Studying for the ICF ACTC Exam
I'm studying for the ACTC, and the information below is mostly from the ICF website. Like my other exam study guides, I’ve pulled together information from different sources and included some of my own links.
How I’ve Been Studying
In addition to reading the information on the ICF website, I worked through their ten practice questions. I recommend not looking at them on the site because the answers are included. I copied them to a webpage to practice without seeing the answers. You can find the answers below all the questions. I then used Claude.ai to create 20 additional questions with answers and explanations (to be added soon).
I've also been using Google Notebook to create podcasts from the competencies and ethics (to be added soon). Listening to them has helped me reflect more on the content.
Exam Format
The ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam is a proctored, computer-based exam available in person at a Pearson VUE testing center or online through Pearson’s OnVUE remote testing platform.
Consisting of 62 questions, the exam evaluates your grasp of the ICF Team Coaching Competencies and your ability to apply them effectively in team coaching contexts. These questions are divided into four sections with an optional 10-minute break midway through the exam.
Total Exam Time: 150 minutes, including an optional 10-minute break.
Exam Format: 62 questions divided into four sections.
Exam Breakdown
General Exam Instructions: 3 minutes
Section 1: Multiple-Choice Questions
Instructions: 2 minutes
Exam Items: 23 minutes
Section 2: Scenario-Based Questions
Instructions: 3 minutes
Exam Items: 40 minutes
Scheduled Break: 10 minutes
Section 3: Multiple-Choice Questions
Instructions: 1 minute
Exam Items: 23 minutes
Section 4: Scenario-Based Questions
Instructions: 3 minutes
Exam Items: 40 minutes
The ICF Team Coaching Certification Exam dives into four key domains that are essential for effective team coaching: Foundation, Co-Creating the Relationship, Communicating Effectively, and Cultivating Learning and Growth. Each exam question is designed to assess your understanding and application of these core areas, helping you demonstrate your expertise in team coaching. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect on the exam.
Foundation
14.3% – Competency: Demonstrates Ethical Practice
Co-creating the Relationship
14.3% – Competency: Establishes and Maintains Agreements
14.3% – Competency: Cultivates Trust and Safety
14.3% – Competency: Maintains Presence
Communicating Effectively
14.3% – Competency: Listens Actively
14.3% – Competency: Evokes Awareness
Cultivating Learning and Growth
14.3% – Facilitates Client Growth
Team Coaching Competencies (from ICF site)
To co-create impactful results, you must navigate many dynamics, including:
Understanding the drivers of high-performing teams.
Building team cohesion.
Resolving conflict.
Encouraging full participation from every member.
Promoting team autonomy and long-term sustainability.
The team coaching framework builds upon the ICF Core Competencies by introducing unique sub-competencies that are tailored specifically to the tasks, skills, and knowledge needed for effective coaching. It also provides a clear, concise definition for team coaching, and it addresses the unique concerns regarding ethics and confidentiality in team coaching. When you follow this competency model, you can be confident that your team coaching aligns with the ICF Code of Ethics.
