Mentoring Requirement for ACC Portfolio Applicants - Effective July 1, 2008
In recognition of the value of working with a qualified mentor coach and to align the initial requirements for the ACC with those of the PCC and MCC, the ICF Board of Directors adopted the following new requirement for those applying for the ACC via the Portfolio process: Those applying for the ACC credential, by submitting a portfolio application, are required to document 10 hours of work with a qualified mentor coach. Further details can be found in the ACC Portfolio application.

ACC Applications
In an effort to make the ICF Credential application process more streamlined, the ICF has replaced the downloadable paper application with an easy-to-use online application. This change will further enable ICF staff to provide better service to applicants, while at the same time, saving the world's limited resources. For questions, please contact the ICF staff at icfcredentialing@coachfederation.org.

For the ACC credential, there are two applications types:

• ACC ACTP Application
  The ICF accepts ACC ACTP applications year-round. This application is for individuals who have graduated from an Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP). Please review the application to determine if you are eligible. 

• ACC Portfolio Application
  The ICF accepts the ACC Portfolio application year-round. The ACC Portfolio application should be used by individuals who have not completed a full Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP) or have completed coach training with other schools not on the ACTP list. Please review the application to determine if you are eligible.

    Online Application 

ACC Portfolio Guide for Online Application

• Minimum Skill Requirements for ACC (PDF) - Please refer to this document to learn more about the proficiencies needed to earn the ACC credential. Spanish Version (PDF)  
• ICF Core Competencies summary (PDF) - Core Competencies compared by credential.
• ACC General Requirements (PDF)

Definitions and Terms:

• Coach Specific Training: Coach Specific Training is training that is predominantly marketed as teaching coaching skills and not something else and where the major emphasis is on coaching skills or applying technical skills as a coach and in a manner consistent with the ICF core competencies.
• Client Coaching Hours: For purposes of individual credentialing for ACC, PCC and MCC, a client coaching hour is 60 minutes coaching time with a person who has hired you as a coach, with whom you have a formal coaching agreement, and who you coach rather than providing any other service such as consulting or therapy. If you perform coaching and other services for a client, you may only count the actual time spent coaching toward certification. You may not count time providing other services.
  
  

More Information/Questions
If you have questions or need assistance with your application, contact ICF Headquarters at icfcredentialing@coachfederation.org.