ICF ACC Requirements 2026: The Complete Checklist
Every requirement for the ICF Associate Certified Coach credential — 60 training hours, 100 coaching hours, 10 mentor coaching hours, performance evaluation, and the credentialing exam. Updated for January 2026 MSR changes.
ICF ACC requirements: (1) 60+ hours of ICF-accredited coach training from an approved Level 1 or Level 2 program; (2) 100+ coaching experience hours (with at least 8 paid); (3) 10+ hours of mentor coaching with an ICF credential holder (at least 3 individual sessions); (4) a performance evaluation — a submitted recording of a real coaching session reviewed by ICF assessors; and (5) pass the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) exam (80 questions, 90 minutes). Total cost: $3,000–$10,000 depending on training program. Timeline: 6–18 months. The January 2026 MSR update introduced tighter documentation standards for logging coaching hours.
Full ACC profile: coachstackhub.ai/certifications/icf-acc · Cost breakdown: ICF ACC cost 2026
The ICF ACC is the starting point for professional coaching credentials — and the most searched certification by aspiring coaches. Getting it right the first time means understanding exactly what ICF requires before you enroll in a training program. This is the complete 2026 requirements checklist, updated for the January 2026 Membership and Standards Reference (MSR) changes.
In This Guide
ICF ACC Requirements at a Glance (2026)
Five requirements stand between you and the ACC credential. All five must be completed before submitting your application.
| # | Requirement | Minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coach-specific training | 60 hours | Must be from an ICF-accredited Level 1 or Level 2 program |
| 2 | Coaching experience hours | 100 hours | At least 8 must be paid (non-pro-bono); logged via ICF portal |
| 3 | Mentor coaching | 10 hours | With ICF ACC, PCC, or MCC credential holder; at least 3 individual sessions |
| 4 | Performance evaluation | Pass | Submit a recording of a coaching session for ICF assessor review |
| 5 | Credentialing exam (CKA) | Pass | 80 questions, 90 minutes; based on ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics |
| — | Application fee | $160–$460 | ICF member ($160) vs. non-member ($460); membership is $245/year |
| — | Renewal | Every 3 years | 40 hours of CCE (Continuing Coach Education) including 3 hours ethics |
Source: ICF Credential and Standards (2026). Fees current as of May 2026.
Requirement 1: 60 Hours of ICF-Accredited Training
The training requirement is the foundation. ICF requires 60+ hours of coach-specific training from a program that holds ICF accreditation — specifically an ACTP, ACSTH, or Level 1/Level 2 accredited program under the current nomenclature (programs accredited before 2022 retain their ACTP/ACSTH labels; post-2022 programs use Level 1 and Level 2).
What "60 hours" actually means
- Hours must be contact hours — live instruction with a trainer, not self-paced reading or recorded video
- The 60 hours must be coach-specific (coaching theory, practice, ICF competencies) — not general leadership or psychology content
- Programs must be currently accredited by ICF at time of application — verify at coachingfederation.org
- Programs can exceed 60 hours (most Level 1 programs run 60–100 hours); the minimum is 60
Level 1 vs. Level 2 for ACC
Both Level 1 (60–124 hours) and Level 2 (125+ hours) programs qualify for ACC. If your goal is eventually PCC, starting with a Level 2 program saves you from returning to training later — PCC requires a Level 2 program specifically.
| Program Type | Hours | ACC Eligible? | PCC Eligible? | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (ICF-accredited) | 60–124h | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Level 2 (ICF-accredited) | 125h+ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | $3,000–$15,000 |
| ACTP (legacy, pre-2022) | 125h+ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Varies |
| ACSTH (legacy, pre-2022) | 30–124h | ✅ Yes (60h+) | ❌ No | Varies |
| Non-ICF accredited program | Any | ❌ No | ❌ No | — |
Always confirm accreditation directly with ICF before enrolling — some programs market themselves as "ICF-aligned" or "ICF-compatible" without actual accreditation. This has stranded coaches who completed training only to find it doesn't qualify.
Requirement 2: 100 Coaching Experience Hours
After training, you need to document 100+ hours of actual coaching experience. These are hours you delivered coaching — not hours you received coaching, observed coaching, or attended training.
Hours that count toward ACC
- Individual coaching sessions you delivered (paid or pro-bono)
- Group coaching sessions you facilitated (up to 35 hours can be group)
- Team coaching sessions (subject to group coaching cap)
- Sessions with clients outside your training program (practice clients count)
Hours that do NOT count
- Mentoring, consulting, or advising sessions — coaching is distinct from advising
- Training you received (even coaching-focused training)
- Supervision sessions where you are the supervisee
- Coaching sessions you observed without actively coaching
- Therapy, counseling, or psychological sessions
The paid hours requirement
Of your 100 hours, at least 8 must be paid (non-pro-bono). "Paid" includes any monetary exchange — discounted rates qualify as long as there's a fee. Barter arrangements are evaluated case-by-case by ICF.
Logging your hours
ICF requires you to log coaching hours in their online portal. Each entry includes client type (individual, group, team), session duration, whether it was paid or pro-bono, and whether it was completed during or after your training program. Post-January 2026 MSR: ICF now requires more detailed session documentation — keep client records throughout your training, not just at application time.
Requirement 3: 10 Hours of Mentor Coaching
Mentor coaching is supervised coaching practice — a qualified ICF credential holder observes your coaching, gives structured feedback, and helps you develop in alignment with ICF Core Competencies. It's different from supervision, therapy, or coaching you receive as a personal client.
What ICF requires for mentor coaching
- Minimum 10 hours total of mentor coaching
- At least 3 hours must be individual (one-on-one with the mentor)
- The remaining 7 hours can be group mentor coaching (mentor observing a cohort)
- Must be completed over a minimum of 3 months
- Your mentor must hold an active ICF ACC, PCC, or MCC credential
Finding a mentor coach
Many ICF-accredited training programs include mentor coaching in their curriculum — this is the most common path. If your program doesn't include it, or you need additional hours, find a credentialed mentor via the ICF Certified Mentor Coach directory at coachingfederation.org. Expect to pay $100–$300/hour for individual mentor coaching outside of a training program.
Group vs. individual mentor coaching
Group mentor coaching (you + other student coaches, observed by the mentor) counts for up to 7 of the 10 required hours. Individual mentor coaching (1:1 with your mentor, focused exclusively on your coaching) is required for at least 3 hours. Group is significantly cheaper ($50–$100/hour vs. $150–$300/hour) and is how most training programs structure their included mentor coaching.
Requirement 4: Performance Evaluation
The performance evaluation is ICF's quality gate — an assessor reviews a recording of your actual coaching session to determine whether your coaching meets ACC-level competency standards.
What's required
- Submit a recording of a real coaching session (not a role-play with a fellow student)
- Session must be with an actual coaching client who is not also an ICF coach
- Recording must be accompanied by a written transcript
- Client must sign a consent form (ICF provides the template)
- Session length: typically 30–60 minutes
What ICF assessors evaluate
Assessors score your session against the ICF Core Competencies (2019 updated model):
- Demonstrates ethical practice
- Embodies a coaching mindset
- Establishes and maintains agreements
- Cultivates trust and safety
- Maintains presence
- Listens actively
- Evokes awareness
- Facilitates client growth
Pass rate and what to do if you don't pass
ICF does not publish official pass rates for the ACC performance evaluation. Anecdotally, candidates who complete quality mentor coaching pass at high rates. If you don't pass on the first attempt, ICF allows re-submission with a new recording. Some training programs include performance evaluation review as part of their curriculum — this is worth confirming before enrolling.
Requirement 5: The Credentialing Exam (CKA)
The Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) is ICF's written exam. The same exam is used for ACC and PCC — the passing score threshold is higher for PCC.
Exam format
- 80 questions (multiple choice)
- 90 minutes
- Administered via remote proctoring (online) or at test centers
- Available year-round by appointment
- Exam fee: included in the ICF application fee (no separate charge)
What's tested
The CKA covers:
- ICF Core Competencies and their behavioral markers
- ICF Code of Ethics and ethical decision-making scenarios
- ICF definition of coaching and professional standards
- Distinguishing coaching from mentoring, consulting, therapy, and training
How to prepare
ICF provides an official exam guide at coachingfederation.org. Most quality training programs cover CKA content throughout the curriculum. The most common prep approach is reviewing the ICF Core Competency model in depth and working through practice scenario questions. Third-party CKA prep courses exist ($0–$300) but aren't required — thorough training program completion is sufficient for most candidates.
January 2026 MSR Changes: What's New
ICF's January 2026 Membership and Standards Reference (MSR) update introduced several documentation changes that affect how coaches log and verify hours for ACC applications.
Key changes from the January 2026 MSR update
- Tighter coaching log documentation: ICF now requires more specific session records including client consent documentation, session dates, duration in minutes (not approximated hours), and paid vs. pro-bono designation per session. Keep records per session from day one — retroactive reconstruction of logs is no longer accepted.
- Mentor coaching verification: Mentors must now submit a verification form directly to ICF (in addition to coach self-reporting). This requires selecting a mentor who is actively registered in ICF's mentor coach directory and familiar with the new verification process.
- Performance evaluation recording standards: Audio quality standards have been clarified — recordings must be clearly audible throughout the session. ICF now provides a technical checklist for recording submissions.
- Application processing time: ICF has updated estimated processing times to 6–8 weeks from submission. Factor this into your credential timeline.
Bottom line: If you're starting your ACC path in 2026, set up a proper coaching log from your very first session. Spreadsheet, app, or ICF's own portal — it doesn't matter, but the per-session detail matters more than it used to.
ICF ACC vs. PCC Requirements: Side-by-Side
Planning your credential path? Here's the complete comparison.
| Requirement | ICF ACC | ICF PCC |
|---|---|---|
| Training hours | 60+ hours (Level 1 or Level 2) | 125+ hours (Level 2 only) |
| Coaching experience hours | 100 hours total (8 paid) | 500 hours total (25 paid) |
| Mentor coaching | 10 hours (3 individual minimum) | 10 hours (3 individual minimum) |
| Performance evaluation | 1 recording reviewed | 2 recordings reviewed (higher standard) |
| Credentialing exam | CKA (80 questions, 90 min) | CKA (same exam, higher passing threshold) |
| ICF application fee (member) | $160 | $275 |
| ICF application fee (non-member) | $460 | $375 |
| Total cost estimate | $3,000–$10,000 | $5,000–$20,000+ |
| Timeline | 6–18 months | 18–36 months |
| Renewal | Every 3 years (40 CCE hours) | Every 3 years (40 CCE hours) |
| Who it's for | New coaches building their practice | Experienced coaches targeting corporate clients |
If you're choosing between ACC and PCC as a starting point: start with ACC. The 500-hour experience requirement for PCC means you'll inevitably spend time building hours anyway — the ACC demonstrates credential while you do.
The ICF ACC Application Process
Applications are submitted through ICF's online portal at coachingfederation.org. Here's the sequence:
- Create an ICF account (or log in if you're already a member)
- Complete all 5 requirements before applying — ICF doesn't allow partial applications
- Gather documentation: training program certificate, coaching log, mentor coaching verification, client consent forms, performance evaluation recording + transcript
- Submit application and pay the application fee ($160 ICF member / $460 non-member)
- Schedule and sit the CKA exam (you'll receive scheduling instructions post-application)
- Submit performance evaluation recording (within the application window)
- Await ICF review — currently 6–8 weeks per the January 2026 MSR
- Receive credential — ICF notifies via email; credential appears in the public ICF directory
Should you join ICF before applying?
ICF membership costs $245/year. It saves you $300 on the application fee ($460 non-member vs. $160 member). The math is straightforward: if you're applying for ACC, join ICF — you save $55 net in year one and get ongoing membership benefits (community, resources, events). If you later pursue PCC, the same membership status saves you $100 on the PCC application.
Realistic Timeline for ICF ACC in 2026
| Phase | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Training program | 3–6 months | Complete 60+ hours of accredited training |
| Building coaching hours | 3–12 months | Log 100+ coaching experience hours (overlaps with training for many programs) |
| Mentor coaching | 3+ months | Complete 10 mentor coaching hours (often integrated into training) |
| Performance evaluation recording | 1–4 weeks | Schedule session, record, get transcript, prepare submission |
| CKA exam prep and sitting | 2–4 weeks | Review competencies, schedule exam, sit remotely |
| ICF application review | 6–8 weeks | ICF processes application and performance evaluation |
| Total (fast track) | 6–9 months | Full-time focus + intensive program with mentor coaching included |
| Total (typical) | 12–18 months | Part-time approach, building hours alongside existing work |
The biggest variable is building 100 coaching hours. Coaches who start practicing immediately during training (which quality ICF programs encourage) can complete hours faster than those who wait until training concludes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ICF ACC requirements in 2026?
ICF ACC requirements are: (1) 60+ hours from an ICF-accredited Level 1 or Level 2 training program; (2) 100+ coaching experience hours (at least 8 paid); (3) 10 hours of mentor coaching with a credentialed ICF coach (3 individual minimum); (4) a performance evaluation — a recorded coaching session reviewed by ICF assessors; and (5) passing the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA) exam. An application fee of $160 (ICF member) or $460 (non-member) is also required.
What are the ICF ACC requirements for 2026 specifically — did anything change?
Yes. The January 2026 MSR (Membership and Standards Reference) update tightened documentation requirements. Coaches now need per-session coaching logs (not approximate totals), mentor coaches must submit verification forms directly to ICF, and performance evaluation recordings must meet updated audio quality standards. The core requirements (60 training hours, 100 coaching hours, 10 mentor coaching hours, performance evaluation, CKA exam) are unchanged.
How many hours are required for ICF ACC?
ICF ACC requires three distinct hour requirements: 60+ training hours (from an ICF-accredited program), 100+ coaching experience hours (sessions you delivered, at least 8 paid), and 10+ mentor coaching hours (received from a credentialed ICF coach). These are separate — coaching experience hours don't count toward training hours, and none of them count toward mentor coaching hours.
What is the ICF ACC application process?
The ICF ACC application process is: (1) complete all 5 requirements; (2) gather documentation (training certificate, coaching log, mentor verification, client consents, recording + transcript); (3) submit application and pay the fee at coachingfederation.org; (4) schedule and sit the CKA exam; (5) submit your performance evaluation recording; (6) wait 6–8 weeks for ICF review; (7) receive credential notification. You must complete all requirements before submitting — ICF doesn't allow partial applications or conditional approvals.
How much does ICF ACC cost in 2026?
Total ICF ACC cost ranges from approximately $3,000 to $10,000+. The biggest expense is the training program ($1,500–$8,000+ depending on program and format). ICF's own fees are fixed: $160 application fee for ICF members, $460 for non-members. ICF membership is $245/year and saves you $300 on the application fee (net saving: $55 in year one). Mentor coaching adds $0–$1,500 depending on whether your training program includes it. See the full breakdown: ICF ACC cost 2026.
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