ICF Mentor Coaching Is Changing in 2027: What Coaches Need to Know
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is introducing changes to Mentor Coaching and credentialing from 2027.
The biggest shift is towards formative development – observing your coaching over time and using self-reflection, feedback and practice to strengthen your coaching, rather than relying primarily on a single assessment of your coaching.
If you are working towards an ACC or PCC credential, or renewing your existing credential, here is what you need to know.
What Is ICF Mentor Coaching?
ICF Mentor Coaching is a supportive and developmental process for strengthening your coaching skills while working towards an ACC or PCC credential or completing the Mentor Coaching required for ACC renewal.
Through review of your coaching, self-reflection and feedback, you explore your strengths, areas for development and how the ICF Core Competencies are demonstrated in your coaching practice.
Do I Need 10 Hours of Mentor Coaching?
That depends on your credential pathway.
ACC
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Level 1 or Level 2 Path – Mentor Coaching is included within your coach education programme.
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Portfolio Path – You need to complete 10 hours of Mentor Coaching.
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ACC Renewal – You need to complete 10 hours of Mentor Coaching for each renewal.
PCC
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Level 2 Path – Mentor Coaching is included within your coach education programme.
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Portfolio Path – You need to complete 10 hours of Mentor Coaching.
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PCC Renewal – Mentor Coaching is not mandatory, but can contribute towards your Continuing Coach Education (CCE) requirements.
Where 10 hours of Mentor Coaching are required, they must take place over a minimum of three months. At least three hours must be individual Mentor Coaching, with the remaining hours completed individually or through Group Mentor Coaching.
What Changes on 1 January 2027?
From 1 January 2027, new Mentor Coaching hours used towards an ICF credential or renewal must be completed with a Mentor Coach who holds the appropriate ICF Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS).
The MCS introduces specific competencies and standards for ICF Mentor Coaches, including how they observe coaching and provide developmental feedback.
This means that if you are beginning Mentor Coaching that you intend to use towards your credential or renewal from 2027, you will need to make sure your Mentor Coach holds the appropriate MCS.
What Does Formative Mentor Coaching Mean?
This is one of the most important changes.
Mentor Coaching is increasingly focused on your development over time, rather than simply assessing whether you demonstrate particular coaching competencies in one session.
Your Mentor Coach observes your coaching, you reflect on your own practice, and together you identify strengths and areas for development. You then have the opportunity to take that learning back into your coaching and continue practising.
In simple terms, the process becomes:
Observation → Self-reflection → Feedback → Practice → Development
Working with recordings allows you and your Mentor Coach to look closely at what is actually happening in your coaching conversations – what you are doing well, patterns or habits you may not have noticed, and where you can continue to develop your demonstration of the ICF Core Competencies.
What Are the New ICF Mentor Coaching Forms?
ICF has introduced standardised documentation to support this more developmental approach.
The Session Observation Form (SOF) records observations and feedback from your coaching against the ICF Core Competencies and the skill level expected for the credential you are pursuing.
The Competency Review Form (CRF) provides a cumulative view across the Mentor Coaching process, bringing together evidence of the competencies demonstrated through the coaching that has been observed.
The intention is to create a clearer connection between observing your coaching, reflecting on it, receiving feedback and continuing to develop your skills.
For ACC and PCC credential renewals, ICF does not require the SOF and CRF to be submitted. These forms are required for initial ACC and PCC Portfolio applications under the new process.
If you are renewing your ACC credential but also considering applying for PCC in the future, it is worth discussing your plans with your Mentor Coach before starting. Completing Mentor Coaching at PCC level, with the relevant assessment documentation, may support both your ACC renewal and a future PCC application.
What Changes for ACC and PCC Portfolio Applicants from 1 April 2027?
This is another significant change.
Currently, coaches applying for an ACC or PCC through the Portfolio Path complete Mentor Coaching and also submit a coaching recording and transcript to ICF for a separate Performance Evaluation.
From 1 April 2027, that separate Performance Evaluation will no longer be required for ACC and PCC Portfolio applications.
Instead, coaching skills will be observed and validated through the enhanced Mentor Coaching process with an appropriately qualified ICF Mentor Coach, using the required assessment documentation.
ICF-accredited Level 1 and Level 2 education programmes are also moving towards formative evaluation from April 2027. The Performance Evaluation requirement will remain for MCC credential applications.
What About ACC Renewal?
ACC coaches will continue to complete 10 hours of Mentor Coaching over a minimum of three months as part of each credential renewal cycle.
From 1 January 2027, new Mentor Coaching hours used for renewal must be completed with an appropriately qualified ICF Mentor Coach holding the MCS.
Unlike initial credentialing through the Portfolio Path, ACC renewal does not require submission of the SOF or CRF. This allows renewal Mentor Coaching to focus on reviewing coaching together, reflection and developmental feedback without the additional assessment documentation.
For experienced coaches, Mentor Coaching for renewal can be much more than a credential requirement. It provides an opportunity to step back from your coaching, consider how your practice has developed, revisit the Core Competencies with greater experience, and identify areas you would like to deepen.
What About PCC Renewal?
PCC coaches are not required to complete 10 hours of Mentor Coaching for credential renewal.
However, Mentor Coaching can contribute towards their Continuing Coach Education (CCE) requirements and provides an opportunity to reflect on and further develop their coaching practice.
As with ACC renewal, the SOF and CRF are not required to be submitted.
Mentor Coaching with Anna
I have been working with coaches as an ICF Mentor Coach since 2017 and hold the ICF Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS) at ACC and PCC levels.
My approach is supportive and developmental. Working with recordings of your coaching, self-reflection and feedback, we look at what you already do well and where you can continue to strengthen your coaching.
Mentor Coaching can help you deepen your listening and presence, recognise patterns and habits in your coaching, and develop your application of the ICF Core Competencies at ACC or PCC level.
Looking for Individual Mentor Coaching?
I offer 10-hour Individual Mentor Coaching programmes, three-session options and individual coaching reviews, with different pricing for initial credentialing and credential renewal.
