This guide is for Coach Graduates who have completed Level 1 or Level 2 Coach Training and want to apply for an ACC Credential with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) via the ICF Level 1 pathway. This is the most direct and cost efficient pathway to an ACC Credential.
What is the ICF Level 1 Pathway?
The Level 1 path is for coaches who have completed an ICF-accredited Level 1 (ACC) or Level 2 (PCC) coach education program. It streamlines the application process by validating your coaching training hours. This means you need only evidence your Coach Training Certification for the Coach Specific Training, Mentoring and Performance Evaluation requirements.
3 Key Requirements for an ICF ACC Credential (via ICF Level 1)
Coaches who have completed either Level 1 or Level 2 Coach Education can apply to the ICF for an ACC via the Level 1 pathway.
You will need
1. Level 1 or Level 2 Certification
2. Coaching Experience Hours
3. Successful completion of the ICF ACC exam
Requirement 1: Coach Certification
Coaches must have fully completed, and graduated from, an ICF Level 1 or ICF Level 2 Coach Education program. Your Level 1 Coach Certification, achieved with International Coach Academy, will evidence the following ICF requirements:
– Coach Specific Training (minimum 60 hours)
– Mentoring (minimum 10 hours)
– Observed Coaching
– Performance Evaluation
Requirement 2: Coaching Experience Hours
Before a coach can apply for an ICF ACC Credential they must have achieved at least 100 hours of coaching experience. This must meet the following criteria:
– 100+ hours of coaching experience after the start of your coach-specific training
– At least 8 clients
– Minimum 75 hours paid (can be partial payment)
** To note: ICA’s Peer Coaching can count as pro bono (free).
Requirement 3: ICF ACC Exam
Coaches must achieve a passing score in the ICF ACC Exam. This exam is administered and assessed by the ICF.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Does my Certification include the Mentoring required for an ICF Credential
Both Level 1 and Level 2 Coach Certification included the Mentoring hours required to apply for an ICF ACC Credential. All Level 1 (ACC) and Level 2 (PCC) coach education includes at least 10 hours of ICF Accredited Mentor Coaching. This will include at least 3 hours One on One Coaching and 7 hours Group Coaching. This has been accredited by the ICF, meaning that your Level 1 or Level 2 Coach Certification provides the required evidence for an ACC Mentoring requirement.
Q. Does my ICA Peer Coaching count towards the required Coach Experience Hours?
Yes, ICA’s peer coaching is aligned with the experience hours required for an ACC or PCC Credential. This is because it happens outside the classroom and requires students to be a client for as many hours as they are coach.
Resources
Guidelines for ACC or PCC ICF experience requirements.
ICA Peer Coaching
Q. Who issues ICF Certification?
International Coach Academy (ICA) issues Coach Certification. This includes Level 1 (ACC) Education, Level 2 (PCC) Education and Advanced Accreditation in Team Coaching (AATC)
Email: [email protected]
Q. Who issues ICF Credentials?
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) issues Coach Credentials. This includes Associate Professional Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC).
website: https://coachingfederation.org/
