Coaching Ethics
Professional ethics, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, applicable rules, and ethical decision-making.
ACC Exam guide
ICF ACC Exam Format
Understand the question count, timing, scoring, content weighting, and scheduling process before you begin timed practice.
- Questions
- 60
- Total time
- 90 minutes
- Passing score
- 460
At a glance
A computer-based exam in two timed sections
The ACC Exam is a proctored written exam delivered at Pearson VUE test centers or online through OnVUE. Each question has four choices and one correct answer. There is no penalty for a wrong response, so answer every question.
Scaled scoring
Scores range from 200 to 600. A scaled score of 460 or higher is required to pass.
Exam timeline
How the 90 minutes are structured
The optional break sits between two separately timed 30-question sections.
- 1
Instructions
Review the interface and exam guidance
2 min
- 2
Section one
30 multiple-choice questions
39 min
- Pause
Optional break
Leave the timed question sections and refocus
10 min
- 3
Section two
30 multiple-choice questions
39 min
Total including optional break: 90 minutes
Content weighting
What the exam measures
The 30 / 30 / 40 weighting makes competencies the largest single area, while ethics and professional boundaries together account for most of the exam.
30%
30%
40%
Definition and Boundaries
The definition of coaching, differences from related professions, mental-health referrals, and professional boundaries.
Competencies, Strategies, and Techniques
Coaching agreements, ICF Core Competencies, goal setting, motivation, and coaching techniques and resources.
Two-step process
From application to a scheduled exam
Step 1
Submit and gain approval
Submit your ACC credential application and supporting documents. ICF reviews your education, experience, mentor coaching, and performance evaluation before authorizing the exam.
Review the official application processOutcome: application approved
Step 2
Schedule and complete the exam
After approval, follow the email invitation to schedule at a Pearson VUE test center or through OnVUE. ICF currently gives candidates 60 days to schedule and complete the exam.
Verify scheduling detailsOutcome: exam appointment confirmed
Preliminary results appear after the exam; ICF states that the official record is normally updated within one week.
Practice the pacing, not only the content
A full timed mock helps you rehearse two 30-question sections, manage uncertainty, and keep moving without leaving questions blank.
ACC Exam format FAQs
Questions, timing, scoring, content, and test delivery.
How many questions are on the ICF ACC exam?
The ICF ACC exam has 60 multiple-choice questions, each with four answer options and one correct response. The questions are split into two sections of 30 questions each.
How long is the ICF ACC exam?
The total exam time is 90 minutes, delivered as two timed sections of about 39 minutes each, with a brief instructions period and an optional 10-minute break in between.
What score do you need to pass the ICF ACC exam?
Scores are reported on a scaled range from 200 to 600, and you need a scaled score of 460 or higher to pass. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so you should answer every question.
What is on the ICF ACC exam?
The exam covers three content areas: coaching ethics (about 30% of questions), the definition of coaching and professional boundaries (about 30%), and the ICF Core Competencies and coaching techniques (about 40%).
Can I take the ICF ACC exam online?
Yes. The exam is a proctored, computer-based test that you can take in person at a Pearson VUE testing center or online from home through Pearson's OnVUE remote-proctoring platform.
Walk into the exam knowing the rhythm
Begin with focused questions, then graduate to full-length timed practice.
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