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ICF ACC Exam
The ICF ACC Exam is the written, proctored, computer-based knowledge exam that is the final step in earning the International Coaching Federation's Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential. It consists of 60 knowledge-based multiple-choice questions in two 30-item sections covering coaching ethics (30%), the definition and boundaries of coaching (30%), and coaching competencies, strategies, and techniques (40%), based on the 2019 ICF Core Competencies and 2020 ICF Code of Ethics. It is delivered by Pearson VUE at testing centers or via OnVUE remote proctoring, and is distinct from the ICF Credentialing Exam (used for PCC/MCC) and the ACTC team-coaching exam.
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Questions60 knowledge-based multiple-choice questions in two 30-item sections; each item has four response options with one correct answer and no penalty for wrong answers
Testing time90 minutes total appointment: 2 minutes exam instructions, Section 1 (30 items) 39 minutes, optional 10-minute scheduled break, Section 2 (30 items) 39 minutes (78 minutes of section testing time)
ScoringScaled score 200–600; a score of 460 is required to pass
Exam feeNo separately published first-attempt exam fee — the exam is taken after the ACC credential application is approved, with application fees of USD 175 (ICF member) / USD 325 (non-member) via the Level 1/Level 2/ACTP path or USD 475 (member) / USD 625 (non-member) via the Portfolio path; each exam retake costs USD 105
Prep options
Study resources for ACC Exam
Independent prep
Courses and study resources
Exam overview
What to know before choosing your prep
- Who runs it
- ICF
- Category
- Professional Coaching
- Current version
- Current specification; no public version label (based on the 2019 ICF Core Competencies and 2020 ICF Code of Ethics; ACC Candidate Guide rev. 2025.4.7)
- Where it applies
- Global
- Exam languages
- English
- Score scale
- 200–600 scaled score
- Testing provider
- Pearson VUE
- Format
- Proctored computer-based written exam, delivered in person at a Pearson VUE testing center or online through Pearson's OnVUE remote testing platform
- Availability
- Year-round by appointment at Pearson VUE testing centers or via OnVUE once the candidate is invited; candidates have 60 days from the invitation to schedule and complete the exam
- Results
- Instant preliminary results at delivery, with the score report accessible through the candidate's Pearson VUE profile; official results within one week
- Remote testing
- Available
Exam structure
Two 30-item sections of knowledge-based four-option multiple-choice items across three domains: Coaching Ethics (30%), Definition and Boundaries of Coaching (30%), and Coaching Competencies, Strategies and Techniques (40%); based on the 2019 ICF Core Competencies and the 2020 ICF Code of Ethics
Where rules vary
The ICF ACC credential and its exam are offered worldwide through Pearson VUE testing centers and OnVUE remote proctoring (with country restrictions, e.g., remote delivery unavailable in China and testing services suspended in Belarus per the candidate guide).
Eligibility
An approved ACC credential application, which itself requires 60 hours of coaching education, 100 hours of client coaching experience (at least 75 paid), 10 hours of mentor coaching over three months, and successful completion of a performance evaluation; only after application review does ICF invite the candidate to schedule the ACC Exam
Retake policy
14-day wait after the first attempt and 30 days after each subsequent attempt; each retake costs USD 105; up to six attempts per 12-month period; no-shows forfeit exam fees and pay the USD 105 retake fee to reschedule