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Clear guidance for the path to ACC

Practical, source-aware guides for understanding the credential, studying the competencies, and preparing for exam day.

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34 articles · Showing 21–30

ICF Competencies & Ethics

Coaching vs. Therapy vs. Consulting vs. Mentoring: Know the Boundaries

How coaching differs from therapy, consulting, and mentoring -- the ICF definition, when to refer clients, and how the ACC exam tests these boundaries.

May 3, 202615 min read
ICF Competencies & Ethics

ICF Code of Ethics: What ACC Exam Candidates Must Know

Ethics is 30% of the ACC exam. Learn the 2020 ICF Code of Ethics (not 2025), common ethical dilemma scenarios, and a framework for answering ethics questions.

April 26, 202615 min read
ICF Competencies & Ethics

The 8 ICF Core Competencies Explained (With Exam Examples)

Plain-language guide to all 8 ICF Core Competencies, how each one shows up on the ACC exam, sample practice questions, and the most common candidate mistakes.

April 19, 202617 min read
Exam Prep

ICF ACC Exam Tips: 12 Things I Wish I Knew Before Test Day

Twelve practical ICF ACC exam tips covering Pearson VUE setup, time management, question-answering strategy, and the traps that cost candidates points.

April 12, 202614 min read
Certification Guide

ICF ACC Exam Fee and Certification Cost (2026)

ICF ACC exam fee is $175–$625, set by your path and ICF membership, and it includes your first attempt. Retakes are $105. See the full certification cost.

April 9, 202611 min read
Exam Format & Logistics

What's on the New ICF ACC Exam? (2026)

The ICF ACC exam changed in November 2024. Learn what the three content domains cover, how the new format differs from the old exam, and how to prepare.

April 5, 202613 min read
Exam Prep

Free ICF ACC Practice Exam: 6 Questions to Start

Free ICF ACC practice exam: 6 original questions on ethics, boundaries and competencies, with answer explanations, a score guide and next steps.

March 29, 202615 min read
Exam Prep

The Ultimate ICF ACC Exam Study Guide (2026)

A complete ICF ACC exam study guide -- what to study, how to study effectively, and a week-by-week plan that takes you from preparation to a passing score.

March 26, 202618 min read
Exam Prep

ICF ACC Exam Sample Questions: 20 Free Practice Questions with Answers (2026)

20 free ICF ACC exam sample questions with answers and explanations across all 3 domains and the Core Competencies. 2026 format, free PDF + mini quiz.

March 22, 202623 min read
Exam Prep

I Failed the ICF ACC Exam -- What Now?

Failed the ICF ACC exam? Here is the retake policy, how to diagnose weak areas from your score report, and a restructured study plan to pass next time.

March 20, 202612 min read