
The Most Effective Coach Credentialing Exam Prep Course
Master ICF Core Competencies, Coaching Ethics, Session Recording Strategy & Exam Readiness with Continued Support Until You Pass
Comprehensive 8-week ICF CREDENTIALING EXAM PREP COURSE with flexible learning options and personalized mentorship.

Dr. D. Ivan Young, MCC, NBC-HWC, a globally recognized ICF Master Certified Coach, behavioral neuroscience expert, and a Registered ICF Mentor Coach is proud to be an ICF Business Solutions partner.
This comprehensive 8-week program offers flexible learning options and personalized mentorship, all of which were carefully designed by Master Certified Coach Dr. D. Ivan Young. As a result, you receive expert guidance that’s tailored to help you succeed at every stage of your credentialing journey.
Furthermore, this course fully aligns with all requirements set by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), making it The Most Effective ICF Credentialing Exam Prep Course created to date. Because of this, you can move forward with confidence knowing you’re investing in a program built to meet the highest standards in the coaching profession.
Whether you’re just beginning the journey toward your ACC, advancing to your PCC, or striving for the prestigious MCC, this course is your proven path to success — offering not only knowledge, but also mentorship, structure, and support at every level.
Why Learn from an ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC)?
Achieving ICF certification requires far more than simply studying — it calls for a deep, working knowledge of complex coaching competencies and a clear grasp of ethical standards. For this reason, selecting the right ICF Credentialing Exam Prep Course becomes one of the most important decisions on your coaching journey.
That’s precisely why learning directly from ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC) Dr. D. Ivan Young offers such a powerful advantage. With a proven track record and more than 10,000 hours of paid coaching experience, Dr. Young provides not only expert instruction, but also real-world insight that sets this course apart.
Ultimately, your success hinges on your dedication, your commitment to excellence, and how you apply the guidance of a globally recognized MCC. Because of that, this Most Effective ICF Credentialing Exam Prep Course exists — to equip you with everything you need to pass the exam, submit exceptional recordings, and confidently earn your credential.
As one of the most elite coaches in the field, Dr. Young holds the highest ICF credential, earned through rigorous assessment, verified expertise, and over 10,000 hours of paid coaching experience. His guidance provides not only advanced insight into the ICF Core Competencies but also real-world strategies for mastering difficult exam scenarios.
Unlike many prep programs led by coaches with lower-level certifications, this ICF Credentialing Exam Prep Course offers mentorship rooted in executive-level coaching mastery. Moreover, Dr. Young’s background in behavioral neuroscience takes your learning even further — helping you not just understand what works in coaching, but why it works.
This powerful combination of personalized mentorship, science-backed insight, and elite-level instruction equips you to pass the ICF exam with confidence, perfect your coaching recordings, and earn your mentor coaching hours — all in one transformational.
Our Unconditional Pass Guarantee
“We are so confident in our MCC-led methodology that we offer an unmatched guarantee:
We provide continuous support, including access to materials and weekly Q&A sessions, until you successfully pass your ICF Credentialing Exam and coaching recording submission. Your success is our commitment.”
Detailed Curriculum Breakdown:
- Title: Welcome & Exam Demystified
- Content:
- Welcome to the Most Effective Coach Credentialing Exam Prep Course!
- Meet your instructor, Dr. D. Ivan Young, MCC, NBC-HWC, and understand the unique advantage of learning from a Master Certified Coach with expertise in behavioral neuroscience
- Overview of the ICF Credentialing process (ACC, PCC, MCC pathways).
- Deep dive into the structure and format of the ICF Credentialing Exam (formerly CKA): scenario-based questions, best/worst answer format.
- Understanding the key knowledge domains tested: ICF Definition of Coaching, Core Competencies, Code of Ethics.
- Course structure overview, learning objectives, and how to maximize your success using the flexible 8-week format and resources.
- Introduction to the “Pass Guarantee” and ongoing support commitment.
- Deep dive into the structure and format of the ICF Credentialing Exam (formerly CKA): scenario-based questions, best/worst answer format.
- Learning Objectives: Understand the ICF exam landscape, familiarize yourself with the course structure, and set expectations for the learning journey.
Content:
- Lesson 1.1 – Intro and Lesson 1.1 – Demonstrating Ethical Practice
- Lesson 1.2 – Embodying a Coaching Mindset
- Lesson 1.3 – Establishing and Maintaining Agreements
- Lesson 1.4 – Cultivating Trust and Safety
- Lesson 1.5 – Maintaining Presence
- Lesson 1.6 – Listening Actively
- Lesson 1.7 – Evoking Awareness
- Lesson 1.8 – Facilitating Client Growth
- Lesson 1.9 – Understanding the ICF Code of Ethics_ A Narrative Journey
- Lesson 1.10 – Understanding the ICF Code of Ethics – Pillar 1
- Lesson 1.11 – Code of Ethics Understanding Pillar 2 – Responsibility to Practice
- Lesson 1.12 – Code of Ethics Mastering Pillar 3 of the ICF Code of Ethics
- Lesson 1.13 – Understanding the ICF Code of Ethics Pillar 4
- Learning Objectives: Develop a robust understanding while building a strong foundation in the ICF Core Competencies and the ICF Code of Ethics. Learn how to embody a coaching mindset, maintain presence, and foster trust while creating clear agreements and actively listening to support client growth. Be able to demonstrate ethical practice and apply all four pillars of the ICF Code of Ethics with confidence and integrity in real coaching scenarios.
- Content:
Lesson 2.1 – Understanding the Foundations of Trust and Safety in Coaching
Lesson 2.2 – Understanding and Building Psychological Safety in Coaching
Lesson 2.3 – Building Trust Through Effective Communication in Coaching
Lesson 2.4 – Maintaining Boundaries and Professionalism in Coaching
Lesson 2.5 – Nurturing Ongoing Trust and Handling Challenges in Coaching Practice
Learning Objectives: Learn how to establish and sustain trust and psychological safety within the coaching relationship. Explore how effective communication, clear boundaries, and professional presence contribute to client confidence and long-term rapport. Be able to navigate challenges with integrity while nurturing ongoing trust and emotional safety in coaching practice.
- Content:
Lesson 3.1: Enhancing Coaching Presence
Lesson 3.2: Mastering Active Listening
Lesson 3.3: Building Trust Through Presence
Lesson 3.4: Managing Emotional Moments in Coaching
Lesson 3.5: Asking Powerful Questions
Lesson 3.6: Reflecting and Summarizing
Lesson 3.7: Balancing Inquiry and Advocacy
Lesson 3.8: Developing Deep Connection
- Learning Objectives: Deepen your ability to be fully present with clients, actively listen, and respond with empathy and precision. Practice asking powerful questions, managing emotional moments, and using reflection and summarization to enhance clarity and connection. Know how to balance inquiry with advocacy to build trust and foster deeper, more transformative coaching conversations.
- Content:
- Lesson 4.1 – Foundations of Motivational Interviewing in Coaching
- Lesson 4.2 – Building Trust Through Empathy
- Lesson 4.3 – Encouraging Change Talk
- Lesson 4.4 – Rolling with Resistance Foundations of Motivational Interviewing in Coaching
- Lesson 4.5 – Motivational Interviewing Helping Clients Develop
- Lesson 4.6 – Supporting Self-Efficacy
- Lesson 4.7 – Exploring Ambivalence
- Lesson 4.8 – Using Open-Ended Questions
- Lesson 4.9 – Amplifying Change Talk
- Lesson 4.10 – Integrating MI into Coaching Conversations
- Learning Objectives: Master and explore the foundations of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and learn how to integrate its core principles into effective coaching conversations. Develop skills to build trust through empathy, navigate client resistance, explore ambivalence, and amplify change talk using open-ended questions. Kow how to support client self-efficacy and confidently apply MI techniques to inspire meaningful, lasting change.
- Content:
Lesson 5.1 – Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry (AI)
Lesson 5.2 – The 4-D Cycle of Appreciative Inquiry
Lesson 5.3 – Discovery Phase of Appreciative Inquiry—Finding Strengths
Lesson 5.4 – Dream Phase—Envisioning Possibilities 2
Lesson 5.5 – Design Phase—Creating a Plan
Lesson 5.6 – Destiny Phase—Sustaining Progress
Lesson 5.7 – Co-Creating Bold Visions Through Provocative Propositions
Lesson 5.8 – Practicing Appreciative Inquiry in Action
Lesson 5.9 – Sustaining Momentum Through the Destiny Phase
- Learning Objectives: Learn the core principles of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and how to apply its 4-D Cycle—Discovery, Dream, Design, and Destiny—to coaching conversations. Practice identifying client strengths, co-creating bold visions through provocative propositions, and designing actionable plans that foster lasting change. Be equipped to use Appreciative Inquiry to inspire growth, sustain momentum, and help clients move toward their ideal future with clarity and confidence.
- Content:
Lesson 6.1 – Understanding the Stages of Change
Lesson 6.2 – Recognizing a Client’s Stage in the Transtheoretical Model (TTM)
Lesson 6.3 – Coaching Strategies for Each Stage in the TTM Model
Lesson 6.4 – Overcoming Ambivalence in Contemplation
Lesson 6.5 – Building Momentum in the Preparation Stage
Lesson 6.6 – Supporting Clients in the Action Stage
Lesson 6.7 – Navigating Relapse with Clients in the TTM Model
Lesson 6.8 – Strengthening Maintenance Strategies in the TTM Model
- Objectives: Explore the Stages of Change in the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) and learn how to recognize where your client is in their change process. Develop tailored coaching strategies for each stage—ranging from contemplation to action and maintenance—while learning how to overcome ambivalence and build momentum. Be equipped to support clients through relapse, reinforce sustainable change, and coach them with confidence throughout their personal transformation journey.
- Content:
Lesson 7.1 – Understanding Reflections in Coaching
Lesson 7.2 – Applying Reflections to Deepen Conversations
Lesson 7.3 – Refining Advanced Reflection Skills.docx
Lesson 7.4 – Reflections to Overcome Negative Self-Talk
Lesson 7.5 – Reflections to Strengthen Client Accountability
Lesson 7.6 – Using Reflections to Explore Values
Lesson 7.7 – Reflections for Vision and Goal Setting
- Learning Objectives: Gain clarity and confidence in learning how to use reflections to create deeper, more meaningful coaching conversations. Discover how reflections can help clients overcome negative self-talk, stay accountable, and connect with their values.
- Content:
Lesson 8.1 – The Science of PQ 2
Lesson 8.2 – Practical PQ Exercises
Lesson 8.3 – Identifying and Weakening Saboteurs
Lesson 8.4 – Building Sage Powers
Lesson 8.5 – Cultivating Curiosity for Growth Through Positive Intelligence
Lesson 8.6 – Integrating Creativity in Coaching Using PQ Coaching Approaches
Lesson 8.7 – Unlocking Creativity Through PQ
Lesson 8.8 – Building Resilience Through PQ Practices
Lesson 8.9 – Strengthening Purpose for Meaningful Action Through PQ Practices
Lesson 8.10 – Taking Purposeful Actions for Sustainable Growth
Learning Objectives: Explore the science behind Positive Intelligence (PQ) and learn how to apply it through practical coaching exercises. Strengthen your ability to identify and weaken mental saboteurs, build Sage Powers, and unlock creativity, resilience, and purpose in your clients. Learn how to integrate PQ strategies to support sustainable growth and meaningful, purpose-driven action in coaching practice.
The Most Effective Coach Credentialing Exam Prep Course is a comprehensive, 8-week ICF exam preparation program that combines flexible online learning, personalized mentorship, and expert guidance. As such, it’s designed to help you confidently pass the ICF Credentialing Exam, master your recorded coaching sessions, and earn the required mentor coaching hours — all in one streamlined experience.
Moreover, this ICF Credentialing Exam Prep Course can play a pivotal role in earning your ACC, PCC, or MCC credential. After all, the ICF Credential is widely recognized as the Gold Standard for Professional Coaches.
That said, attaining this prestigious credential is a significant milestone in your coaching career; however, preparing for the ICF Credentialing Exam — especially when it comes to your recorded coaching submissions — can often feel overwhelming. That’s why enrolling in a proven prep course led by a Master Certified Coach is not just helpful — it’s essential.
Many coaches struggle with:
- Complex exam questions that require critical thinking, not just memorization.
- Structuring coaching recordings that meet ICF’s strict evaluation criteria.
- Finding reliable, high-quality prep courses that offer real-world application.
Comparatively, that’s why this is the most effective Coach Credentialing Exam Prep Course available—a comprehensive, research-backed, 8-week program that ensures you:
- Pass the ICF exam with confidence by mastering the Core Competencies & Code of Ethics.
- Create strong coaching recordings that meet ICF’s assessment standards.
- You’re provided with practice quizzes and exam questions that encourage critical thinking. Similar to the questions on the ICF Credentialing Exam, we have designed our quizzes and mock exams to evaluate participants’ mastery of coaching skills, ethical standards, and their ability to apply reflections in real-world coaching scenarios.
- In addition, there’s an option to join a weekly 1-hour live group Q&A session with your fellow candidates and Dr. D. Ivan Young, MCC, for expert guidance.
Choose an enhanced higher-tier program if you prefer one-on-one mentorship and feedback on your coaching recordings.
Flexible Learning:
Additionally, this 8-week course can be accelerated or extended based on your learning style and schedule—ensuring that you learn at your own pace while staying fully prepared. This program is in the process of obtaining accreditation from the International Coach Federation (ICF) for Continuing Coach Education (CCE)..
Coach Credentialing Exam ICF Prep Course Highlights
This isn’t just another test-prep course—it’s a thorough coaching mastery program designed for real success.
- Comprehensive Training on ICF Core Competencies & Ethics
- Real ICF Exam Practice Questions & Strategy Sessions
- Live Coaching Demonstrations & Real-World Application
- Step-by-step Coaching Recording Submission Training
- Final Exam & Quiz Questions That Test Mastery Not Memory
- Weekly One-Hour Live Group Q&A with Dr. Young & Fellow Candidates
- Enhanced Higher-Tier Options: ICF-Acceptable Mentor Coaching Hours + One-on-One Support
- Guaranteed Support Until You Pass Your Exam and Recording
Our Commitment to Your Success—Guaranteed!
Because we understand that life happens. If, for any reason—test anxiety, stress, or just a bad day—you don’t pass your ICF exam or coaching recordings, then we will support you until you do.
Comprehensive 8-week program with flexible learning options and personalized mentorship
- Ongoing access to course materials until you pass.
- Continued participation in weekly group Q&A sessions to refine your skills.
- One-on-one coaching support available through the higher-tier program for personalized guidance.
- Flexibility: Ability to accelerate or extend the course duration to cater to individual needs.
Our commitment and our guarantee: We guarantee ongoing support provided, We’re dedication your success.
Who Is The ICF Credentialing Exam Prep Course For?
- Coaches preparing for their ACC, PCC, or MCC credential.
- Coaches who need to pass their recorded coaching submission.
- First-time exam takers who need structured guidance.
- Coaches that are struggling with the exam or recording process.
- Busy professionals looking for an efficient, no-fluff study plan.
How Does This ICF Credentialing Prep Course Compare? See the Difference.
Feature | Dr. D Ivan Young, MCC – ICF Credentialing Prep Program | Coach Training Alliance | CoachU | The Co-Active Training Institute (CTI) | Udemy ICF Prep Courses |
Deep Dive into ICF Core Competencies & Ethics | ✅ Real-world application & mastery focus | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
ICF Exam Strategy & Practice Questions | ✅ Designed for critical thinking, not memorization | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Coaching Recording Submission Training | ✅ Step-by-step guidance + expert feedback | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Weekly Live Group Q&A with an MCC Coach | ✅ 1-hour Zoom session with Dr. Young & fellow candidates | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Personalized One-on-One Coaching Support | ✅ Available in the enhanced higher-tier programs | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
ICF-Acceptable Mentor Coaching Hours | ✅ 5 mentor hours included in the higher-tier plan | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
Flexible 8-Week Learning Schedule | ✅ Adjustable to your pace—accelerate or extend as needed | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Guaranteed Support Until You Pass | ✅ We will continue supporting you until you succeed! | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
This isn’t just another test-prep course—it’s a thorough coaching mastery program designed for real success.
ICF-Accepted Mentor Coaching Hours with Dr. D. Ivan Young, MCC
Struggling with your recorded coaching submission? For this reason, our higher-tier option includes 5 hours of one-on-one coaching, which counts toward 5 of the 10 required ICF-acceptable mentor coaching hours, providing you with:
🎤 A personalized step-by-step Coaching Review – Providing you with expert guidance on structuring your sessions to meet ICF standards.
📊 What ICF Assessors Look For – Avoid common mistakes and ensure your coaching recordings pass.
📝 Personalized Feedback from Dr. Young – As a Master Certified Coach and Registered ICF Mentor Coach, I provide detailed, credentialing-level feedback.

Dr. D. Ivan Young, MCC, a globally recognized ICF Master Certified Coach, behavioral neuroscience expert, and mentor to high-achieving professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders worldwide.
For over two decades, I’ve helped coaches refine their craft, master the ICF Core Competencies, and successfully earn their credentials. My expertise in evidence-based coaching, performance psychology, and human behavior ensures that this course doesn’t just prepare you for an exam—it makes you a better coach
Don’t leave your certification to chance. Join the most effective ICF Credentialing Prep Course today and gain the confidence to pass on your first attempt!
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