ICF Mentor Coaching Changes in 2027: What ACC and PCC Candidates Need to Know
Updated 30 October 2026
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is changing its mentor coaching requirements in 2027. The updates introduce a specialist qualification for mentor coaches and strengthen how coaching competence is observed and documented.
At The Agile Company, the updated approach is already integrated into our Level 1 and Level 2 programmes and their included mentor sessions, as well as our standalone Mentor Coaching Pack for Portfolio applicants. You can complete the mentoring component through the option that fits your credential pathway.
Understanding the changes starts with two dates, and the distinction between completing an accredited programme and applying through the Portfolio path.
What changes on 1 January 2027?
From 1 January 2027, new qualifying mentor coaching hours must be completed with a mentor who holds the appropriate ICF Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS).
An experienced coach’s credential alone will no longer establish their eligibility to provide those hours. The specialization recognises preparation in observing coaching, providing competency-based feedback and supporting professional development.
For ACC, candidates may receive ACC-level mentoring from an MCS-ACC, or PCC-level mentoring from an MCS-PCC. For PCC, candidates need PCC-level mentoring from an MCS-PCC. [1]
The specialization belongs to the mentor. You do not need to earn an MCS to apply for your own ACC or PCC credential.
What stays the same?
Both ACC and PCC still require:
- 10 hours of mentor coaching over at least three months.
- At least three hours of individual mentor coaching.
- Up to seven remaining hours delivered individually or in a group.
- No more than 10 participants in group mentor coaching. [2]
The three-month period gives you time to practise, reflect on feedback and bring your developing skills back to your mentor. An intensive teaching schedule does not remove this mentoring timeline.
Mentor coaching focuses specifically on your coaching skills. A discussion about marketing your practice or managing your business does not automatically qualify as mentor coaching.
What changes on 1 April 2027?
For ACC and PCC Portfolio applicants, the separate performance evaluation based on recordings and transcripts submitted to ICF will be replaced by a mentor-led competency review.
Under the updated process, a specialized mentor observes and reviews at least three coaching sessions. Applicants submit the completed Competency Review Form or forms and retain their Session Observation Forms for a possible audit.
Between 1 January and 31 March 2027, Portfolio applicants can use either the existing performance evaluation process or the new competency review process. From 1 April, new Portfolio applications must use competency review forms. [1][3]
This does not mean coaching competence is no longer assessed. The emphasis shifts towards evidence gathered through observation and feedback over time.
For accredited education providers, ICF is also moving towards a formative evaluation process: development is observed and documented throughout the learning journey. [4]
How this applies to our programmes
We have already incorporated the updated approach into our courses and included mentor sessions. Participants do not need to organise a separate mentoring solution simply because the rules change in 2027.
| Your pathway | How mentoring fits |
|---|---|
| Level 1 towards ACC | Your programme includes 10 mentor coaching hours: seven group hours and three individual hours, supporting development towards ACC-level competence. |
| Level 2 towards PCC | Your programme includes group and individual mentor coaching, supporting development and demonstrated competence at PCC level. |
Our mentoring connects practice with specific feedback. You work on what can be observed in your coaching: how you establish an agreement, listen, maintain presence, invite awareness and support the client’s learning.
The individual sessions give you space to examine your own coaching closely. Group mentoring offers additional opportunities to learn through observation and discussion. Both contribute to your development within the programme. [5][6]
The mentor coaching requirement is fulfilled through successful completion of the relevant accredited programme. You then apply through the appropriate Level pathway.
A programme certificate and an ICF credential are different milestones. ICF awards the ACC or PCC credential after you meet the applicable application, experience and examination requirements.
Applying through the Portfolio path? Our Mentor Coaching Pack can help
If you have completed coaching education outside a full Level 1 or Level 2 programme and are applying through the ACC or PCC Portfolio path, our standalone ICF Mentor Coaching Pack provides a way to complete the mentor coaching component of your application.
The pack includes seven hours of group mentor coaching and three hours of individual mentor coaching, completed over a minimum of three months. You receive feedback on your coaching and support in developing competence at your intended credential level. [10]
The updated mentoring and competency review approach is already integrated into our mentor sessions. For Portfolio applications using the new process, this includes observation and review of coaching sessions and the relevant competency documentation, based on the skills you demonstrate.
The pack supports completion of your Portfolio application; you must also meet ICF’s separate education, client coaching experience, examination and other application requirements. Completing the mentoring hours alone does not guarantee competency approval or the award of a credential.
Q&A
Can I use the Mentor Coaching Pack for the ACC or PCC Portfolio path?
Yes. Our standalone Mentor Coaching Pack is designed to help ACC and PCC Portfolio applicants complete their mentor coaching requirement. It combines seven group hours with three individual hours over at least three months, with mentoring aligned to your intended credential level. The updated process is incorporated into the sessions, including the relevant competency review documentation when applying under the new Portfolio requirements. You still need to satisfy the other ICF credential requirements.
Do I need to buy extra mentoring because of the new rules?
If you are enrolled in our complete Level 1 or Level 2 programme, the required mentoring is included. The 2027 changes do not, by themselves, require you to purchase an additional mentoring package.
Will my existing Level 1 or Level 2 certificate still be accepted?
Yes. ICF confirms that certificates earned under the current accredited programme requirements remain accepted through the relevant Level application pathway. Applying after 1 April 2027 does not, by itself, require you to repeat your programme. [1][3]
I start in 2026 and continue into 2027. What happens?
Continue with your agreed programme schedule. The updated requirements are already integrated into our delivery. Any new qualifying mentor hours completed from 1 January 2027 must meet the new mentor eligibility rules. [7]
Do I need to submit coaching recordings directly to ICF?
When applying through the relevant Level pathway after completing our accredited programme, you do not follow the separate Portfolio recording submission process. You may still use recordings within your programme for observation, feedback and skills development. [3][5]
I completed standalone mentoring in 2026. Will those hours still count?
ICF says mentor hours completed under the applicable earlier requirements remain accepted. However, Portfolio applicants applying from 1 April 2027 must also obtain the required competency review documentation from an appropriately specialized mentor. This may require further observation and review. [8][9]
Does completing 10 hours guarantee that I meet the competency standard?
No. Hours establish the minimum mentoring commitment. Readiness also depends on the coaching competence you demonstrate. Your mentor’s feedback helps you identify strengths and the areas that still need development.
Do ACC and PCC candidates receive the same mentoring?
They share the same minimum hours and duration, but mentoring and competency review must address the credential level being pursued. Our Level 1 pathway supports ACC development; our Level 2 pathway supports PCC development.
Does this also affect credential renewal?
Yes. From January 2027, the specialization requirement also applies to qualifying renewal mentoring. ACC renewal continues to require 10 mentor coaching hours. Mentor coaching can contribute to PCC renewal, but a new 10-hour mentoring block is not a universal PCC renewal requirement. [7]
How can I confirm which pathway applies to me?
Contact us with your programme details, any previous certificates and your intended credential. We can help you identify the relevant pathway and plan your included mentor sessions. Book a call with our team.
Editorial sources
- ICF — 2027 Changes to ACC and PCC Credential Requirements
- ICF — Mentor Coaching
- ICF — ACC and PCC Performance Evaluation Changes
- ICF — Introducing the Mentor Coach Specialization
- The Agile Company — ICF FAQ
- The Agile Company — Level 2 Advanced Professional Coaching Mastery
- ICF — 2027 Changes to Credential Renewal Requirements
- ICF — Guidance for ACC Applicants Completing Mentoring Before January 2027
- ICF — Guidance for PCC Applicants Completing Mentoring Before January 2027
- The Agile Company — ICF Mentor Coaching Pack
