[Updated April 2026]
If you’re ready to start your career as a coach, or perhaps advance the one you’re currently in, an ICF ACC Certification is a great option. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the leading global body aimed at cultivating a thriving coaching profession, and the ACC Certification is the first step on the journey to becoming ICF Certified — a designation that will help set you apart from the competition and set you up for success.
If you are looking for information on ICF credentialing, including the ACC designation (Associate Certified Coach)? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
What you’ll find inside
This article will outline everything you need to know to pursue a coach certification with an accredited training program, and then achieve your credentialing with the International Coaching Federation, or ICF, updated for the 2026 standards. We will break down coaching credentials and the ACC Certification specifically, including how to become ACC Certified, what skills practitioners have, expected costs, and more.
What is an ICF ACC Certification?
ACC, or Associate Certified Coach, is a credential offered by the International Coaching Federation, or ICF. The ICF offers 3 levels of credentialing, and the ACC (Associate Certified Coach) is the first level, followed by the PCC (Professional Certified Coach) and then the MCC (Master Certified Coach).
What is a coaching credential?
A coaching credential is an attestation about your ability as a coach made by a third party who is qualified to do so, in this case, the ICF. The word credential is also often used to mean the official designation you earn such as the ACC, PCC, or MCC you put after your name.
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What is an ACC coach?
ACCs can coach in many different capacities, either as independent coaches working with a variety of clients, or as an internal coach inside an organization helping team members unlock their skills or solve workplace challenges. The ACC level is the first step prior to achieving more advanced certification levels (PCC and MCC) and signals you’ve done the work to develop the core knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding required to coach professionally.
The ICF has laid out clear qualification criteria for coaches wanting to apply for their ACC, which they updated as of January 2026:
The ACC eligibility requirements are:
- 60 hours of ICF Accredited coaching education.
- 10 hours of mentor coaching over a minimum of three months.
- Successful completion of a performance evaluation.
- 100 hours of coaching experience (including at least 75 paid hours).
- Passing score on the ICF ACC Credentialing Exam.
Required validated skills for the ACC include fundamental coaching competencies and core ethical practices, building client relationships, and effective communication.
The fastest way for aspiring coaches to earn a credential is the Level 1 Pathway to the ACC .
The ACC certification requires fewer hours of training and coaching experience than the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) or the Master Certified Coach (MCC) levels, but the processes to certification are similar. To achieve the higher certification levels, you must log more time in accredited, approved training programs, receiving mentoring and in the field with clients.
What skills does the ACC have?
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
I add this: “Coaches honour the other person as the expert in their life and work and believe they are creative, resourceful, and whole.”
Instead of solving problems for their clients, coaches (at all levels) create the conditions for the team to solve problems themselves.
The ACC coach will be able to help their clients focus on their goals, understand their problems, and identify the next steps. The ICF ACC credential empowers coaches to remain committed to excellence, to an ethical practice, and lifelong learning.
Throughout the course of their training, ACCs become exceptionally well-versed in the ICF Core Competencies, which establish benchmarks for professional coaching and represent must-have qualifications required to be able to deliver expected coaching results.
In 2025, the ICF updated their Core Competencies to include an increased emphasis on coaching supervision.
How do I become an ACC Certified Coach?
As coaches, we are in the business of supporting people through the process of personal transformation. We cannot do that for another person until we have experienced meaningful transformation ourselves. Coach training is the first step. Beginning the process to become a certified coach is a life changing decision that can lead you to dramatically improve your thinking and outlook on work and life while drawing out your skills and unlocking your potential.
When you learn to coach you leverage the most powerful and effective approach to enhancing human development and performance, and choosing a coach certification program is the first step.
How to choose the right coach certification program
Choosing the right coach certification program isn’t as simple as Google-ing the top school. You will want to take into account factors such as tuition, access, the training itself, and the programs available. You must weigh your options and choose the right one for you.
How long will it take to become ACC Certified?
How long the process will take you depends on the certification program you choose, and how quickly you can obtain the required hours of coaching experience. At The Coaching Academy for Leaders, you can begin the credentialing process for your ACC as soon as you begin the program, congruent to gaining your 60 hours of coach-specific training, 10 hours of mentoring, and the performance evaluation to apply towards certification.
Once you’ve completed the accredited program of your choice and have submitted your ACC Application, the time to review the application varies from 4 weeks (Level1/Level 2 pathway) to 14 weeks (Portfolio pathway). More information on the two pathways is below.
What happens after I’ve completed a certified coach training program?
After completing your certified coach training program, you can apply for your credential through the ICF.
As of January 2026, the ICF now has two simple application routes for each credential.
The 2026 Pathways:
- Level 1/2/3 Path: You complete an ICF-accredited program. This is the simplest path as it includes all of the necessary mentoring and performance evaluation built into the program.
- Portfolio Path: For those with previously-achieved non-accredited training or Continuing Coach Education (CCE) credits. You must submit documentation proving that your training aligns with ICF competencies and that you have the skills to successfully coach at the ACC level across all 8 core competencies. You will also have to submit your experience log and pass the ICF credentialing exam.
If you’ve already started an application under the previous ACSTH pathway, your application has automatically been transferred to the Portfolio Path. To help prevent confusion or overwhelm, the ICF has outlined a simple 6-step process for achieving your credential.
How much does it cost to become an ICF ACC certified coach?
Tuition for ICF-accredited coach training programs varies widely. You can check out our annual comparison chart here.
In addition to your tuition for your accredited training program, there is an application fee when you apply to the ICF for your credential.
For those who are applying through the Level1/Level 2 Pathway, application fees are $175 USD for ICF members, or $325 USD for Non-Members.
For those who are applying via the Portfolio Pathway, application fees are $475 USD for ICF members, or $625 USD for non-members.
The ICF reserves the right to change their fees so be sure to check the ICF website for updates regularly.
An ICF ACC Credential separates you from competitors
An ACC credential is a powerful checkpoint to demonstrate your integrity and credibility as a coach in the market. It is proof of the investment you have made in learning the core principles, philosophies, and techniques of certified coaching.
Your ACC credential shows that you have learned how to be a thinking partner for your clients, to structure an empowering dialogue, and then help your clients find solutions and identify viable action plans.
If you’re ready to start the journey and are looking for an ICF accredited coaching program to get you started on the road to your ACC Credential, reach out and let’s have a conversation to see if The Coaching Academy for Leaders is the right program for you.
Right now, until June 30th, you can save up to $1,475 USD on our Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 cohorts.
ICF ACC Credential FAQs
What is the ICF ACC Credential?
The ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential is a signifier that a coach has completed extensive training and has built a strong foundation in their coaching practice. It shows that a coach has the knowledge and skills to make a transformative difference for their clients.
After completing an ICF-accredited coach training program, like The Coaching Academy for Leaders, a coach can apply for their ACC credential through the International Coaching Federation directly.
What is the difference between a credentialed and certified coach?
A coach can receive a coaching credential by completing an accredited coach training program, such as The Coaching Academy for Leaders. This will help them master the fundamentals of becoming a professional coach, gaining the skills to lead and inspire effectively.
Only after becoming a credentialed coach (and meeting other necessary requirements) can an individual then apply for certification via the ICF to become certified. Once you are ACC Certified, you can continue on in your career and, if you wish, become PCC or MCC certified.
How can I get my ACC certification?
As of January 2026, the ICF now has two simple application routes for each credential.
In the Level 1 or Level 2 Path, you first complete an ICF-accredited program, which includes all of the necessary mentoring and performance evaluation built into the program.
If earning a credential is your priority, The Level 1 Pathway to the ACC is the fastest and most affordable route to an ICF credential.
For those with previously-achieved non-accredited training or CCE education, you can apply for certification via the Portfolio Path. You must submit documentation showing that your training aligns with ICF competencies.
If you’ve already started an application under the previous ACSTH pathway, your application has automatically been transferred to the Portfolio Path.
How much does it cost to apply for ACC credential ?
For the Level1/Level 2 Path, application fees are $175 USD for ICF members, or $325 USD for Non-Members.
For the Portfolio Path, application fees are $475 USD for ICF members, or $625 USD for non-members.
How long does it take to get ACC certified?
How long it takes depends on the course you choose, how long you take to complete it and how long it takes you to fulfill the experience requirements. Once you’ve completed the accredited program of your choice and have submitted your ACC Application, time to review the application varies from 4 weeks (Level1/Level 2 pathway) to 14 weeks (Portfolio pathway).
Still have Questions?
