Obtaining The ACC Coaching Credential

Are you a new coach looking to establish yourself in the coaching profession? If your answer is Yes, then the ACC coaching credential is a great place to start.

About The ACC Credential

The ACC, known as the Associate Certified Coach credential, is provided through the International Coach Federation (ICF), and it is the first credential offered to new/less experienced coaches. The ICF accreditation provides coach-training programs through approved training providers around the world. The organization offers three credentials: Associate, Professional, and Master Certified Coach. The ACC coaching certification is perfect for coaches just starting in the profession. It also benefits those who have been coaches for a while, certified through other credentialing bodies, and have chosen to obtain an ICF coaching credential.

(NOTE: If you’ve been asking questions about ICF Certification lately, then you need to watch this video. In the video, I’ll explain how to best get and use this ‘ultimate credibility advantage’. Click HERE now to watch the video.)

Importance of Earning a Coaching Credential Through The ICF

According to the ICF, the purpose of holding or attaining an ICF accreditation is to demonstrate high ethical and professional standards in the industry. The organization strives to set itself apart from others due to its rigorous standards, popularity around the world, and credibility. The organization boasts about its coaches and programs continuously maintaining an exceptional integrity standard in the industry.

Paths to Earning an ICF ACC Coaching Credential

There are three application paths to choose from ACTP, ACSTH, and the Portfolio Path for those seeking to obtain the ACC ICF credential.

ACTP Path

Completion of an entire ICF Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP).
A minimum of 100 hours (70 paid*) of coaching experience with at least eight clients following your coach-specific training. At least 25 of these hours must occur within the 24 months before applying for the credential.
Completion of the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA).
Fees -ICF Members: $100 USD, Non-members: $300 USD.
Estimated Timeline for Review: Four weeks.

ACSTH Path

At least sixty hours of coach-specific training through an ACTP or ACSTH program is required.
Ten hours of Mentor Coaching over a minimum of three months to be documented on your online application. Your Mentor Coach must be an ACC who has completed a full cycle of the credential through renewal, PCC, or MCC in good standing.
A minimum of 100 hours (70 paid*) of coaching experience with at least eight clients following the start of your coach-specific training. At least 25 of these hours must occur within the 24 months before submitting the credential application.
Performance evaluation (audio recording and written transcript of a coach session to be uploaded with your application).
Completion of the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA).
Fees – ICF Members: $300 USD, Non-members: $500 USD.
Estimated Timeline for Review: 14 Weeks.

Portfolio Path

If you are counting Continuing Coach Education (CCE) units and non-approved training toward your training requirements, you must follow the ACC Portfolio path.

At least sixty hours of coach-specific training with robust documentation. You will be required to demonstrate that you have completed a comprehensive training program that includes the ICF definition of coaching, Code of Ethics and Core Competencies, and is organized in a scope and sequence that encourages your growth as a coach.
Ten hours of Mentor Coaching over a minimum of three months to be documented on your online application. Your Mentor Coach must be an ACC who has completed a full cycle of their credential (through renewal), PCC, or MCC in good standing.
A minimum of 100 hours (70 paid*) of coaching experience with at least eight clients following the start of your coach-specific training. At least 25 of these hours must occur within the 24 months before applying for the credential.
Completion of the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA).

For all three application paths, per the ICF, the ICF Credentials and Standards Board has temporarily approved an increase in the proportion of eligible pro bono coaching hours for ACC Coaching Credential applicants. They have also approved an extension to client coaching experience requirements who apply by December 31, 2021, and this is due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To learn more about how to generate an endless wave of high paying coaching clients, get your FREE Instant Access to our “ Life Coaching Business Blueprint” video toolkit when you go HERE.