Advanced Communicator Gold
ACG — Toastmasters Communication Award
The Advanced Communicator Gold (ACG) recognizes members who have mastered specialized speaking skills beyond the foundational Competent Communicator level.
What is the ACG Award?
The Advanced Communicator Gold (ACG) is a legacy Toastmasters communication designation that represents the highest level of the advanced communication track. It is still recognized by Toastmasters International for members who earned it under the legacy education program.
Under the legacy program, the ACG required completing two Advanced Communication manuals (10 specialized speeches total) beyond the Competent Communicator (CC) designation, plus a service component such as mentoring or coaching. Under the modern Pathways system, members advance through structured levels within their chosen path instead of completing individual manuals.
Note: The ACG is a legacy award. New members joining after the Pathways rollout will not formally earn an "ACG" — instead, they complete Pathways levels. However, the ACG still appears on Toastmasters records and is widely recognized.
Requirements to Earn the ACG
Complete Two Advanced Communication Manuals (Legacy)
In the legacy program, complete any two Advanced Communication manuals. Each manual contains 5 speeches focused on a specific speaking specialty (storytelling, persuasion, humor, technical presentations, etc.).
Serve as a Mentor, Coach, or Presenter (Legacy)
Serve as a mentor to a new member for at least 3 months, act as a club coach for a struggling club, or conduct a Successful Club Series or Success/Communication program.
Pathways Equivalent — Path Completion (Modern)
Under Pathways, the ACG legacy equivalent is recognized through advanced path completion. Progress through Levels 1–5 of a Pathways learning path to demonstrate equivalent advanced communication achievement.
Hold a Prior Communication Award
The ACG builds on the ACB (Advanced Communicator Bronze). You must hold an ACB designation (or its Pathways equivalent) before being awarded the ACG.
Typical Timeline
1–3 years
After CC/Level 2
Time from earning CC or completing Pathways Level 2
20+
Total Speeches
10 CC + 10 additional advanced speeches (legacy)
2
Manuals Required
Two Advanced Communication Manuals beyond CC (legacy)
Benefits of the ACG
- ✓Recognized expertise in specialized speaking areas
- ✓Advanced techniques in storytelling, persuasion, and special-occasion speaking
- ✓Credibility as a skilled communicator in professional settings
- ✓A clear stepping stone toward the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award
- ✓Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement
- ✓Expanded repertoire across multiple speaking disciplines
Popular Advanced Communication Manuals
Tips for Earning the ACG
Choose manuals that match your goals
Storytelling, persuasion, and speaking to inform are versatile. Pick manuals that serve your career or personal speaking needs.
Give speeches at multiple clubs
You can complete advanced speech projects at any Toastmasters club, not just your home club.
Seek an experienced evaluator
Advanced speeches deserve detailed feedback. Invite a DTM or experienced member to evaluate your work.
Document your service hours
Keep track of mentoring or coaching hours. Good documentation makes the award application straightforward.