Updated October 2026. Checked against ICF guidance published as of October 8, 2026. Always refer to the ICF website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
The short answer: From January 1, 2027, every new ICF mentor coaching hour must come from a mentor who holds the ICF Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS) at the right level. From April 1, 2027, ACC and PCC applicants on ICF’s Portfolio pathway show their skills through their mentor: an MCS mentor observes at least three coaching sessions and completes a Competency Review Form, which replaces ICF’s recorded Performance Evaluation. Graduates of accredited programs follow their program’s evaluation process. The 10-hour mentoring requirement stays the same.
Most of the questions we get come down to three things: 1) the mentoring hours you have already completed, 2) your mentor’s eligibility, and 3) the evidence of your coaching competence.
This guide is for anyone working toward an ICF credential and for ICF credentialed coaches planning a renewal. Your application pathway and your dates decide how the transition applies to you, so keep ICF’s current instructions close as you plan. Always refer to the ICF website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Key takeaways
- New mentoring from January 1, 2027 must come from a mentor holding the ICF Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS) at the level you are pursuing.
- Ten hours of mentor coaching are required for every ACC, PCC and MCC application and for every ACC renewal. For PCC and MCC renewals, mentoring is optional and up to 10 hours can count toward your continuing education.
- ACC mentoring with a PCC or MCC mentor counts toward a PCC application. Hours completed under the current rules remain accepted. From April 1, 2027, PCC Portfolio applicants also need three observed sessions with feedback, three signed observation forms, and one Competency Review. This is the PCC Competency Review package for coaches moving from ACC to PCC. The coach does not need to redo 10 hours of mentoring. They do however need a short engagement with an MCS-PCC mentor to complete the requirements.
- From April 1, 2027, ACC and PCC Portfolio applicants need at least three coaching sessions observed by their mentor. They keep the signed Session Observation Forms on file and submit the Competency Review Form with their application.
- MCC applicants keep the Performance Evaluation.
- Level 1 and Level 2 program certificates for coach education completed before April 1, 2027 remain accepted.
When does ICF require 10 mentor coaching hours?
ICF requires 10 hours of mentor coaching for every ACC, PCC and MCC credential application and for every ACC renewal. PCC and MCC renewals treat mentoring as optional professional development, and up to 10 hours can count toward the 40 continuing coach education (CCE) credits.
Meeting the requirement does not always mean 10 new hours. ICF allows qualifying ACC mentoring with a PCC or MCC mentor to count toward a PCC application.
| Your situation | Mentor coaching required | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| First ACC application | 10 hours | Included in ICF-accredited Level 1 and Level 2 programs. Portfolio applicants arrange it separately. |
| ACC renewal | 10 qualifying hours, every renewal | The 10 hours also count as 10 of your Core Competency CCEs. Observation and review forms are not required. |
| PCC application, including from ACC | 10 qualifying hours | Included in ICF-accredited Level 2 programs. Portfolio applicants arrange it separately. |
| Bridge from ACC to PCC | 10 qualifying hours | Meeting the requirement may not mean 10 new hours. ICF allows qualifying ACC mentoring with a PCC or MCC mentor to count toward a PCC application. |
| PCC renewal | Optional | Up to 10 hours can count toward the 40 required CCEs. |
| MCC application | 10 qualifying hours | Requires an MCC-level mentor. MCC keeps the Performance Evaluation. |
| MCC renewal | Optional | Up to 10 hours can count toward your CCEs. |
Is mentor coaching included in coach education?
In ICF-accredited programs, yes. ICF’s accreditation standards require every Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 program to provide 10 hours of mentor coaching to each student, over at least three months, with at least three hours one-to-one. Coaches on the Portfolio pathway, whose education comes from programs outside accreditation, or multiply ICF Accredited programs, arrange their 10 hours separately.
Check your completion certificate and program records before buying a separate engagement. Your school’s certificate and your individual ICF credential are two separate achievements.
Coach Academy’s ICF-accredited Certified Life Coach, Certified Leadership Coach and Certified Professional Coach programs include all 10 ICF mentoring hours, delivered by mentors who hold the MCS.
Can ACC mentor coaching hours count toward PCC?
Yes. Under ICF’s published guidance, ACC mentoring completed with a PCC or MCC credentialed coach can satisfy the mentoring hours for a PCC application. If your earlier mentor held only an ACC, ICF requires an additional 10 hours with a PCC or MCC mentor, completed over at least three months.
ICF also suggests extra development when your earlier mentoring focused on ACC-level skills. That suggestion supports your readiness for PCC. It is a recommendation, separate from the hours requirement.
Example: your ACC mentor held a PCC
Your hours can count toward your PCC application. The next question is how you will show PCC-level competence. Applications submitted before April 1, 2027 can use the Performance Evaluation. Portfolio applications submitted from April 1, 2027 need a PCC-level Competency Review (made up of 3 signed observation forms and one competency review) from a mentor holding the MCS-PCC. Treat the hours and the competence evidence as two separate checks.
Example: your ACC mentor held only an ACC
You need 10 more hours for your PCC application. Through December 2026, your mentor must hold a PCC or MCC. From January 1, 2027, your mentor must hold the “MCS-PCC”. Plan for the three-month minimum, at least three one-to-one hours, and a clear focus on PCC-level skills.
What is the ICF Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS)?
The ICF Mentor Coach Specialization is a qualification for mentors. It recognizes specialized preparation to observe coaching, give developmental feedback and document a coach’s competence on ICF’s forms. ICF offers it at three levels: MCS-ACC, MCS-PCC and MCS-MCC.
Your ACC, PCC or MCC credential recognizes your own coaching competence. The MCS recognizes your preparation to develop other coaches. Coaches who receive mentoring need their mentor to hold the right MCS level; they do not need to earn it themselves.
Who needs to earn the MCS?
Any coach providing new mentor coaching for ICF credentialing purposes from January 1, 2027. Under ICF’s Standard Path, a mentor holds an eligible credential and completes at least 41 hours of mentor coaching education aligned with the ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies. They also complete ICF’s evaluation training for each level they mentor: the ACC BARS, the PCC Markers or the MCC BARS. Those 41 education hours are separate from the 10 hours a credential applicant receives.
Some programs go further. ICF’s Advanced Accreditation in Mentor Coaching (AAMC) sets a higher standard for mentor coach education:
- at least 60 contact hours, with at least 80% focused on mentor coaching
- at least half of those hours live
- five observed mentor coaching sessions, with written feedback on at least three
- five sessions of mentoring on your own mentoring
- a final assignment
Coach Academy’s 60-hour Mentor Coach Specialization program is built to meet the AAMC standards. Every module maps to the six ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies, and the mentoring on mentoring happens in class. You practise the craft while you earn your education hours: observing coaching with evidence, giving feedback that grows coaches, and guiding their development over time.
Does an MCC credential include the MCS-PCC automatically?
No. A coaching credential and a mentor coaching specialization are separate qualifications. For a PCC application, confirm that your mentor holds the MCS-PCC. ICF also accepts MCS-PCC or MCS-MCC mentoring for optional PCC renewal development, which is a different situation from a first application.
Who can provide ICF mentor coaching in 2027?
From January 1, 2027, new mentor coaching must come from a mentor holding the right MCS level. Mentoring completed earlier under the current eligibility rules remains accepted under ICF’s transition guidance.
| Your purpose | Eligible mentor through December 2026 | Required for new mentoring from January 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| ACC application or renewal | Active PCC, MCC, or renewed ACC | MCS-ACC or MCS-PCC |
| PCC application | Active PCC or MCC | MCS-PCC |
| Optional PCC renewal mentoring | Active PCC or MCC | MCS-PCC or MCS-MCC |
| MCC application or optional MCC renewal mentoring | Active MCC | MCS-MCC |
Confirm your mentor’s eligibility before the engagement begins, and agree on the credential level your feedback and forms will address.
Which 2027 dates change the application process?
Four dates matter. January 1, 2027 changes who can mentor you. April 1, 2027 changes the evidence for new ACC and PCC Portfolio applications. August 1, 2027 closes the Performance Evaluation for applicants already in that process.
January 1, 2027: new mentoring requires an MCS. Any mentoring you receive from this date must come from a mentor with the right specialization. If your engagement crosses the new year, check eligibility for the hours delivered in 2027.
January 1 to March 31, 2027: a choice of process. ACC and PCC Portfolio applicants can submit either the current Performance Evaluation or a Competency Review Form from an MCS mentor. Either way, new mentoring hours still need an MCS mentor.
April 1, 2027: the Competency Review becomes required. ACC and PCC Portfolio applications submitted from this date include a Competency Review Form completed by a mentor with the right specialization. Eligible earlier hours still count; the review adds the competence evidence.
August 1, 2027: the Performance Evaluation closes. Applicants who submitted before April 1, 2027 and have not yet passed can continue with the Performance Evaluation until August 1, 2027. After that date, they obtain a Competency Review Form from an MCS mentor.
New hours, a Competency Review, or both?
You may need qualifying hours, new competence evidence, or both. Your completed mentoring answers how much eligible mentoring you received. The Competency Review answers whether your observed coaching demonstrates the required level.
If your earlier ACC mentoring with a PCC or MCC mentor already covers your PCC hours, a Portfolio application from April 1, 2027 still needs a PCC-level Competency Review from an MCS-PCC mentor. ICF’s PCC transition guidance confirms that original hours can be used after March 31, 2027 alongside that review.
A Competency Review rests on observed evidence. Paying for a review or completing 10 hours guarantees neither a result nor readiness. Ask your mentor what evidence they need, and leave time to practise, receive feedback and show progress. Three observations are the minimum for the new process. Many coaches benefit from more.
What are the three observations and the required forms?
For ACC and PCC Portfolio applications from April 1, 2027, your mentor observes and reviews at least three of your coaching sessions. Each observation produces a signed Session Observation Form, which you keep on file. The Competency Review Form brings that evidence together, and you submit it with your application.
Session Observation Forms record your mentor’s evidence and feedback for one coaching session. Keep them on file for every observed session; ICF asks for them if your application is selected for audit. Get your client’s written permission before recording or sharing a session, and agree with your mentor on how recordings are stored and deleted.
The Competency Review Form summarizes your demonstrated competence across three observed sessions. A PCC review addresses PCC-level competence, so an MCS-ACC review of ACC skills cannot stand in for PCC documentation. Agree on the level with your mentor before the observations begin.
Three observed sessions and three one-to-one hours are different requirements. The observations supply the evidence. The one-to-one hours are the live feedback and dialogue with your mentor. Plan for both.
Do you need signed observation forms for a Portfolio application or renewal?
For an ACC or PCC Portfolio application submitted from April 1, 2027, yes. For a renewal, no. Portfolio applicants need a signed Session Observation Form for each of at least three observed sessions, plus a signed Competency Review Form. Renewal applications need neither form.
| Your application | Session Observation Forms | Competency Review Form |
|---|---|---|
| ACC or PCC Portfolio, submitted from April 1, 2027 | At least three, signed by your mentor and kept on file | Signed by your mentor and submitted with your application |
| ACC or PCC Portfolio, submitted January 1 to March 31, 2027 | Only if you choose the Competency Review process | Only if you choose it over the Performance Evaluation |
| ACC, PCC or MCC renewal | Not required | Not required |
| MCC application | MCC keeps the Performance Evaluation | MCC keeps the Performance Evaluation |
How the signing works. Your mentor signs each form, attests to the evidence, and saves it as a PDF. Both forms come from a mentor holding the right MCS level: MCS-ACC or MCS-PCC for ACC, and MCS-PCC for PCC. Keep your Session Observation Forms safe; ICF requests them only if your application is selected for audit.
What renewal asks for instead. ACC renewal still requires the 10 mentoring hours. The renewal application asks for your mentor’s name and email, the start and end dates, and your total hours. ICF encourages the forms as development tools.
Accredited-program graduates apply through their program’s pathway, and the program documents the requirements. At Coach Academy, the formative model gives every student signed forms along the way.
Tip: planning a PCC after your ACC renewal? Ask your mentor to complete Session Observation Forms during your renewal mentoring, even though renewal does not require them. It adds little to the engagement now, and it can save you repeating observations when you apply for your PCC.
How must the 10 mentoring hours be completed?
Your 10 hours span at least three months, include at least three one-to-one hours, and focus on developing your coaching skills against the ICF Core Competencies. ICF’s April 2026 Mentor Coach Handbook defines three months as 12 full weeks between your first and final sessions.
- At least three hours one-to-one. The other seven can be one-to-one or group mentoring.
- Groups of 10 or fewer. Group mentoring needs at least one mentor for every 10 coaches and focuses on the coaching skills of the group members.
- Live time counts. Count the time you spend in conversation and feedback with your mentor. Your mentor’s time reviewing recordings and preparing feedback informs the session and stays outside your 10 hours.
- Intake and closing sessions count. Keep every session focused on coaching skill development. Business advice and personal coaching serve different purposes.
- Space your sessions. ICF’s handbook recommends at least two weeks between sessions. Use that time to try one specific change in your coaching, notice what shifts, and bring real evidence back to your mentor.
How do accredited programs differ from the Portfolio pathway?
Graduates of ICF-accredited Level 1 and Level 2 programs apply through their program’s pathway, and their program documents the mentoring and evaluation requirements. ICF confirms that Level 1 and Level 2 certificates for coach education completed before April 1, 2027 remain accepted for applications submitted after that date.
Two evaluations share the name “Performance Evaluation.” On the Portfolio pathway, ICF assesses your recorded sessions, and from April 1, 2027 it will be replaced by the Competency Review Form. In an accredited program, it is the program’s final evaluation, run by the school’s qualified assessors. From April 1, 2027, ICF stops requiring that final evaluation and asks programs to assess skills throughout the program; programs may still include a final evaluation as one part of their assessment. Your school will tell you which process and dates apply to you.
The separate Competency Review Form matters most for Portfolio applicants. Before arranging any bridging mentoring, confirm your pathway and check what your completed program already documents.
How should you plan your application or renewal?
Start with what you already have. Your target credential, pathway, dates and mentoring records show you the next requirement.
- Name your purpose. A first application, an ACC-to-PCC upgrade, an MCC application and a renewal each follow different rules.
- Confirm your pathway. Level 1 or Level 2 program certificate, or Portfolio.
- Review your completed hours. Note each mentor’s credential, the dates, your one-to-one and group hours, and your documentation.
- Check new mentor eligibility. For hours from January 1, 2027, confirm the right MCS level.
- Check your competence evidence. Performance Evaluation, Competency Review, or program-based documentation.
- Agree on development. Discuss observations, feedback, learning goals and forms with your mentor before booking more sessions.
What is already complete, and what still needs evidence? A precise answer frees your time for the learning that serves your clients.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an MCS to earn my ACC?
No. Your mentor needs the right MCS level for mentoring you receive from January 1, 2027. You meet the ACC education, experience, mentoring, assessment and exam requirements for your pathway.
Can I reuse ACC mentoring from a PCC mentor for my PCC?
Yes. Under ICF’s guidance, ACC mentoring with a PCC or MCC mentor can meet the PCC hours requirement. Portfolio applications from April 1, 2027 also need a PCC-level Competency Review from an MCS-PCC mentor.
Does PCC renewal require 10 mentoring hours?
No. Mentoring is optional for PCC renewal, and up to 10 hours can count toward your 40 CCEs. New mentoring from January 1, 2027 should come from a mentor holding the MCS-PCC or MCS-MCC.
Do ACC renewal mentoring hours also count as CCEs?
Yes. ICF counts the 10 required mentoring hours as Core Competency credits within the 40 CCEs for ACC renewal.
Does ACC renewal require Session Observation Forms?
No. Renewal applications need neither Session Observation Forms nor a Competency Review Form. ACC renewal still requires the 10 mentoring hours. If you plan to apply for PCC later, ask your mentor to complete the forms anyway.
Do Portfolio applicants need signed Session Observation Forms?
Yes, from April 1, 2027. ACC and PCC Portfolio applicants keep a signed Session Observation Form for each of at least three observed sessions, and submit a signed Competency Review Form with their application. ICF requests the observation forms only during an audit.
Are three observations the same as three one-to-one hours?
No. Observations are of your coaching sessions. One-to-one hours are your live feedback and dialogue with your mentor. Your mentor’s preparation time informs that feedback and sits outside your 10 hours.
Can a mentor with the MCS-MCC mentor PCC applicants?
ICF’s handbook names the MCS-PCC for PCC applicants, so confirm that level for a PCC application. MCS-PCC or MCS-MCC mentoring is accepted for optional PCC renewal development.
Will my Level 2 program certificate still be accepted?
Yes, when your coach education was completed before April 1, 2027. Check your own completion records and pathway before arranging bridging observations or another full engagement.
How do I find a mentor with the right MCS?
Search ICF’s Mentor Coach Registry and confirm the specialization level with the mentor before you start. Share your target credential, pathway, earlier mentoring and expected application date, and agree on the documentation they will provide.
Does the Competency Review replace the MCC Performance Evaluation?
No. MCC applicants keep the Performance Evaluation. The Competency Review replaces it for ACC and PCC Portfolio applications.
Sources
ICF guidance reviewed October 8, 2026. ICF may update its requirements; follow the current instructions for your application.
- ICF Mentor Coach Handbook (April 2026), pages 19 to 25: session structure, mentor eligibility and qualifying hours.
- ICF: ACC and PCC Performance Evaluation changes: observed sessions, forms, Level 1 and Level 2 certificates, MCC.
- ICF Support: 2027 changes to ACC and PCC credential requirements: mentor eligibility, transition dates and the August 1, 2027 close.
- ICF Support: Guidance for PCC applicants who complete mentor coaching before January 1, 2027.
- ICF Support: Using ACC mentor coaching for a PCC application.
- ICF: Renew your credential.
- ICF Accreditation Standards.