Q&A on ICF Accreditations
This page is a collection for questions around ICF hours, accreditations, continuing education, icf coach certification requirements, etc.
- 1 What are the levels of ICF certification, what’s the difference between Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, ACSTH and ACTP programs?
- 2 Do you offer ICF Continuing Education, CCEs, for ICF Certification Renewal?
- 3 If I complete the Level 2 EQ Coach Certification, but I don’t have enough hours for my PCC, what happens?
- 4 What is the ICF Coach Knowledge Assessment or ACC Exam or ICF Credentialing Exam? How do I prepare?
What are the levels of ICF certification, what’s the difference between Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, ACSTH and ACTP programs?
In August 2022, The International Coaching Federation (ICF) restructured their certification system to make the whole process more rigorous. They replaced the previous ACSTH and ACTP accreditation types with the new Level 1 and Level 2 designations.
Six Seconds is one of a handful of coaching schools in the world with all Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 accreditations.
Here are the definitions:
Old | New | What you earn | What it for |
|---|---|---|---|
ACSTH = Approved Coach Specific Training Hours | Level 1 ICF Accredited Coaching Education Provider | ACC, Associate Coach Certification | Getting started as a coach; in-house coaches in business |
ACTP = Approved Coach Training Program | Level 2 ICF Accredited Coaching Education Provider | PCC, Professional Coach Certification | Dedicated professional coaches, coaching leaders in business |
none | Level 3 ICF Accredited Coaching Education Provider | MCC, Master Coach Certification (after ICF evaluation) | Leaders of the coaching profession |
CCE = Continuing Coach Education Hours | Still available, but most coaches use hours from Level 1, 2, or 3 programs | Continuing ed hours | Renewal or upgrade of certification |
Do you offer ICF Continuing Education, CCEs, for ICF Certification Renewal?
Yes. As an ICF accredited coaching school (at the highest level) and ICF business partner, Six Seconds offers numerous options for earning hours. Please see this chart of our courses and the International Coaching Federation accredited hours granted by each.
There are 2 kinds of programs you can use for ICF certification renewal:
CCE = Certified Continuing Education.
PCH = Partial Completion Hours or CSCLH = Coach-specific contact learning hours (formerly ACSTH, Approved Coach Specific Training Hours)
Hours earned in a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 accredited coach certification may be used for:New coach certification, or
Upgrade to a higher level of certification, or
Renewal of certification
If I complete the Level 2 EQ Coach Certification, but I don’t have enough hours for my PCC, what happens?
When an individual completes a Level 2 program, but doesn't meet the experience hours for the PCC just yet, they may apply for the ACC initially, and then apply for the PCC (using the same education) once they have earned 500 experience hours.
Individuals who have completed a Level 2 program and initially applied for the ACC do not need to provide additional mentor coaching hours when applying for the PCC, because these hours were completed within the program.
If an individual completes a Level 1 program and then a Level 2 program, they will not be required to complete additional mentor coaching, because those mentor coaching hours will have been completed in the Level 2 program. You are able to reuse mentor coaching hours in initial credential applications (ACC, PCC) so long as they meet the requirements. The MCC does require fresh mentor coaching hours. You are not able to reuse mentor coaching hours submitted within renewal applications (must be earned within the 3 year renewal cycle).
Unfortunately, individuals who are applying for the ACC do not have the opportunity to select which exam they wish to complete. The only available exam within the ACC application process is the ACC Exam. Therefore, when a candidate wishes to apply for the PCC, they will still be required to complete the ICF Credentialing Exam.
What is the ICF Coach Knowledge Assessment or ACC Exam or ICF Credentialing Exam? How do I prepare?
After meeting the certification requirements, you receive a certificate from your coaching school which you upload when you apply to ICF. Then you take an online exam with ICF. This used to be called the “Coach Knowledge Assessment” or CKA. Since 2023:
ACC candidates are required to complete the ACC Exam
PCC and MCC candidates are required to complete the ICF Credentialing Exam
The ACC Exam is easier and it’s completed via an online form.
The ICF Credentialing Exam is longer and is completed either at a testing center, or through a proctored online system. The exam covers the ICF Core Competencies, the ICF Code of Ethics, and coaching definitions. The exam is scenario-based, requiring candidates to choose the best and worst course of action in various coaching situations.
While the exam is rigorous, it’s not a barrier. In the EQ Coach Certification, we review how to prepare, and the vast majority of our graduates pass on their first attempt.