Get Credentialed
Credentialing rests on the foundation of identifying two critical components: 1) A set of core competencies, and; 2) The individual behavioral proficiencies that demonstrate skillful use of each competency.
A core competencies document allows coaches, clients, and allied professionals (physicians, psychologists, psychotherapists, educators, etc.) to have a shared understanding of the scope of work done by coach and client, as well as a shared vocabulary for discussing the ADHD Coaching process.
Additionally, organizations that provide ADHD Coach training have a common platform around which they can design their coach training programs.
To meet these needs a group of leaders within the ADHD Coaching community assembled in May, 2005, to create the Institute for the Advancement of ADHD Coaching (the IAAC).
The mission of the IAAC it is to create and implement a credentialing program for ADHD coaches by identifying the core competencies of ADHD Coaching, and devising a process for measuring coaches’ training, experience, and skill with these established competencies.
As of March31, 2009, the IAAC launched the credentialing program to recognize ADHD Coaches who meet an established criteria for training, experience and skill.
Now, four credentials are available:
General Criteria for Credentialing:
The IAAC expects that all coaches applying for the IAAC Coach credential are practicing coaches with the following:
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Both, general coach and ADHD Coach training
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Working knowledge and the ability to apply the IAAC Core Competencies in effective coaching. (The IAAC is measuring the ADHD core competencies in both written and oral formats.)
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Coaching experience that distinguishes between a beginning, experienced, and advanced ADHD Coach.
In keeping with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities who request accommodations must submit written documentation of their disability and request specific accommodations.
By becoming an IAAC Credentialed Coach you have joined a community of AD/HD Coaches who have been assessed and are determined to meet the standards of skill, experience and training established by the IAAC Credentialing Commission. Holding a credential from the IAAC signals to clients and to the wider community your commitment to delivering the highest level of AD/HD Coaching based on the core beliefs found within the IAAC Core Competencies and Code of Ethics.
- Enjoy the Visibility as AD/HD Coaching Innovators and Visionaries
The IAAC is the first organization dedicated to providing distinctive credentials for AD/HD Coaches. We are setting the professional standard in AD/HD Coaching now, and for the future.
- Recognition
As an IAAC credentialed coach, your professional credibility is enhanced with your current clients, potential clients and allied professionals. It also sets you apart in the field of AD/HD Coaching on both a national and international basis.
- Community
The opportunity to create synergy and therefore community by connecting with other coaches who share the value of training, expertise and excellence in AD/HD cannot be overstated.
- Professional Growth and Personal Satisfaction
Achieving and maintaining the IAAC credential provides the opportunity to invest and participate in a future of training, experience and professional integrity that will serve to enhance AD/HD Coaching.
- Energy and Inspiration
Be on the cutting edge of an organization that will change AD/HD Coaching forever!
Print or download the IAAC credentialing requirements in a one page chart format
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The IAAC expects that all coaches applying for the IAAC coach credential are practicing coaches with both general coach training and AD/HD Coach training. The IAAC is measuring the AD/HD Core Competencies in both written and oral formats. The IAAC Core Competencies are an adjunct/addition to general coaching competencies. When a coach embarks upon the IAAC credentialing process, the coach will be expected to exhibit basic general coaching skills, while the assessment of skills will be focused on AD/HD core competencies delineated in the IAAC Core Competencies.
A Note on Coach Specific Training: The IAAC receives many questions regarding the scope of coach specific training. The following describes what is meant relevant to meeting the IAAC credentialing requirements.
To qualify as Coach Specific Training, the training must:
- Be offered as training specifically for coaches, using the coaching model and providing coaching tools, skills, proficiency or competency training;
- Be delivered by a recognized coach or a coach trainer;
- Address an organization's core competencies, proficiencies or skills/tools that directly relate to general (life, personal, etc.) coaching, and/or AD/HD Coaching;
- Be held in person, or via tele-seminar or have some direct contact with a coach or coach trainer.
- Other coach training (leadership, marketing, business and/or personal development);
- Classes on organization, time management, goal setting, etc. unless they are developed and integrated as part of the coaching model;
- Education in other areas such as psychology, psychiatry, counseling, NLP, etc., unless specifically taught as reflective of a core competency, proficiency or skill within the coach training model, and are instructed by a coach or coach trainer;
- Training that provides information or education about the topic of coaching or AD/HD (again, unless specifically taught as reflective of a core competency, proficiency or skill within the coach training model, and instructed by a coach or coach trainer).
Requirements by Credential
Affiliate Coach Credential in Progress (ACCP)
The Affiliate Coach Credential in Progress credential is an entry-level designation for new AD/HD Coaches or more experienced coaches who wish to enter the IAAC AD/HD credetntialing process, and have not yet completed the training or coaching hours required for a full credentialing status of ACAC, CAC or SCAC. This credential will signal to the coaching community, clients and affiliate professionals that theses coaches are aligned with the IAAC Core Competencies and that they are following a path toward a full IAAC AD/HD Coaching credential.
ACCP
- Application may occur at anytime during the year.
- Applicant must be actively engaged in AD/HD Coaching at the time of application.
- 15 hours minimum of AD/HD related client coaching (with a maximum of five (5) pro bono hours). Group coaching will not be accepted.
- Minimum of two (2) clients: minimum of one (1) paid client, and a maximum of one (1) pro bono client.
- Minimum of 30 hours of AD/HD Coach training and/or general coach training, or a combination thereof, with a minimum of 10 hours of AD/HD Coach training. All CHADD, ACO and ADDA coach track training qualify as AD/HD Coach training.
- A formal letter of recommendation to receive the ACCP designation from a coach trainer from the coach training program attended.
Associate Certified AD/HD Coach (ACAC)
The Associate Certified AD/HD Coach credential is for the coach who is actively engaged in AD/HD Coaching but considered to be at the minimum level of skill and knowledge necessary to meet the ACAC requirements. Applicants can select one of two paths to pursue this credential. All requirements must be documented at the time of application:
ACAC Path 1 (P-1)
- Applications will be accepted during the months of April/May, or October/November only.
- Applicant must be actively engaged in AD/HD Coaching at the time of application.
- Minimum one (1) year of AD/HD Coaching experience.
- 100 hours minimum of AD/HD related client coaching (with a maximum of 20 pro bono hours). Group coaching may be included in the 100 hours at a rate of one hour per one group hour (15 maximum group size).
- Minimum of five (5) clients.
- Minimum 30 hours of AD/HD Coach training. All CHADD, ACO and ADDA coach track training qualify as AD/HD Coach training.
- Minimum 60 hours of general, personal or professional coach training with proof of having passed the organization’s competencies, proficiencies or skills certification test, or certification from ICF, IAC, etc.
- Oral Exam: Applicant must be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the IAAC Core Competencies and a beginner’s level of skill in AD/HD Coaching that reflects application of the competencies in a live coaching assessment.
ACAC Path 2 (P-2)
- Applications will be accepted during the months of April/May, and October/November only.
- Applicant must be actively engaged in AD/HD Coaching at the time of application.
- Minimum one (1) year of AD/HD Coaching experience.
- 100 hours minimum of AD/HD related client coaching (with a maximum of 20 pro bono hours). Group coaching may be included in the 100 hours at a rate of one hour per one group hour (15 maximum group size).
- Minimum of five (5) clients.
- Minimum 30 hours of AD/HD Coach training. All CHADD, ACO and ADDA coach track training qualify as AD/HD Coach training.
- Minimum 60 hours of general, personal or professional coach training without certification.
- 10 hrs of Mentor coaching. Maximum of 4 group hours. 6 hours one-on-one.
- Oral Exam: Applicant must be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the IAAC Core Competencies and a beginner’s level of skill in AD/HD Coaching that reflects application of the competencies in a live coaching assessment.
Certified AD/HD Coach (CAC)
The Certified AD/HD Coach credential is for the coach who is actively engaged in AD/HD Coaching and is considered to be at an enhanced level of skill and knowledge necessary to meet the CAC requirements. Applicants can select one of two paths to pursue this credential. All requirements must be documented at the time of application:
CAC Path 1 (P-1)
- Applications will be accepted during the months of April/May, and October/November only.
- Applicant must be actively engaged in AD/HD Coaching at the time of application.
- Minimum two (2) years of AD/HD Coaching experience.
- 500 hours minimum of AD/HD related client coaching (with a maximum of 50 pro bono hours). Group coaching may be included in the 500 hours at a rate of one (1) hour per one group hour (15 maximum group size).
- Minimum of 12 clients.
- Minimum 65 hours of AD/HD Coach training. All CHADD, ACO and ADDA coach tracking training qualify as AD/HD Coach training.
- Minimum 60 hours of general, personal or professional coach training with proof of having passed the organization’s competencies, proficiencies or skills certification test, or certification from ICF, IAC, etc.
- Written Exam: Applicant must be able to demonstrate a skillful blending of general and AD/HD Coaching by applying the IAAC Core Competencies to test questions.
- Recorded Oral Exam: Applicant must be able to demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge and AD/HD Coaching skill reflecting application of the IAAC Core Competencies in a recorded coaching assessment.
CAC Path 2 (P-2)
- Applications will be accepted during the months of April/May, and October/November only.
- Applicant must be actively engaged in AD/HD Coaching at the time of application.
- Minimum two (2) years of AD/HD Coaching experience.
- 500 hours minimum of AD/HD related client coaching (with a maximum of 50 pro bono hours). Group coaching may be included in the 500 hours at a rate of one (1) credentialing hour per one group hour (15 maximum group size).
- Minimum of 12 clients.
- Minimum 65 hours of AD/HD Coach training. All CHADD, ACO and ADDA coach track training qualify as AD/HD Coach training.
- Minimum 125 hours of general, personal or professional coach training without certification.
- Written Exam: Applicant must be able to demonstrate a skillful blending of general and AD/HD Coaching by applying the IAAC Core Competencies to test questions.
- Recorded Oral Exam: Applicant must be able to demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge and AD/HD Coaching skill reflecting application of the IAAC Core Competencies in a recorded coaching assessment.
Senior Certified AD/HD Coach (SCAC)
The Senior Certified AD/HD Coach credential is for the coach who is actively engaged in AD/HD Coaching and is considered to be at a master level of skill and knowledge necessary to meet the SCAC requirements. All requirements must be documented at the time of application:
SCAC
- Applications will be accepted during the months of April/May, and October/November only.
- Applicant must be actively engaged in AD/HD Coaching at the time of application.
- Minimum five (5) years of AD/HD Coaching experience.
- 1500 hours minimum of AD/HD related client coaching (with a maximum of 150 pro bono hours). Group coaching may be included in the 1500 hours at a rate of one (1) hour per one group hour (15 maximum group size).
- Minimum of 20 clients.
- Minimum 65 hours of AD/HD Coach training. All CHADD, ACO and ADDA coach track training qualify as AD/HD Coach training.
- Minimum 60 hours of general, personal or professional coach training with proof of having passed the organization’s competencies, proficiencies or skills certification test, or certification from ICF, IAC, etc.
- Written Exam: Applicant must be able to demonstrate a skillful blending of general and AD/HD Coaching at an advanced level by applying the IAAC Core Competencies to test questions.
- Recorded Oral Exam: Applicant must be able to demonstrate an experienced level of knowledge and AD/HD Coaching skill reflecting application of the IAAC Core Competencies in a recorded coaching assessment.
Print or download the IAAC credentialing requirements in a one page chart format
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If you are ready to start the application process CLICK HERE to find out how to apply.
Annual Credentialing Fee:
Effective July 1, 2010, the IAAC instituted a $150 annual fee for maintaining a full IAAC Credential (ACAC, CAC, SCAC) which will be due by January 31 of each year. The purpose of the fee is to:
- Provide a long-term stabilizing financial resource for the Institute as it endeavors to define, protect the integrity of, and support the profession of AD/HD Coaching.
- Shift the focus away from a member based organization towards a professional organization made up of individuals who value the core competencies and ethical standards which stand behind the IAAC Credential.
Coaches with an ACCP credential will pay an annual fee of $100.00 due on January 31 of each year.
All credential holders will receive a listing in the IAAC Coaches Directory at no additional charge.
How to pay the Annual Fee:
1. Log in with your user i.d. and password. If you've forgotten them or they don't work click here for help .
2. Click on My Account.
3. Click on My Subscription.
4. Click on Upgrade/Renew at the bottom of the page. This will take you to the payment page.
5. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to where it says Annual Credential Fee. Click on the Paypal button (whether or not you have a Paypal account).
6. Follow directions for making your payment.
Credentialing Application and Exam Fees:
The chart below reflects the fee structure:
| Credential | Application Fee | Exam Fees | Total |
| ACCP | $100 | None | $100 |
| ACAC | $100 | $200 | $300 |
| CAC | $150 | $250 | $400 |
| SCAC | $150 | $250 | $400 |
Credentialing Recertification Fees:
Six (6) months prior to the 5th anniversary of the awarded CAC or SCAC credential, coaches will be required to apply for the certification of their respective credential (click here for Renewal Process Details). A $150 processing fee will be required along with the application and supporting details.
ACAC credential holders may not recertify their credential at the end of the five (5) years, but instead must apply to upgrade to a CAC or SCAC credential (click here to apply).
ACCP credential holders are limited to four (4) annual renewals at a fee of $100 per year before they must apply to upgrade to a full credential status of ACAC, CAC or SCAC (click here to apply).
The Institute for the Advancement of AD/HD Coaching (IAAC) welcomes your decision to take this important step in your AD/HD Coaching career. A three-step process has been developed to help make it easy to apply online for an IAAC AD/HD Coaching credential.
Step 1: Before you begin, you will want to review the IAAC Credentialing Requirements document which identifies the requirements for each of the four (4) credentialing levels to make sure you are applying for the credential that best suits your training and experience.
Any questions you have should be directed to the Credentialing Coordinator by e-mail by clicking here.
Step 2: The Credentialing GUIDE to the Online Application Process. This step will assist you in your preparation for the actual online application process for each of the three credentials offered:
ACCP Application GuideRead the GUIDE in its entirety.
This GUIDE begins with a checklist of steps that outlines the specific documentation and/or attachments you will need for the Online Application process. Throughout the GUIDE are detailed screens that prepare you for the actual online process.
To make your application process as easy as possible, please make sure that you have available all of the documents/attachments outlined in this GUIDE before proceeding.
Step 3: The Application Process
- If you have a username and password: Login on the Home Page to start the process. Return to this page and click on the red link directly below and you will be taken to the application page. If you do not have a username and password: click on the red link directly below and you will be taken to the application page.
- Make your payment by selecting the Credentialing Application option and complete the payment process.
- Once your payment has been received, the Credentialing Coordinator will send you the Letter of Acknowledgment within 10 days of your successful application registration, with specific instructions for moving forward with the Online Application process. If this does not occur within 10 days after you have submitted it, please contact the Credentialing Coordinator.
CAC and SCAC Term Recertification
The IAAC Credentials for the CAC and SCAC designation are considered active for five (5) years. Recertification must occur within the 4th year of the 5 year term in order to remain active.
- Current SCACs grandfathered from September 2007 - February 2008 must apply for recertification no later than June 30, 2013, as their original credential will now expire December, 31 2013.
- CAC or SCAC credentials awarded after the above dates are to apply for recertification no later than six (6) months prior to the five (5) year anniversary from when their credential became active based on the date noted on their credentialing certificate.
- A minimum of 40 CCEUs in any combination of AD/HD and/or general coach training taken since initial credentialing, or last renewal. All CHADD, ACO and ADDA coach track training qualify as AD/HD Coach training.
- No more than 8 CCEUs (of the 40) in business development/marketing will be accepted.
- No more than 8 CCEUs (of the 40) may be obtained through archived recordings and self-study.
- One (1) CCEU equals 60 minutes of direct educational contact. Lunch breaks, etc. will not be counted.
- Partial CCEUs will not be rounded up.
- Training in an organization's core competencies, proficiencies or skills/tools that directly relate to general or AD/HD Coaching. Credits in a single competency, proficiency or skill may not exceed 8 credit hours.
- Personal development of coach (development activities outside core competencies) not to exceed 8 credit hours.
- Business development and marketing (building the coaching business) not to exceed 8 credit hours.
- Mentor Coaching is to be in direct use of core competencies, proficiencies or skills/tools that directly relate to general or AD/HD Coaching, not to exceed 8 credit hours.
- Self-study is limited to a maximum of 8 credit hours, and may be obtained through archived recordings of a training session. A certificate of completion is not necessary.
- Participation in individual and group coaching, where you are participating as a client, or as a group coach/leader.
- Courses and seminars thought from a therapeutic perspective.
- Undergraduate or post-graduate university classes unless they fall within the definition of Coach Specific Training.
- Successful completion of the course work. A certificate of completion for self-study is not necessary.
- That there exists a direct relationship between the course objectives and the IAAC Core Competencies; or an organization's core competencies, proficiencies or skills/tools that directly relate to general or AD/HD Coaching.
- The course materials relates to the personal development of the coach and/or the development of the coach/and or the development of the coach's business; or The course content is directly applicable to coaching clients. The burden of proof regarding applicability to coaching rests solely with the applicant.