Mentor Coaching Guidance for ACC Applicants Who Plan to Apply In 2027

Are you on the journey towards the ACC and were planning on starting your Mentor Coaching this year?   Are you wondering about the best time to get your mentor coaching completed with the changes that are coming?

Before we look at your options for moving forward with your mentor coaching, here are some key things to know:

• Any mentoring coaching done on or after January 1, 2027, must be done with an MCQ – ACC or MCQ – PCC (If you wish to be mentored to the PCC level).
  
  
• Any ACC portfolio application submitted on or after April 1, 2027, must submit a Competency Review Form(s) completed by an MCQ – ACC or MCQ – PCC (if mentored to the PCC level) based on coaching session(s) of yours that they observed.
  
  
• In July, the Mentor Coach Registry will be updated to include individuals who hold an MCQ. So, beginning in July, you have the option to find and work with an MCQ.
  
  
• From January 1 – March 31, 2027, you have the option to submit your ACC portfolio
  with either recorded coaching sessions to be reviewed by ICF Assessors or to submit with the MCQ Competency Review Form.

Options for Receiving Mentoring Coaching in 2026 to apply in 2027:

• Option 1: If you know or feel strongly that it will be April 1 or after before you submit your ACC application, then do your mentor coaching after July with an MCQ – ACC or MCQ- PCC (if you wish to be mentored to the PCC level).
• Option 2: If you know you will be submitting after January 1 but before April 1, and you want your mentor coaching to be completed before January 1, then you have options:
   
  • Complete current mentor coaching and submit your application with a performance evaluation

OR

• Wait until July to begin your mentor coaching with an MCQ-ACC or MCQ – PCC (if you wish to be mentored to the PCC level)
• Submit through the new Portfolio application and upload your Competency Review Form(s) completed by your mentor(s)
• Pay a LOWER application fee (as the cost of assessment will not need to be included) and have quicker review time of your application

• Option 3: If you are unsure if you will be submitting prior to or after April 1, you still have both mentor coaching requirements options available to you.
  
  However, if you do not do mentoring with an MCQ-ACC or MCQ – PCC (if you wish to be mentored to the PCC level) at the time of mentoring and you submit after March 31, you would need to engage an MCQ-ACC or MCQ – PCC (if you wish to be mentored to the PCC level) to complete a Competency Review of your coaching in order to submit the application.