Mentor Coach Specialization Standard Path

62-Hour Mentor Coaching Education Program

A structured Standard Path program for coaches pursuing the ICF Mentor Coach Specialization at ACC, PCC, or MCC level. The program is designed around mentor coaching education, formative evaluation, feedback practices, and facilitation of client skill development.

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About the Standard Path

ICF has introduced the Mentor Coach Specialization to recognize mentor coaches who meet a specialized standard of preparation and practice. The specialization will be available at three levels: ACC, PCC, and MCC.

This program is designed as a 62-hour mentor coaching education pathway aligned with the ICF Advanced Accreditation in Mentor Coaching (AAMC) structure and intended to support coaches pursuing the Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS). It is not the Credit for Prior Learning path and is not positioned as a shortcut for long-term mentor coaching practitioners. It is built for coaches who want a complete, standards-aligned learning path.

62 Total Hours

60+ hour Standard Path program design

32.5 Live Hours

13 live sessions at 2.5 hours each

29.5 Async Hours

Evaluation training, preparation, and fieldwork

ACC, PCC, MCC

One program framework for all three MCS levels

Standard MCS Path Requirements

Credential Requirement

Participants applying through the Standard Path should hold one of the following credentials in good standing:

  • Renewed ACC
  • Active PCC
  • Active MCC

Training Requirement

This 62-hour program is built around mentor coaching education aligned to the ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies, including:

  • Formative evaluation methods
  • Competency-based feedback practices
  • Facilitation of client skill development
  • At least 50% synchronous learning

Evaluation Training Requirement

Applicants must also complete the current ICF evaluation training courses, or accepted equivalents, for each MCS level they seek to earn: ACC BARS, PCC Markers, and MCC BARS. ICF evaluation trainings count as asynchronous education hours.

What the Program Includes

Mentor Coaching Competencies

  • Role and scope of mentor coaching
  • Ethical boundaries and professional agreements
  • Individual and group mentor coaching contexts
  • Creating a psychologically safe developmental space
  • Supporting client reflection and ownership of learning

Evaluation and Feedback

  • ACC-level observation using BARS-aligned thinking
  • PCC-level observation using marker-based thinking
  • MCC-level awareness for advanced mentor coaching conversations
  • Developmental feedback based on demonstrated coaching behaviors
  • Bias awareness, fairness, and evidence-based documentation

Practice and Fieldwork

  • Observed mentor coaching practice
  • Feedback labs and live debriefs
  • Review of coaching recordings
  • Session observation forms
  • Competency review documentation

Capstone and Readiness

  • Portfolio preparation
  • Mentor coaching agreement and client development plan
  • Written reflection on strengths and growth areas
  • Live readiness review
  • Certificate of completion showing the 62-hour breakdown

Who This Program Is For

Best Fit

  • Coaches pursuing the MCS through the Standard Path
  • Renewed ACC coaches preparing to mentor at ACC level
  • PCC coaches preparing to mentor at ACC or PCC level
  • MCC coaches preparing to mentor across advanced credential levels
  • Coach educators who want a structured mentor coaching education pathway

Not This Page

This page is not the Credit for Prior Learning path and is not written for experienced mentor coaches who already want a shorter evidence-based route. That audience belongs on the older Mentor Coaching Mastery page.

  • No prior-learning shortcut language
  • No assumption that the participant already has extensive mentor coaching history
  • No attestation-based positioning

Important ICF Timeline

January 1, 2027

ICF has announced that credential candidates will need to work with mentor coaches who have earned the MCS designation.

April 1, 2027

ICF has announced that skills validation from specialized mentor coaches will replace performance evaluation recordings and transcripts for ACC and PCC Portfolio candidates.

Program Status Notice

This page describes an Adhigam Avenue education program designed for the MCS Standard Path. It does not file the ICF MCS application for participants and does not guarantee that ICF will approve any individual application. Participants should verify current ICF requirements before applying.

Be the First to Know When Enrollment Opens

Join the priority notification list to receive updates about enrollment opening and early-bird pricing.

The Mentor Coach Specialization Standard Path program has been submitted to ICF for CCE review and is currently pending approval.

We will notify you when the review process is completed and enrollment becomes available.

By joining the notification list, you will receive:

  • Enrollment opening announcements
  • Early-bird pricing opportunities

Early-Bird Opportunity

Individuals on the priority notification list will receive advance notice when enrollment opens and may be eligible for introductory pricing when the program launches.

Upcoming Sessions

Course Location Time Start Date End Date Price (*All inclusive)
Mentor Coach Specialization Standard Path Online 8:00 AM-10:30 AM (EDT)   12/Sep/26 05/Dec/26 $2999 $1799 Notify Me

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