The International Coaching Federation (ICF), headquartered in the USA, is the largest organization of coaches in the world. It sets the standards and ethical code for the coaching profession, which, on one hand, apply to accredited coaches, and on the other, serve as a benchmark of quality and a reference point for coaching clients. To confirm the professional competencies of coaches, ICF has established three levels of accreditation. Worldwide, there are 52,183 ICF-accredited coaches. In Poland, there are only 484.
The first of these levels, which is the one I am currently accredited at, is ACC. Globally, there are 27,215 ICF-accredited coaches at the ACC level, and in Poland only 285. So when you see someone describing themselves as an ICF coach, it means they are an accredited ICF coach (regardless of the accreditation level). To specify the level, a corresponding abbreviation is sometimes added, which gives the full designation – in my case: ICF ACC coach.
You may have noticed that I often include the letters “ICF” when referring to myself – I do this intentionally to highlight my accreditation and distinguish myself from those who call themselves coaches but often have no verified professional preparation for this role. By emphasizing that I am an accredited coach, I signal to my clients that they can expect quality and standards defined by the International Coaching Federation.
ICF ACC – What Are the Requirements?
First, you must complete an ICF-approved 60-hour practical training program. This opens the path to further practice, which is necessary before applying for accreditation. For the ACC level, the federation requires 100 hours of verified coaching experience, meaning 100 coaching sessions, of which 75 must be paid sessions. Additionally, 10 hours of mentoring with more experienced ICF coaches (usually 10 sessions) are required.
Only with this experience can one apply for ACC accreditation. After completing the training, mentoring, and required coaching hours, you must record a coaching session and submit it to ICF assessors for review. If the session meets the ACC criteria, you may proceed to the next step: paying the exam fee – currently $325 (note: if you fail the exam, you must pay again). When I took it, the exam consisted of 100 multiple-choice questions. After passing, you can finally celebrate!
My journey to ACC accreditation took 2 years – from completing the course in 2018 to receiving ACC in 2020.
It’s Not Forever
Accreditation is valid for 3 years. Before it expires, you must submit a renewal application, confirming that during this period you:
- Participated in at least 40 hours of professional development, including a minimum of 10 hours of mentoring;
- Paid the renewal fee ($275).
Of the 40 hours, only ICF-approved trainings count – all must be documented. As you can see, the federation emphasizes continuous competency development for its accredited coaches. I followed this path myself, renewing my ACC accreditation in 2023.
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What’s Next?
The next accreditation level is PCC. I have been on the path to achieving this level since obtaining ACC in 2020 – that’s already 4 years! This already gives you an idea of the requirements involved.
For now, I won’t go into more detail – information about PCC is available on the ICF website. I’ll save the pleasure of telling a story like the one above for when I can celebrate earning my own PCC badge.