ICF credentialing
ACC Performance Evaluation: Requirements and Deadline
By Gary Malcolm, Master Certified Coach (ICF) · Updated 24 September 2026
Key takeaways
- An ACC portfolio application submits 1 recorded coaching session of 20 to 60 minutes, one continuous unedited file, with a verbatim timestamped transcript.
- Assessors mark observable behavior across the whole session against the ICF Core Competencies at ACC level, using Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales rather than the PCC Markers. The verdict is Pass or Below Standard.
- A Below Standard result costs $150 to retake, and each result takes 6 to 8 weeks.
- The recording pathway for ACC closes 31 March 2027. From 1 April 2027, an MCS-credentialed mentor coach observes at least three sessions and signs a Competency Review Form instead.
The ACC performance evaluation is based on one recorded session of 20 to 60 minutes, one continuous unedited file, with a verbatim timestamped transcript. Assessors mark what they can hear against the ICF Core Competencies at ACC level, on Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales.
One recording
PCC and MCC candidates submit two recordings. An ACC submission is one, so there is less to prepare, but the result depends entirely on the recording you choose. Choose it on evidence rather than on how the session felt.
The deadline
The recording pathway for ACC closes on 31 March 2027. To leave time for one retake, submit months before then, because each result takes 6 to 8 weeks. After the deadline the recording pathway is replaced by a mentoring engagement of at least three months with an MCS-credentialed mentor coach.
Check your ACC recording before you submit.
Frequently asked questions
How many recordings does an ACC application need?
One. ACC portfolio applications submit a single recorded session of 20 to 60 minutes, one continuous unedited file, with its own verbatim timestamped transcript. PCC and MCC applications submit two.
How is an ACC recording assessed?
Trained ICF assessors mark observable coaching behavior across the full session against the ICF Core Competencies at ACC level, using Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales. The 37 PCC Markers are the PCC instrument, not the ACC one. The verdict is Pass or Below Standard, with written feedback.
What does failing the ACC evaluation cost?
The retake fee is $150 for the recording and is not refunded. Results take 6 to 8 weeks after an assessor is assigned, so one failure typically costs a quarter of a year once the re-recording and the second wait are counted.
What is the ACC deadline?
ACC portfolio applications can use the recording pathway only through 31 March 2027. From 1 April 2027 the requirement becomes enhanced mentor coaching: an MCS-credentialed mentor coach observes at least three of your sessions and completes a Competency Review Form.
Should I submit before the deadline or wait for the new pathway?
If you have a strong recording, submitting before the deadline means one evaluation of work you have already done. Waiting means a mentoring engagement of at least three months. Avoid submitting late with a weak recording: a Below Standard result near the deadline can leave no time for a retake.
How do I know my recording is strong enough before I submit?
Not by how the session felt, because the habits that fail recordings are hard to hear in your own. Review My Submission at ACC is $49 and includes a Submit / Not Yet / Do Not Submit verdict reviewed by Gary Malcolm, MCC.