The ICF ACC Exam
The ACC Exam consists of 60 multiple-choice knowledge items. Each item includes a brief prompt or question and four response options. There is only one correct response for each item.
The ACC Exam consists of ttwo sections with an optional 10-minute break midway through the exam. The total exam time is organized in the following format:
I. Exam Instructions: 2 minutes
II. Section 1 (30 items): 39 minutes
III. Scheduled Break: 10 minutes
IV. Section 2 (30 items): 39 minutes
Exam Format
Exam Time: 90 minutes, including a 10-minute break.
Exam Length: 60 multiple-choice questions.
Exam Format: Computer-based written exam administered through proctored delivery at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide, or online through Pearson’s OnVue remote-proctored testing service.
Exam Content
Content Domains
Exam Content: The ACC Exam covers three broad domains of coaching knowledge. Exam questions cover these domains outlined below.
Domain: Coaching Ethics – 30%
- Knowledge of professional ethics codes.
- Knowledge of what constitutes a conflict of interest.
- Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies and procedures around confidentiality (e.g., what factors would necessitate breaking confidentiality).
Domain: Definition and Boundaries of Coaching – 30%
- Knowledge of the definition of coaching.
- Knowledge of the coaching process and how it differs from other related professions (therapy, counseling, mentoring and consulting).
- Knowledge of when, and how to make appropriate referrals for mental health professionals.
- Knowledge of signs of mental health conditions that may block progress in coaching.
Domain: Coaching Competencies, Strategies, and Techniques – 40%
- Knowledge of how to contract with clients (e.g., key elements of a coaching agreement).
- Knowledge of ICF Core Competencies.
- Knowledge of goal setting and motivation.
- Knowledge of a variety of coaching techniques, tools, and resources.
As an ICF Accredited Coaching Training Provider, Positivity Global Coaching boasts unparalleled expertise in delivering top-tier coaching training at the mastery level. Our in-depth knowledge of ICF Core & Team Competencies and the rigorous evaluation process for ICF credentials enables us to offer exceptional support to aspiring coaches.
The path to ICF Credentialing can be daunting due to scarce resources. Recognizing this challenge, we have developed a comprehensive Model Assessment specifically designed to thoroughly prepare you for the ICF Team Coaching Credentialing Exam.
Our practice exam closely replicates the structure and content of the actual ICF questions, focusing on real-world coaching scenarios. Please note, this is a simulation, and explanations for answers are not included. For further guidance, we invite you to book a mentoring session with our expert coaches.
The ICF ACC Exam Mock Test is available for a minimal service fee of 100€. Once you register in this form, you will receive an automated confirmation message. A representative from the Positivity Global Coaching team will then contact you with your access details to the ICF ACC Mock Exam within 48 hours on working days.
Please note that you will have access to the ICF ACC Exam Mock Test for 30 days starting from the day you receive your access details. You can make up to four attempts within this period.
The ACC Exam will be offered to candidates starting November 18, 2024. All ACC candidates authorized for the written exam from November 18th, 2024 onward will take the ACC Exam.
Situational judgment questions evaluate how individuals respond to practical situations, while knowledge-based questions assess knowledge and understanding of specific facts or concepts. Situational judgment questions are often longer and require more deliberation to answer correctly.
Example:
Situational Judgment: You are a graphic designer working on a project for a client. The client has requested a design that conveys a sense of trust and reliability for their financial services company. They are uncertain about color choices. What do you do?
- Choose bright and vibrant colors to make the design stand out.
- Use a mix of various colors to create a visually interesting design.
- Recommend using conservative and professional colors such as blue and gray to evoke trust.
- Proceed with colors you personally prefer since you are the designer.
(Correct Response: 3. Recommend using conservative and professional colors such as blue and gray to evoke trust.)
Knowledge-Based: Question: In color psychology, which color is often associated with trust, reliability, and professionalism?
- Red
- Green
- Yellow
- Blue
(Correct Response: 4. Blue)
The ACC Exam covers three broad domains of coaching knowledge:
Domain: Coaching Ethics – 30%Knowledge of professional ethics codes.
- Knowledge of what constitutes a conflict of interest.
- Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies and procedures around confidentiality (e.g., what factors would necessitate breaking confidentiality).
Domain: Definition and Boundaries of Coaching – 30%Knowledge of the definition of coaching.
- Knowledge of the coaching process and how it differs from other related professions (therapy, counseling, mentoring and consulting).
- Knowledge of when, and how to make appropriate referrals for mental health professionals.
- Knowledge of signs of mental health conditions that may block progress in coaching.
Domain: Coaching Competencies, Strategies, and Techniques – 40%Knowledge of how to contract with clients (e.g., key elements of a coaching agreement).
- Knowledge of ICF Core Competencies.
- Knowledge of goal setting and motivation.
- Knowledge of a variety of coaching techniques, tools, and resources.
- Exam Time: 90 minutes, including a 10-minute break.
- Exam Length: 60 multiple-choice questions.
- Exam Format: Computer-based written exam administered through proctored delivery at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide, or online through Pearson’s OnVue remote-proctored testing service.
The ACC Exam is offered in the following languages (with an English language aid):
- Arabic
- Chinese (Simplified)
- Czech
- French
- German
- Hungarian
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Polish
- Portuguese (Brazilian)
- Russian
- Spanish
- Swedish
- Turkish
- Revisit materials from your coaching education program.
- Familiarize yourself with the ICF Core Competencies.
- Review the ICF ACC Minimum Skills Requirements.
- Study the ICF Code of Ethics Standards, including key definitions, and interpretive statements.
- Reflect on typical coaching situations and effective responses.
- Review guidelines for referring coaching clients to therapy or other supporting professionals.
- Review the ACC Candidate Guide and the ACC Exam Reference List provided by ICF.
ACC Exam results will be available for candidates immediately following the completion of the exam.
ICF Credentials and Standards partners with Pearson VUE for the delivery of its exams, including the new ACC Exam. Candidates may choose to complete the exam at one of over 5,000 Pearson VUE test centers worldwide, or through Pearson OnVUE, a live, remote-proctored testing service that allows candidates to test from their home while being monitored by an online proctor.
