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.

ICF AAMC Accredited Program
ICF AAMC Accredited This Mentor Coach Specialization Standard Path program is accredited by the International Coaching Federation under Advanced Accreditation in Mentor Coaching (AAMC).

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

AAMC Program Details

  • Prerequisite: Renewed ACC, active PCC, or active MCC credential
  • Program Duration: 13 weekend sessions
  • Session Length: 2.5 hours per session
  • Schedule: One live session every weekend
  • Location: Virtual (Zoom)
  • Language: English

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

ICF evaluation trainings, or accepted equivalents, are required for each MCS level sought. These trainings count as asynchronous education hours. Final eligibility and acceptance are determined by ICF.

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

Included Evaluation Training by Credential

The program includes applicable ICF evaluation training preparation based on the participant's current active credential and the MCS level they are eligible to pursue.

  • Renewed ACC: ACC BARS training is included for ACC-level mentor coaching specialization preparation.
  • Active PCC: ACC BARS and PCC Markers training are included for ACC- and PCC-level preparation.
  • Active MCC: ACC BARS, PCC Markers, and MCC BARS training are included for ACC-, PCC-, and MCC-level preparation.

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.

Upcoming Sessions

Course Location Time Start Date End Date Program Fee*
Mentor Coach Specialization Standard Path Online 9:30 AM-12:00 PM (EDT)   05/Sep/26 28/Nov/26 $2999 $2225 Enroll Now
Mentor Coach Specialization Standard Path Online 6:00 PM-8:30 PM (EDT)   03/Oct/26 02/Jan/27 $2999 $2225 Enroll Now
Mentor Coach Specialization Standard Path Online 9:30 AM-12:00 PM (EDT)   07/Nov/26 30/Jan/26 $2999 $2499 Request Info
Mentor Coach Specialization Standard Path Online 6:00 PM-8:30 PM (EDT)   05/Dec/26 06/Mar/27 $2999 $2499 Request Info
Mentor Coach Specialization Standard Path Online 10:30 AM-1:00 PM (EDT)   10/Jan/27 07/Apr/27 $2999 $2499 Request Info

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