THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU SUBMIT ACC APPLICATION

It's been on my mind for a while to explain the ACC application process because I had a lot of inquiries when I finished my certification. There are three alternative paths to apply for a credential: ACTP, ACSTH, and Portfolio path. Since you are so close to receiving your certification, I assume you are familiar with these routes. In my coaching experience thus far, I have interacted with people who are either on the ACTP or ACSTH track. The ACTP is an integrated program that handles all aspects of your credential process. This blog might be quite informative for coaches who are pursuing the ACSTH path and submitting their applications on their own.

This blog is divided into three sections-

· First, I'll go over the paperwork you must have with you when you submit your application.
· I'll describe how the application form works in the next part.
· And, in the final piece, I'll give you some tips based on my experience that will help you.

Part 1: The list of documents you should keep on hand

•    Your best session recording
•     Transcript of the same session
•     Your Coach Training Certificate
•     Mentor Certificate
•     Coaching hours log

I shall expand on points 1, 2, and 5 in the final paragraph of this blog.

Part 2: How the application form works

Before continuing with the application procedure, check that your payment options can handle international transactions since the application fee must be paid in US dollars.

 When you visit the ICF website, you have the option of joining ICF and applying for ACC or applying immediately without joining ICF.

There are a couple of tabs at the top of the application form that is marked with pens to show that they are unlocked and require information to be entered. 

These tabs will prompt you with the typical questions, including your coach training school, the name of your program, the start and finish dates of your program, the name of your mentor, and other information. A thumb will replace the pen mark after you've answered all the questions, signifying that you've completed the form in line with ICF criteria except for the Client Coaching Experience tab which will show a green check rather than a thumb. The Coaching Hours Log is not required to submit; however, there are several checkboxes on this page that correspond to your coaching practice thus far in terms of paid and pro bono hours. You must have an authentic record of the client coaching log on hand in case they conduct a random audit.

After submitting all the required paperwork, you will be prompted to make a payment. Applicants have the option of paying in full or breaking up the payment into either two or four monthly payments. The application will not be considered submitted and the review process will not begin until the application fee has been paid in full. Once the payment has been made, the application procedure is complete.

Once your submission has been completed, you will notice that the CKA tab is still locked. The CKA (Coach Knowledge Assessment) has been replaced with the ICF Credentialing test, which can only be accessed when your application has been approved. You will receive a message from ICF letting you know that they have received your application and are reviewing it. This process could take a few days. If your application is approved, you will be qualified to take the ICF Credentialing Exam. This is the final step in the credentialing process. You will have 60 days to schedule and finish the exam after receiving an email about it. Three (3) hours are provided to complete the exam. The exam will need to be completed in one sitting.

Native English speakers get 3 hours while non-natives get 4 hours to take this exam.

(Please check to see whether this still works the same way it did when I took the exam 6 months ago.)

ICF Credentialing Exam will have 81 scenario-based questions with multiple choice. To be prepared for the Credentialing Exam, you must be proficient in all 8 key competencies. After the test is over, you will immediately get the scores.

You might have two questions here:

i) What if my recording is rejected?

ii) What happens if I don't receive a passing CKA score?

Let’s go over them one by one:

i) If your application is denied, you can resubmit a fresh recording and transcript within 6 months of receiving your result letter. This method costs USD 150 for each recording.

ii) If you pass your exam, you will have your certification in a matter of days. If not, you may retake the exam. The retake fee is USD 105.

This is all about this section!

Part 3: Suggestions and Tips

1. If you are near to finishing your 100 hours, I recommend that you record and assess each practice session. Examine your selected sessions to ensure that the discussion is clear and audible and that only first names were used during the coaching session. Check that the recording is in the proper format. Both the audio file name and the transcript name must fit the standards.

2. You may get an audio transcript using either free software or professional help. I would recommend getting a professional to finish it. Inform them that you require this transcription for an ICF filing, and they will do everything else. Make sure to add timestamps in your transcript as well.

 (Contact information for transcript experts is provided at the end of the article.)

3. It is strongly advised to take the practice exam on the Coacharya website. It will simulate a real-time test. I received around ten questions in my CKA from the Coacharya mock test, which was quite beneficial.

4. To minimize unnecessary tension and the potential of making a mistake, I advise you to obtain the sample application form from the ICF website and carefully read it at least twice. Download your form carefully as the application forms for ACTP and ACSTH are different.

5. Keep all the documents readily available on your desktop. No alterations at the last minute are advised.

6. I firmly advise that you begin sending consent emails to your clients and fellow coaches as soon as possible. Keep in mind that you won't immediately receive 100% approval after sending your emails. It may be anything—some people might not check their mail for weeks, while people might deny permission. It shouldn't be the final thing you do.

To the best of my knowledge, I have covered nearly every important detail that one needs to know for the application procedure. And if you have any other questions, please leave them in the comments section; I would be happy to answer them all.

 I wish you well and hope your certification process goes smoothly.

Transcription Services:

Shraddha- 9703423705

Deepika- 9166804004