New International Coach Federation Credentials Exam
Posted by Alexandra Lamb
This page provides details about the ICF Credentialing Exam, which is essential for those seeking ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), or Master Certified Coach (MCC) credentials. The exam, based on the eight updated ICF Core Competencies, assesses a coach's understanding and application of the ICF coaching definition, Core Competencies, and Code of Ethics.
Developed with input from global coaching practitioners and subject matter experts, the ICF Credentialing Exam is administered in partnership with Pearson VUE. Candidates have the flexibility to take the exam either at a Pearson VUE testing centre or remotely through Pearson’s OnVUE online proctoring service. Completing this exam is a mandatory step in the ICF Credential process.
The exam consists of 81 situational judgment items, each presenting a realistic coaching scenario followed by four potential actions. Candidates must identify the most appropriate and least appropriate actions for each scenario. While several responses may seem reasonable, credit is awarded only for selecting the most and least suitable actions.
Scores are based on the accurate identification of these actions, with each correct response earning credit. There is no penalty for incorrect answers. Exam results are given as scaled scores, ranging from 200 to 600, with 460 being the pass mark.
Currently, the ICF Credentialing Exam is available in English, with language aids offered in various other languages.
What BOLDLY Coaches Need to Know
To all our BOLDLY coaches and friends, in case you’re not already aware, the ICF has replaced the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA), which formed a critical part of the credentialing process, with a new exam that reflects the updated ICF Core Competencies, published in November 2019.
For those of you who either are preparing to apply for your ICF credentials or who have applied and are getting ready to take the new ICF Credentialing Exam, here are some important resources!
- NEW ICF core competencies here
- ICF sample questions to prepare you for the new Credentialing Exam here
More info about why the ICF has updated its credentialing process here
For more information, get in touch with BOLDLY at connect@boldly.app.
About the Author:
Alexandra Lamb is an accomplished organisational development practitioner, with experience across APAC, North America, and MENA. With 20+ years in professional practice, conglomerates, and startups, she has collaborated with rapid-growth companies and industry innovators to develop leaders and high-performance teams. She is particularly experienced in talent strategy as a driver for business growth. Drawing from her experience in the fields of talent management, psychology, coaching, product development, and human-centred design, Alex prides herself on using commercial acumen to design talent solutions with true impact.
