ACC coaching hours: what to track.
Your first 100 hours involve more than reaching a total. Keep paid work, individual clients and recent sessions visible from the start, so you can see where you need more experience.
Track these experience targets.
- Total coaching
- 100 hours
- Paid coaching
- At least 75 hours
- Different clients
- At least 8
- Recent coaching
- At least 25 hours in the 18 months before you apply, paid or pro bono
These figures come from ICF's experience requirements, checked October 06, 2026. ICF counts qualifying client coaching after you begin qualifying coach education. Check its definition of that start date before adding earlier sessions to your total.
Make your next review useful.
Suppose your log shows 80 total hours, 55 paid hours and eight clients. Another 20 paid hours would take you to 100 total and 75 paid. Another 20 pro bono hours would reach the total but leave paid experience short. You would still need to check recency and the other application requirements.
Choose a weekly time to record sessions. At a monthly review, check which clients you have worked with and whether your next bookings reflect the experience you still need.
Keep education and mentoring separate.
Client experience is one part of an application. Your route also has education, mentor coaching, assessment and exam requirements. Check ICF's credential comparison for the full picture.
ICF has announced changes to ACC and PCC requirements for 2027. Read ICF's transition guidance before choosing your application route or booking an assessment.
Put your records to work.
Use the free coaching log template to organise sessions, or try the hours planner to compare weekly schedules. Both ACC and PCC tracking are free in 100 hours.
100 hours is independent of ICF. This guide explains what to track; ICF decides eligibility for your application.