Everything you need to know about AC Individual Accreditation
Accreditation is an external credentialing process carried out with a professional body that sits alongside your coach training or certification. The Association for Coaching (AC) Accreditation recognizes you as a professional coach, your experience, ethical practice, and ongoing development and Coach Supervision.
Accreditation builds trust with your clients and organizations. Reassuring them that you've been independently recognized and that you operate to clear ethical standards. It's about credibility and confidence.
The Association for Coaching (AC) Executive Coach Accreditation schemes are designed for individuals coaching primarily within an organizational context (this could be internal coaching or coaching organizational topics), with 75% or more of their coaching in this setting.
The Executive pathway includes specific executive coaching competencies within the coaching competency framework, and Executive applicants evidence competencies 1-12.
The Coach Accreditation pathway is designed for those whose practice is not primarily in an organizational context and focuses on competencies 1-9 of the coaching competency framework.
A helpful next step is to review the AC Coaching Competency Framework and reflect on your own practice: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.associationforcoaching.com/resource/resmgr/accreditation/coach_accreditation/application_documentation/AC_Coaching_Competency_Frame.pdf
By considering where your coaching takes place and the type of clients and topics you work with, you can make an informed decision about which pathway feels most aligned with your practice.
There isn't a paid hour's requirement. For individual Accreditation schemes, coaching hours can include both paid and pro bono coaching. Many coaches use a blend of paid and pro bono work in their coaching delivery log, and both contribute to your overall experience.
The AC takes an inclusive approach to coaching practice, and a wide range of coaching contexts can contribute to your coaching hours. This may include individual, group, team, internal, external, career, life, leadership, or other specialist coaching.
For Executive Coaching hours, we are looking for coaching within an organizational context (this could be internal coaching or coaching organizational topics), with 75% or more of your coaching in this setting. This can include working with leaders, managers, teams, or individuals on organizational or work-related themes.
All document templates and guides are available for you to download from the AC website. You can choose the pathway and scheme that feels right for you, visit the supporting documents page, and download the templates and guides in advance.
You are welcome to complete these at your own pace and upload them, along with payment, when you feel ready for your application to be assessed. You can take as much time as you wish to prepare your documents.
For more information, choose the pathway relevant to you: Executive Coaches: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/executive-coach-accreditation Personal Coaches: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/coach-accreditation
For written applications, once you have submitted your application, the typical turnaround time is around 6-9 weeks.
For Live Assessments, results are usually communicated within 5 working days of attending the live assessment session.
At renewal, you will receive an email with a series of questions. These focus on whether you are continuing to meet the key elements of the Accreditation level you hold, such as CPD, supervision, and adherence to the Global Code of Ethics. A new, full application is not needed just confirmation that you are keeping up with the level criteria.
You will receive advance notice when your Accreditation is approaching renewal, giving you time to review your CPD and supervision activity over the period.
Yes, Coach supervision plays a role in Accreditation. Each level includes a suggested amount of supervision, and the Accreditation application includes a supervision reference and log.
Within this, you can record your supervision sessions, key learnings, and how these relate to the coaching competencies, and you can then share the reference section with your supervisor to complete. This creates a clear, reflective record of your supervision support.
The AC welcomes a broad and inclusive range of CPD activities. You might include AC webinars, conferences, podcasts, reading, journals or magazines, videos (such as YouTube or TED Talk content), and any other learning experiences that are relevant to your coaching practice.
Up to 50% of your CPD hours can be based on reading, with the remainder coming from other forms of learning and development.
Accredited coaches can move to a different level during their three-year Accreditation period or at renewal, and can also explore switching between Coach and Executive pathways if their practice evolves.
You can progress through either a written application or the Live Assessment route, choosing whichever feels most supportive for you at the time.
The Global Code of Ethics is a shared set of guidelines that support ethical, professional coaching practice across signatory bodies. Coaches commit to working in alignment with these principles, and the AC's Accreditation schemes are underpinned by this Code. It provides a clear ethical framework for coaches, mentors, supervisors, and organizations.
At the AC, Accreditation is a personal and professional choice. Coaches are at different stages of readiness, and for some, this step feels right now, while others may choose it later in their journey.
If your practice aligns with the criteria for a given level and pathway, this can be a helpful indicator that Accreditation may be a good next step. Ultimately, it is about your sense of readiness, your developmental goals, and the value you see in having your practice recognized in this way.
Certification generally relates to completing a specific course or programme of coach training.
Accreditation goes further by recognising you as a practising coach. It reflects your coaching experience, your application of learning in practice, your ongoing development, and your commitment to ethical standards and supervision.
Some courses, such as AC Accredited Accelerated Courses, are closely aligned with the AC Coach Accreditation criteria and cover many of the elements within the individual coach Accreditation process. This gives you a strong foundation and can streamline your individual application.
Coach Accreditation, however, is always separate to your provider's course Accreditation. You still complete the relevant Accreditation scheme and process for your level and pathway as an individual, and make payment in your own name, in order to be formally be accredited as an individual coach.
Once achieved, Accreditation status is held for a three-year period. During this time, you continue to engage in CPD, supervision, and ethical practice in line with your Accreditation level.
At the end of three years, you are invited to renew your Accreditation and continue for a further three-year period.
The Coaching Competency Framework is the foundation of the AC's Accreditation schemes. It comprises 12 overarching competencies, each with supporting indicators, which describe effective, ethical coaching practice.
Assessors look for evidence that aligns with these competencies within your application. Executive pathway applicants demonstrate their work against competencies 1-12, while Coach pathway applicants focus on competencies 1-9.
You can view the Coaching Competency Framework here: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.associationforcoaching.com/resource/resmgr/accreditation/coach_accreditation/application_documentation/AC_Coaching_Competency_Frame.pdf
The Accreditation process is designed as a developmental, reflective journey rather than a traditional exam. You are not compared with other coaches; instead, your application is considered against the AC Coaching Competency Framework.
The process offers an opportunity to reflect on your practice, gather evidence of your work, and receive professional recognition for your coaching.
If Accreditation is not awarded on the first review, this is treated as part of a developmental process rather than an end point. You will receive an outcome with guidance on where additional evidence or clarity would be helpful.
You can then gather and refine the relevant material and resubmit so that your application can be considered again, with the aim of supporting your growth as a practitioner.
The AC recognizes that supervision support can take different forms, just as coaching does. For Accreditation purposes, supervisors are generally expected to be members of a recognized professional body, for example:
AC, AOCS, APECS, BABCP, BACP, BPS, BCP, CIPD, EIC, EMCC, IAC, ICF, SGCP, UKCP, WABC or other comparable bodies.
In addition, supervisors usually meet at least two of the following five criteria (or equivalent):
1. At least three years' experience as a Coach 2. At least two years' experience as a Coach Supervisor 3. Training as a Coach Supervisor 4. Experience as a Business/Leadership Advisor who is a Member of a relevant Professional Body 5. Accreditation from a professional body as at least one of the following: - Coach/Executive Coach - Supervisor - Psychologist - Counsellor/Psychotherapist
This helps ensure supervisors bring a strong blend of experience, training, and professional affiliation.
Once achieved, Accreditation is valid for a three-year period.
Approaching the end of this period, the AC will contact you to let you know that your Accreditation is due for renewal, and you can then renew for a further three years.
Each Accreditation level includes a suggested amount of annual CPD. At renewal, you will be invited to confirm that you have continued to engage in CPD in line with the level at which you are accredited.
The focus is on ongoing learning that supports your coaching practice.
Each Accreditation level includes a suggested amount of supervision. At renewal, you are asked to confirm that you have continued to engage in supervision that supports your accredited level.
The AC website includes clear guidance and templates for all aspects of the application. You may also find this complimentary webinar particularly useful, as it walks through the application and its elements step by step: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/SYCJpm22112023
Worked examples are available here: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.associationforcoaching.com/resource/resmgr/accreditation/coach_accreditation/supporting_documentation/ca_worked_examples.pdf
Guidelines and template documents can be downloaded from the relevant supporting pages below. Choose the pathway that is relevant to you:
Executive Coach: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/executive-coach_supporting_documents Personal Coach: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/individual-coach-accreditation_supporting_documents
Every coach has a unique way of working, and your personal coaching approach is an opportunity to bring this to life. You might like to outline:
The worked examples provide a helpful illustration of the kind of structure and depth we are looking for: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.associationforcoaching.com/resource/resmgr/accreditation/coach_accreditation/supporting_documentation/ca_worked_examples.pdf
It can be helpful to ensure that your case study reflects the same personal coach approach you describe, so there is a clear, cohesive picture of your practice.
Pro bono coaching can form a valuable part of your experience and can be included in your coaching delivery log alongside paid work.
Yes, internal coaching within an organization can be included alongside external coaching. Your log can reflect the full range of contexts in which you coach.
Once your application has been submitted online, any additional information is best shared by email. If there is something you would like to add or clarify, you can email individual@associationforcoaching.com with the details or attach the relevant document. The team will support you in ensuring that this is included with your application wherever possible.
Once accredited, you are welcome to progress to a higher level at any time during your three-year Accreditation period or at renewal.
To upgrade, you complete the additional elements relevant to the level you wish to move to. You can email individual@associationforcoaching.com for further information on the most appropriate route and documentation.
The Association for Coaching (AC) Executive Coach Accreditation schemes are especially suited to practitioners whose coaching takes place primarily in an organizational context (for example, internal coaching or working with organizational topics), with around 75% or more of their coaching in this setting.
The Executive pathway draws on specific executive coaching competencies within the Coaching Competency Framework, with Executive applicants evidencing competencies 1-12.
The Coach Accreditation pathway is a better fit for coaches whose work is not predominantly organizational, focusing on competencies 1-9.
A helpful way forward is to review the Coaching Competency Framework and reflect on your own practice: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.associationforcoaching.com/resource/resmgr/accreditation/coach_accreditation/application_documentation/AC_Coaching_Competency_Frame.pdf
This can support an informed decision on the pathway that best reflects your work.
The Coaching Delivery Log includes a space for you to indicate whether each piece of work is executive or personal coaching. You can also highlight organizational examples in your case study, reflective statements, and other evidence, focusing on themes such as leadership, performance, organizational change, and workplace dynamics.
The overall length of the process has two parts:
You are welcome to work on the application at your own pace and submit when you feel it reflects your practice well.
You can fully protect confidentiality while still providing rich, reflective examples. Many coaches do this by:
If you would like to talk through any aspect of confidentiality, you are welcome to email: individual@associaitionforcoaching.com
Fees are listed on the AC website. Please choose the relevant pathway and then locate the level you wish to accredit in to view the applicable fee:
Executive Coach: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/executive-coach-accreditation#anchor-executive-m Personal Coach: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/coach-accreditation#anchor-coach-m
The Recognized Accelerated Pathway (RAP) offers ICF or EMCC accredited coaches an expedited route into AC Coach Accreditation. It builds on your existing Accreditation, recognising key elements that align with the AC scheme and focusing on the additional aspects needed to meet AC standards.
The AC has mapped ICF and EMCC Accreditation levels across to AC Accreditation levels and clarified where content already aligns. For areas not covered within your prior Accreditation, the RAP overview outlines what is still needed at each level.
You can view this mapping and overview here: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.associationforcoaching.com/resource/resmgr/accreditation/coach_accreditation/supporting_documentation/AC_Coach_Accreditation_RAP_O.pdf
The RAP overview provides a helpful cross-map between ICF/EMCC levels and AC levels, along with any additional elements needed: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.associationforcoaching.com/resource/resmgr/accreditation/coach_accreditation/supporting_documentation/AC_Coach_Accreditation_RAP_O.pdf
By reviewing this alongside your current Accreditation and coaching practice, you can select the AC level that feels most appropriate.
A Coaching Delivery Log remains part of the RAP process, and a template is provided to help you complete this in a clear and structured way.
For RAP, the key document is your ICF or EMCC Accreditation certificate.
Coaches who previously held ICF or EMCC Accreditation can still explore RAP. You can use the RAP overview and your certificate to understand how your prior Accreditation aligns with the AC levels.
As with other written applications, the overall timeline includes both your preparation time and the assessment period. You can complete the application at your own pace, and once submitted, the typical assessment turnaround is around 6-9 weeks.
RAP is primarily a written pathway, drawing together your existing Accreditation and any additional evidence required.
You also have the option to join a Live Assessment session instead of completing a fully written application if this feels more aligned with your learning style:
Executive Coach: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/executive-coach-accreditation#anchor-menu-1 Personal Coach: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/coach-accreditation#anchor-menu-1
Once your RAP Accreditation is awarded, it is held for a three-year period. Near the end of that period, you will receive a reminder that your renewal is coming up.
At renewal, you are invited to confirm that you are continuing to meet the expectations for your level, such as CPD, supervision, and ethical practice, without needing to complete a full application again.
All fees are listed on the AC website. You can view them by choosing the relevant pathway below and navigating to the RAP section:
Executive Coach: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/executive-coach-accreditation#anchor-recognized-m Personal Coach: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/coach-accreditation#anchor-recognized-m
On the day, you will join a small group of 2-3 peers and an assessor in a supportive, developmental environment. The session usually includes:
The day is designed as a developmental journey where you explore your practice, learn alongside peers, and engage in rich professional dialogue.
To learn more about what takes place throughout the day, you can view the overview here: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.associationforcoaching.com/resource/resmgr/accreditation/coach_accreditation/supporting_documentation/AC_Coach_Accreditation_LA_Ov.pdf
Once you have chosen the pathway that fits your practice (Coach or Executive), the next step is to select the level that best reflects where you are now in your journey and experience. Each level has clearly outlined criteria.
You can view the criteria for each level in the Live Assessment overview: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.associationforcoaching.com/resource/resmgr/accreditation/coach_accreditation/supporting_documentation/AC_Coach_Accreditation_LA_Ov.pdf
Before your Live Assessment session, you will be asked to submit:
The overview explains the suggested number of hours, supervision sessions, client references, and CPD certificates for each level.
You will also receive sample questions that assessors may ask during the professional discussion. In addition, you can watch a complimentary webinar that explains each part of the Live Assessment and its expectations here: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/ACCALAWTE25
You are welcome to download any templates in advance and begin completing them at your own pace: Executive Coaches: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/executive-coach-accreditation-live-assessment-supporting-documents Personal Coaches: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/coach-accreditation-live-assessment-supporting-documents
To prepare for your Live Assessment, you may find it helpful to review: - AC Coaching Competency Framework - AC Global Code of Ethics for Coaches, Mentors and Supervisors - Professional Discussion Personal Coach Approach Questions - Ethical questions, which will be shared closer to your session date
These resources help you feel informed and confident ahead of your session.
For the Live Assessment, you submit the following evidence in advance:
The overview sets out the suggested hours and number of supervision sessions, client references, and CPD certificates for each level.
Many coaches already hold some of this evidence from their ongoing practice. The Coach Supervision Report can be one of the more time-consuming documents to pull together, so it can be helpful to start with this if you are planning to take the Live Assessment.
Your submitted evidence is reviewed in relation to the criteria for the level you are applying for. During the session itself, assessors listen for how your responses, examples, and reflections align with the AC Coaching Competency Framework.
They are interested in real-life examples that show how you work in practice and how your approach maps to the competencies, rather than theoretical answers alone.
The Live Assessment is scheduled across a full day, which includes group activities, individual conversations, and reflection time.
Following your session, the AC aims to share your result within 5 working days.
Coaching examples resonate most strongly when they reflect your authentic coaching style and approach. You might like to consider:
Framing your responses with the AC Coaching Competency Framework in mind can help highlight how your practice aligns with the competencies.
The Live Assessment involves minimal written work. Ahead of the session, you provide your Coaching Experience Log and Coach Supervision Report (including supervision log, learning record, and supervisor's reference), along with relevant certificates and references.
On the day, you will also create a development plan, which is yours to keep and use as a live document for your future growth. The rest of the process focuses on discussion, reflection, and real-time engagement.
The core structure and spirit of the Live Assessment is similar across both pathways; however, the Executive pathway explores the full range of competencies 1-12 within the Coaching Competency Framework, specifically in an organizational context.
Coach pathway applicants focus on competencies 1-9. Executive applicants are invited to share examples and reflections that relate to organizational settings, leadership dynamics, and executive-level topics.
The Coaching Delivery Log includes space to indicate whether each piece of work is executive or personal coaching. This helps you show the proportion of your practice that sits within an organizational context.
During the Live Assessment, you will also have the opportunity to talk about your executive coaching work and the types of organizations, roles, and topics you engage with.
Executive coaching examples can include any work that takes place within an organizational context, such as:
You may be coaching in private practice, within an organization, or through a blend of both.
Coaches are encouraged to keep the whole day of the Live Assessment free so that there is space for the full session, including any additional questions if needed.
A breakdown of times for each level and session format is available in the overview: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.associationforcoaching.com/resource/resmgr/accreditation/coach_accreditation/supporting_documentation/AC_Coach_Accreditation_LA_Ov.pdf
Results are shared within 5 working days of the Live Assessment.
Live Assessment dates are advertised around three months in advance. You can:
Payment for Live Assessment Accreditation is made once you have booked your session date.
Executive Coach: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/executive-coach-accreditation-live-assessment-dates Personal Coach: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/coach-accreditation-live-assessment-dates
If you are exploring time zones or are interested in a bespoke session for multiple people, you are welcome to reach out to: individual@associaitionforcoaching.com
A full list of fees is available on the AC website. Choose the relevant pathway and navigate to your chosen level to view the current fee:
Executive Coach: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/executive-coach-accreditation#anchor-live-executive Personal Coach: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/coach-accreditation#anchor-la-fees
Accelerated Coach Accreditation has been created for those who have completed training with an AC Coach Training Accreditation - Accelerated Course provider. The process builds on the assessment already carried out during your course, acknowledging the proficiency you demonstrated there and streamlining the subsequent Accreditation steps.
Your course covers core aspects of Coach or Executive Coach Accreditation, and your course facilitators have already assessed your competence against these elements. For the accelerated pathway, you provide the completed assessment from your training provider, your training completion certificate, completed client reference form(s), and your development plan.
For your accelerated application, you submit:
Together, these confirm the learning and assessment you have already undertaken.
Once you have completed the coaching delivery hours that align with the level you are applying for, and you hold both the signed assessment form and completion certificate from your training provider, you are ready to apply through the accelerated pathway.
The levels and their criteria are set out in this overview: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.associationforcoaching.com/resource/resmgr/accreditation/coach_accreditation/supporting_documentation/AC_Coach_Accreditation_Overv.pdf
You can review this document alongside your course outcomes and coaching experience to decide which level is the best fit.
For accelerated applications, results are typically communicated within 7 working days of submission.
Yes, once accredited, you can move to a higher level when you feel ready, either during your three-year Accreditation period or at renewal. You can choose to progress via the written application route or the Live Assessment route, depending on what suits your development and preferences.
Supervision and CPD are an integral part of your development, and much of this is woven into your accelerated course itself. Through your development plan, you can outline how you intend to continue learning and engaging with supervision in the future, highlighting your priorities for ongoing growth.