How to Become an ICF Certified Coach Through ACSTH or ACTP

The coaching industry is growing rapidly, and with it comes the need for globally recognized standards. If you want to establish credibility as a professional coach, getting certified through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the gold standard.

This blog breaks down how to become an ICF certified coach via ACSTH or ACTP pathways, comparing programs, training hours, mentoring, and helping you choose the right path for your coaching career.

Understanding ICF Coaching Pathways

The ICF offers three main credential levels:

ACC (Associate Certified Coach)
PCC (Professional Certified Coach)
MCC (Master Certified Coach)

To qualify, you must complete coach-specific training hours through either an ACSTH or ACTP accredited program.

What is an ACSTH Certified Coaching Course?

Minimum of 60 coach-specific training hours for ACC, 125hrs for PCC, and 200hrs for MCC
Flexible structure (can be completed with multiple providers)
Ideal for gradual certification or professionals with prior experience in HR, leadership, or consulting
Coaching recording gets evaluated by an ICF representative; exam application unlocks afterward

DeeKay Excellence provides MCC programs through the ACSTH pathway for advanced learners.

What is an ACTP Accredited Coaching Program?

125+ hours of coach training covering all ICF core competencies
Includes mentoring and final performance evaluation
Structured, end-to-end solution for full ICF credentialing
Coaching recording evaluated by expert MCC/PCC coaches at DeeKay Excellence

ACTP programs are perfect for learners who prefer a complete, structured approach. DeeKay Excellence provides ACC and PCC programs via ACTP pathways.

ACTP vs ACSTH Coaching Program Differences

Feature	ACTP Accredited Coaching Program	ACSTH Certified Coaching Course
Training Hours	60hrs for ACC, 125hrs for PCC, 200hrs for MCC	60hrs for ACC, 125hrs for PCC, 200hrs for MCC
Structure	Complete package (training + mentoring + evaluation)	Flexible, can combine hours from multiple providers
Mentoring	Included	Not always included; DeeKay Excellence includes mentoring
Recording Evaluation	Done by DeeKay Excellence	Done by ICF representative after submission
Final Exam	Conducted by ICF (online or Prometric center)	Conducted by ICF (online or Prometric center)
Best For	Professionals seeking full certification in one program	Professionals seeking flexibility or specialized training

Online ACTP and ACSTH Coaching Programs

DeeKay Excellence offers:

Online ACTP accredited ACC (Level 1) and PCC (Level 2) programs
MCC coaching training online via ACSTH pathway

Both pathways allow you to specialize in life, executive, or career coaching.

Why DeeKay Excellence?

Mentorship by MCC/PCC credentialed coaches
Flexible online learning options
Guidance through the entire ICF certification process
Alumni support and business-building guidance

Conclusion

Becoming an ICF certified coach isn’t just about earning a credential—it’s about transforming lives, including your own. Choose ACTP for a structured, all-in-one program, or ACSTH for flexible learning. Both pathways lead to globally recognized ICF credentials and lasting impact.

Ready to begin your journey? Enroll in DeeKay Excellence’s ACSTH and ACTP accredited coaching programs today!