One-on-One Expert Mentoring for ACC, PCC, and MCC credentials 

Mentor coaching is a vital professional partnership designed to elevate your coaching mastery. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines it as a collaborative dialogue focused on enhancing your coaching capabilities through feedback on observed or recorded sessions, specifically aligning your skills with the ICF Core Competencies for your desired credential level (ACC, PCC, or MCC). Think of it as dedicated support focused on coaching your coaching skills.

The ICF requires mentor coaching because it recognizes that true coaching excellence develops through reflective practice and expert guidance. It's more than just learning theory; it's about honing your practical application of the competencies under the guidance of an experienced mentor—someone who has successfully navigated the path before you. This process is crucial for:

• Skill Acceleration: Receiving targeted feedback helps you rapidly refine your techniques and embody the competencies effectively.
• Deepening Competency Understanding: You gain profound insights into the nuances of the ICF Core Competencies at the ACC, PCC, or MCC level.
• Building Confidence: Personalized support empowers you to identify strengths and address development areas, boosting your confidence and readiness.
• Demonstrating Proficiency: Mentor coaching directly prepares you to demonstrate the required level of coaching skill during the ICF credentialing assessment process.
• Upholding Standards: It ensures you meet the rigorous ethical and professional standards expected of ICF credential-holders, enhancing the profession's integrity.

Engaging in mentor coaching is a powerful investment in your professional growth, required for initial ACC, PCC (Level 1/Portfolio paths), and MCC applications, as well as for ACC renewal. Partnering with a dedicated mentor transforms this requirement into an opportunity to unlock your full potential and achieve credentialing success with greater ease and confidence.

The ICF mandates a minimum of 10 hours of mentor coaching for several key credentialing milestones. This requirement applies if you are:

• Applying for your initial ACC credential via the Level 1 or Portfolio path.
• Applying for your initial PCC credential via the Level 1 or Portfolio path.
• Applying for your initial MCC credential (Portfolio path).
• Renewing your ACC credential.

Crucially, these 10 hours must be completed over a minimum duration of three months. This extended timeframe allows for meaningful reflection, practice, and integration of the feedback into your coaching style.

The structure of these 10 hours is also specified:

• A minimum of 3 hours must be conducted one-on-one between you and your mentor coach.
• Up to 7 hours can be completed in a group mentor coaching setting. For group hours to count, the group must not exceed 10 participants.

It's also essential to partner with a qualified mentor coach holding the appropriate ICF Credential:

• For ACC applicants/renewals: Your mentor must hold a valid ACC (renewed at least once), PCC, or MCC credential.
• For PCC applicants: Your mentor must hold a valid PCC or MCC credential.
• For MCC applicants: Your mentor must hold a valid MCC credential.

Note: If you completed an ICF Level 2 / ACTP program, the 10 hours of mentor coaching for ACC or PCC are typically integrated into your training. For all other specified paths, you must complete these mentor coaching hours before submitting your credential application. A personalized mentoring program ensures you meet these requirements effectively while maximizing your skill development.

No, mentor coaching hours are entirely separate from the coach-specific training hours required for any ICF credential level (ACC, PCC, or MCC).
These two requirements serve distinct but complementary purposes in your development journey:

• Coach-Specific Training: Builds your foundational knowledge, introduces core coaching concepts, skills (like those outlined in the ICF Core Competencies), and ethical guidelines. This is where you learn the fundamentals of coaching.
• Mentor Coaching: Focuses specifically on the practical application and refinement of your coaching skills in alignment with the ICF Core Competencies for your target credential level. It involves direct feedback on your actual coaching to enhance your performance demonstration.

The ICF intentionally separates these requirements to ensure every credentialed coach benefits from both comprehensive education and targeted, practice-based skill development under expert guidance. View mentor coaching not as overlapping with training, but as the critical next step where you sharpen your skills and prepare to demonstrate coaching excellence according to ICF standards.