ACC: Associate Certified Coach

What it means

The entry-level credential from the International Coaching Federation, the main independent body for professional coaches. It certifies general coaching skill, not career expertise specifically.

What it takes

60+ hours of coach-specific education, 100+ hours of coaching experience (75 paid) with at least 8 clients, 10 hours of mentor coaching, a recorded session that passes ICF performance evaluation, and the ICF ACC exam. Renewed every 3 years with 40 continuing education credits, including 10 hours of mentor coaching.

What it tells you

Independently examined and based on logged client hours, so it is a real credential, but it is the first of three ICF levels. It says nothing about career or job-search expertise.

Issued by

International Coaching Federation

A coach listing a credential on their website is not proof they hold it: check it with International Coaching Federation.