ACEC Membership

One Membership. Three Certification Pathways.

A Personalized Journey from Day One.

What Is an Enterprise-Wide Business Partner™?

ACEC develops coaches to operate as strategic partners within organizations — pivoting between the roles of coach, trusted advisor, mentor, and consultant. This enterprise-wide perspective drives measurable organizational outcomes and distinguishes ACEC-certified coaches in the marketplace.

With ACEC, every member enters through the same door. But they don’t follow the same path. Whether you have 3 years of coaching experience or 20+, whether you hold ICF credentials or none, whether you work with enterprise clients or individual executives — ACEC membership gives you immediate access to our full community, resources, and programs. Your certification pathway is determined after you join, through a personalized assessment of your competencies and experience.

Membership Benefits

Every ACEC member gains immediate access to these benefits from day one

Connect with an Elite Network

Access a community of certified corporate executive coaches, organizational leaders, and Fortune 500 executives.

Grow Your Practice

Marketing opportunities, increased visibility through improved Google ranking, and business development support.

Develop Through Professional Excellence

Salons, Executive Intensives, Master Classes, learning sessions, and curated research on advanced coaching and business topics.

Gain a Platform for Your Thought Leadership

Publishing opportunities, speaking engagements, book endorsements, and presenting as a Subject Matter Expert.

Access Member-Only Resources

ACECConnect directory listing, peer coaching groups, resource library, and preferred rates on all certifications and events.

Chart Your Certification Path

Personalized competency assessment and a clear pathway to AEC, PCEC, or MCEC certification — at your own pace.

The 90-Day Onboarding Journey

From your first day as a member, ACEC guides you through a structured onboarding experience

Phase 1

Days

1–7

Welcome & Intake

Days 1–7

Welcome package, login credentials, intake questionnaire, and orientation call. You’re immediately part of the community.

Phase 2

Days

8–21

Assessment & Placement

Days 8–21

Competency self-assessment across 5 domains, credentials verification, experience review, and personalized level determination.

Phase 3

Days

22–45

Activation & Engagement

Days 22–45

Mentor assignment, first ACEC event, peer group introduction, and community engagement.

Phase 4

Days

46–90

Integration & Commitment

Days 46–90

Certification pathway confirmed, personal learning plan finalized, and 90-day goals established.

Three Certification Pathways

After joining, your competency assessment determines which pathway is right for you

AEC
Associate Executive Coach
3+ years experience

The foundational certification for coaches building their executive coaching practice with demonstrated competency in core coaching skills.

Assessment

Overall ≥ 3.0, Ethics ≥ 3.5

Typical Timeline

6–12 months

Focus

Core coaching competencies, ACEC ethics, enterprise coaching foundations

Investment details provided during your onboarding assessment
PCEC
Professional Corporate Executive Coach
5+ years experience

For experienced coaches with enterprise fluency who work with senior leaders and demonstrate strategic organizational impact.

Assessment

Overall ≥ 3.5, Enterprise Fluency ≥ 3.0

Typical Timeline

9–18 months

Focus

Enterprise fluency, stakeholder management, ROI demonstration, systems thinking

Investment details provided during your onboarding assessment
MCEC
Master Corporate Executive Coach
10+ years experience

The highest credential for coaches who operate as true Enterprise-Wide Business Partners™ with demonstrated mastery across all competency domains.

Assessment

Overall ≥ 4.0, All domains ≥ 3.5

Typical Timeline

12–24 months (fast-track available)

Focus

Mastery demonstration, organizational transformation, supervision/mentoring, thought leadership

Investment details provided during your onboarding assessment

Membership Without Certification

Not all members pursue certification immediately. As an ACEC member, you have full
access to everything you need to grow your practice and connect with the community.

Certification Comparison

Compare the three certification pathways to understand what each level requires

Feature

AEC

PCEC

MCEC

Experience Required

3+ years

5+ years

10+ years

Overall Assessment Score

≥ 3.0

≥ 3.5

≥ 4.0

Enterprise Fluency Minimum

≥ 3.0

≥ 3.5

Ethics/Integrity Minimum

≥ 3.5

≥ 3.5

≥ 3.5

Typical Timeline

6–12 months

9–18 months

12–24 months

Portfolio Required

Panel Interview

Case Demonstration

Thought Leadership Required

Fast-Track Available

Certification investment details are provided during your 90-day onboarding assessment. Apply for Membership or Contact Us to learn more

How to Join

Three simple steps to begin your personalized journey with ACEC

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Apply for Membership

Complete your application and join the ACEC community.

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Complete Your Assessment

During your first 90 days, complete your competency assessment and intake process.

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Choose Your Path

Based on your assessment, pursue AEC, PCEC, or MCEC certification — or simply enjoy membership benefits at your own pace.

For New Members

Ready to begin your journey? Complete your membership application and join the ACEC community.

For Current Members

Manage your membership dues and renewal through the payment portal.

Ready to Join ACEC?

One membership. Three certification pathways. Your personalized journey starts here.