Choice of Test Center: I strongly advise taking the exam at a center. The remote proctoring can be uncomfortable with a requirement that no one enters the room, scanning your room with your laptop camera, or being questioned about any change in the environment such as a change in lighting (natural light may sometimes be affected due to clouds). Taking the exam from a center rather than remotely from home is advisable. Between centers, choose a Pearson center if available at your location rather than an affiliate center. Pearson-owned centers typically offer superior facilities compared to affiliate centers, including:
– Professional testing environment
– Noise control (They also provide noise-canceling headphones if needed)
– High-quality monitors
– Optimal testing conditions
I traveled for over one hour to a center rather than select an affiliate center 15 minutes from my place after doing a recce of the nearby center.
– Primary ID: Government-issued photo ID with name (as per application) and signature
– Secondary ID: Can be without photograph but must have name and signature
– Note: Credit/debit cards with signatures are acceptable as secondary ID
– Special note regarding Aadhaar (For candidates in India): Traditional Aadhaar cards are
not accepted, since they do not carry signatures; newer versions with additional ghost
photographs may be acceptable (I was not aware that there is a newer version!)
For additional information regarding the Aadhaar ID, please visit Aadhaar ID Policy for Pearson VUE.
Review complete ID requirements. including any additional allowances to this policy, at Pearson VUE’s official website https://home.pearsonvue.com/Policies/1/English
Core Knowledge Areas:
– Develop thorough understanding of ICF ethics and competencies
– Review ICF standards’ interpretative statements
https://coachingfederation.org/insights-considerations-for-ethics
Practice Methodology:
– Utilize available simulation tests
– While actual exam questions may be more complex, simulations help develop the right
– Mindset Unlike simulation which lists the same question twice, one for the best answer and one for the wrong answer, the exam asks you to drag the answer into an adjoini box for each of the options – right and wrong answer.
– Focus on understanding the application of ethics and competencies in various scenarios
The PACT Model (Credit: Solutions Academy): To select the best and worst answer, follow
the below. This helps in selecting the best of the more than 2 correct answers by checking
which one exhibits the majority of the below. Similarly, for the worst answer, identify
the one that has the maximum deviation from the below.
– P: Partner with the client
– A: Always act ethically
– C: Be Coach-like during the conversation
– T: Maintain transparency with the client
Time Management:
– Arrive early, before scheduled time (early start may be possible)
– Break the exam into manageable segments:
– The first few questions will probably take time, but remember it is natural to take time to settle into a rhythm. There is no need to get stressed when you take time for the first few questions.
– Flag off questions that you are not sure after answering. I had almost 40% flagged questions that I reviewed once I reached the end of the section. The few minutes break between completion and reviewing the flagged questions helps.
– I had packed a tetra pack drink and a snack that I consumed during the scheduled break, 4 hours is a long time, and this helps.
– When selecting the worst answer, sometimes we end up selecting the second-best answer. This is because we move the best answer into a box and we are left with another possible right answer. This is a trick that our mind plays since we are not used to selecting a wrong answer, leading us to select the second best right answer. I discovered a couple of such cases when reviewing.
– Use all the time. Do not be ready to submit when you have lot of time. Use it to first review the flagged items and then the rest.
– It is generally easy to select the best answer and a little tricky to select the worst answer.
– Think about what you would do or not do if you were the coach in the scenario to select the appropriate responses.
– Use the PACT Model when in doubt.
Break Management
The presence of mind is important. Avoid getting overwhelmed. Break the exam into 4 parts.
– The first part – Attempt all questions in Section A, flagging off the ones that you are unsure of. Should take about an hour.
– Take a short 5-minute break, then review the flagged items. Submit the answers. Section A ends (Time will be deducted)
– Take the scheduled break for 10 minutes. Have a light snack and a beverage.
– Start Section B. Flag off the unsure responses.
– Take a 5-minute break, and drink water. Review the flagged items (Time will be deducted)
Physical and Mental Readiness:
– Ensure adequate rest the night before
– Stay calm and avoid getting overwhelmed. There may be cases that appear tricky. You
can always review
– Break down the exam into manageable segments
– Maintain focus through strategic breaks
– Review flagged questions before submission
– Utilize full time allocation for thorough review
– Remember that identifying the best response is typically more straightforward than
selecting the worst option
-Take a short break if you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed.
– Maintain presence of mind throughout the exam
Best wishes for your ICF credentialing exam!
Disclaimer: The information provided here reflects my personal experience and insights. Requirements and processes may differ, and I recommend verifying all current exam policies, guidelines, and requirements directly through official ICF and Pearson VUE sources, as these may be country-specific and are subject to change.
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