ICF ACC Exam Prep: Mock Exams, AI Prompts, and Self-Study Tips for Success

Earning your ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential is a key step in building your coaching career. Good news - the process has been simplified!

The ICF has launched a new exam specifically for the ACC level. This guide will provide you with all the necessary details to set yourself up for success.

What’s in This New Exam?

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) has introduced a new exam specifically for the ACC credential applications, called the ACC Credential Exam, effective November 18, 2024. This exam is tailored to assess foundational coaching knowledge, focusing on the ICF Core Competencies, Code of Ethics, and the definition and boundaries of coaching.

Exam Structure:

Format: The exam comprises 60 multiple-choice questions, divided into two sections of 30 questions each. Candidates have 39 minutes per section, with an optional 10-minute break between sections, totalling 90 minutes.

• Exam Length: 60 multiple-choice, knowledge-based questions, broken down into 2 sections.

  
  

• Time Limit: 90 minutes (+30 minutes if you’re taking it in a non-English speaking country)

  • Exam Instructions: 2 minutes

  • Section 1 (30 items): 39 minutes

  • Scheduled Break: 10 minutes

  • Section 2 (30 items): 39 minutes

    
    

• Passing Score: 76%

  
  

Exam Format: 

The exam is computer-based and administered through Pearson VUE. You can take the exam either at home or at a testing center.

What Should I Study?

The new ACC exam is built around the ICF Core Competencies, Code of Ethics, and the fundamental principles of coaching. There are three main domains:

Domain 1: Coaching Ethics – 30%

1. Knowledge of professional ethics codes.

2. Knowledge of what constitutes a conflict of interest.

3. Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies and procedures around confidentiality (e.g., what factors would necessitate breaking confidentiality). 

   
   

Domain 2: Definition and Boundaries of Coaching – 30% 

1. Knowledge of the definition of coaching.

2. Knowledge of the coaching process and how it differs from other related professions (therapy, counseling, mentoring and consulting).

3. Knowledge of when, and how to make appropriate referrals for mental health professionals.

4. Knowledge of signs of mental health conditions that may block progress in coaching.
   

Domain 3: Coaching Competencies, Strategies, and Techniques – 40%

1. Knowledge of how to contract with clients (e.g., key elements of a coaching agreement).

2. Knowledge of ICF Core Competencies.

3. Knowledge of goal setting and motivation.

4. Knowledge of a variety of coaching techniques, tools, and resources.

What Resources Can I Leverage for the ICF ACC Exam?

What Resources Can I Leverage? 

Having the right resources can make all the difference in your preparation. Here are some recommended materials:

1. ICF Official Documents:

• ICF Core Competencies 

• ICF Code of Ethics

• Referring  a Client  to Therapy Guidelines

• Sample Exam Questions and PearsonVUE Platform Tutorial

• Videos on Core Competencies and Ethics
  

2. Mock Exam: Test Your Readiness

A key part of preparing is taking mock exams to get comfortable with the question format and timing. Try our free ICF ACC practice test, which includes:

• 40 scenario-based questions covering Core Competencies, Code of Ethics, and knowledge of coaching techniques.

• No time limit, but recommended completion within 60 minutes

• Instant feedback on answers to identify improvement areas
  

🎯 Take the Mock Exam Now

3. AI Prompts: Enhance Your Preparation

Leverage AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance your self-preparation. Here are some powerful prompts, generously shared by Coach Agathe Colom, to help you practice and refine your coaching skills:

"Hey Chat GPT!

I am about to take the new ICF ACC Exam (please see details here) and I need you to quiz me on:

1. The ICF code of Ethics: FAQ and Insights.

2. The ICF Core competencies.

3. Refer a client to therapy.

4. Usual tools and techniques used in coaching (Enneagram, DISC, visualisation, Johari Window, Wheel of Life, MBTI, somatic coaching etc.)

I would like you to create me some multiple choice questions to test my knowledge. 

For each question please provide 4 options for me to select from and wait for me to respond. The options should be presented as a list. Please do not write titles to the questions or bold any element in the 4 options to avoid giving me any hint on the correct answer.

Once I’ve responded to a question you can tell me whether I was correct or not and provide a one or two sentence summary of the correct answer. Please create 60 questions.

At the end of the 60 questions give me my total score in percentage. Just so you know, the passing score is 77%. 

For the mix of questions make it: 30% / 30% / 40% like the real exam. Use all the links I gave you for context, background and instructions.

Other prompts used: 

1. Could please give me a summary and explanation of all the tools and techniques we have mentioned?

2. Could you also in a separate section give me a summary of the Referring a client to therapy page?

3. Please explain all the cases where it's required to break confidentiality (I am unclear as to what is unethical and what is illegal)

4. I would like to focus on the Code of Ethics and the interpretations. Can you give me 15 questions on confidentiality and 15 questions on the Insights and Considerations for Ethics) 

5. Before we continue could you please elaborate on why the answer was A instead of C? I don’t understand where I got it wrong.

6. Before we carry on could you please explain the nuance between C and D

7. Give me a recap of all the Core Competencies and make it very easy to understand the differences and key components of each"

4. Courses & Training:

• ICF-Accredited Training Programs – If you’re currently enrolled in an ICF-accredited course, leverage course materials and mentoring support.

• Webinars & Workshops – Attend webinars on ethical practice, active listening, and other key topics. The ICF provides a complimentary course on the Code of Ethics - you can earn CCE units from it, too.

  
  

I’m taking the exam soon - any final tips for success?

1. Start Early: Give yourself at least a few weeks to study and take practice tests.

2. Review the ICF materials: Focus on applying the Core Competencies and Code of Ethics rather than memorizing definitions.

3. Time Management: During the exam, pace yourself to ensure you have enough time to answer and review all questions in each section. Once a section is complete, you cannot go back.

4. Stay focused on the client: Read each scenario carefully before selecting your answers. When in doubt, put yourself in the client’s position, and think about what will benefit the client the most.

5. Leverage the AI Prompts and the Mock Exam: Review incorrect answers on mock exams to understand gaps in your knowledge.

   
   

Conclusion

Passing the ICF ACC exam isn’t just about knowing the material - it’s about trusting your coaching skills. The exam is straightforward - no need to overthink it. Focus on the coaching competencies, code of ethics, and real-world applications. Use the right study materials, take mock exams, quiz yourself with AI tools, and organize preparation sessions with your peers if you can. 

Ready to test your knowledge? Take our mock exam and see if you’re on track!

Take the Mock ACC Exam