How to apply for ACC and schedule the ICF exam
Choose the ACC application path that matches your training, submit the required evidence to ICF, and wait for an exam invitation. Then open Pearson VUE from My Applications in your ICF profile and complete the exam within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
Before starting the application
Complete a readiness audit before opening the form. The application asks you to attest to requirements and upload path-specific evidence, so the fastest route is to gather accurate records first rather than pausing midway to reconstruct them.
- Confirm 60 or more hours of qualifying coach education
- Reconcile your client log with the total, paid, client-count and recency rules
- Verify mentor-coaching dates and the mentor’s credential
- Check which competency evidence applies to your path and submission date
- Use the same legal name you will show on exam-day identification
ACC registration process
- Confirm that you meet the ACC requirements
- Choose Level 1/Level 2 or Portfolio path
- Gather certificates, experience records and path-specific documents
- Submit the application and fee through ICF
- Monitor the dashboard and answer clarification requests
- After approval, use Exam Info in My Applications to open Pearson VUE
- Choose OnVUE or a test centre and confirm the appointment
Step 1: choose the correct application path
Use the Level 1/Level 2 path if you completed a qualifying ICF-accredited programme. The Portfolio path is for candidates with another qualifying combination of education, such as Continuing Coach Education or non-accredited coursework. If you completed an older programme, confirm its status in ICF’s path guidance.
Step 2: prepare the right documents
From January 1, 2027, new Portfolio mentor hours must be completed with an ICF Mentor Coach Specialization holder. Portfolio applications submitted from April 1 use the mentor’s Competency Review Form instead of the recording and transcript. Check with ICF if your hours span the transition, and use the forms required for your submission date.
- Level 1/Level 2: prepare your programme certificate and coaching-experience information. ICF accepts eligible certificates issued before April 1, 2027 even if you submit later.
- Portfolio: gather education certificates and curriculum documentation where required, coaching-experience information and your mentor-coaching record. Prepare a coaching-session recording and transcript for submissions before April 1, 2027.
Step 3: submit and monitor the review
Complete the online application, pay the applicable fee and retain the confirmation. Monitor the application dashboard and email for requests from ICF.
ICF estimates four weeks for Level 1/Level 2 applications and 14 weeks for Portfolio applications. Allow extra time for requests for more information. Use ICF’s live estimate when you apply, especially around the April Portfolio transition.
Step 5: schedule and complete the exam
Choose an eligible Pearson VUE test centre or OnVUE remote appointment. Request any accommodations or language support before booking. Leave enough time to schedule and complete the exam within 60 days of receiving the invitation, and check your Pearson confirmation for appointment details.
Common registration mistakes to avoid
- Selecting a path that your education does not support
- Counting training, mentoring or administration as client-coaching hours
- Using an ineligible mentor coach or a mentor period shorter than three months
- Preparing the wrong Portfolio evidence for your submission date
- Waiting until late in the 60-day exam window to view available appointments
- Using an ICF profile name that does not match accepted identification
Frequently asked questions
Can I register for the ACC Exam directly with Pearson VUE?
No. You must first submit an ACC credential application to ICF. Pearson VUE scheduling becomes available after ICF approves the application and authorises the exam.
How long does the ACC application take?
ICF currently estimates four weeks for the Level 1/Level 2 path and 14 weeks for the Portfolio path. Actual timing can vary, especially when clarification or additional documentation is needed.
What competency evidence do Portfolio applicants submit?
For submissions before April 1, 2027, follow ICF’s recording and transcript requirements. From April 1, submit the Competency Review Form completed by your qualified mentor.
Where do I schedule after approval?
Sign in to your ICF profile, find My Applications, and use the Exam Info link beside the ACC application to enter the authorised Pearson VUE scheduling process.
Official sources
Exam policies can change. Use these first-party pages to confirm details before applying, paying or scheduling.