The New ACC Exam: What Every Coach Should Know
- Admin
- Feb 20
- 4 min read
In the dynamic field of coaching, staying current with certification requirements is paramount for both seasoned and aspiring professionals. The recent updates to the ACC exam necessitate a thorough understanding of the changes and their implications for coaches seeking to enhance their professional standing. As part of the ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credentialing process, candidates are required to pass the final online examination prior to receiving the ACC credential.
The New ACC Exam: A Gateway to Enhanced Coaching Prowess
Previously, ACC Candidates had to pass the ICF Credentialing Exam to complete their ACC Application. Now, the ACC Exam will be used to assess a coach's mastery of core coaching competencies and ethical guidelines, ensuring a high standard of practice. This comprehensive evaluation goes beyond theoretical knowledge, testing practical application and ethical decision-making skills in real-world scenarios.
The ICF Credentialing exam uses Situational judgement questions, whereas the ACC Exam uses knowledge-based questions. This new exam reflects the ICF's ongoing commitment to maintaining the integrity and value of its certifications. Developed through a rigorous process aligned with best practices for certification and high-stakes exams, the ACC Exam was created by coaches, for coaches. This new ACC Exam offered to candidates starting November 18, 2024. However, if candidates wish to take the existing Credential Exam, they will be able to request to take the ICF Credentialing Exam through March 14, 2025. Any ACC candidate taking the exam after March 14, 2025 will be required to take the ACC Exam.
New ACC Exam Structure and Format
The ACC Exam consists of 60 multiple-choice knowledge items. Each item includes a brief prompt or question and four response options. There is only one correct response for each item. This consists of two sections with an optional 10-minutes break midway through the exam. The total exam time is organized in the following format:
· Exam Instructions: 2 minutes
· Section 1 (30 items): 39 minutes
· Scheduled Break: 10 minutes
· Section 2 (30 items): 39 minutes
The exam itself is using computer-based written exam administered through proctored delivery at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide, or online through Pearson’s OnVue remote-proctored testing service.
Note: Credential Exam consists of 156 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 3 hours, including a 10-minutes break.
Exam Content
The ACC Exam covers three broad domains of coaching knowledge. Exam questions cover these domains outlined below.
Domain: Coaching Ethics – 30%
Knowledge of professional ethics codes.
Knowledge of what constitutes a conflict of interest.
Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies and procedures around confidentiality.
Domain: Definition and Boundaries of Coaching – 30%
Knowledge of the definition of coaching.
Knowledge of the coaching process and how it differs from other related professions (counseling, consulting, and mentoring).
Knowledge of when and how to make appropriate referrals for mental health professionals.
Domain: Coaching Competencies, Strategies, and Techniques – 40%
Knowledge of how to contract with clients.
Knowledge of ICF Core Competencies.
Knowledge of goal setting and motivation.
Knowledge of a variety of coaching techniques, tools, and resources.
Situational Judgement Questions (Credential Exam) vs Knowledge-based Questions (ACC Exam)
Situational judgement questions assess how individuals would respond to real-world scenarios, while knowledge-based questions evaluate understanding of specific facts or concepts. Situational judgement questions are typically more detailed and require greater consideration to answer accurately. Here is an example to explain the difference.
Situational Judgement
A coach is meeting with a prospective client who is growing a new business. The coach and potential client quickly establish an easy connection. The coach is excited about the opportunity to work with the client. As the coach and client are ending their conversation, the prospective client briefly mentions the name of their new business. The coach recognizes the business, as the coach is an investor in a more established competitor business in the same community. What should the coach do?
What is the BEST action?
Not say anything. Try to keep their role as an investor in a competing business separate from their role as a coach.
Share that the business name sounds familiar and make a mental note to determine whether it is a competitor business later that evening.
Share their role as investor in the competitor business only if the potential client follows up to pursue coaching with the coach.
Share their role as an investor in a competing business and acknowledge the possibility of a conflict of interest with the client.
What is the WORST action? (from the 4 choices above)
Knowledge-based:
Which of the following represents the most important purpose of silence in coaching?
To allow a client to process their thoughts
To enable the coach and client to hear one another
To provide the coach time to think of their next question
To provide the client time to think of the right response to the coach’s question
Hope you have a better understanding now on the differences. To help you get a simple understanding of the difference between the current Credential Exam vs the new ACC Exam, here’s a quick summary.
Unlock Your Full Potential: Take the Next Step
The ACC certification is more than just a credential, it's an investment in your professional growth and a testament to your commitment to excellence. Consider enrolling in a comprehensive coaching program designed to prepare you for the ACC exam. At Vanaya Indonesia, our The Art and Science of Coaching program provides the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the coaching field and confidently pursue the ACC certification. Our program is specifically designed to address the requirements of the new ACC exam, ensuring you are fully prepared for success.
Stay informed, stay certified, and unlock your full potential as a coach.