From January 1, 2027, ICF credential candidates must work with a mentor coach who holds the Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS). If you mentor coaches who are working toward an ACC or PCC, or you teach at an ICF-accredited school, this change applies to you.
What the MCS is
The MCS is not an ICF credential and has no exam. It recognizes coaches who have completed education in mentor coaching, based on the ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies. It builds on a credential you already hold (an active PCC or MCC, or a renewed ACC) and is available at the ACC, PCC and MCC levels, so you can support applicants at the levels you earn.
Two ways to qualify
Standard path. A current PCC, MCC or renewed ACC, 41 hours of mentor coaching education (at least half of it live), and the ICF evaluation training for each level you want: ACC BARS, PCC Markers or MCC BARS.
Credit for Prior Learning path. For experienced mentor coaches: a current PCC, MCC or renewed ACC, 10 hours of mentor coaching education, the same ICF evaluation training, and evidence of five mentees. That means five mentor coaching clients who earned an ICF credential in the past three years, or a letter from an ICF-accredited program confirming you mentored at least five students in that period.
ICF currently lists the application fee at $50 for members and $125 for non-members through March 2027, with about 4 to 8 weeks for review.
What to do now
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Work out which path fits you. Our readiness checklist takes a few minutes.
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Check that your evaluation training is complete. You take it through ICF.
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Collect your mentee evidence, such as credential records or a program letter.
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Apply to ICF. Allow review time before January 1.
How ILCATE can help
ILCATE is an ICF-accredited school. Our 10-hour mentor coach education program covers the 10 education hours and the evidence of five mentees, and guides you through the ICF evaluation training. It runs live on Zoom on three Sundays starting November 15. We hold free info sessions on November 3 and November 10 at 5pm PST. See the program and register.
Our program does not award the MCS. ICF does, and you apply to ICF directly. Requirements and fees are as published by ICF and can change, so check ICF’s MCS page for the latest details.
