As the coaching profession continues to evolve, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) is introducing the Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS) to establish greater consistency, quality, and credibility in mentor coaching practice. From 2027, coaches seeking to provide mentor coaching for ICF credentialing and renewal purposes will need to hold the appropriate Mentor Coach Specialization.

This 10-hour programme offered through the Centre for Coaching (South Africa and Switzerland) provides the mentor coach education required for the MCS Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) process. Participants will explore the ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies, formative appraisal practices, developmental feedback techniques, credential-level evaluation tools, and the principles that underpin effective mentor coaching.

Through a practical, competency-based learning experience, participants will gain the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to align their mentor coaching practice with ICF standards while preparing evidence for the Mentor Coach Specialization CPL application process.

Experienced mentor coaches who already meet the ICF’s qualifying experience requirements and are applying for the Mentor Coach Specialization through the Credit for Prior Learning pathway.

This pathway requires a minimum of 10 hours of mentor coach education, including the following:

• Your ACC (renewed), PCC or MCC credential with the ICF needs to be in place and valid.
• Supporting evidence of mentor coaching practice (attestation of mentoring at least 5 coaches through a Level 1 or Level 2 programme / proof of having mentored at least 5 coaches through the attainment of an ACC, PCC or MCC credential).
• Evidence of attendance on the relevant credential level mentor assessment training run through the ICF (ACC BARS, PCC Marker Training or MCC BARS).
• Completion of the ICF Ethics training course.

The Mentor Coach Specialization (MCSP) 10-hour programme is delivered live online via Zoom over three interactive sessions, of 3,5, 3,5 and 3 hours each.

They combine facilitated learning, practical application, reflective discussions, and competency-based exercises.

Participants engage with the ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies, developmental feedback practices, and evaluation frameworks while learning alongside a cohort of experienced mentor coaches.
Attendance at all sessions, with camera on, is required to meet the programme completion requirements.