a student membership?
• If I am taking the current CKA Exam, will I need to take it in a proctored environment?
• Why is ICF changing the way it delivers the ICF Credentialing Exam?
• What is an open badge?
• Where can I find information on ICF’s diversity and inclusion efforts?
• How can I find out when my credential is due for renewal?
• How many categories are offered for this new awards program?
• Do I have to be an ICF Member to access the Learning Portal?
• What is ICF Professional Coaches?
• Is there a fee to use Credly?
• If I miss my appointment or deadline to take the ICF Credentialing Exam, can I still take the exam, or will I need to reapply?
• Is my personal information publicly visible?
• How can I sign up for the Reciprocal Peer Coaching program?
• What do I do if I do not want to renew my membership?
• How many ICF Chapters exist?
• When will I be given access to the Exam?
• Do I have to join the Mentor Coach Registry to be a Mentor Coach?
• Do I have to take the ICF Credentialing Exam to renew my credential?
• 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?
• As an ICF Member, can I use the ICF and/or ICF Professional Coaches logo on my website or other personal marketing materials?
• How do I access the ICF Member Toolkit?
• Do I need to take the exam when I renew my ICF Advanced Certification in Team Coaching?
• What does ICF do?
• Where and how can I share my ICF Member Digital Badge through the Credly platform?
• Where can I find and access ICF Chapter events?
• What are the different types / levels of ICF Accreditation?
• Can Coaching Supervision take the place of Mentor Coaching for an ACC Credential renewal?
• When can I start to count my client coaching experience hours?
• Can I use the Mentor Coaching I received for my PCC Credential?
• What is an example of self-study Continuing Coach Education (CCE)?
• What is the Credentialed Coach Finder (CCF)?