Become Certified Coach: The Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential

To become a certified coach with the ICF takes quality time, commitment, and finances. It is well worth all three when you earn that credential. There are three certifications offered through the ICF, the Associate, Professional, and Master Certified Coach credentials.

ICF: An Empowering Organization

The International Coaching Federation has been empowering the world through coaching over the last twenty-five years. They are hoping to continue to do so for several years to come. One way they have been making lasting impacts in individuals and organizations around the world is through their accreditation processes, credentials and affiliation with the organization through membership. Becoming an ICF member organization allows participation in global research studies that will help shape the future of coaching in organizations; it provides opportunities for professional development and great networking opportunities. Being an ICF member connects coaching programs and their coaches from within organizations to exchange ideas, discuss important issues and share best practices.

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The Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential

With each ICF credential, there are three application paths to choose from. The Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential offers the ACTP, ACSTH, and the ACC portfolio paths. For each track, the applicant is required to have completed at least sixty hours of coach-specific training. In addition, a minimum of 100 hours of client coaching experience, ten hours of mentor coaching over a minimum of three months, and one must pass a performance assessment of their coaching and the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA).

Now to become a certified coach through the ICF, you can start at any level credential provided you meet all requirements for that level. However, most people start with the ACC because they do not have the number of coaching hours to advance to the PCC or MCC level. We will only focus on the Associate Certified Coach Credential ACTP path in this article. You can check out additional information on the other credentials and application paths on the ICF website.

Become Certified Coach Through The ACC ACTP Path

About the ACTP Path

According to the ICF, the ACTP is a start to finish coach-training program that includes comprehensive instruction around the ICF Core Competencies, Code of Ethics, and definition of coaching. ACTPs also includes Mentor Coaching, observed coaching sessions, and a comprehensive final exam that evaluates a student’s coaching competency.

ACC ACTP Path Requirements:

In the last year, slight changes have been made to the requirements for certification. Please see additional information regarding these crucial changes made due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the ICF website. https://coachingfederation.org/credentials-and-standards/acc-paths

Completion of an entire ICF-accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP)*. Check for your program’s approval below.
A minimum of 100 hours of coaching experience with at least eight clients following the start of your coach-specific training. At least twenty-five of these hours must occur within twenty-four months before applying for the credential.
Completion of the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA).

Fees: ICF Members, ACC-ACTP application: $100 USD and Non-members, ACC – ACTP application: $300 USD.

An ACTP program, when completed in full, includes at least 125 student contact hours, 10 hours of mentor coaching, and a performance evaluation process.

Becoming a certified coach through the ICF indicates to both fellow coaches and your prospective clients that you have met stringent education and experience requirements.

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