Planning to become an ICF ACC coach? Coaching certification can be a scary prospect, particularly if you’re new to the world of coaching. With so many different coach certifications out there, it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time and which ones aren’t.
If you’ve read this far, it probably means that you are interested in getting your ICF Associate Certified Coach Certification. That’s great news because this article will tell you everything you need to know about becoming an ICF ACC coach.
What does ICF ACC Certification mean?
Associate Certified Coach (ACC) certification is the first level of coaching certification offered by the International Coach Federation (ICF).
The International Coach Federation (ICF) is the largest global association of coaches with more than 120,000 members in 170 countries. It is a non-profit organization that offers its members professional and personal development opportunities to help them grow their careers as a coach.
This certification is intended for entry-level coaches who have little or no experience. With this certification, coaches can demonstrate their competence and apply coaching skills to a variety of situations. ACC certification is one of the most common credentials in the coaching field. This certification is designed for both experienced professionals and those new to the field.
The ICF Associate Certified Coach is a great certification for aspiring coaches who are interested in pursuing a career in the corporate or business coaching world. It is also suitable for coaches who want to work with individuals and teams in the health and wellness industry. The ICF Associate Certified Coach isn’t limited to these areas, but it does skew towards them.
What does ICF ACC Certification mean?
There are three paths to become an ICF ACC coach: Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP), Approved Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH), and Portfolio. The following are the requirements, fees and estimate timeline for each path:
- ACTP
- You must complete an entire ICF-accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP)
- You must complete at least 100 hours (75 paid) of coaching experience with at least 8 clients when you start your coach-specific education or training. ICF defines coach-specific education or training as:
- any ICF-approved program with at least 30 hours
- any CCE program with at least 30 hours (at least 80 percent of which are in Core Competencies)
- a non-approved program with at least 30 hours (at least 80 percent of which are in Core Competencies).
At least 25 hours of paid or unpaid coaching experience is required within the 18 months prior to submitting your application for the credential.
- Completion of the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA). Please note that the CKA will be replaced by the ICF Credentialing Exam in August 2022.
- Fee: $100 USD (for ICF members), $300 USD (for non-members)
- Estimated Timeline for Review: 4 weeks
- ACSTH
- You must complete at least 60 hours of coach-specific education or training through an ACTP or ACSTH program(s).
- You must complete 10 hours of Mentor Coaching over a minimum of three months when you submit your application online. Your Mentor Coach must be an ACC who has completed the credential through renewal or hold a PCC or MCC in good standing.
- You need to complete a minimum of 100 hours (75 paid) of coaching experience with at least 8 clients following the start of your coach-specific education or training. At least 25 hours of paid or unpaid coaching experience is required within the 18 months prior to submitting your application for the credential.
- Performance evaluation (audio recording and written transcript of a coach session to be uploaded with your application).
- Completion of the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA). Please note that the CKA will be replaced by the ICF Credentialing Exam in August 2022.
- Fee: $300 USD (for ICF members), $500 USD (for non-members)
- Estimated Timeline for Review: 14 weeks
- Portfolio
If you are using Continuing Coach Education (CCE) units and/or non-approved training as your training requirements, you are required to follow the ACC Portfolio path.
- You must complete at least 60 hours of coach-specific education or training. You will be required to demonstrate that you have completed a comprehensive education or training program that includes the ICF definition of Coaching, Code of Ethics and Core Competencies.
- You must complete 10 hours of Mentor Coaching over a minimum of three months when you submit your application online. Your Mentor Coach must be an ACC who has completed the credential through renewal or hold a PCC or MCC in good standing.
- You need to complete a minimum of 100 hours (75 paid) of coaching experience with at least 8 clients following the start of your coach-specific education or training. At least 25 hours of paid or unpaid coaching experience is required within the 18 months prior to submitting your application for the credential.
- Performance evaluation (audio recording and written transcript of a coaching session to be uploaded with your application).
- Completion of the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA). Please note that the CKA will be replaced by the ICF Credentialing Exam in August 2022.
- Fee: $400 USD (for ICF members), $600 USD (for non-members)
- Estimated Timeline for Review: 14 weeks
Conclusion
An ICF ACC credential demonstrates your integrity and credibility as a coach in the market. It shows that you have learned how to coach your clients through empowering dialogues and help them identify viable action plans to achieve their life goals and dreams.
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