If you’re working towards your ICF ACC or PCC credential, or you’re renewing your ACC, you may have heard about some significant changes coming in 2027.

And if you’ve found yourself slightly confused by the different dates, changing terminology and what it all means for your own application, you’re certainly not alone.

I’ve been following these changes closely, both as an ICF Mentor Coach and Assessor and because they directly affect the coaches I mentor. I’m also delighted to say that I am now an ICF Mentor Coach Specialist (MCS) at ACC, PCC and MCC levels, which means I’ll be able to support coaches through the new requirements as they come into effect.

So, what actually changes?

 

What is the MCS?

In April 2026, ICF introduced the Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS), a specific qualification for coaches providing ICF Mentor Coaching.

Until now, holding the ICF Credential at the approriate level has been enough to provide Mentor Coaching. From 2027, that changes.

The MCS recognises that effective Mentor Coaching requires its own knowledge and skills. It isn’t simply about having achieved an ICF credential yourself; it’s about being able to observe another coach’s practice, evaluate it against the ICF Core Competencies and support their development through meaningful, specific feedback.

And, from 2027, it becomes increasingly important when you’re choosing who will mentor you.

 

The First Date to Know: 1 January 2027

From 1 January 2027, new Mentor Coaching hours used towards an ACC, PCC or MCC credential will need to be provided by an MCS-qualified Mentor Coach at the appropriate level.

This also affects ACC renewal and PCC or MCC renewal where Mentor Coaching is being used towards the renewal requirements.

If you’ve already completed Mentor Coaching with someone who met the requirements at the time, those hours don’t suddenly disappear. The change applies to new Mentor Coaching from January onwards.

 

January to March 2027: You Have a Choice

This is probably the part of the changes that will be particularly interesting if you’re currently sitting on an ACC or PCC Portfolio application because you haven’t yet submitted your Performance Evaluation recording.

Between 1 January and 31 March 2027, there will be a transition period.

During those three months, eligible ACC and PCC Portfolio applicants can choose between the existing Performance Evaluation route, submitting a coaching recording and transcript for evaluation, or the new route involving three individual one-to-one personal evaluation sessions with an appropriately qualified MCS.

For some coaches, particularly those who have been holding back from applying because they haven’t felt confident about submitting a single recording, that could make quite a difference.

Rather than everything resting on one submitted coaching conversation, the new approach creates an opportunity for your coaching to be observed and evaluated across several sessions.

I’ll be offering this MCS evaluation option towards the end of 2026, ready for coaches who want to use the new route during the January–March transition period.

 

Then Everything Changes Again on 1 April

From 1 April 2027, Performance Evaluation will be removed from the ACC and PCC Portfolio application process.

The new enhanced Mentor Coaching process will take its place, with coaching observed over time and documented through ICF’s Session Observation and Competency Review processes.

So, if you’re planning an ACC or PCC Portfolio application, when you intend to apply now matters.

 

What Should You Do Now?

There’s no need to rush into making a decision simply because the system is changing.

What is worth doing is understanding which route applies to you, particularly if you’ve completed your coach training and Mentor Coaching but haven’t yet submitted your application.

For some coaches, submitting under the current system will make perfect sense. For others, waiting for the January–March transition period and choosing the MCS personal evaluation route may feel like a much better fit.

The important thing is that you’re making an informed choice rather than continuing to put your application off because you’re unsure what to do next.

What If You’re Renewing Your Credential?

These changes aren’t only relevant if you’re applying for a new ACC or PCC.

If you’re renewing your ACC, Mentor Coaching is still part of your renewal requirements, and from 1 January 2027, any new Mentor Coaching used for that renewal will need to be provided by an appropriately qualified MCS.

If you’re renewing your PCC or MCC, Mentor Coaching isn’t a mandatory part of renewal in the same way, but you may choose to use Mentor Coaching towards your continuing professional development requirements. If you do that from January 2027, the Mentor Coach will also need to hold the appropriate MCS.

One thing that is worth making clear is that the new three-session personal evaluation option isn’t a requirement for ACC renewal. That’s connected to the changes to the credential application and Portfolio pathways, rather than simply renewing an existing ACC.

So if your ACC renewal is approaching, don’t assume that you need to go through the same process as someone applying for a new credential.

You will still need your 10 hours of Mentor Coaching, but from January 2027 who you choose to provide those hours becomes important.

I’m also now offering individual Mentor Coaching specifically for ACC renewal, so if your renewal is coming up and you’re wondering what the new requirements mean for you, get in touch and we can have a conversation about what you actually need.

 

Interested in the New MCS Evaluation Route?

If you’ve already completed your Mentor Coaching but haven’t yet applied for your ACC or PCC, and the option of three one-to-one personal evaluation sessions with an MCS appeals to you, rather than submitting a Performance Evaluation recording, I’ll be opening places for this towards the end of this year.

If you’d like to know more about how it will work, or you’d like me to let you know when places become available, send me a message and I’ll add you to my priority list.

And if you’re not sure which route makes most sense for you, you’re very welcome to get in touch and have a conversation about that too.

Until next time,

Cath

x

P.S. Send me a message at cdaley@cathdaley.com to be added to the priority list or to book a call.