ICF ACC syllabus and content outline

The ACC Exam content outline

The current outline divides the exam into three knowledge domains. Weighting describes the approximate share of scored content devoted to each area; it does not mean the exam presents the domains in separate labelled blocks.

• Coaching Ethics: 30%
• Definition and Boundaries of Coaching: 30%
• Coaching Competencies, Strategies and Techniques: 40%

Coaching ethics: 30%

Learn to apply confidentiality, conflict-of-interest and professional conduct rules to a coaching agreement. For example, if a sponsor asks for a client’s session notes, identify who the client and sponsor are, then check the agreement and any applicable legal duties before deciding what can be shared.

• Professional codes and ethical conduct
• Actual and potential conflicts of interest
• Confidentiality, privacy and disclosure
• Relevant laws, regulations and organisational policies

Definition and boundaries of coaching: 30%

Learn to distinguish coaching from therapy, counselling, mentoring and consulting. If a client asks for a diagnosis, identify the limit of the coaching role and discuss appropriate support or referral with the client.

• The definition and purpose of coaching
• Coaching compared with therapy, counselling, mentoring and consulting
• When a referral may be appropriate
• How to discuss a referral without diagnosing the client

Competencies, strategies and techniques: 40%

This largest domain covers coaching agreements, the ICF Core Competencies, goal setting, motivation and a range of coaching techniques and resources. Scenario questions may require selecting the response that best preserves client partnership and supports the client’s own thinking.

Study the purpose of each competency, then connect it to observable behaviour. For example, a client-centred response may clarify the desired outcome, reflect the client’s language, invite insight or partner on action instead of interpreting, prescribing or taking control.

• Establishing and maintaining clear agreements
• Demonstrating the Core Competencies in context
• Supporting goal setting and motivation
• Choosing techniques and resources that fit the client
• Maintaining client autonomy and partnership

Which competency and ethics versions should you study?

Read the two versions ICF names for the written ACC Exam. ICF publishes newer standards for professional practice separately. If a study resource cites those editions, check its references against the official ACC Exam page before using it to prepare.

• ICF: 2019 Core Competencies tested on the ACC Exam
• ICF: 2020 Code of Ethics tested on the ACC Exam
• ICF: ACC Exam

How should the weighting affect your study plan?

A simple starting allocation is 30% of study time for ethics, 30% for definitions and boundaries, and 40% for competencies and techniques. Then adjust using practice results: weighting should not prevent extra work on a weaker domain.

Do not study the domains as isolated vocabulary lists. Mixed scenarios often require more than one idea—for example, a sponsor request can involve confidentiality, the coaching agreement and maintaining trust at the same time.

Turn the syllabus into a study checklist

• Write a one-sentence definition for each tested concept
• Create contrasting examples: coaching versus consulting, confidentiality versus justified disclosure
• Attach at least one observable coaching behaviour to every competency
• Practise explaining why three plausible alternatives are weaker
• Track errors by domain and by reasoning pattern
• Use mixed, timed questions after studying each domain separately