Approved Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH) Accreditation

The second training program accreditation, "Approved Coach Specific Training Hours", (ACSTH), provides coach training schools with an opportunity to have an accreditation which approves coach training program as providing a specified number of Coach Specific Training (CST) hours. Between 30 and 120 hours can be approved as coach specific training. This second training school accreditation alleviates the need for Associate Credentialed Coach (ACC) applicants and Professional Credentialed Coach (PCC) and Master Credentialed Coach (MCC) Portfolio applicants to specify all of their coach training hours on their application forms. The applicant simply needs to attach ACSTH program documentation to evidence that they have attended that program (after the date of the program's ACSTH accreditation) and the number of CST hours that they attended were Approved Coach Specific Training. ALL APPLICANTS WILL STILL BE REQUIRED TO MEET ALL OTHER APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS, AND MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE APPLICABLE ICF EXAM TO RECEIVE THEIR CREDENTIAL.

ACSTH Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
ACSTH Application

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ACSTH Program Requirements

Philosophy, Approach and Code of Ethics
The program's philosophy and approach to coaching must align with the ICF's Definition of Professional Coaching, the Core Coaching Competencies and the ICF Code of Ethics

Methodology and Competencies Taught
The program must consist of at least 30 and no more that120 student contact learning hours (SCLH's) of coaching-specific training (CST).

1. A detailed description of the CST program must be provided, including descriptions of each module/course, teaching methodology and training hours and a description of how each course teaches ICF Core Coaching Competencies
2. SCLH's may include classroom training, direct observation, teleconferencing and cyber courses
3. At least 80% of SCLH's must consist of voice-to-voice or person to person interaction with the program trainer(s)
4. Competencies taught must:
• Align with ICF Core Coaching Competencies
• Must include basic coaching skills and techniques and, if over 50 hours, progress to teaching advanced coaching skills and techniques, in keeping with the intent of the ICF definition of Professional Coaching
5. The program must be predominantly marketed as teaching coaching skills

Student Records

1. Documented student records must be maintained
2. Records must include class attendance details
   

Trainer Training and Trainer's Coaching Experience

1. A program for training the program's trainers must be in place. It must include a regular evaluation of the trainers coaching and training competencies
2. Trainers must currently be spending at least 50% of their time delivering paid coaching services and they must have done so for at least two years.

Student Graduation

1. A copy of the Attendance Certification and Graduation Certificate that students receive upon graduation must be provided.
2. The student who does not graduate must be provided with documentation of how many Approved Coach Specific Training Hours were provided.
   

Compliance with Laws and Non Discrimination

1. Certification of copyright ownership, or evidence of permission to use others' materials, must be provided.
2. Evidence that the program operates within the laws of its home state and country must be provided.
   Certification of non-discrimination policies and accommodation for special needs must be provided.
   Application Fee
3. A $500 USD application fee will apply

ICF's Evaluation of the Program

1. The training school must agree to provide materials ICF requests when it is evaluating the application.
2. Permission must be given for ICF to audit the program at the program's expense.
3. The program will be reevaluated for renewal of its ACSTH status every three years.

Approved Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH) Application

Download the application and instructions below (which are in Adobe Acrobat .PDF format - you will need to download and install the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view and print these documents):
Approved Coach Specific Training Hours (ACSTH) Application and Instructions