The ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) exam is a knowledge-based, multiple-choice test that assesses your understanding of the ICF Core Competencies and the ICF Code of Ethics.
For many, the ACC credential is a significant milestone in their coaching journey, but the process can feel overwhelming—I certainly found it to be. What helped me most was speaking to colleagues who had recently completed it. Christopher and Kasia were my cheerleaders, and their encouragement made all the difference.
Having just gone through the process myself, I’ve put together some key information that I found particularly useful when preparing for the 90-minute ICF Credentialing Exam, which has been in place since November 2024. However, I strongly recommend checking with your training provider about the application process, as requirements and guidance may vary, plus, they will support you along the way. What I share here focuses specifically on preparing for the exam itself.
Exam Options: Test Centre or Home?
You can choose to take the exam either from home (via a proctored online exam) or at a test centre. Both options have their pros and cons. I took the exam from home, which worked well for me—though I was grateful to have the house to myself, and a friend looked after my dog to ensure complete quiet!
ACC Credential Requirements
To obtain the ACC credential, you must meet the following requirements:
✅ 60+ hours of coach-specific training
✅ 100+ hours of coaching experience
✅ 10 hours of mentor coaching
✅ Successful completion of the ICF Credentialing Exam
Exam Format
The exam itself is straightforward:
- Exam Instructions – 2 minutes
- Section 1 (30 questions) – 39 minutes (I finished with about 10 minutes to spare but used the full time to check my answers.)
- Scheduled Break – 10 minutes (I took a 5-minute break, went to the loo, drank a glass of water, and did 2 minutes of square breathing before continuing.)
- Section 2 (30 questions) – 39 minutes (Again, I finished early but used the remaining time to review my answers.)
How I Prepared for the Exam
🔹 Sample Questions – I completed the sample questions available on the ICF website.
🔹 AI Practice – I asked ChatGPT to test my knowledge of the ICF Code of Ethics and Core Competencies.
🔹 Additional Resources – Lyssa de Hart and Kirsten Dierolf offer excellent sample questions on their websites.
Essential Resources
Beyond the ICF Core Competencies and ICF Code of Ethics, these resources were particularly helpful:
ICF Official Links
📌 Introducing the ICF ACC Credential Exam
📌 ICF Core Competencies – YouTube Playlist
📌 ACC Minimum Skills Requirements
📌 ICF Code of Ethics – YouTube Playlist
📌 Insights and Considerations for Ethics (ICE)
📌 Ethics FAQs
Other Useful Websites & Videos
💡This resource was shared by my lovely friend Kasia Grabda – an absolute lifesaver!
👉 Sparkling Leaders – Prepping for the ACC Exam
Other YouTube Videos by (Christi Masso Byerly, MCC, Lyssa deHart, MCC, Kirsten Dierolf, MCC, Daniel Olexa, MCC)
📌 Lyssa de Hart & Kirsten Dierolf’s Exam Prep Tips
📌 ICF ACC Exam Discussion: Learn from a Coach Who Passed the New Test!
📌 How to Prepare for the New ICF Credentialing Exam
Final Thoughts
The credentialing process can feel intense—mainly because you don’t have much control over the exam itself and when do we actually sit exams? —but it’s also an opportunity to deepen your knowledge. Take it step by step, reach out to your network for support, and remember: coaching is about learning and growth, and this is just another step on that journey.
Good luck! 🚀
Candida Javaid Coaching & Mentoring 