ICF Credentialing Exam (ICF’s Newest Version) Mock Test

Assess your comprehension of the essential knowledge and abilities required for coaching proficiency through this simulation.

Model Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA)

Simulation of the ICF Credentialing Exam: Practice Test

As an ICF Accredited Coaching Training Provider, Ignite Global has considerable expertise in delivering coaching training at the mastery level. Therefore, we have a profound understanding of ICF Core Competencies, as well as how ICF evaluates those seeking credentials.

When it comes to preparing for the ICF Credentialing Exam, aspiring coaches often face limited resources and many coaches have requested our assistance in preparing for the exam. As a result, we have developed a Model Assessment designed to comprehensively prepare you for the ICF Credentialing Exam.

This exam is similar to the ICF questions, answers, and technical structure. The only difference you will notice is at the end of this test, you will be able to see the correct and wrong answers, which is not possible in the actual ICF Credentialing Exam. Please note, there are no explanations provided as this is only a simulation.

Strategies for ICF Credentialing Exam Success - Insights from Recent Exam Candidates

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Examining Intricacies of ICF Credentialing Exam - Sample Questions

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ICF ACC Credentialing Exam- Q & A

The ICF ACC Credential Exam is a new written exam specifically designed for Associate Certified Coach (ACC) candidates. It assesses foundational coaching knowledge, including the ICF Core Competencies, Code of Ethics, and the definition of coaching. The ACC Exam serves as a critical step for early-career coaches to demonstrate their competence and credibility.

The ACC credential validates a coach’s fundamental understanding of core coaching principles, making it ideal for part-time coaches, those early in their careers, or professionals in other disciplines looking to integrate coaching into their work. Earning the ACC shows clients that a coach is prepared to support them effectively.

The ACC Exam was developed by coaches, for coaches, through a collaborative process involving credentialed coaching practitioners. Subject matter experts reviewed, tested, and validated each question to ensure fairness, accuracy, and alignment with coaching standards. The exam was designed following best practices in high-stakes certification exam development.

The ACC Exam will be available to candidates starting on November 18, 2024. All authorized ACC candidates can take the written exam from this date onward.

The ACC Exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, organized into two sections, with an optional 10-minute break. The format is as follows:

Section 1: 30 questions (39 minutes)
Break: 10 minutes (optional)
Section 2: 30 questions (39 minutes)
The total exam time is 90 minutes. Each question presents a coaching-related prompt with four possible responses, and there is only one correct answer per question.

The ACC Exam tests knowledge across three domains:
Coaching Ethics Knowledge of professional ethics codes, conflicts of interest, and confidentiality regulations.
Definition and Boundaries of Coaching Understanding the definition of coaching, differences between coaching and other professions (e.g., therapy), and recognizing when referrals to mental health professionals are necessary. Coaching Competencies, Strategies, and Techniques Knowledge of ICF Core Competencies, goal setting, and various coaching tools and strategies.

To register, you must first submit an ACC credential application along with the required documentation. Once your application is approved, you will receive an email invitation to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE, either at a testing center or through their remote proctoring service. You have 60 days from receiving the email to complete the exam.

After completing the exam, you will receive immediate preliminary results from Pearson VUE. Official results will be updated in your ICF records within 48 hours. If you pass, you will receive your ACC credential. If you do not pass, you will receive instructions on how to retake the exam. The retake fee is USD 105.

The ACC Exam is administered through Pearson VUE. Candidates can take the exam at one of over 5,000 Pearson VUE test centers globally or choose to take it remotely through Pearson OnVUE, a live, remote-proctored service that allows testing from home under online supervision.

Situational judgment questions assess how individuals respond to practical, real-world scenarios, requiring more thought and deliberation. In contrast, knowledge-based questions test a candidate’s understanding of specific facts or concepts. Situational judgment questions tend to be longer and more complex, while knowledge-based questions focus on factual recall.

The ACC Exam is tailored to the typical career stage of ACC candidates (early-to-mid coaching career) and uses knowledge-based questions, which are generally presented in shorter, less complex sentences than the situational judgment format used in the ICF Credentialing Exam. However, this does not mean the ACC Exam is inherently easier

The ICF offers an online tutorial that simulates the Pearson VUE testing platform, allowing candidates to familiarize themselves with the exam structure and review sample questions. This tutorial is available at no cost from August 20, 2024, which you can view here: https://learning.coachingfederation.org/cw/course-details?entryId=14507414

Additionally, you can access the replay of the panel discussion we hosted with the ICF Credentialing Exam candidate who aced the exam successfully recently here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIyDoWm7BJQ&t=4653s

Tips to succeed:
Deepen your understanding of ICF Core Competencies: Go beyond memorization by comparing the Core Competencies with the PCC Markers to see how they are applied in real-world coaching.

Adopt a coach’s mindset: Instead of focusing on being an exam candidate, approach each question as if you are coaching a client, prioritizing client-centered responses over coach-focused ones.

Manage your time wisely: Skim the exam to gauge the scope, tackle easier questions first, and flag tougher ones for review. This ensures efficient use of time.

Practice with mock exams: Take mock tests, like those provided by Ignite Global, to familiarize yourself with the exam format and boost your confidence.

Use scenario-based learning: Apply ICF Core Competencies to real-world scenarios through role-playing exercises or peer coaching groups to solidify your knowledge.

Seek guidance from mentor coaches: Working with an experienced mentor coach can provide personalized support and mock coaching sessions that mimic the exam format.

Prepare on exam day: Ensure your environment is distraction-free, perform system checks, and verify your ID ahead of time for a smooth exam experience.

ICF Credentialing Exam- Q & A

The ICF Credentialing Exam is crucial to earning an International Coaching Federation (ICF) credential. It evaluates a candidate’s understanding and application of the ICF Core Competencies, the ICF Code of Ethics, and the ICF definition of coaching. The exam ensures coaches have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide high-quality coaching services. This new format, introduced in 2023, is designed to align with the highest standards of certification test development practices and reflects the evolving nature of the coaching profession.

Starting August 20, 2024, the ICF implemented minor adjustments to the exam to improve its efficiency and candidate experience. These changes include a reduced number of questions, extended breaks, improved screen presentation, and enhanced accessibility.

To be eligible for the ICF Credentialing Exam, candidates must meet the following requirements based on the level of credential they are pursuing:

Training Hours:

ACC: 60 hours of coach-specific training

PCC: 125 hours of coach-specific training

MCC: 200+ hours of coach-specific training

Mentor Coaching: 

10 hours of ICF-approved mentor coaching over a minimum of three months.

Coaching Experience:

ACC: 100 hours of coaching experience

PCC: 500 hours of coaching experience

MCC: 2,500 hours of coaching experience

Once your application is approved, you will receive an invitation to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE. You have 60 days from receiving the invitation to book and take the exam. The exam can be taken at a Pearson VUE testing center or remotely via the OnVUE proctoring service.

Reduced Number of Questions: From 81 to 78 scenario-based items. Extended Breaks: A 10-minute break will be provided during the exam. Improved Accessibility: Translated versions of the exam will offer optional English language aids. Expanded Score Reports: Candidates needing to retake the exam will receive detailed feedback across exam domains to help guide further study.

The exam evaluates a coach’s practical application of coaching principles through situational assessments in four domains:

Foundation (e.g., Demonstrating Ethical Practice, Embodying a Coaching Mindset) Co-Creating the Relationship (e.g., Establishes and Maintains Agreements) Communicating Effectively Cultivating Learning and Growth

Each domain focuses on different competencies, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of coaching skills.

The difficulty level of the ICF Credentialing Exam has not increased following the reduction in the number of questions. The adjustment is intended to give coaches more time to complete the exam by reducing the total number of questions.

The ICF Credentialing Exam has multiple versions, each with different questions, but all are of the same difficulty level. This variety ensures that candidates are well-versed in the ICF Core Competencies and helps minimize the chances of encountering the same questions on repeat attempts.

No, candidates are not permitted to have any materials, including blank paper, on their desk during the online exam. The proctor ensures that the testing area is clear of any unauthorized items.

After the ICF reviews an applicant’s credential application, the applicant will be contacted via email with an update on the status and the next steps. The specific steps in the review process depend on the credentialing path the applicant has chosen.

You have 60 days to schedule and take the ICF Credentialing Exam. Once the exam begins, you will have three hours to complete it.

Candidates who cannot attend their scheduled exam must cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours before the appointment, following Pearson’s Rescheduling and Cancellation policies. If this is not done, exam fees may be forfeited. While reapplication is not required, candidates who miss their exam will need to pay a retake fee of USD 105 to schedule a new appointment.

After completing the ICF Credentialing Exam, the applicant receives their results immediately at the testing site. Additionally, about one week after the exam, further information is provided.

The ICF offers an online tutorial that simulates the Pearson VUE testing platform, allowing candidates to familiarize themselves with the exam structure and review sample questions. This tutorial is available at no cost from August 20, 2024, which you can view here:
https://learning.coachingfederation.org/cw/course-details?entryId=14507414

Additionally, you can access the replay of the panel discussion we hosted with the ICF Credentialing Exam candidate who aced the exam successfully recently here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIyDoWm7BJQ&t=4653s

Tips to succeed:
Deepen your understanding of ICF Core Competencies: Go beyond memorization by comparing the Core Competencies with the PCC Markers to see how they are applied in real-world coaching.

Adopt a coach’s mindset: Instead of focusing on being an exam candidate, approach each question as if you are coaching a client, prioritizing client-centered responses over coach-focused ones.

Manage your time wisely: Skim the exam to gauge the scope, tackle easier questions first, and flag tougher ones for review. This ensures efficient use of time.

Practice with mock exams: Take mock tests, like those provided by Ignite Global, to familiarize yourself with the exam format and boost your confidence.

Use scenario-based learning: Apply ICF Core Competencies to real-world scenarios through role-playing exercises or peer coaching groups to solidify your knowledge.

Seek guidance from mentor coaches: Working with an experienced mentor coach can provide personalized support and mock coaching sessions that mimic the exam format.

Prepare on exam day: Ensure your environment is distraction-free, perform system checks, and verify your ID ahead of time for a smooth exam experience.

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

Our ICF Credentialing Exam Mock Test intends to provide you with thorough preparation for the ICF Credentialing Exam. It follows a similar structure in terms of the look, feel, and the questions are created using the same style as the original test.

  • The content of this practice test is highly confidential and should not be shared with anyone or any platform without the permission of Ignite Global.
  • Should you have any questions or need clarifications, you should reach out directly to Ignite Global.
  • No refunds will be issued once the registration and payment transaction is completed.
  • All the questions and the answers are created as accurately as possible in reference to the actual ICF Credentialing Exam. At the same time, the answers are also based on the alignment of ICF competency and the ICF Code of Ethics.
  • Due to the ambiguity of the questions and the answers in the actual ICF Credentialing Exam, there is no absolute confirmation that the questions and answers in this practice test are absolutely accurate as this practice test only aims to provide you with a simulated area for the actual exam.
  • Once you register for the ICF Credentialing Exam Mock Test, the test will be available for 30 days.
  • You can take the test as many times as you wish within 30 days.
  • The test is automated, immediately after each attempt, you receive the score as well as the correct answers to each question.
  • Questions are created by ICF Accredited Ignite Global Coach Training Facilitators.

The ICF Credentialing Exam Mock Test is available for a minimal service fee of 150 USD. Once you register below, you will receive an automated confirmation message. Then, a representative from the Ignite team will contact you with your access details to the ICF Credentialing Exam within 24 hours during working days.

Please note that you will have access to the ICF Credentialing Exam Mock Test for 30 days starting on the day you are given access and you can make as many attempts as you wish within this duration.

Note: Once you have purchased this course, refunds will not be granted.

How helpful is the practice test?

"Overall, it was helpful for me to understand how to take the test and narrow down options for best and worst."
Lenetra King
5/5
"Your test was really helpful for me. I passed the exam with a pretty good score in the end."
Barb Roadhouse Bresnahan
5/5
"The questions were very
helpful in preparing for
the exam."
Philbert Chin
5/5
"The group mentoring sessions and the mock exam were both really helpful"
Karina Schneider
5/5
"Overall, I found the mock exam to be extremely beneficial and a key part to my preparation for the PCC exam."
Luiza Bargaoanu
5/5

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