Mentor coaching plays an important role in helping coaches refine their skills, deepen their practice and prepare for ICF credentialing or credential renewal. ICF Global has announced changes to mentor coaching requirements that will take effect from 1 January 2027, including the introduction of the ICF Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS).

The MCS is being introduced to establish a clearer global standard for mentor coaching. It recognises the specialised skills involved in observing coaching practice, providing competency-based feedback, supporting coach development over time, and helping coaches align their practice with the ICF Core Competencies. ICF has stated that the change is intended to improve consistency, transparency and quality assurance in mentor coaching.

What is changing from 1 January 2027?

From 1 January 2027, any new mentor coaching hours used for ICF credentialing purposes must be completed with a mentor coach who holds the appropriate ICF Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS).

This applies to coaches preparing for an ACC, PCC or MCC credential, and to ACC renewal candidates. It also applies to PCC or MCC credential-holders who choose to use mentor coaching hours as part of their professional development for renewal.

What happens to mentor coaching hours completed before 1 January 2027?

Mentor coaching hours completed before 1 January 2027will continue to be accepted, provided they met the ICF requirements in place at the time they were completed. For MCC candidates, ICF has specifically stated that mentor coaching hours completed prior to this date will be accepted.

This means that if you have already completed eligible mentor coaching hours before 1 January 2027, those hours should not need to be repeated solely because of the introduction of the MCS. However, if you complete new mentor coaching hours from 1 January 2027 onward, you will need to ensure your mentor coach holds the appropriate MCS.

Finding a qualified mentor coach

ICF Global has advised that the Mentor Coach Registrywill make it easier to identify mentor coaches who hold the MCS. ICF has indicated that from July, coaches will be able to search for mentor coaches with the MCS through the registry. After 1 January 2027, only mentor coaches with the MCS will appear on the registry.

Changes to ACC and PCC Portfolio applications from April 2027

ICF Global has also announced a related change for ACC and PCC Portfolio applicants. From 1 April 2027, the current Performance Evaluation requirement for ACC and PCC Portfolio applications will be replaced by an enhanced mentor coaching requirement.

Under this new approach, mentor coaching will become the primary method for evaluating coaching competence. Mentor coaches with the MCS will observe coaching sessions over time, document skill development, and complete structured competency review documentation. ICF has stated that the Competency Review Form will replace performance evaluation recordings and transcripts for ACC and PCC Portfolio applicants from this date.

Coaches applying through a Level 1 or Level 2 pathway will generally not need to do anything differently, as ICF has indicated that accredited coaching education programs will incorporate the updated mentor coaching requirements.

What does this mean for mentor coaches?

From 1 January 2027, mentor coaches will need to hold the appropriate MCS to continue providing mentor coaching for ICF credential candidates. ICF has outlined different MCS levels, including MCS-ACC, MCS-PCC and MCS-MCC, as well as standard and prior-learning pathways for experienced mentor coaches.

The MCS is valid for three years. To renew it, mentor coaches will need to maintain an active ICF credential and complete 10 hours of continuing education aligned with the ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies within the renewal period. Coaching supervision hours dedicated to mentor coaching practice may be used toward this continuing education requirement.

ICF Australasia webinars

ICF Australasia has hosted two webinars to help members understand these changes and what they may mean for coaches, credential applicants, renewing credential-holders and mentor coaches.

You can find the recordings from the two events under the one Store item.

Further information

For the latest details, please refer to ICF Global’s official updates on the Mentor Coach Specialisation and related credentialing changes. As implementation continues, ICF Global may release further guidance, forms and transition details.

ICF Engage

Sign up for ICF Engage https://engage.coachingfederation.org/- this area shares any/all updates. It's well worth navigating this site and watching the onboarding video.