There are two important changes on the horizon for individuals applying for their ACC or PCC through the Portfolio path -- bringing a refreshed, more supportive approach to the credentialing journey. These updates are designed to better align the application process with real-time coaching development and elevate the overall experience for applicants.
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 of having 10 hours of mentor coaching, done over 3 months or longer, with at least 3 hours being one to one hours with the mentor, is not changing. What is changing is who is eligible to provide mentor coaching.
| Currently: Individuals receive mentor coaching from 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. ACC Applicants - may work with an ACC, PCC, or MCC current credential-holder PCC Applicants - may work with a PCC or MCC current credential-holder | Beginning January 1, 2027: Individuals must mentor with an individual who holds an ICF Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS) at the level to which they wish to receive mentor coaching. ACC Applicants - may be mentor coached by an MCS-ACC to the ACC level OR by an MCS-PCC to the PCC level PCC Applicants - may be mentor coached by an MCS-PCC to the PCC level |
Learn more about this change.
Performance Evaluations
Coaching is dynamic and deeply personalized, which is why it’s essential to assess your skills in action. That’s the purpose of ICF performance evaluations. They provide a real-world glimpse into your effectiveness, validating your readiness to coach at a professional level.
This requirement is shifting from being a final assessment of your coaching skills to focused on development over time, where your coaching skills can be evaluated over a period of time through multiple observed sessions with your mentor coach.
Instead of submitting recorded coaching session(s) to be assessed by and ICF assessor, you will work with a mentor coach who holds an MCS at the level to which you wish to be mentor coached.
A minimum of 3 observed coaching sessions will be evaluated with your mentor coach to inform your development. At the end of the engagement, the mentor coach will complete a Competency Review Form validating if you have demonstrated proficiency in all competencies. Through one or more Competency Review Forms, applicants must have demonstrated proficiency in all competencies with the submission of their ACC or PCC application.
| Currently | ACC Applicants - submit one recorded coaching sessions to be assessed by an ICF trained assessor and receive a passing score. PCC Applicants - submit two recorded coaching sessions to be assessed by ICF trained assessors and receive a passing score on each session. |
| Available January 1 - March 31, 2027 | ACC and PCC applicants may submit a Competency Review Form(s) completed by a mentor coach who holds an MCS at the level they received mentor coaching. OR ACC and PCC applicants may use the current Performance Evaluation process through the submission of recorded coaching session(s) for assessment by an ICF trained assessor. |
| Beginning April 1, 2027 | ACC and PCC applicants must submit a Competency Review Form(s) completed by a mentor coach who holds an MCS at the level they receive mentor coaching. |
Learn more about this transition.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why are these changes being made?
A: For full details on the changes, including the purpose and reasoning for the changes, please visit the respective Credentialing Updates posting.
Introducing the Mentor Coach Specialization
ACC and PCC Performance Evaluation to Be Replaced by Enhanced Mentor Coaching Requirement
Q: I'm applying through the Portfolio path, can the mentor coaching I completed in 2026 or earlier still be used?
A: Yes. Read through the appropriate information for the level you are planning to apply.
Guidance for ACC Applicants Who Plan to Apply in 2027
Guidance for PCC Applicants Who Plan to Apply in 2027
Q: If I have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 (previously ACTP) program under the current requirements, will my certificate still be accepted through the ACC Level 1 / Level 2 or PCC Level 2 path?
A: Yes. Your completion of an ICF-accredited Level 1 or Level 2 (previously ACTP) education program will continue be accepted. No need to complete any additional requirements.
Q: When and where can I find a mentor who holds a Mentor Coach Specialization at the level I need?
A: Coming in the next few months will be an updated Mentor Coach Registry, which will allow you to search for a Specialized Mentor Coach at the level to which you wish to be mentored.
Q: Will the cost of the ACC and PCC Portfolio application be different if I apply with a Competency Review form?
A: Yes, the application fee for the ACC and PCC Portfolio application being submitted with a Competency Review form will be a lower fee than the portfolio applications which currently require a Performance Evaluation.
Q: If I submit my portfolio application prior to April 1, but do not pass the assessment, what happens then?
A: Performance Evaluations will continue until August 1, 2027, to support candidates who wish to complete their credentialing journey with a Performance Evaluation. However, if you have not yet been successful in your Performance Evaluation by August 1, you will need to work with a Specialized Mentor Coach to obtain a Competency Review form that indicates you meet proficiency in all competencies. This may be done through one observed session or multiple sessions.
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