I Did It! I'm Now an ICF ACC Certified Coach

I am so excited to share this with you all!

I am now officially an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC). I want to share what this means, why I chose to do it, and why it might matter to you if you are thinking about working with a coach.

What even is the ACC credential?

The ACC is a credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), which is seen as the gold standard in coaching. You can't just skip steps to get it. The requirements are there for a reason and they are quite thorough.

You need at least 60 hours of coach-specific education, and it has to be from ICF-accredited programs that really focus on coaching skills, ethics, and what it means to be a good coach. You also need to have at least 100 hours of real coaching experience with real people in different situations. There is mentor coaching too, where someone listens to your sessions and gives you feedback to help you grow. You have to record some of your coaching sessions and have them checked against the ICF's standards. And finally, you need to pass a written exam that checks your understanding of coaching and ethics.

Every step is about showing real skill, not just knowing the theory. You can't just pretend your way through.

Why this matters so much to me

When I started Listening Space, I promised myself that I would keep learning and always do my best. The people who come to me, whether they are going through a big change, feeling stuck, or just trying to figure out what they want, are trusting me with something very personal.

That trust is everything. And I don't take it lightly.

Going for the ACC was my way of honouring that trust. It is my way of saying that I am not just someone who loves to help people (which I really do), but that I am also trained, assessed, and committed to doing this work well and ethically.

The process was honestly demanding. I had to log and document all my hours, meet with mentors and get feedback that helped me grow, and record my sessions and listen back to them (which takes a bit of courage if you have ever tried it). I also had to prepare for and take the exam (not ADHD friendly btw). It took time, focus, and real commitment.

And I would do it all again! In fact, I am working towards PCC now.

What this means for you

If you have been thinking about coaching but are not sure if it is right for you, I hope this helps you feel a bit more confident. When you work with me, you are working with someone who has been trained, mentored, assessed, and certified to international standards.

Even more, you are working with someone who chose to do all of this, not because it was easy, but because you deserve the best support I can give.

I am so grateful to every client who has been part of my journey. Your courage in showing up inspired me.

If you feel ready to get unstuck, find some clarity, and build momentum that lasts, I would love to hear from you.

👉 Book your free discovery call here

With warmth,

Cornelia 💛