ICF ACC Certification: Complete Guide
The Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential is the first level of ICF certification. It demonstrates that you have met the foundational requirements for coaching education, experience, and competency. Here's everything you need to know to earn your ACC.
Comparing levels? See ACC, PCC and MCC requirements side by side.
ACC vs PCC→| ICF ACC at a glance (2026) | |
|---|---|
| Coach Training Hours | At least 60 hours of coach-specific education |
| Coaching Experience | Minimum 100 hours of coaching experience (75 paid) |
| Mentor Coaching | 10 hours of mentor coaching |
| Assessment | A performance evaluation (recorded session) AND the ICF ACC Exam. From 1 Apr 2027 Portfolio applicants are observed in mentor coaching instead of submitting a recording |
| Code of Ethics | Agreement to adhere to the ICF Code of Ethics |
| Estimated cost | ICF application fee: $175 (member) / $325 (non-member) on the Level 1/Level 2 path, $475 / $625 on the Portfolio path. Plus training and mentor coaching costs, which vary by provider. |
| Typical timeframe | Typically 6-12 months from starting training to earning the credential. |
ACC Requirements
Estimated Cost
ICF application fee: $175 (member) / $325 (non-member) on the Level 1/Level 2 path, $475 / $625 on the Portfolio path. Plus training and mentor coaching costs, which vary by provider.
Timeframe
Typically 6-12 months from starting training to earning the credential.
What the Exam Covers
- ICF Core Competencies (all 8 competencies)
- ICF Code of Ethics
- Coaching vs. consulting, therapy, and mentoring
- Establishing coaching agreements
- Active listening and powerful questioning
- Creating awareness and designing actions
How to Prepare for ACC
- Complete an ICF-accredited coach training program (Level 1 or Level 2), or 60+ hours of coach education via the Portfolio path
- Log at least 100 coaching hours with diverse clients
- Work with a mentor coach for 10 hours over 3+ months
- Study all 8 ICF Core Competencies and their behavioral markers
- Practice coaching sessions regularly — AI practice tools can help you get daily reps
- Take practice exams and review case studies
- Record yourself coaching and review against ICF competency markers
ICF ACC FAQ
What are the ICF ACC requirements in 2026?+
Coach Training Hours: At least 60 hours of coach-specific education. Coaching Experience: Minimum 100 hours of coaching experience (75 paid). Mentor Coaching: 10 hours of mentor coaching. Assessment: A performance evaluation (recorded session) AND the ICF ACC Exam. From 1 Apr 2027 Portfolio applicants are observed in mentor coaching instead of submitting a recording. Code of Ethics: Agreement to adhere to the ICF Code of Ethics.
How much does ICF ACC certification cost?+
ICF application fee: $175 (member) / $325 (non-member) on the Level 1/Level 2 path, $475 / $625 on the Portfolio path. Plus training and mentor coaching costs, which vary by provider.
How long does it take to get ICF ACC?+
Typically 6-12 months from starting training to earning the credential.
What does the ICF ACC exam cover?+
ICF Core Competencies (all 8 competencies); ICF Code of Ethics; Coaching vs. consulting, therapy, and mentoring; Establishing coaching agreements; Active listening and powerful questioning; Creating awareness and designing actions.
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