Exciting news for aspiring coaches and current practitioners looking to earn their ICF credentials! The International Coaching Federation (ICF) will launch an updated Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Exam on November 18, 2024. This new version of the ACC Exam is designed to better assess the foundational knowledge and skills essential for professional coaching, ensuring that coaches are well-prepared to serve clients and demonstrate their credibility.

As your dedicated partner in coaching education, we’re here to keep you informed about these industry changes and offer tailored support to help you succeed, whether you’re ready to become a certified coach or need specific exam preparation.

Why the ACC Credential is Important

The ACC credential is the first step in the ICF’s credentialing path, providing an essential foundation in the ICF Core Competencies, Code of Ethics, and a solid understanding of the coaching process. This credential signals your professionalism, dedication, and credibility to clients, peers, and the coaching community. Earning the ACC credential offers numerous benefits:

• Enhance your credibility: Demonstrates a firm knowledge of coaching standards and ethics.
• Build client trust: Clients value coaches with recognized credentials from established organizations like the ICF.
• Advance career potential: Having an ACC opens doors for future credentialing opportunities within the ICF framework.

If you’re ready to begin your coaching journey, obtaining your ACC credential is a strategic way to gain professional recognition.

What’s New in the ACC Exam?

The revised ACC Exam will be available starting November 18, 2024, and includes several updates to reflect current coaching practices:

• Exam Format: 60 multiple-choice questions delivered in a computer-based, proctored format.
• Duration: 90 minutes, with an optional 10-minute break halfway through.
• Delivery Options: Take the exam at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide or opt for remote testing via Pearson’s OnVue system.

This redesigned exam focuses on testing a coach’s knowledge of ICF Core Competencies and ethical standards, ensuring coaches at this level possess the foundational skills necessary to guide clients confidently and ethically.

Note: From November 18, 2024, to March 14, 2025, ACC candidates may choose to take either the current or new ACC exam format. After March 14, the new ACC exam will be the only option available.

Comprehensive Preparation with Our Fast Track to ICF Credential Program

For those aspiring to start their coaching career, our Fast Track to ICF Credential Program is a thorough, structured option that covers all requirements to apply for the ACC credential. This two-part program combines:

1. Education: Provides essential training on the ICF Core Competencies, equipping you with the skills to coach effectively.
2. Certification Track: Includes mentor coaching, performance evaluation, and the educational hours needed for ACC qualification.

Through this program, you’ll gain the knowledge, mentorship, and hands-on experience essential for success in the coaching profession.

Ready for the Exam? Join Our Credentialing Exam Preparation (CEP) Class!

If you’re already on your way to becoming a coach and looking for specialized support to excel in the ACC Exam, our Credentialing Exam Prep Class (CEP) is specifically designed to prepare you for the ICF Credentialing Exam, with adjustments to address both the current and new ACC exam formats. This program, developed with insight from coaches instrumental in shaping the ICF Core Competencies, aligns with the latest ICF exam standards.

What You’ll Gain:

Our CEP Class is specifically designed to prepare you for both ACC Exam formats, emphasizing critical thinking and ethical responses that align with ICF’s updated approach. 

• Interactive practice scenarios: Each week, you’ll tackle real-life coaching situations with guidance on evaluating potential responses.
• Insight into the ICF’s approach: Learn how to align with the ICF’s standards in ethical and professional judgment.
• Access to practice exams: Familiarize yourself with the exam’s format and timing through simulated testing experiences for both the knowledge-based and judgment-based exams.
• Resource materials: Includes the ICF’s Definition of Coaching, Code of Ethics, and Core Competencies to reinforce your learning.