Coaching Ethics accounts for 30% of the ICF ACC exam. Both the ACC exam and the current PCC/MCC exam are based on the 2020 ICF Code of Ethics.
In our experience, many ACC exam questions focus on conflicts of interest, confidentiality and coaching agreements. The 2020 Code addresses each of these areas through specific standards. ICF’s published sample questions test some of them.
Key Takeaways
- Coaching Ethics makes up 30% of the ICF ACC exam. On the current PCC/MCC exam, Demonstrates Ethical Practice accounts for 13%.
- The ACC exam and the current PCC/MCC exam use the 2020 ICF Code of Ethics. The new PCC-MCC Exam, available from November 10, 2026, incorporates the 2025 Code.
- Based on our experience, conflict of interest, confidentiality and agreements are common topics in ACC exam questions.
- ICF’s published sample questions cover disclosing a conflict of interest, romantic relationships with clients and keeping client records secure.
How Much of the ICF Exam Covers Ethics
| Exam | Ethics in the exam outline | Code of Ethics tested |
|---|---|---|
| ACC exam | Coaching Ethics, 30% | 2020 Code |
| Current PCC/MCC exam (until March 31, 2027) | Demonstrates Ethical Practice, 13% | 2020 Code |
| New PCC-MCC Exam (from November 10, 2026) | Four Core Competency domains, as listed by ICF (no separate ethics domain is listed) | 2025 Code |
According to the ICF ACC exam page, Coaching Ethics accounts for 30% of the exam. Definition and Boundaries of Coaching makes up another 30%, while Coaching Competencies, Strategies, and Techniques accounts for 40%.
The ICF PCC/MCC exam page organizes the current exam by competency. Demonstrates Ethical Practice accounts for 13% of that exam.
The ICF Code of Ethics page confirms that “the 2020 Code of Ethics is being used within the ICF Exams for the ACC, PCC and MCC.”
ICF’s guide to the updated credentialing exam states that the exam “incorporates the most recent updates to both the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics.”
Between November 10, 2026 and March 31, 2027, PCC and MCC candidates can choose which version of the exam to take.
Our ICF PCC-MCC exam guide explains the differences between the two exams. You can also read our article on what is new in the 2025 ICF Code of Ethics to understand the revisions.
Conflict of Interest
The 2020 ICF Code of Ethics defines a conflict of interest as “a situation in which an ICF Professional is involved in multiple interests where serving one interest could work against or be in conflict with another. This could be financial, personal or otherwise.”
Four standards address conflicts of interest directly:
- Standard 6: Internal coaches must manage conflicts of interest “through coaching agreement(s) and ongoing dialogue.”
- Standard 10: Coaches must be “sensitive to the implications of having multiple contracts and relationships with the same Client(s) and Sponsor(s) at the same time in order to avoid conflict of interest situations.”
- Standard 12: Coaches must “disclose to my Clients the potential receipt of compensation and other benefits I may receive for referring my Clients to third parties.”
- Standard 18: Coaches must “resolve any conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest by working through the issue with relevant parties, seeking professional assistance, or suspending temporarily or ending the professional relationship.”
The first question in ICF’s PCC and MCC exam sample questions presents a possible conflict of interest. Candidates must identify the best and worst actions.
A coach is meeting with a prospective client who is growing a new business. The coach and potential client quickly establish an easy connection. The coach is excited about the opportunity to work with the client. As the coach and client are ending their conversation, the prospective client briefly mentions the name of their new business. The coach recognizes the business, as the coach is an investor in a more established competitor business in the same community. What should the coach do?
- A) Not say anything. Try to keep their role as an investor in a competing business separate from their role as a coach. (Worst)
- B) Share that the business name sounds familiar and make a mental note to determine whether it is a competitor business later that evening.
- C) Share their role as investor in the competitor business only if the potential client follows up to pursue coaching with the coach.
- D) Share their role as an investor in a competing business and acknowledge the possibility of a conflict of interest with the client. (Best)
ICF marks option D as the best response. In that option, the coach discloses the investment and acknowledges the possible conflict.
ICF marks option A, saying nothing, as the worst response.
This question relates to Standard 18, which addresses how coaches should resolve conflicts of interest with the relevant parties.
Confidentiality
The 2020 Code defines confidentiality as “protection of any information obtained around the coaching engagement unless consent to release is given.”
Four standards explain the coach’s responsibilities:
- Standard 3: “Maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality with all parties as agreed upon.”
- Standard 4: “Have a clear understanding about how information is exchanged among all parties involved during all coaching interactions.”
- Standard 5: Coaches must establish a clear understanding with clients and sponsors (or interested parties) about when information cannot remain confidential. Examples include illegal activity, legal requirements or court orders, and likely risk of danger to self or others.
- Standard 7: Coaches must maintain, store and dispose of records “in a manner that promotes confidentiality, security and privacy.”
One of the ICF ACC exam sample questions asks “How MUST a coach maintain records pertaining to a client’s coaching session?”
ICF identifies “In a secure format that promotes client confidentiality” as the correct answer.
This reflects Standard 7, which addresses the confidentiality, security and privacy of client records.
Agreements
The 2020 ICF Code of Ethics begins with standards about coaching agreements.
Under Standard 1, coaches must ensure that clients and sponsors understand “the nature and potential value of coaching, the nature and limits of confidentiality, financial arrangements, and any other terms of the coaching agreement” before or during the initial meeting.
Standard 2 requires coaches to create “an agreement / contract regarding the roles, responsibilities and rights of all parties involved with my Client(s) and Sponsor(s) prior to the commencement of services.”
Under Standard 9, coaches also respect “all parties’ right to terminate the coaching relationship at any point for any reason during the coaching process subject to the provisions of the agreement.”
Coaching agreements are closely connected to confidentiality and conflicts of interest.
Standard 3 requires confidentiality “as agreed upon,” while Standard 6 addresses conflicts of interest “through coaching agreement(s).”
These responsibilities also appear in Competency 3 of the 2019 ICF Core Competencies. Our article on the Establishes and Maintains Agreements competency explains this competency in more detail.
Other Standards Covered in ICF Sample Questions
The first ICF ACC sample question asks candidates to identify an action that violates the Code of Ethics.
ICF identifies “Engaging in a romantic relationship with a client” as the correct answer.
This relates to Standard 24, which states: “Do not participate in any sexual or romantic engagement with Client(s) or Sponsor(s).”
The 2020 ICF Code of Ethics contains 28 standards organized into four sections: Responsibility to Clients, Responsibility to Practice and Performance, Responsibility to Professionalism and Responsibility to Society.
Practice Ethics Questions
Our free ICF ACC practice test includes ethics questions about confidentiality when an employer pays for coaching, as well as conflicts of interest. Each question includes an explanation based on the relevant Code standard.
The free ICF PCC/MCC practice test also includes situations where a client asks the coach to take on the role of a therapist or consultant.
For a study plan covering both the Code of Ethics and the Core Competencies, read How to Pass the ICF ACC Exam.
If you prefer a structured course, our ICF ACC exam prep course includes a module on the ICF Code of Ethics, with exam tips and a mini quiz.
We also offer two versions of the ICF PCC/MCC exam prep courses. One prepares you for the current exam using the 2020 Code, with the 2025 Code included. The other prepares you for the new exam using the 2025 Code.
FAQs About Ethics Questions on the ICF Exam
How much of the ICF ACC exam is about ethics?
Ethics accounts for 30% of the ICF ACC exam under the Coaching Ethics domain. The other two domains are Definition and Boundaries of Coaching at 30% and Coaching Competencies, Strategies, and Techniques at 40%.
Which ICF Code of Ethics does the ICF exam use?
The ICF exam uses the 2020 ICF Code of Ethics for ACC candidates and for candidates taking the current PCC/MCC exam. The new PCC-MCC Exam, available from November 10, 2026, incorporates the 2025 revisions to the Code.
What ethics topics does the ICF ACC exam ask about?
The ICF ACC exam includes many ethics questions about conflicts of interest, confidentiality and coaching agreements, based on our experience. ICF’s published sample questions also address romantic relationships with clients and the secure storage of client records.
Does the new ICF PCC-MCC exam test the 2025 Code of Ethics?
The new ICF PCC-MCC Exam tests the 2025 Code of Ethics. ICF confirms that the exam incorporates the latest updates to the Core Competencies and Code of Ethics. PCC and MCC candidates can still choose the current exam, which uses the 2020 Code, until March 31, 2027.
Where can I find ICF ethics practice questions?
You can find ICF ethics practice questions in ICF’s official ACC exam sample questions and PCC/MCC exam sample questions. Our free ICF ACC practice test and free ICF PCC/MCC practice test also include ethics questions, with explanations of the reasoning behind each answer option.
About the author
ExpertCoach.Co Team
This guide was written and reviewed by ICF-credentialed coaches on the ExpertCoach.Co team. ExpertCoach.Co helps thousands of coaches from more than 60 countries prepare for their ACC, PCC, and MCC credentials with clarity and confidence.
