Everything between you and your ACC, on one page. Work top to bottom; the requirements gate the application, the four areas below gate your confidence.
1 · The requirements (know your numbers)
Requirement
Target
Where I stand
Coach-specific education
60 hours
______ hrs
Coaching experience ICF also sets minimums for paid hours and client count — verify the current split.
100 hours
______ hrs
Mentor coaching Complete 10 hours over a minimum period of three months; group/individual mix rules apply. Verify with ICF.
10 hours
______ hrs
Skill demonstration Currently a performance evaluation (recorded session + transcript) on the portfolio path — see the 2027 note below.
Per current pathway
☐ ready
ACC exam
60 multiple-choice items; passing scaled score currently 460
☐ booked
April 2027: ICF has announced that ACC/PCC Portfolio performance evaluations are scheduled to be replaced by an enhanced mentor-coaching requirement effective April 1, 2027. If you're applying near that date, check which rules apply to your application before you record and submit.
2 · Credential requirements readiness
My education hours are from coach-specific training, and I can produce the certificates.
I keep a running coaching log — client names/aliases, dates, hours, paid vs. pro bono.Untracked hours can't be claimed. Start the log before anything else.
My mentor coaching covers 10 hours over a minimum period of three months with a qualified mentor coach.
I know my application pathway (ACC via accredited program vs. portfolio) and its exact document list.
I've created my account on the ICF credentialing site and know the current fees.
3 · Exam preparation
I've taken at least one full-length timed practice exam.Format: 60 multiple-choice items on the current competency model and Code of Ethics.
I can apply the Code of Ethics to messy scenarios — not just recite it.
For practice questions I get right, I can explain why the best answer beats the runner-up.
I review every miss and know which competency families I keep missing.
My recent practice scores are stable at or above my target — not one lucky run.
4 · Coaching skill readiness
Every session opens with a client-confirmed agreement: what we're working on and what success looks like.
When a client brings a problem, my first move is partnering — not solving, advising, or storytelling.
My questions regularly create new awareness, not just gather information.
I can name the core competencies I'm strong in — and the ones I avoid.
I close sessions with client-owned actions and accountability, not my homework assignments.
5 · Recording & feedback readiness
I record real sessions regularly (with written client consent).
I've reviewed at least one recording against ICF's ACC expectations (BARS assessment standards).
A mentor coach has reviewed a recording and given me marker-based feedback.
I know my most-flagged habit (advising, weak agreement, stacked questions, staying surface-level) and I'm training against it.
If my pathway requires a submission: clean audio, accurate transcript, session within the allowed length.