ACTP or ACSTH? Which one is better? Most aspirants who aren’t aware of the ICF certification requirements often get confused between coach-specific training and training that isn’t regarded as coach-specific. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the world’s largest organization of professionally trained coaches. They are dedicated to advancing coaching as a profession.
ICF accreditation provides coach-training programs with a competitive edge. ICF accreditation gives the program unquestioned credibility and the ability to expose services to a broader network of coaches. ICF currently provides three accreditations to coach training programs – Accredited Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH), Accredited Coach Training Programme (ACTP), and Continuing Coach Education (CCE). What is the difference between ACSTH and ACTP? ACTP or ACSTH – which one is the best? Well, we have some information for you regarding the distinctive approach in each training program.
What is ICF ACSTH?
ACSTH accreditation is for those who want to start out on their coach training journey or add coach skills to their existing skillset. An ACSTH training program is aligned with the ICF core competencies. It is designed to suit the needs of those who want to become a coach or add coaching to their existing career and apply for the ICF credential via the ACSTH track.
What is ACTP?
ACTP is the highest trainer level of accreditation, and an ACTP provider can offer CCE, ACSTH, and portfolio programs. An MCC training coach is mandatory to ensure quality and content. With consistent monitoring and evaluation, ACTP training programs are designed to undergo rigorous ICF checks to ensure quality.
The program encompasses ICF coaching competencies along with the various coaching models, approaches, and tools. At the end of the program, you can coach at the PCC level. ACTP program providers are accredited by the International Coaching Federation to evaluate your performance as a coach.
What is the foundational difference between ACTP and ACSTH paths?
- Both ACSTH and ACTP are based on the ICF code of ethics, ICF core competencies, and various other ICF requirements and parameters.
- The fundamental difference between the two pathways is that ACTP is a coach training program with more than 125 hours, whereas ACSTH is less than 125 hours.
- ACTP accredited programs are considered “all-inclusive” training programs, which offer start to finish coach training. Whereas ACSTH may or may not provide start-to-finish coach training programs.
- A minimum of 125 student contact hours, Mentor Coaching, and a performance evaluation process are required for ACTP approval. A minimum of 30 student contact hours is required for ACSTH program accreditation. Mentoring and Performance Evaluation may or may not be a part of the ACSTH program.
ACTP programs should provide a minimum of 6 observed coaching sessions for each student. Written feedback must be provided for at least 4 of the 6 sessions. ACSTH programs have to give a minimum of 5 observed coaching sessions for each student. And at least 3 out of 5 sessions should have written feedback.
ACSTH vs. ACTP argument – Which one is better?
Although ACTP seems to be a bit more elaborate and extensive than ACSTH on the professional and individual level, both the programs are exquisite for anyone who aspires a better coaching career. The choice depends upon your requirement. One key difference you have to note while choosing the two is that ACSTH gives you the freedom to select a mentor of your own choice, which means you may have to find a coach mentor on your own. An ACTP also covers Performance Evaluation, whereas ACSTH training provider can’t do Performance Evaluation. Contact us to know more about our ICF-ACSTH and ICF-ACTP coach training programs!
