Being an ICF Associate Certified Coach requires immense knowledge and skills as a coach. Gaining ICF Credential is not easy. However, an ICF Credential is equivalent to a global acknowledgment as a certified professional coach. In this blog, we’ve answered what ICF-ACC is and how you can become an ICF-ACC Credential holder.
In the world of coaching, most coaching professionals are familiar with ICF core competencies. Core Competencies support a greater understanding of the approaches and skills used in today’s coaching profession. As defined by the International Coach Federation (ICF), coaches need to adhere to the ICF Code of Ethics and coaching standards.
The ICF coaching certification programs have three levels:
- Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
- Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
- Master Certified Coach (MCC)
How to be an ICF-Associate Certified Coach
To be an ICF accredited coach, you need to complete an entire ICF approved coach training program. Besides, a minimum of 100 hours of coaching experience is also required. For ICF certification, you need to have at least eight clients following the start of your coach-specific training. At least 25 of these coaching hours must occur within 24 months before submitting your application for credentialing. You also need to complete the Coach knowledge Assessment to be a certified coach.
STEP-1: Gaining a comprehensive knowledge with a training program
Individuals from diverse disciplines, including leaders, Organizational Development professionals, internal coaches, therapists, counselors, facilitators – can be an ICF Associate Certified Coach. For individuals interested in working with corporate teams, coaching programs like Team Coaching, Executive Coaching, Leadership Coaching, etc. are the best.
Look for ICF coaching certification programs focused or specialized in Team Coaching. Not many people know that ICF does not provide coach training. Hence, look for programs conducted by ICF Accredited Team Coach(es).
STEP-2: Complete the coach-specific training hours
Aspiring team coaches aiming for ICF ACC credential should complete at least 60-hours of coach-specific training that meets ICF guidelines. ICF provides three pathways to ICF-ACC Credentialing: ACTP, ACSTH, and Portfolio. Depending upon the path you choose, your training may vary.
STEP-3: Gain coaching experience hours
After completing your coach-specific training, you must complete 10 hours of mentor coaching. Along with your mentor coaching, you can also work towards completing at least 100 hours as your coaching experience. Team Transformation give you ample space, time, and platform to complete your coaching experience hours.
STEP-4: Submission for credentialing
Associate Certified Coach, you can apply to ICF for Credentialing. You have to submit at least one recorded coaching observation and transcript for Performance Evaluation with this application. You will receive a link to complete your Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) test as well. ICF can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 14 weeks to review your application if you pass CKA. ICF will award you the Associate Certified Coach credential if you pass all the above requirements.
Maximize your potential with best-in-class coaching
Become an associate certified coach and a change-maker in the world of professional coaching. Team Transformation provides world-class ICF coaching certification programs. We equip future coaches with effective leadership and team coaching skills. Join our world-class, interactive online sessions and workshops to get started.
Enroll for our ACC aligned Team Transformation Professional program and advance your career. Discover what you need and learn to think out of the box. Do you want to be an ICF Associate Coach? Contact us to know more details.