Useful Tips to Pass the New ICF ACC Credentialing Exam

The International Coaching Federation or ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) exam is a crucial step in your coaching career, validating your skills and readiness to support clients effectively. This credential signals your competence and professionalism in a growing global coaching market.

According to 2022 ICF data, 90% of candidates pass the ACC (as well as PCC and MCC) exams, showcasing the value of structured training.

The ACC exam assesses your knowledge of Core Competencies, the Code of Ethics, and coaching definitions, using situational judgment to evaluate your decision-making in various scenarios.

In this blog, we’ll share preparation strategies, study tips, exam insights, and resources, including a free ICF practice exam. Whether you’re concerned about costs or need help with preparation, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore how to pass the ICF ACC exam!

Preparing for the New ICF ACC Exam

The ICF is rolling out a new version of the ACC Credentialing Exam. This new exam will replace the previous one, offering a more accurate way to assess a coach’s expertise. Here’s what you need to know:

Launch date:
- The new ICF ACC Credential exam is available from November 18, 2024.
- You can choose between the old and new exams until March 14, 2025.
Mandatory transition:
- After March 14, 2025, the new ICF ACC exam will become the only option for you to get credentialed.
Exam format:
- The new exam is a multiple-choice format.
- It assesses your understanding of the ICF Core Competencies, the ICF Code of Ethics, and the ICF Definition of Coaching.
- The exam is shorter and designed to be a more accurate reflection of a coach’s abilities.
Exam administration:
- The exam will be administered by Pearson VUE, which offers both in-person and virtual exam experiences.

Now that you’re familiar with the key changes and dates, let’s take a deeper dive into the structure and content of the ICF ACC exam to better understand how you can prepare effectively.

A Brief of What the ICF ACC Exam is

The ICF ACC exam is designed to test your foundational knowledge and application of coaching principles. It’s an essential certification for coaches who want to showcase their competence in the ICF Core Competencies and adhere to the ICF Code of Ethics. Whether you are new to coaching or bringing knowledge from another field, this credential is a great way to prove your expertise.

Earning your ICF credential requires more than just passing the written exam. You must complete coach-specific education, log a minimum number of coaching hours, and undergo mentor coaching. Once these requirements are met, you’re ready for the final exam, where your proficiency in these areas is tested.

But how do you tackle the exam itself?

Understanding the ICF credentialing exam process and knowing how to structure your study routine is key. Let’s look at the resources you need to study, followed by tips needed for taking the ICF ACC exam with confidence.

Mastering the ICF ACC Exam: A Step-by-Step Process

Preparing for the ICF ACC exam requires a strategic approach, as it assesses your knowledge across three core areas: coaching ethics, the definition and boundaries of coaching, and coaching competencies. You’ll need to demonstrate not only your understanding of ICF’s foundational principles but also your ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.

This section outlines key aspects of the exam, including the types of questions, how to prepare effectively, and important resources to guide your study process.

Key aspects of the ICF ACC exam + resources

The new ICF ACC credentialing exam tests your proficiency and consists of multiple-choice questions; all focused on assessing your knowledge in these areas. Understanding these three domains will be essential for passing the exam.

The three core content domains

The exam content is divided into Coaching Ethics (30%), Definition and Boundaries of Coaching (30%), and Coaching Competencies (40%).

Coaching ethics (30%)
- This domain evaluates your knowledge of the ICF Code of Ethics and how ethical principles are applied in coaching practices. It also covers understanding conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and relevant legal considerations.
- Resources: ICF Code of Ethics, ICF Ethics Videos, ICF Ethics Course, ICF Ethics Insights & Considerations and ICF Ethics Resources.
Definition and boundaries of coaching (30%)
- You must be able to differentiate coaching from other professions like therapy, counseling, mentoring, and consulting. This section also tests your knowledge of when and how to make appropriate referrals to mental health professionals.
- Resources: About ICF, ICF Blog on Coaching/Mentoring/Consulting, ICF White Paper on Referring a Client to Therapy.
Coaching competencies, strategies, and techniques (40%)
- In this section, you’ll demonstrate your expertise in contracting with your clients, goal-setting, and the use of various coaching tools and techniques. A deep understanding of the ICF Core Competencies is key to excelling here.
- Resources: ICF Core Competencies, ICF ACC Minimum Skills Requirements.

Scoring and exam structure

The ICF ACC exam has 60 multiple-choice questions.
Each question is designed to test a specific aspect of the ICF Core Competencies or other ethical guidelines.
You have 90 minutes to complete the exam, and the passing score is 460, equivalent to correctly answering 76% of the questions.
Scoring is scaled between 200 and 600, ensuring that the exam remains fair and consistent for all candidates.

Preparing for the ICF ACC Exam

Effective preparation for the ICF credentialing exam involves more than just studying content. You should take time to familiarize yourself with the exam structure and question types, as well as practice with sample materials. An ICF credential prep can give you valuable insights into what to expect and help you identify areas where you need further study.

ICF credentialing exam resources

ICF credential prep: Review study guides, reports and resources provided by the ICF, including the official ICF Core Competencies video series and white papers. These materials will help you grasp key concepts and apply them in practical scenarios.

By using the right ICF credential exam prep tools and focusing on the key content domains, you’ll be able to answer these questions:

What does it mean for you to be an ACC coach?
What do ICF assessors look for when evaluating an ACC coach?
How can you identify your strengths and areas for growth to pass the ACC performance evaluation?

This will in turn, set you up for better chances at passing the ICF ACC credentialing exam.

Now, let’s look at the structure, format, language, requirements and registration of the ICF ACC exam.

The Structure and Requirements of the ICF ACC Exam

The ICF ACC exam evaluates your coaching skills and knowledge, structured with a clear format and specific requirements. To help you navigate the exam process, here’s a breakdown of the structure and steps involved:

ICF ACC exam structure

The table below conveys all the details about the structure of the ICF credential exam. Remember, the exam is computer-based and taken at Pearson VUE testing centers or online, depending on your preference.

Component	Details
Total Questions	60 multiple-choice questions
Sections	2 sections (30 questions per section)
Exam time	90 minutes total (including a 10-minute break)
Time per section	39 minutes per section

ICF ACC exam requirements

Before you can sit for the ICF ACC exam, certain eligibility criteria must be met:

60 hours of coach-specific training
10 hours of mentor coaching
100 hours of coaching practice

Once these requirements are fulfilled, you can submit your application. Upon approval, you will receive an invitation to schedule your exam.

ICF credentialing exam registration process

Submit your ACC credential application with the required documentation.
Once approved, you will receive an invitation email to schedule your exam.
Follow the instructions in the email to book your exam with Pearson VUE, either remotely or in person.
You have 60 days from receiving the invitation to schedule and complete the exam.

ICF ACC Exam: Cost and Retake Policy

When preparing for the ICF ACC credentialing exam, it’s essential to know the associated costs and retake policies. The exam fee is included in your application, with a distinction between members and non-members.

If you’re an ICF member, you’ll pay $175 for the exam.
For non-members, the fee increases to $375.

However, if you don’t pass the ICF credentialing exam on your first attempt, you can retake it.

The retake costs $105 and is available after a 14-day waiting period.
After each subsequent attempt, you must wait 30 days before retaking the exam.
You’re allowed up to six attempts per year, starting from your first exam date.

Now, let’s take a look at some tips that can help you prepare and increase your chances of passing the ICF ACC credential exam.

Tips to Prepare and Pass the ICF ACC Credentialing Exam

Passing the ICF ACC exam requires a solid strategy and focused preparation. To make sure you are fully equipped to succeed, you’ll need to dive deep into both the theoretical and practical aspects of coaching. Here are some essential tips that will guide you through your preparation process.

1. Master the core competencies of coaching

The key to passing the ICF credentialing exam is understanding the updated ICF Core Competencies. Memorization won’t cut it. Instead, focus on understanding how each competency translates into real coaching practices. Dive into the ICF’s resources to fully grasp these competencies and their application in different scenarios.

The PCC Markers are a great resource for examining coaching behavior, which directly correlates with the core competencies. Comparing these markers with the core competencies can enhance your understanding, making it easier to identify the best answers during the exam.

2. Practice with realistic mock tests

Don’t underestimate the power of practice. There are many ICF practice exam-free resources available that mirror the structure of the real test. These mock exams will help you familiarize yourself with the type of questions you’ll encounter, the timing pressure, and the overall exam format. Regular practice boosts confidence and gives you an edge during the actual exam.

3. Adopt the coach’s mindset

Shift your perspective while preparing for the ICF credential exam. Instead of focusing on memorizing facts, think like a coach. Picture yourself in a real coaching session with a client, and consider how you would apply core competencies and ethical guidelines in that situation. Always prioritize the client’s needs and empower them to make decisions.

Choosing the answer that best reflects a client-centered approach will help you identify the correct responses to scenario-based questions.

4. Be strategic with time management

The 90-minute exam can feel overwhelming, but with proper time management, you can navigate it efficiently. Skim through the exam questions initially to get an idea of what to expect. Prioritize answering questions you feel confident about first. For tricky or time-consuming questions, use the “flag for review” feature and revisit them later when you have more time.

5. Don’t overload with study materials

While the exam allows reference materials, the key is to stay organized. Avoid overwhelming yourself with an excess of notes or textbooks. Instead, create a concise study guide summarizing key concepts and definitions. Having this reference material at hand will help you during the exam without causing distraction.

6. Trust your coaching instincts

By this point, you have tried to optimize your coaching skills through practice and experience. Trust your instincts when answering the questions. Often, the answer that feels most aligned with your coaching values and ethical principles will be the right one. Don’t second-guess yourself; trust the knowledge and experience you’ve gained.

7. Use the CARE vs. CAN’T model to identify the best answers

The CARE vs. CAN’T model is a valuable framework for selecting the most suitable responses on the ICF exam.

CARE model for best answers:

Client-centered: Always prioritize the client’s unique needs and goals over the coach’s preferences.
Acknowledging: Give importance to the client’s feelings, inputs, and experiences throughout the conversation.
Reflecting: Engage in deep curiosity, helping the client reflect on their thoughts and feelings.
Empowering: Enable the client to take ownership of their decisions and their journey.

CAN’T model for worst answers:

Controlling: Avoid answers where the coach is directing, advising, or making decisions for the client.
Assuming: Do not make assumptions about the client’s situation or adopt conclusions prematurely.
Neglecting: Watch out for responses that overlook or disregard the client’s feelings or needs.
Telling: Refrain from answers where the coach is telling the client what to do, think, or feel.

This model helps you focus on the coaching principles that align with ethical guidelines, ensuring you choose the best answer that supports client-centered coaching.

9. Prepare physically and mentally for the exam day

The ICF credentialing exam is not just an intellectual challenge; it’s a mental marathon. Ensure that you’re physically prepared by getting enough rest and staying hydrated before the exam. Create a quiet, distraction-free space to take the test. Breaks and a positive mindset will help you maintain focus and energy throughout the entire exam.

10. Seek support from experienced coaches

Sometimes, personalized guidance can make all the difference. If you feel unsure about your preparation, consider working with a certified coach who specializes in ICF credential exam preparation. They can provide tailored advice, mock coaching sessions, and answer your specific questions about the exam.

Many training centers also offer coaching clinics and mentor sessions, which could prove invaluable as you approach the exam day.

By following these strategies and preparing effectively, you’ll improve your chances of passing the ICF ACC credentialing exam on your first attempt. With the right mindset, tools, and practice, you’ll be well on your way to earning your coaching credential and advancing your career.

ICF ACC Exam Preparation: Sample Questions

One effective way to prepare for your ICF ACC exam is by familiarizing yourself with sample ICF credentialing exam questions. The questions below are designed to reflect the new exam format and give you a sense of the complexity and the types of scenarios you’ll encounter.

Understanding how to respond to scenario-based questions is key to passing the ICF ACC exam. Let’s break down a few sample questions to help you grasp what’s expected.

ICF ACC exam sample questions

We have designed three questions for you to bring insights on what to expect and how to answer in your ICF ACC credentialing exam.

Q. 1: What do you do if a client asks you to consult or offer other professional services?

Introduce the client to a consultant.
Discuss what a coaching role is and is not.
Change the contract with the client and keep the client.
Tell the client you will offer advice at the end of the coaching conversation.

Answer: The correct approach is to discuss what a coaching role is and is not.

Explanation – This ensures that both you and the client are aligned on expectations, helping maintain the integrity of the coaching relationship. You should not mix coaching with other professional services without proper clarification, such as altering the contract. This question tests your understanding of professional ethics and boundaries within the coaching role.

Q. 2: What is the value of a coach knowing the client’s communication style?

The coach knows how best to grow the client by using the coach’s communication style.
You are able to communicate with them more easily.
It’s a great way to practice mirroring.
The coach can direct his/her style toward the client in order to develop the coaching relationship.

Answer: The correct answer is that the coach can direct his/her style toward the client in order to develop the coaching relationship.

Explanation – Tailoring your approach to the client’s communication preferences can strengthen the connection and make interactions more effective. This question emphasizes the importance of understanding your clients’ unique characteristics and adapting your coaching style accordingly.

Q. 3: Helping a client see the end result is an example of what?

Backwards planning.
A visualization.
A discovery exercise.
An envisioning technique.

Answer: The correct answer is backwards planning.

Explanation – A technique where you help the client visualize the end result and then work backward to determine the steps needed to reach that goal. This approach encourages clients to focus on the outcome first, creating a clearer path toward success. This question tests your ability to utilize effective coaching techniques that facilitate goal-setting and progress.

Why ICF Certification Matters for Your Coaching Career

Earning ICF certification is a smart investment, both in time and money. In an unregulated field, a recognized credential like the ICF ACC distinguishes you from others and signals to clients that you’re a skilled and accountable professional.

This certification proves your expertise and builds trust, paving a pathway for anyone focused on advancing their coaching career. By getting certified, you demonstrate commitment to high standards, which can open doors to new opportunities, higher client satisfaction, and long-term success in the coaching industry.

Once you become an ICF ACC coach, you need to elevate your coaching practice, both physically and virtually. Enter Simply.Coach, the leading digital coaching management platform trusted by coaches worldwide.

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Conclusion

As you prepare for the ICF ACC exam, remember that success comes from a blend of understanding the core competencies, applying them in real-world scenarios, and honing your skills through practice. Stay focused, trust your coaching instincts, and use the strategies outlined here to guide your study sessions.

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