Welcome to our Student Coach Resources hub, a dedicated space tailored to empower aspiring coaches on their academic and professional journey. This platform is designed to provide you with invaluable tools and insights to excel in your studies and future coaching endeavors. Navigate through a variety of resources crafted to deepen your understanding of coaching principles. Engage with interactive webinars led by experienced professionals, and access practical tips on effective communication, goal setting, and building meaningful relationships with clients.
Our goal is to support your growth as a student coach, offering a comprehensive array of materials to enhance your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and prepare you for success in the dynamic world of coaching. Embrace this opportunity to elevate your learning experience and embark on a fulfilling journey towards becoming a skilled and compassionate coach.
What Does it Take to Earn a Credential?
Earning an ICF Credential is a rigorous process that provides legitimacy and credibility to credential holders. Each of the credentials (ACC, PCC, and MCC) requires the same five key components:
1. Education
Obtain coach-specific education aligned with the ICF definition of coaching, ICF Core Competencies, and ICF Code of Ethics.Â
2. Experience
Coaching experience hours must begin after you’ve started a coaching education program.Â
3. Mentor Coaching
Receive mentor coaching to strengthen your skills within the ICF Core Competencies.Â
4. Performance Evaluation
Pass a performance evaluation(s) that assesses your coaching skills against ICF standards.Â
5. Exam
Pass a written exam designed to test your understanding of and ability to apply the ICF definition of coaching, ICF Core Competencies, and ICF Code of Ethics.
Coaching Experience Hours
Join the Community of Practice
The Community of Practice is a free space created just for ICG Student-Coaches — where you can:
✔ Coach and be coached in live peer sessions on Zoom
✔ Gain coaching experience hours that count toward your ICF credential
✔ Build your confidence and coaching presence
✔ Connect with peers, share experiences, and grow together
Sessions are available Monday to Friday, and you’ll find session links, resources, and templates all in one place — everything you need to start practicing coaching and gaining experience hours right away.
Coaching Experience Hour Requirements
| Requirement | ACC – Associate Certified Coach | PCC – Professional Certified Coach |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Ideal for coaches early in their careers who want to establish their credibility. | Demonstrates advanced coaching skill and meaningful client results. |
| Total Coaching Hours | 100 hours | 500 hours |
| Paid Coaching Hours | At least 75 | At least 450 |
| Coaching Hours (Last 18 Months) | At least 25 hours (paid or unpaid) completed within 18 months before application. | At least 50 hours (paid or unpaid) completed within 18 months before application. |
| Minimum Number of Clients | 8 clients | 25 clients |
| Timing of Coaching Hours | All coaching hours must be completed after the start of coach-specific training. | |
*For this purpose, ICF defines the start of coach-specific training as any ICF-approved program with at least 30 hours, or any CCE program with at least 30 hours focused on coaching competencies.
Mentor Coaching
The Fast Track to ICF Credential comes with 10 hours of Mentor Coaching (7 Hours of Group Mentor Coaching and 3 hours of 1:1 Mentor Coaching.)
Need Mentoring hours? Consider the Mentor Coaching Bundle or individual mentor coaching sessions.
Purpose
Mentoring provides professional assistance in achieving and demonstrating the levels of coaching competency and capability demanded by the desired credential level.
Mentor Coaching should take place over an extended time (three-month minimum) in a cycle that allows for listening and feedback from the Mentor Coach while also allowing reflection and practice on the part of the individual being mentored.
Initial Credentialing
Credentialing candidates on the following paths are required to participate in Mentor Coaching prior to submitting their application:
ACC ACSTH
ACC Portfolio
PCC Level 1 / ACSTH
PCC Portfolio
MCC Portfolio
ACC Renewal
Coaches applying to renew their ACC Credential are required to complete an additional 10 hours of Mentor Coaching above those hours required for their initial credential.
As part of the Credentialing process, applicants must pass a Performance Evaluation. The purpose of the Performance Evaluation is to ensure the applicant’s coaching is aligned with the ICF Core Competencies and demonstrates the coaching skills required at each level of credentialing.
This key component is covered in the Credentialing Success Course, where we will guide you through the process of preparing and submitting your recording to be evaluated by one of our assessors.
The ideal timing for this component is once you are close to completing your experience hours, the educational component is complete, and the indvidual mentor coaching sessions have wrapped up.Â
The lead-time for return of the evaluation is 2-3 weeks* from submission.
*this timeline is subject to change
These are some great examples of coaching that have met and exceeded the ACC Level 1 Performance Evaluation requirements. They have been shared with permission by both the coach and the client. Please do not share or distribute beyond this space.
