The ICF Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS) is a new credential for mentor coaches, announced by the International Coaching Federation in April 2026. Starting January 1, 2027, all new mentor coaching hours for ACC, PCC, and MCC candidates must come from a mentor coach who holds the MCS. Starting April 1, 2027, the Performance Evaluation (recorded coaching session) requirement is eliminated for ACC and PCC Portfolio applicants, replaced by an enhanced mentor coaching model with

If you're working toward your new ICF ACC, or PCC credentialing right now (or you are renewing your ACC), you've probably heard whispers about a new requirement called the MCS.