Everything you need to know about AC Individual Membership
The Association for Coaching® (AC) is a leading independent, not-for-profit professional body dedicated to advancing the coaching profession worldwide.
Our purpose is to inspire and champion coaching excellence, raise awareness of coaching, and support high standards across the global ecosystem of coaching. As an inclusive body, we welcome coaches, leaders, organizations, Coach Supervisors and training providers who are committed to professional growth and meaningful impact.
The AC offers several individual membership types: Associate, Member, Fellow Member, Leader Coach, and Introductory Associate/Leader Coach Membership.
Each membership type includes a range of benefits designed to support your development and professional journey. You can view the full benefits table here: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/individual-membership#anchor-menu-1
Each membership type holds its own set of criteria, and choosing the right level is simply about selecting the option that best aligns with where you are on your coaching journey.
Your choice can reflect how you wish to engage with the AC community and the opportunities that feel most supportive to you. You can explore the criteria for each membership type here: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/individual-membership#anchor-menu-2
The AC is committed to supporting new and developing coaches through a wide range of complimentary resources and learning experiences, including:
If you are training with an AC Training Provider Member, you may be eligible for Introductory Associate Membership, a complimentary one-year membership designed to support you while you learn: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/introductory-associate-membership
Member level and above membership provides access and Member preferential rates to AC Accreditation pathways.
All members have access to the AC's core benefits. Certain features—such as the member directory profile and access to Accreditation pathways—are available at Member level and above and are marked clearly in the benefits table: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/individual-membership#anchor-menu-1
Individual Membership types and fees can be found here: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/individual-membership#anchor-menu-2
Returning members enjoy a preferential renewal rate each year.
Members enjoy a wide range of complimentary events and learning opportunities throughout the year.
Recordings of member benefit events and live coaching demos are available through the Digital Learning Hub: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_member-benefit
Upcoming complimentary events can be viewed on the AC events calendar: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/events/event_list.asp?show=&group=&start=10%2F7%2F2021&end=&view=&cid=22725#anchor
Membership renews annually, and you will receive both SMS and email reminders as your renewal date approaches.
If your membership renews manually, you will receive a payment link each year and can enter updated details at that time.
If you use autorenew, the AC team can support you with updating your payment details - please email: individual@associationforcoaching.com
We understand that circumstances vary, and the AC is committed to supporting access to membership.
If you contact us, we can explore flexible payment arrangements together: individual@associationforcoaching.com
If a payment attempt is unsuccessful, you will receive a notification.
You are welcome to provide updated payment details or request support by contacting: individual@associationforcoaching.com
Email our team and we can arrange autorenewal for you so your membership continues seamlessly: individual@associationforcoaching.com
Associate Membership is a welcoming entry point for individuals who are beginning or developing their coaching practice, exploring coaching, or preparing to work toward Member level.
Associate Membership is open without a coaching hours expectation.
There is no training-hours expectation for Associate Membership.
Associate Members enjoy access to the AC's core benefits and community.
Member level offers additional features such as:
These distinctions are shown in the benefits table: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/individual-membership#anchor-menu-1
Accreditation is accessible to Member level and above. Corporate and Provider Members can also access to Accreditation pathways.
Upgrading is helpful when your experience aligns with Member level eligibility. You can upgrade at any stage.
Eligibility information is here: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/individual-membership#anchor-menu-2
Support is available at: individual@associationforcoaching.com
Fellow Membership recognizes significant experience within the coaching profession.
It aligns to 1500+ hours of coaching delivery. Fellow Members have access to all membership benefits plus additional exclusive opportunities.
Fellow Membership is designed for practitioners with significant coaching experience, including 1500+ hours of coaching delivery.
Fellow Membership is a membership type rather than a credential. It offers connection with peers at a similar stage, exclusive benefits, and recognition within the profession.
Accreditation is a separate credentialing pathway. Although the coaching-hours threshold aligns with the AC Master Coach and Master Executive Coach Accreditation level, Fellow Membership stands independently and is always open to those who meet the criteria.
Fellow Membership welcomes experienced practitioners with 1500+ hours of coaching delivery across sectors.
Full eligibility information is available here: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/fellowmembership#anchor-menu-2
Fellow Members include a short statement describing how they contribute to the coaching profession. Contributions may take many forms, and the AC values the diverse ways coaches support and advance the profession.
Fellow Membership is open to experienced practitioners regardless of Accreditation status.
Applications include a declaration of experience and your contribution statement.
The Fellow Membership process does not involve an interview.
Applications are typically reviewed within 2-3 working days, and in some cases may take up to a month.
Fellow Members enjoy:
Fellow Membership with the AC highlights your significant experience and active contribution to the coaching profession.
As a Fellow Member, your AC profile displays your FAC designation, and your listing on the AC Member Directory is presented in a way that draws attention to your level of experience. These elements help clients, organizations, and peers appreciate the depth of your practice, which can support your professional reputation and credibility in organizational settings.
Fellow Membership is an annual membership type and renews each year like all individual membership categories.
Yes. You are welcome to hold Fellow Membership and AC Coach Accreditation simultaneously.
Yes. Individuals may hold Corporate or Training Provider Membership on behalf of their organization and also hold their own Fellow Membership, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
You are welcome to reapply when you meet the full criteria for Fellow Membership.
Eligibility varies by membership type and can be explored in detail here: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/individual-membership#anchor-menu-2
Absolutely. If you are training with an AC Training Provider Member and are undertaking 35+ hours of coach training, you are welcome to join as an Introductory Associate Member: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/introductory-associate-membership
If your training school is not an AC Training Provider Member, you are invited to join as an Associate Member: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/individual-membership#anchor-menu-2
Joining is designed to be a smooth and straightforward experience. You'll be guided through a series of questions and declarations.
Fellow Membership includes a short reflective statement about your contribution to the coaching profession.
Most applications are confirmed within 2-3 working days, and some may take slightly longer if additional checks are needed. In a small number of cases, approval may take up to a month.
Yes, you are welcome to join at any point in your coaching journey. Many members choose to stay connected with the AC community while taking pauses in their practice or preparing for future coaching work.
Membership supports you in staying engaged with the latest thinking, developments, and standards across the profession. Membership options can be viewed here: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/individual-membership#anchor-menu-2
You may find it helpful to upgrade when your experience aligns with the eligibility of a higher membership level. Doing so opens access to benefits that match your current stage of development.
You can explore eligibility here: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/individual-membership#anchor-menu-2
Support is available at individual@associationforcoaching.com - feel free to reach out for more information. Upgrade fees are generally the difference between the membership levels.
Yes, you are welcome to upgrade whenever you feel ready, either mid-year or at renewal.
Support is available at individual@associationforcoaching.com
Upgrading involves completing a small number of questions and declarations, usually via email. No additional evidence is requested.
This complimentary membership is available to individuals currently undertaking training with an AC Training Provider Member:
Details here: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/introductory-associate-membership
You are welcome to ask your training provider directly or contact the AC team at: individual@associationforcoaching.com
Your complimentary year includes a full suite of tailored benefits designed for learners, including coaching demos, Co-Coaching opportunities, the New Coaches Hub, and more.
Further details are available here: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/introductory-associate-membership
As your learning journey continues, we will be in touch to offer guidance on renewing your membership and choosing the membership type that best supports your next steps.
We also offer a discounted renewal rate for Introductory Associate Members transitioning into paid membership.
Absolutely. You can choose the membership type that aligns with your experience and development.
Eligibility details are here: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/individual-membership#anchor-menu-2
Accreditation is available at Member level and above.
However, individuals completing an AC Accelerated Accredited Course may access Accreditation as an Introductory Associate Member when applying through that specific pathway.
Introductory Associate Membership is created especially for learners training with an AC Training Provider Member.
If your school is not yet an AC Training Provider Member, you're very welcome to let them know about this opportunity for their learners.
Member level suits:
The following experience supports Member level:
Member level includes full access to AC membership benefits.
Training in coaching or related disciplines is welcomed. The AC recognizes a wide variety of coaching-related learning experiences, including structured courses or programmes that contribute meaningfully to your coaching capability.
Member level includes 50+ hours of coaching or related training.
Member level includes 25+ hours of coaching delivery.
Member level includes:
Yes. Members are welcome to apply for Accreditation.
Yes.
Leader Coach Membership is designed for leaders at any level—C-suite, executives, emerging leaders, and people managers—who apply a coaching mindset to develop talent, support organizational success, and enhance team performance.
Leader Coach Membership welcomes leaders who integrate coaching conversations into their roles and are committed to growing their coaching capability within an organizational context.
Leader Coach Membership aligns with 25+ hours of coaching delivery as part of your leadership or managerial role.
Leader as Coach experience includes using a coaching mindset in your role—for example, adopting coaching skills following a training programme and applying them in conversations that support growth, performance, or development.
You can explore the full list of Leader Coach benefits here: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/leader-coach-membership#anchor-menu-1
Yes. Leader Coach Members can participate in these spaces to extend their learning and practice.
Yes. If coaching becomes a more prominent part of your role or you gain further experience, you may find that Member level suits your development.
Yes. Leader Coach Membership can be a meaningful starting point for leaders considering professional coaching.
You are simply asked to count the conversations in which you apply a coach approach, rather than everyday leadership conversations, for the purpose of membership (and Accreditation if you decide to pursue it).
This depends on how you use coaching. If your primary context is leadership, Leader Coach Membership may be the best fit. If coaching becomes a more central part of your work, you may prefer to choose another membership type.
No evidence is requested at sign-up. You will complete declarations through the sign-up form, and most applications are processed within 2-3 working days, occasionally up to a month.
Leader Coach Membership Fees are available here: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/individual-membership#anchor-menu-2
Yes. Leader Coach Members can access a wide range of CPD and learning activities designed to support leadership and coaching capability: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/leader-coach-membership#anchor-menu-1
Yes. The AC offers a dedicated Accreditation pathway for Leader Coaches: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/corporate-leader-coach-accreditation