The ICF Team Coaching Exam

• How does the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam assess a candidate’s knowledge of team coaching competencies?

• What are the specific challenges and considerations for administering team coaching exams?

The ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam measures team coaching competence, as defined by the ICF Team Coaching Competency Model (published December 2020). Passing this computer-based written exam is a requirement for candidates seeking the ICF Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC).  

The ICF Team Coaching Certification exam consists of 62 questions developed and reviewed by team coaching experts and is designed to assess candidates’ knowledge and ability to apply the ICF Team Coaching and Core Competencies in team coaching contexts.  

ICF Credentials and Standards has partnered with Pearson VUE to deliver the Team Coaching Certification Exam. Through its global network of testing centers and OnVUE (Pearson’s online service), candidates may either complete the exam at an on-site Pearson VUE testing center or at home online while being monitored by an remote proctor. 

There are 62 items on this assessment. The total time allowed for completing the assessment is 2.5 hours, which is divided across four (4) sections. Sections 1 and 3 contain multiple-choice questions testing your knowledge of topics that are foundational to the team coaching competencies. Sections 2 and 4 contain scenario-based questions testing your judgment and decision-making in realistic team coaching situations. 

The time allowed for each section is as follows: 

General Exam Instructions — 3 minutes
Section 1 Instructions — 2 minutes
Section 1 Exam Items — 23 minutes

Section 2 Instructions — 3 minutes
Section 2 Exam Items — 40 minutes

Break — 10 minutes

Section 3 Instructions — 1 minute
Section 3 Exam Items — 23 minutes 

Section 4 Instructions —  3 minutes
Section 4 Exam Items —  40 minutes

The passing score and all exam results on the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam are reported as scaled scores. The range of possible scores is 200 to 600, with a passing score of 460.

Exam Structure:

• 62 questions: Multiple-choice and scenario-based.
• 2.5 hours duration: Divided into four timed sections with a break.
• Domains covered: Foundation, Co-Creating the Relationship, Communicating Effectively, Cultivating Learning and Growth.
• Passing score: 460 (scaled score range 200-600).
• High pass rate: 98% total candidate pass rate in 2023.

Exam Content:

• Focuses on ICF Team Coaching Competencies: Includes knowledge-based questions and scenario-based questions testing judgment and decision-making in realistic team coaching situations.
• Emphasizes ethical practice: 14.3% of the exam covers “Demonstrates Ethical Practice” competency.
• Highlights key competencies: Establishes and Maintains Agreements, Cultivates Trust and Safety, Maintains Presence, Listens Actively, Evokes Awareness, and Facilitates Client Growth.

Sample Questions:

• Multiple Choice: Distinguish between team mentoring and team coaching.
• Scenario-Based: Address conflict resolution, team reflection, and handling challenging situations.

Important Quotes:

• Scenario-Based Item Question 6, Best Action: “Clarify the difference between team coaching and team consulting, and refer the CEO back to the team coaching agreement.” This emphasizes the distinct role of a team coach.
• Scenario-Based Item Question 10, Worst Action: “Share what the coach would do in this situation, but indicate that it is ultimately the decision of the team.” This reinforces the importance of empowering the team to make their own decisions.

Exam Accessibility:

• Language aids: Available in French and Spanish.
• Translation support: Available for a fee through Pearson VUE.
• Legal restrictions: Exam cannot be administered in countries under comprehensive U.S. sanctions.

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.

Team Coaching Certification Exam FAQ

1. What is the difference between team mentoring and team coaching?

In team mentoring, the mentor is the expert and shares their knowledge with the team. In team coaching, the team is the expert. Team coaching focuses on supporting the team as a whole by encouraging internal dialogue and reflection, enabling them to discover their own solutions and strategies.

2. Who should be involved in developing a team coaching agreement?

The team coaching agreement should be developed collaboratively with the team coach, all team members, the team leader, and the sponsor organization.

3. How can a team coach help resolve conflict among team members?

A team coach can best help resolve conflict by acknowledging it and inviting team members to share how they would like to address it as a team. The focus is on facilitating a team-led resolution process rather than providing solutions or addressing the conflict individually with team members.

4. What is the purpose of the scenario-based questions in the exam?

The scenario-based questions in the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam test a candidate’s judgment and decision-making abilities in realistic team coaching situations. These questions assess how well a candidate can apply the ICF Team Coaching Competencies in practical scenarios.

5. What are the language options for the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam?

The exam is offered in English, with language aids available in French and Spanish. These language aids provide a translated version of the exam questions alongside the original English text.

6. What support is available for candidates taking the exam in a language other than English?

Candidates whose primary language is not English and for whom a language aid is not available can request to use a bilingual translation dictionary. Candidates residing in non-English speaking countries where language aids are not offered receive an automatic 60-minute time extension. Candidates may also request Pearson VUE’s Translation Support Service for an additional fee, which provides a Pearson-approved translator during the exam.

7. Are there any countries where the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam cannot be taken?

Due to international trade sanctions and regulations, the exam cannot be administered in countries currently under comprehensive U.S. sanctions, including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, Syria, and the Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. Additionally, testing services are suspended in Belarus, and remote testing is unavailable in China due to internet connectivity issues.

8. Where can I find additional support or information about the ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam?

For more information and support, visit the ICF Support Page. You can find FAQs and contact the ICF Support Team if needed.