The ICF Credentialing Exam is a crucial step in obtaining individual coach qualifications worldwide. The exam results determine the success of certification in the International Coaching Federation (ICF). This is why the International Coaching Federation continuously improves exam processes and formats, considering candidate feedback and the latest industry trends. Starting August 20, 2024, the process will undergo significant changes aimed at enhancing the exam experience while maintaining high standards. In this article, we will take a closer look at these changes and their impact on candidates.
What is an ICF Certificate?
An ICF coach certificate is an official confirmation of your compliance with high professional standards and requirements that contribute to the development and improvement of coaching skills. It is also a testament to your commitment to ethical principles in coaching. Having an ICF coach certificate demonstrates your competence in international coaching standards to your clients and colleagues.
For modern clients, it is important that their coach has recognized qualifications, such as an ICF coaching qualification, the most influential Federation in the world. According to the 2022 Global Consumer Survey, 85% of clients consider a coach's certificate or credential important or very important. Obtaining an ICF coach certificate instantly boosts your credibility and makes you a more visible coaching specialist to potential clients.
ICF offers three levels of certification, each corresponding to a certain amount of training and experience:
▪️ Associate Certified Coach (ACC) - includes 60 hours of specialized training and 100 hours of verified practical experience.
▪️ Professional Certified Coach (PCC) - requires 125 hours of training and 500 hours of verified client experience.
▪️ Master Certified Coach (MCC) - requires a PCC certificate, 200 hours of training, and 2,500 hours of verified client experience.
Reduction in the number of exam tasks
The ICF Credentialing Exam is one of the key tools for assessing a coach's skills and ability to apply core competencies, and adhere to the ICF Code of Ethics. The exam was developed with the participation of experienced coaches from around the world, who acted as experts, setting the standards for candidate evaluation.
ICF Credentials and Standards collaborates with Pearson VUE, which provides the exam through its global network of testing centers, as well as via the OnVUE online service. Candidates can choose between taking the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or online under the supervision of a proctor. Anyone seeking ICF coach qualifications must successfully pass this exam.
One of the key changes, effective from August 20, 2024, is the reduction in the total number of exam tasks. Previously, candidates had to answer 81 questions, but now the number has been reduced to 78. Although this change may seem minor at first glance, it aims to improve the quality of assessment and reduce the burden on candidates.
The ICF Credentialing Exam for professional certification (ACC and PCC) will consist of 78 questions based on realistic coaching case scenarios. Each scenario is accompanied by four response options, from which the candidate must choose the best and worst possible actions. While several options may seem acceptable, only one is correct as the best action, and only one is correct as the worst action. The candidate's score depends on correctly choosing both actions.
The passing score for the exam is 460 on a scale of 200 to 600 points. This threshold is set using the Angoff methodology, which is a standard in certification testing, developed with the involvement of experienced coaches. The candidate's success is verified according to the established standard, and the exam results are reported in the form of scores.
Longer scheduled break
Another important change is a longer break during the exam. Candidates will now be offered a 10-minute break in the middle of the exam instead of a 5-minute break. This change was introduced based on candidate feedback, who noted that additional time for rest would help better focus on the second part of the exam.
The break is an important element of the exam process, allowing candidates to regain their strength, relax, and prepare for the subsequent tasks. A longer break will help reduce stress and increase efficiency during the exam.
New approach to translating tasks from English
For candidates taking the exam in translation, ICF is introducing a new approach to displaying tasks. Now, candidates will first see the tasks in their chosen language, with the option to view them in English as additional support. This will improve the accessibility of the exam and help avoid potential language barriers.
It is important to note that this change is aimed at ensuring the fairness of the exam for all candidates, regardless of their language proficiency. Using English as a supplementary tool will allow candidates to better understand the tasks and provide more accurate answers.
Updated exam structure from august 20, 2024
After the changes are implemented, the ICF Credentialing Exam structure will consist of:
▪️ Exam Instructions: 4 minutes
▪️ Section 1: 39 tasks, 83 minutes
▪️ Scheduled Break: 10 minutes
▪️ Section 2: 39 tasks, 83 minutes
This structure is aimed at ensuring an optimal balance between the time allotted for each task and the opportunity to rest during the exam. It is important to prepare for this format in advance to make the most of your time.
How to prepare for the exam
To be eligible to take the ICF exam, candidates must complete the following steps:
Submit an online application for one of the ICF coach qualifications: Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Master Certified Coach (MCC), or Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC), and pay the appropriate fee.
After your application has been reviewed, you will receive an invitation from ICF to take the exam along with instructions for registering through the Pearson VUE platform.
The ICF exam is available to candidates who meet the requirements according to their qualification level. The candidate must confirm readiness, including technical readiness, to take the exam through the global network of Pearson VUE testing centers or through the OnVUE online platform, which allows taking the exam with remote proctoring in real-time.
ICF Credentials and Standards pays great attention to the security of the certification exam and requires all candidates to accept the Candidate Agreement. By accepting these terms, candidates agree to abide by ICF Credentials and Standards rules and maintain the confidentiality of the exam content.
Candidates will receive their exam results in the form of a "pass/fail" score immediately after completing the test. You can view the result report at any time by logging into your account on the Pearson VUE platform or the candidate profile on the ICF website.
Candidates who successfully pass the exam and meet all the requirements for obtaining an ICF coach certificate will receive a separate email from ICF with a certificate confirming their coaching qualification level, as well as additional information on obtaining a digital badge and using ICF Credential logos.
To help you prepare for the updated ICF exam, ICF is also launching a new online tutorial. This interactive tool will allow you to familiarize yourself with the Pearson VUE testing platform, practice navigation, and review sample questions. Use this tutorial to enhance your skills and boost your confidence before the exam. You can access it on the Federation's website via the following link: [https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/icf.html]
How COACHING.UP helps students prepare for the exam
When you start studying at our university, you can be confident that you will receive all the necessary information regarding certification and the ICF Credentialing Exam itself.
The program has two levels, and no matter which level you are studying at, you will be tested on our state-of-the-art platform in parallel with your studies. The interim tests are created on a special simulator, which is very similar to the actual certification testing process.
These are case-based tasks where you need to decide how the coach effectively performs and choose the correct answer from the options provided.
Thanks to the platform, you will immediately see the correct answers, and you can analyze everything that is unclear to you online with your group and trainer during the classes.
Final tests after completing the program level will help you assess your knowledge level at the end of the course. We have made access to the tests available multiple times, so even after completing the course, before taking the ICF Credentialing Exam, you can practice again, review everything, get used to the time constraints and possible question structures.
We are confident in our system and constantly improve it. Among our graduates are coaches who have successfully passed the certification and obtained individual international qualifications of ACC, PCC, and even MCC ICF. Some have already opened their own coaching training schools.
Conclusion
The changes in the format of the ICF Credentialing Exam, effective from August 20, 2024, are aimed at improving the candidate experience and enhancing the quality of assessment. The reduction in the number of tasks, longer breaks, and improved accessibility of translated tasks will make the exam process more comfortable and efficient. Prepare for the changes in advance using new training tools to succeed in the exam and become an internationally certified coach.
For more information and periodic updates on the ICF certification services program, visit the official ICF Credentialing website.
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