ICF ACCICF Associate Certified Coach
The entry-level standard for professional coaches
Details last reviewed January 2026. Fees and exam formats change — always confirm on the official page.
About this certification
The ICF ACC is the International Coaching Federation's foundational credential, validating 60+ hours of coach-specific training and 100+ hours of coaching experience. Many L&D professionals pursue ICF credentials to add executive coaching and leadership development to their practice. ICF is the global standard-setting body for professional coaching.
What you'll validate
- ✓Active listening
- ✓Powerful questioning
- ✓Coaching presence and mindset
- ✓Goal setting and accountability
- ✓Leadership development coaching
- ✓Ethical coaching practice
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Gold standard coaching credential globally
- +Significant salary premium for executive coaching roles
- +Adds high-value coaching practice to L&D toolkit
Disadvantages
- −Expensive when including required accredited training
- −Requires significant practical coaching hours
- −Time-intensive to qualify
Who it's for
Best for
- →L&D professionals adding executive coaching to their practice
- →Leadership development specialists
- →HR business partners adding coaching credentials
Not ideal for
- ×Those without coaching program training and hours
- ×Pure instructional designers not in coaching roles
Career paths this unlocks
ICF ACC: quick answers
- How much does the ICF ACC exam cost?
- The listed exam fee is $575 (USD). Includes application and credentialing fees Fees vary by region and change over time — confirm on the official page before you buy.
- How long does it take to prepare for ICF ACC?
- We estimate roughly 150 hours of study for most candidates; your time depends on prior experience.
- How long is the ICF ACC exam?
- The exam is 155 minutes.
- How long is the ICF ACC credential valid?
- 3 years. 40 CCEUs every 3 years; $100 renewal fee
Study Resources
Contains affiliate linksTop picks for ICF ACC
Register for the exam
Apply at ICF.org after completing an ICF-accredited coach training program
More places to study
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Jobs for ICF ACC holders
Pay depends on role, location, and experience more than on any single credential. Check current postings below for real ranges in your market.
Job links open external sites. Search results are live and not curated by MyCertPath.
Quick Facts
- Exam Cost
- $575 (Includes application and credentialing fees)
- Exam Duration
- 155 minutes
- Exam Format
- Multiple Choice
- Study Time
- ~150 hours
- Validity
- 3 years
- Salary Impact
- Strong (editorial rating)
- Last Reviewed
- January 2026
Prerequisites
- !60+ hours of coach-specific training from ICF-accredited program
- !100+ hours of paid coaching experience
- !10 hours of mentor coaching
Provider
International Coaching Federation
The global standard for professional coaching credentials
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