On May 27, 2026, ICF published the full standards for the new Advanced Accreditation in Mentor Coaching - the first ICF-recognized pathway for programs that train mentor coaches. Applications open mid-June 2026. Here is what the accreditation requires, what it means for coaches choosing training, and where Tandem's program fits.
Announced 2026-04-13. Full standards published 2026-05-27. Applications open mid-June 2026. The Advanced Accreditation in Mentor Coaching (AAMC) is a stand-alone ICF accreditation for education programs that train mentor coaches - separate from Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and CCE.
Programs must cover the ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies (role and scope; distinction between coaching, supervision, and mentor coaching; developmental feedback frameworks; evaluative vs developmental feedback; ethics and boundary management; power dynamics and psychological safety; individual vs group mentor coaching) plus the Core Competency Deep Dive (advanced application of the ICF Core Competencies, developmental progression across credential levels, recognizing competency gaps, ethics integration, cultural humility and inclusion in evaluation) plus observation hours covering recorded review, live observation, calibration, and group debriefs.
All faculty must hold an appropriate ICF credential (ACC with one renewal, PCC, or MCC as required for the level being taught) and must hold the appropriate MCS by the time of the program's first renewal.
CCE-approved programs for mentor coaching remain valid, and individuals can still count CCE program hours toward the MCS. The Advanced Accreditation is a separate, more rigorous standard that signals the program has been reviewed against ICF's mentor coaching competency framework end-to-end.
ICF announced the accreditation on April 13, published the full standards on May 27, and is expected to open applications in mid-June 2026.
Published alongside the MCS launch. ICF confirmed the accreditation is stand-alone, separate from CCE and Level 1/2/3, and designed for mentor coaching education programs.
ICF Coaching Education released the program structure (60+ hours, 80% Core Competency, sync/async split, evaluation tool training via ICF Learning Portal or facilitation guides), required components (5 observed sessions with written feedback on at least 3, 5 mentoring-on-mentoring hours, a final assignment), curriculum coverage, and faculty requirements.
Per ICF's 2026-05-27 announcement, applications will be available in mid-June. Tandem is preparing to apply in the first window.
If you are considering mentor coaching education - whether to pursue the MCS, to strengthen your mentor coaching practice, or to meet credential renewal requirements - the Advanced Accreditation introduces a new way to evaluate programs.
Programs with this accreditation have been reviewed against ICF's mentor coaching competency framework. When it becomes available, look for it as one quality indicator alongside instructor credentials, program structure, and peer outcomes.
Completing a program with the Advanced Accreditation creates a direct pathway to the MCS. Your education hours will be aligned with ICF requirements by design, rather than needing to be evaluated case by case.
The accreditation is voluntary. Existing CCE-approved programs remain valid for MCS hours. Providers can choose to pursue the Advanced Accreditation for additional differentiation and to offer learners a more streamlined pathway.
ICF has not yet published the specific requirements, fees, or application process for the Advanced Accreditation. We are monitoring this closely and will share updates as they become available.
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No. ICF has confirmed the Advanced Accreditation is voluntary and is not required to maintain current accreditation status. CCE-approved programs for mentor coaching will continue to be reviewed, and learners can still count those hours toward the MCS.
No. They are separate but related. The MCS is a specialization for individual coaches who provide mentor coaching. The Advanced Accreditation is for education programs that train people to become mentor coaches. A program with the Advanced Accreditation creates a direct pathway for its learners to pursue the MCS.
ICF Coaching Education announced on May 27, 2026 that applications will be available in mid-June 2026. Sign up above and we will notify you when ICF opens the portal.
Per the published standards: 60+ student contact hours; 80% Mentor Coaching-Specific Education (at least 48 hours of Core Competency); up to 20% Resource Development; a 50% sync floor; Evaluation Tool Training delivered from ICF's facilitation guides or completed via the ICF Learning Portal; 5 observed mentor coaching sessions with written feedback on at least 3; 5 hours of mentoring-on-mentoring or supervision-on-mentoring; and a final assignment (portfolio, faculty panel, or capstone) demonstrating readiness to mentor coach. Faculty must hold ACC with one renewal, PCC, or MCC, and must hold the appropriate MCS by the first renewal.
Yes. Tandem's Mentor Coach Training is a 70-hour live cohort program built to the published Advanced Accreditation standard - 12 weeks, 9 students, 5 observed mentor coaching sessions, capstone, ICF Facilitator Guide-led evaluation training, two MCC instructors plus assist. We are preparing to apply in the first application window after ICF opens the portal in mid-June.
70 hours across 12 weeks. 9 students per cohort. 5 observed mentor coaching sessions per participant with written feedback. ICF Facilitator Guide-led ACC BARS and PCC Markers training. A capstone in two parts - portfolio and live readiness review - that demonstrates readiness to mentor ACC and PCC candidates. Led by two MCC mentor coaches plus assist. We are preparing the AAMC application for the first window after ICF opens the portal in mid-June 2026.
