Development of the ACC Exam<\/h2>\r\n
Designed to be a precise and reliable measure of coaching knowledge for those early in their career, the ACC Exam reflects the skills and principles essential for an Associate Certified Coach. It was developed through a thorough and thoughtful process aligned with best practices for certification and high-stakes testing.<\/p>\r\n
What makes the ACC Exam unique? It was created by coaches, for coaches. Your credentialed peers played a key role at every stage – drafting and reviewing questions, determining correct answers, and setting the exam’s passing standard. Each question underwent multiple rounds of review and testing by experienced coaching subject matter experts to ensure the exam is fair, accurate, and valid. This collaborative approach ensures the ACC Exam truly reflects the standards and knowledge expected of professional coaches like you.<\/p>\r\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/icf-credentialing-development-acc-exam.jpg\" "\\"icf-credentialing-development-acc-exam\\"")
![\"A](\"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/icf-credentialing-stucture-acc-exam.jpg\" "\\"icf-credentialing-stucture-acc-exam\\"")
<\/p>\r\n
Structure of the ACC Exam\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n
The ICF ACC Exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions designed to test your knowledge of coaching essentials. Each question offers four possible answers, with one correct response for each item. Your score is determined by the correct answers you choose, with no penalty for wrong answers. Similar to other standardized testing, scores are reported as scaled scores ranging from 200 to 600. A score of 460 is required to pass.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
Exam Format<\/h3>\r\n
The ACC Exam is a proctored, computer-based written exam that you can take in person at a Pearson VUE testing center or online through Pearson’s OnVUE remote testing platform. The exam is divided into two sections, with an optional 10-minute break midway through the exam.<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Total Exam Time: 90 minutes, including an optional 10-minute break.<\/li>\r\n
- Exam Format: 60 multiple-choice questions divided into two sections.<\/li>\r\n
- Exam Breakdown:\r\n
- \r\n
- Exam Instructions: 2 minutes.<\/li>\r\n
- Section 1 (30 questions): 39 minutes.<\/li>\r\n
- Scheduled Break: 10 minutes.<\/li>\r\n
- Section 2 (30 questions): 39 minutes.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Schedule Your Exam <\/a><\/p>\r\n
Exam Content\u00a0<\/h3>\r\n
Overview<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n
Three broad categories of coaching knowledge are assessed in the ICF ACC Exam: Coaching Ethics; Definitions and Boundaries of Coaching; and Coaching Competencies, Strategies, and Techniques. Here’s a look at each category, including its percentage weight on the exam.<\/p>\r\n
Coaching Ethics – 30%<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Knowledge of professional ethics codes.<\/li>\r\n
- Identifying what constitutes a conflict of interest.<\/li>\r\n
- Awareness of relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies and procedures around confidentiality (e.g., what factors would necessitate breaking confidentiality).<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Definition and Boundaries of Coaching – 30%<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Mastery of the definition of coaching.<\/li>\r\n
- Knowledge of the coaching process and how it differs from other related professions (therapy, counseling, mentoring, consulting).<\/li>\r\n
- Recognition of when and how to make appropriate referrals to mental health professionals.<\/li>\r\n
- Ability to recognize the signs of mental health conditions that may block progress in coaching.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Coaching Competencies, Strategies, and Techniques – 40%<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Understanding how to contract with clients (e.g., key elements of a coaching agreement).<\/li>\r\n
- Comprehension of ICF Core Competencies.<\/li>\r\n
- Expertise in goal setting and motivation strategies.<\/li>\r\n
- Proficiency with various coaching techniques, tools, and resources.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Study the ICF Core Competencies <\/a> Review the Code of Ethics <\/a><\/p>\r\n
Exam Language Information<\/h3>\r\n
Overview<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n
The ACC Exam is designed to be accessible to a global community of coaches, including those whose primary language is not English. The exam is offered in English and 15 additional languages, which you can select when you sign up for your exam appointment.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
The ACC Exam Is Offered in the Following Languages<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Arabic<\/li>\r\n
- Chinese (Simplified)<\/li>\r\n
- Czech<\/li>\r\n
- English<\/li>\r\n
- French<\/li>\r\n
- German<\/li>\r\n
- Hungarian<\/li>\r\n
- Italian<\/li>\r\n
- Japanese<\/li>\r\n
- Korean<\/li>\r\n
- Polish<\/li>\r\n
- Portuguese (Brazilian)<\/li>\r\n
- Russian<\/li>\r\n
- Spanish<\/li>\r\n
- Swedish<\/li>\r\n
- Turkish<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Exam in Non-English-Speaking Countries\u00a0<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n
To support you completing an ICF exam in English as a secondary language, you will receive an automatic time extension of 30 minutes if the exam is not offered in your primary language AND if you reside in a non-English speaking country.<\/p>\r\n
Additional Support<\/a> Expand<\/i><\/a><\/p>\r\n
If the ACC Exam is not offered in your language, you can request language supports such as bilingual translation dictionaries or translation services (for an additional fee). These resources are available to help you navigate the exam more easily so that language doesn’t become a barrier to showcasing your knowledge and skills.<\/p>\r\n
Request a Language Support <\/a><\/p>\r\n
Preparing for the ACC Credential Exam\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n
Get ready to take your exam with confidence! Don’t underestimate the value of your experience – it’s an important asset as you prepare for the ACC Exam. If you’re looking for extra study tips, check out the following:<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n
- Revisit materials from your coaching education program.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Familiarize yourself with the ICF Core Competencies<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n
- Review the ICF ACC Minimum Skills Requirements<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Study the ICF Code of Ethics<\/a>, including key definitions and interpretive statements.<\/li>\r\n
- Reflect on typical coaching situations and effective responses.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n
- Review guidelines for referring coaching clients to therapy or other supporting professionals.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Complete the free ACC Exam Tutorial<\/a>, which offers an interactive simulation of the Pearson VUE testing platform.<\/p>\r\n
Sample Exam Questions and Tutorial<\/h3>\r\n
Put your coaching knowledge to the test with our sample questions and online tutorial. With these examples, familiarize yourself with the question format and content that assess your ability to recall key concepts, apply theory, and analyze real-world scenarios. Take advantage of these opportunities to test your knowledge and walk into the exam feeling prepared and confident.<\/p>\r\n
Test Your Knowledge <\/a> Practice Like a Pro <\/a><\/p>\r\n
Exam Registration Process\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n
Whether you’re just starting the application process or have already submitted your credential application, here’s what you need to know about the next steps toward taking the ACC Exam.<\/p>\r\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/icf-credentialing-acc-exam-registration.jpg\" "\\"icf-credentialing-acc-exam-registration\\"")
<\/p>\r\nHaven’t Yet Submitted Your ACC Credential Application?<\/h3>\r\n
To take the ACC Exam, you first need to submit your credential application along with all required documentation. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed, and you’ll be notified of your eligibility to take the exam.<\/p>\r\n
Have You Already Submitted Your Credential Application?<\/h3>\r\n
Great news! If your application has been reviewed and approved, you’ll soon receive an email with next steps. This email will include an invitation to schedule your exam appointment. Once you receive the invitation, you’ll have 60 days to schedule and complete the exam.<\/p>\r\n
![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/coachingfederation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/icf-credentialing-acc-exam-next-steps.jpg\" "\\"icf-credentialing-acc-exam-next-steps\\"")
<\/p>\r\nNext Steps After the Exam\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n
Once you complete the exam, you’ll receive instant preliminary results, giving you immediate insight into your performance. Within one week, ICF will update your individual record with official results. You will also receive an email either celebrating your credential or guiding you through the steps to retake the exam<\/a> if needed.<\/p>\r\n
Related Resources<\/h2>\r\n
Looking for more ways to support your journey to becoming an Associate Certified Coach? We’ve gathered key resources to help you stay on track and boost your exam preparation.<\/p>\r\n
ACC Candidate Guide <\/a><\/h3>\r\n
A go-to resource for everything you need to know about applying for the ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential. Use it as your roadmap through the credentialing process to stay on track and make sure you’re fully prepared every step of the way.<\/p>\r\n
ACC Exam Reference List <\/a><\/h3>\r\n
Whether you’re brushing up on key concepts or seeking extra information, this list of core resources and additional references will help you sharpen your knowledge and get ready for the ACC Exam.<\/p>\r\n
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- Review the ICF ACC Minimum Skills Requirements<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n