How To Renew Your ICF ACC Credential? – Coaching Outside the Box

ACC Renewal Guide: Renew Your ICF Credential

By Lucia Baldelli

Did you know you must renew your ICF Credential every three years? Most ICF ACC certified coaches find out about the requirements and the process when the deadline is close. Even though the ICF sends a reminder a few months before the deadline, their email might end up in your spam folder and your certification might lapse. In this article, I will walk you through the renewal process, sharing relevant information to plan for your renewal and successfully maintain your ICF ACC credential.

How do I Renew my ICF ACC Credential?

Renewing your ICF ACC credential is an important step in your professional development as a coach. It is not just about paying for a renewal fee. The renewal process ensures that you stay committed to your professional development, keeping your coaching approach at a high standard.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to renew your ICF ACC credential.

Find out your ICF Credential expiration date

To begin the renewal process, you first need to know when your current ACC credential expires. You can find this information by logging into your ICF profile. In the “My Credentials” section at the bottom of your profile page, you’ll be able to see your credential information and access your renewal application.

Your renewal application will be available as soon as your credential is awarded or following its last renewal. You can access it at any time to input Continuing Coach Education (CCE) as you earn them. You may submit your renewal application up to 10 months prior to your credential expiration date.

Access your credential renewal application

Once you know your expiration date, you can access your renewal application through your ICF profile. Here’s how:

Log in to your ICF Profile (you may be prompted to enter your ICF username and password).
Under “My Credentials,” click on the “Credential Renewal Application” link listed by your current ICF credential.
Select the “Continuing Coach Education” tab in your Credential Renewal Application.
Click on “Enter Education Hours” to begin logging CCE hours toward the CCE requirement.

ICF ACC Renewal requirements

To be eligible for ACC renewal, you must meet the following requirements:

Complete at least 40 Continuing Coach Education (CCE) credits in the three years since the initial award of your credential or since your last renewal.
At least 24 CCEs must be in Core Competencies.
At least 3 CCEs must be in coaching ethics. You can obtain these by completing the ICF’s Complimentary Ethics course online.
10 hours of Mentor Coaching with an eligible mentor coach over a minimum of three months in the three years since the initial award of your credential or since your last recertification.
The remaining 16 CCEs can be in Resource Development or Core Competencies.

It’s important to note that if your mentor coach holds an ACC credential, they are required to have recertified at least once. The ICF strongly encourages credential renewal candidates to verify a mentor coach’s credential status and eligibility using the ICF Verify a Coach directory.

Need a compass to navigate the renewal process? Book a chat with Lucia and find out how we can help!

Earning Continuing Coach Education (CCE) Hours

To enhance your skills you can attend courses as well as leverage reflective practice to enhance your approach.

Here are some qualifying activities and the documentation required:

ICF Ethics Course (Free): ICF Learning Portal transcript or certificate
ICF Communities of Practice events: ICF Learning Portal transcript
ICF Chapter webinars/events approved for CCEs: Certificate issued by the ICF Chapter, including candidate name, the name of the event, date, the total number of CCEs and CCE credit breakdown (CC/RD)
ICF Regional or Global conference or event: Certificate issued from ICF with the name of the candidate, event, date(s), total number of CCEs earned and CCE credit breakdown (CC/RD)
ICF CCE training program or course: Certificate, letter issued by the provider with the name of the candidate, event/course, date, total number of CCE units earned, and CCE credit breakdown (CC/RD). Check our courses accredited for CCEs to find out how we can help.

ICF Accredited Coach Education Programs: Certificate issued by the provider with the name of the candidate, event/course, date, and the total number of educational hours completed.
Non-ICF accredited coach education course (Live / synchronous): Certificate of completion issued by the provider with the name of the candidate, course/training, date, and number of training hours completed. For any hours to count toward Core Competency credit requirements, applicants must submit supplemental documentation demonstrating course alignment with the ICF Core Competencies, Code of Ethics, and definition of coaching.
E-learning or self-paced online course: Certificate of completion, letter or email issued by the provider with the name of the candidate, course/training, date, and number of training hours completed. For hours to count toward Core Competency credit requirements, supplemental documentation demonstrating course content, including modules/content aligned with the ICF Core Competencies, instructional hours for each module, and verification of learning or assessment must be submitted.
Mentor Coaching: Letter stating the name of the mentor coach, their email address, start and end dates of the mentor coaching engagement, and the total number of mentor coaching hours completed. Check our mentor coaching options to partner with an ICF MCC in your personal development.

We can help you fulfil all renewal requirements. Contact us to understand how!

ICF Renewal Fees

Renewing your ICF ACC credential involves a fee, which varies depending on your membership status with the International Coach Federation (ICF):

ICF members: $175 USD
Non-members: $275 USD

These fees help cover the administrative costs associated with processing your renewal application and ensuring that you continue to meet the high standards set by the ICF.

When you’re ready to submit your renewal application, the payment for recertification is the final step in the process. Simply click the “checkout” button to complete your payment. The ICF accepts all major credit cards for online payments, making it convenient for you to finalise your renewal.

What is the Timeline for an ICF Credential Renewal?

The estimated timeline for review of ICF ACC credential renewal applications is approximately 6-8 weeks from the date of submission. It’s important to keep this timeline in mind when planning your renewal process to ensure that your credential does not lapse.

To avoid any interruptions in your credentialed status, it’s recommended that you submit your renewal application well in advance of your credential expiration date. The ICF allows you to submit your renewal application up to 10 months prior to your credential expiration date, giving you plenty of time to gather the necessary documentation and complete the application process.

By submitting your renewal application early, you can account for the review period and ensure a smooth transition from your current credential to your renewed credential. This proactive approach also gives you peace of mind, knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to maintain your professional standing as an ICF-credentialed coach.

Renewing or Upgrading an ICF Credential?

As you approach the expiration date of your current ICF credential, you may find that upgrading to a higher-level credential is the best next step in your coaching journey. The ICF Credential Upgrade policy simplifies the process of leveling up your credential: you can maintain your current credential status for up to 12 months while your new credential application is under review. This means you can focus on your upgrade without the need for a separate renewal application or fees.

Upgrading your credential offers numerous benefits, including recognition of your advanced coaching skills, increased credibility with clients and employers, and opportunities for professional growth and development. To determine if you qualify for a higher-level credential, complete the Credential Path Survey. Based on your responses regarding your coaching education and experience hours, the survey results will indicate the credential level(s) and application pathway for which you are eligible. From there, you can create and complete the appropriate credential application, showcasing your expertise and commitment to the coaching profession

FAQ

When renewing your ICF ACC credential, you may have several questions about the process, requirements, and timeline. This FAQ section aims to address some of the most common concerns coaches have when navigating the credential renewal journey. We’ll cover topics such as the specific requirements for renewing your ACC, the costs involved, and what to do if your credential has lapsed. By providing clear, concise answers to these frequently asked questions, we hope to make your renewal experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Where to Earn your CCEs for ICF Credential Renewal?

To earn the required CCEs for your ICF ACC credential renewal, you have several options:

Mentor Coaching: Up to 10 hours of mentor coaching (giving or receiving) can count towards your renewal. These hours must be in addition to any mentor coaching completed for your initial credential. Check our mentor coaching options to partner with an ICF MCC in your personal development.
Core Competencies: At least 24 CCEs must be in the Core Competencies category, with 3 of those CCEs focusing on ICF Coaching Ethics. You can easily earn the ethics CCEs by completing the free ICF Ethics CCE Course online.
Resource Development: The remaining 16 CCEs can be in either Resource Development or Core Competencies.
ICF-Accredited Programs and Webinars: Many coach training institutes offer programs and webinars that award CCEs. Look for ICF-accredited offerings to ensure they qualify for your renewal.
ICF’s Continuing Professional Development: Visit the ICF website to explore the types of training accepted for CCEs and find opportunities to earn credits through their platform.

By combining mentor coaching, core competency training, and resource development, you can earn the CCEs needed to renew your ICF ACC credential and continue growing as a coach on multiple dimensions.

What happens if you fail to Renew or Meet Recertification Requirements?

If you fail to renew your ICF ACC credential or meet the recertification requirements by the expiration date, your credential status will lapse after a two-month grace period. Once your credential has lapsed, it is no longer considered active, and you must immediately stop using all ICF credential logos and marks. To reinstate your credential, you will need to follow the steps for renewing an ICF lapsed credential, which may involve additional fees and documentation. Keep on reading to find our more about renewing lapsed credentials.

What is the grace period?

The ICF provides a two-month grace period following the expiration date of your ACC credential. During this time, your credential will remain active, allowing you to submit your renewal application without penalty. However, if you are unable to complete the renewal process by the end of the grace period, your credential will lapse, and you will no longer hold an active ACC credential. In this case, you will have an additional 10 months to renew your credential, but you will be required to provide extra CCEs for each month that your credential has lapsed.

How to renew a lapsed credential?

If you are unable to renew your ICF ACC credential before the expiration date, you have a 12-month period to renew your lapsed credential. During this time, you will be required to earn additional CCE units based on the number of months since your credential expiration date. For the first two months following expiration, you will need the standard 40 CCE units (with a minimum of 24 in Core Competencies). Starting from the third month, the number of required CCE units increases incrementally each month, up to a maximum of 52 CCE units (with a minimum of 31.2 in Core Competencies) if you submit your application in the twelfth month following expiration. If more than a year has passed since your credential expired, you will need to submit a new credential application rather than a renewal application.

How to renew an expired credential?

If more than a year has passed since your ICF credential expired, it is considered fully expired. To hold an active ICF credential again, you will need to submit a new credential application rather than completing the renewal process. This means that if your credential expired on or before December 31, 2020, you must start fresh with a new application to reinstate your credential or apply directly for the next credential level.

How to find a mentor coach for my ICF ACC renewal?

Finding a qualified mentor coach is a crucial step in renewing your ICF ACC credential. When searching for a mentor coach, look for someone who holds an ICF credential at the PCC or MCC level, as they have the experience and expertise to guide you through the renewal process. You can start your search by visiting the ICF Mentor Coach Registry, which provides a list of qualified mentor coaches who have met the ICF’s standards.

Another option is to reach out to your local ICF Chapter or coaching community for recommendations. Many experienced coaches are happy to share their knowledge and support fellow coaches in their professional development. You can also ask for referrals from colleagues or coaches you trust, as they may have personal experience working with a mentor coach who could be a good fit for you.

When evaluating potential mentor coaches, consider their coaching style, areas of expertise, and availability. It’s important to find someone who aligns with your goals and can provide the guidance and support you need to successfully renew your ACC credential.

If you would like to partner with us to renew your ICF ACC credential and advancing your coaching career, feel free to contact us.

Tips and Advice to Renew Your ACC Credential

Renewing your ICF ACC credential may seem daunting, but with proper planning and guidance, you can navigate the process with confidence. Start by familiarizing yourself with the renewal requirements and timeline, ensuring you have ample time to earn the necessary CCEs and complete your application. Stay organized by tracking your CCEs as you earn them, keeping detailed records of your training and mentor coaching hours.

When selecting training programs or courses for your CCEs, look for high-quality, ICF-accredited options that align with your coaching niche and areas for growth. Attend conferences, webinars, and workshops to expand your knowledge and connect with fellow coaches who can offer support and inspiration.

As you work with your mentor coach, be open to feedback and willing to step outside your comfort zone. Embrace the opportunity to refine your skills, explore new techniques, and deepen your understanding of the ICF Core Competencies. Remember, the renewal process is not just about meeting requirements; it’s a chance to invest in your professional development and become the best coach you can be.

If you have questions or concerns along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

At Coaching Outside the Box, we’re committed to helping coaches thrive at every stage of their career. If you need assistance with your ICF ACC renewal, our team is here to help.

From finding the right mentor coach to navigating the application process, we offer personalised guidance and support to ensure your success. Contact us today to learn more about our services and take the first step towards renewing your credential with confidence.

About Author

Lucia Baldelli

Lucia Baldelli is an ICF MCC credentialed coach and has co-authored the book The Human Behind The Coach. In her 20+ years of Organisational Coaching she has worked in multicultural environments, becoming fluent in three languages. Lucia is the founder of the coaching school Coaching Outside the Box, bringing her passion for unleashing human potential through coaching.

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