How to Pass the ICF Credentialing Exam (CKA): Live Panel Tips

"I actually think that this test made me a better coach, that's probably what the ICF wants. I never feel that way about standardized tests"

Are you preparing to take your ICF Credentialing Exam (CKA)? Here's a deep dive from people who have taken it recently. Let us know your biggest takeaway from the panel in the comments below!

**We refer to the previous test name, the CKA or Coach Knowledge Assessment during the panel. Thanks @Matthew Cintron-Quinones!

This discussion panel consists of experienced coaches hosted by Diana from Hawthorne Union. Featuring Sonny, Nnenna, Patty, Miki and Raphael, who share their preparation methods and experiences for the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Coach Knowledge Assessment. They discuss the recent changes in the assessment, test-taking strategies, and the advantages and challenges of in-person and online testing scenarios. They also delve into the subtleties of the questions and provide insights on how to approach them. Lastly, they emphasize the importance of a client-centered approach during the test.

00:00 Introduction and Overview of the ICF Coach Knowledge Assessment
00:38 Panel Discussion: Preparing for the CKA
00:43 Sonny's Approach: Memorize, Internalize, Personalize
02:28 Nnenna's Strategy: Understanding the ICF's Approach to Updated Competencies
04:17 Patty's Preparation: Utilizing Workshops and YouTube Videos
05:47 Raphael's Tips: Acronyms, Practice Tests, and Practical Advice
09:30 Miki's Experience: Balancing Different Preparation Methods
11:53 In-Person vs. Online Exam: Panelists' Experiences
12:13 Additional Tips and Insights for the Exam
24:50 The Unexpected Challenges of Online Exams
25:51 The Struggle with Advice Giving in Coaching
27:16 The Dilemma of Client vs. Sponsor Expectations
28:08 The Reality of Exam Duration and Breaks
31:21 The Importance of Exam Preparation and Study
36:26 The Complexity of Exam Questions
43:04 The Value of Taking the Exam at a Facility
47:54 The Resilience in Overcoming Exam Failure

Based on coach feedback, the International Coaching Federation is updating the exam and creating a tutorial available August 20th, 2024. We'll update the show notes with a link to this updated material once it is available.

If you are planning to take the ICF Team Coaching Exam for the ACTC (Advanced Certification in Team Coaching), check out Diana's recommendations via    • ICF Team Coaching Certification (ACTC...  .