There are two important updates on the horizon for individuals planning to renew their ACC, PCC, MCC, or ACTC credentials in 2027 and beyond. These changes reinforce ICF’s commitment to quality, consistency, and ethical practice, helping ensure that those seeking mentor coaching or coaching supervision services can do so with transparency and confidence.
Changes to Mentor Coach Eligibility
The primary focus of mentor coaching is on mastering the ICF Core Competencies --it’s a powerful way to elevate your practice and grow as a confident, skilled coach. As such, mentor coaching is required for all levels of credentials - ACC, PCC and MCC. It is also required for the renewal of an ACC and accepted for the renewal of a PCC or MCC.
The requirement to complete 10 hours of mentor coaching—spread over at least 3 months and including a minimum of 3 one-to-one hours with the mentor—is not changing. What is changing is who is eligible to provide that mentor coaching.
| Currently: Individuals receive mentor coaching with any current ICF Credential-holder at or above the level to which they are applying or renewing. ACC mentors must have renewed at least once.
| Beginning January 1, 2027: Individuals must receive mentor coaching with an individual who holds an ICF Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS) at the level to which they wish to be mentored.
|
LEARN MORE about this change.
Changes to Coach Supervisor Eligibility
At its best, coaching supervision goes beyond reflection-- it sharpens thinking, strengthens ethical practice, and supports intentional growth. When delivered by well-prepared professionals, its impact is transformative for coaches, their clients, and the profession as a whole.
The ICF Coaching Supervisor Specialization (CSS) brings this level of quality and consistency into focus. Grounded in ICF Coaching Supervision Competencies and informed by global research, it establishes coaching supervision as an advanced practice, ensures supervisors are qualified and accountable, and strengthens ethical, high-quality coaching across the field.
Through a clear, globally recognized standard—and the introduction of the ICF Coaching Supervisor Registry—the CSS also provides greater transparency and confidence for those seeking coaching supervision.
| Currently | ACC, PCC, MCC and ACTC Renewal Candidates: No eligibility requirements. Anyone may provide Coaching Supervision services. ACTC Applicants:
|
| Beginning January 1, 2027 | ACC, PCC, and MCC Renewal Candidates: Must work with a supervisor who holds and ICF CSS or holds a Coaching Supervision credential or accreditation from another supervision or coaching body. ACTC Applicants and ACTC Renewal Candidates: Must work with a supervisor who holds and ICF CSS or holds a Coaching Supervision credential or accreditation from another supervision or coaching body. In addition, they must hold an ICF ACTC or a Team Coaching credential or accreditation from another coaching body. |
Learn more about this transition.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why are these changes being made?
A: For full details on the change, including the purpose and reasoning for the changes, please visit the relevant Credentialing Updates post.
Introducing the Mentor Coach Specialization
Introducing the Coaching Supervisor Specialization
Q: If my mentor coaching was or will be completed in 2026 or earlier, or if I provided mentor coaching prior to 2027, can those hours still be used towards my renewal in 2027 or after?
A: Yes. Any mentor coaching that meets the current requirements (see chart towards top of page) can be used towards the renewal of your ACC, PCC, or MCC renewal.
Q: If my supervision was or will be completed in 2026 or earlier, or if I provided supervision prior to 2027, can those hours still be used towards my renewal in 2027 or after?
A: Yes. Any supervision that meets the current requirements (see chart above) can be used towards the renewal of your ACC, PCC, MCC or ACTC renewal.
Q: When and where can I find a mentor who holds a Mentor Coach Specialization at the level I need?
A: We will be releasing an updated Mentor Coach Registry in a few months. This will allow you to search for a Specialized Mentor Coach at the level to which you wish to be mentored.
Q: When and where can I find a supervisor who holds a Coaching Supervisor Specialization?
A: Later this year, we will be releasing a Coach Supervisor Registry. This will allow you to search for eligible Coach Supervisors.
Q: Do I need to submit the MCS Session Observation and Competency Review forms in my renewal application?
A: No. The Session Observation and Competency Review forms are not required to renew.
However, if you plan to use the mentor coaching towards a PCC credential, you will need those forms for your application if applying through the PCC Portfolio pathway. While you are not required to have the forms for your credential renewal, you and your mentor may still use them. They are designed to be a tool to provide a foundation for discussion on your coaching skills.
Was this article helpful?
That’s Great!
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry! We couldn't be helpful
Thank you for your feedback
Feedback sent
We appreciate your effort and will try to fix the article