As part of the ICF Credential application process, each coach applicant needs to pass a knowledge exam about coaching. This exam was previously called the “Coach Knowledge Assessment” and more recently the “ICF Credentialing Exam.”
On November 18, 2024, ICF launched an ACC credential exam, while retaining the ICF Credentialing exam for those applying for PCC. (ACC means Associate Certified Coach credential. PCC means Professional Certified Coach credential). This resource article outlines a brief history, overview of the changes, and how to prepare for the exam.
There are now two ICF knowledge exams
ICF now has two credential exams; one for ACC applicants, and the other for PCC/MCC applicants. ICF has called the ACC “Credential” exam and PCC/MCC is called the ICF “Credentialing” exam.
Either credential exam is the final step in the ICF credential application process; you cannot sit this exam at any other time than when ICF sends you the information on how to schedule the exam.
For future updates, you can visit the ICF Credential Updates page
Who needs to pass the ICF credential exam? 
Every coach who applies for their first credential needs to pass the exam, no matter the credential path used to apply.
For some coaches, their first exam will be when applying for ACC. For other coaches, it will be when applying for PCC. Some coaches initially enroll and complete 60 hours of coaching education. Once the coach has 100 hours of logged coaching, they can apply for the ACC credential. For full requirements to apply for ACC, here is ICF webpage.
Other coaches initially enroll and complete 125 hours of coaching education. A coach applicant can still apply for ACC once they have 100 hours of logged coaching. Yet many coaches wait until they have 500 hours of logged coaching to apply directly for PCC. ICF allows coaches to ‘bypass’ ACC and apply directly for PCC.
You cannot however bypass PCC and apply for MCC – you need to have held or currently hold PCC credential status, to apply for MCC. An MCC applicant will need to pass the ICF Credentialing exam if they apply for MCC after August 2, 2022.
ACC Credential Exam for ACC coach applicants
On November 18, 2024, ICF launched an ACC skill level Credential Exam, recognizing that newer coaches have less experience and needed an entry level exam. Before this time, there was only one exam for ACC, PCC/MCC applicants. ICF learned through feedback that ACC applicants needed a more basic level exam.
Every coach who applies for their ACC will need to pass the new ACC Credential Exam. When same coach then applies for their PCC, they will need to pass the ICF Credentialing Exam.
Since August 2022, every coach applying for their first or next credential, has to pass the ICF Credentialing Exam, even if before that time they passed the Coach Knowledge Assessment.
All information about the ACC Credential Exam is on this ICF web page
Through March 14, 2025, ACC candidates already in the ICF credential application process can choose to take the ICF Credentialing Exam as an alternative option. After March 14, ACC candidates will not have this option and will have to pass the ACC Credential Exam.
From the ICF webpage link above, scroll down the page and you can access the ACC Exam Tutorial. I went through the tutorial, and didn’t find it gave any new or additional information than on the ICF webpage. The benefit to going through the Tutorial may be to understand how the Pearson VUE proctored exam process looks, and works.
A brief overview of the ACC Credential Exam
The ACC Credential 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 exam is online or in-person with Pearson VUE with a 90 minute exam limit. Requests can be made for accommodations if there are reasons a candidate needs more time.
The minimum pass is 77% correct responses.
By visiting the ACC credential exam page you will find 10 sample items of how the exam is presented.
Here is the first sample item:
Which of the following actions is considered a violation of the ICF Code of Ethics?
- A) Maintaining confidentiality of client information
- B) Engaging in a romantic relationship with a client
- C) Continuing professional development
- D) Setting clear agreements with clients
You can visit the ACC credential exam page (link above) to find the correct answer. Or go to bottom of this article as I’ve added it there.
Preparing for the ACC Credential Exam 
Your 100 hours of coaching experience with clients, assumes you have enough experience to have encountered the scenarios presented. Along with having a foundational understanding of the ICF Core Competencies, ICF Code of Ethics and ICF Definition of Coaching. In addition, review the ICF ACC Minimum Skill Requirements
Read through the 10 example items ICF provide. Scroll to the bottom of the page to access.
A recommendation is to review these ICF documents just prior to sitting the exam. If you are working with a qualified mentor coach, you can discuss further with them to support you feel confident and ready.
ICF Credentialing Exam for PCC/MCC coach applicants
Before August 2, 2022, every coach applying for any ICF credential had to pass the Coach Knowledge Assessment. ICF then updated this exam to match the update to the ICF Core Competencies, which was completed in 2020. It then took until August 2, 2022 for ICF to implement a new exam, including to ensure logistics and integrity of a worldwide exam process.
A slightly updated version of the ICF Credentialing Exam was released August 20, 2024, and is applicable to any coach applying for their first credential at PCC skill level. Or applying for their PCC or MCC credential after August 2, 2022. You do not need to take the exam for renewing a current credential.
All information about the ICF Credentialing Exam is on this ICF web page
If you scroll down the ICF page, on the right side you’ll see gold boxes which contain the words,
- Exam Procedures
- Credentialing Exam Content
- Exam Accommodations
I recommend you click through each of these pages and read.
A brief overview of the ICF Credentialing Exam
The ICF Credentialing Exam consists of 78 coaching scenarios ICF considers every coach would know about after having 500 hours of coaching experience with clients. For each scenario, you make two selections; which would be the Best Action and which would be the Worst Action a coach could take in each scenario.
The exam is online or in-person with Pearson VUE with a 3 hour exam limit. Requests can be made for accommodations if there are reasons a candidate needs more time.
The minimum pass is 77% correct responses.
By visiting the link ICF credentialing exam content page you will find 8 sample scenarios of how the exam is presented.
Here is the first sample scenario:
A coach is meeting with a prospective client who is growing a new business. The coach and potential client quickly establish an easy connection. The coach is excited about the opportunity to work with the client. As the coach and client are ending their conversation, the prospective client briefly mentions the name of their new business. The coach recognizes the business, as the coach is an investor in a more established competitor business in the same community. What should the coach do?
Choose one item that is the Best action. And a different response that is the Worst action:
- Not say anything. Try to keep their role as an investor in a competing business separate from their role as a coach.
- Share that the business name sounds familiar and make a mental note to determine whether it is a competitor business later that evening.
- Share their role as investor in the competitor business only if the potential client follows up to pursue coaching with the coach.
- Share their role as an investor in a competing business and acknowledge the possibility of a conflict of interest with the client.
You can visit the ICF Credentialing Exam Content page for the answers. Or go to bottom of this article as I’ve added it there.
Preparing for the ICF Credentialing Exam 
Your 500 hours of coaching experience with clients, assumes you have enough experience to have encountered the scenarios presented. Along with having a foundational understanding of the ICF Core Competencies, ICF Code of Ethics and ICF Definition of Coaching. In addition, review the ICF PCC Markers.
A recommendation is to review these ICF documents just prior to sitting the exam. If you are working with a qualified mentor coach, you can discuss further with them to support you feel confident and ready.
Also, read through the rest of the 8 sample questions ICF provides
In addition, ICF has created some case studies you can read, and learn from. You can access by scrolling to the bottom of the ICF Ethics Resources page
Note from Carly:
I participated in the pilot of this exam, and found it requires focus and thoughtfulness. This is a proctored exam, meaning it is supervised. I sat the exam in-person at a Pearson VUE center near me, which was about 40 minutes to drive to.
If you can, consider taking the exam in-person as there are less factors to consider. You can also take the exam online via Pearson VUE and it’s strictly supervised. There have been reports of technical challenges that make the process more stressful than it needs to be. ICF continues to work with the provider to fix/minimize these issues.
It’s best to be on a laptop device rather than a desktop device, as you will be asked to show your entire environment with your camera. You can test Pearson VUE on your computer once you have the information from ICF, and determine if your technology and environment are suitable for online exam. Or if it’s best to go in-person to a Pearson VUE center.
Answers…
- ACC Credential Exam correct answer is B
- ICF Credentialing Exam correct answer is #4 for Best action, and #1 for Worst action.
In Closing…
I hope this information clarifies what the ICF credential exams are, and how to prepare for them. And wish you success in confidently passing!
Written by Carly Anderson, MCC
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