ICF requires evaluation instrument training for every MCS level. Most providers hand you a manual. We built video courses with worked examples, practice exercises, and downloadable tools - taught by a Master Certified Coach who scores real sessions with BARS and Markers.
ICF offers evaluation training as self-study reference materials. Tandem built video courses with instruction, worked examples, and practice - because you learn to score coaching sessions by watching someone score coaching sessions.
32 video lessons walk you through every BARS statement and Marker with worked scoring examples.
Analyze real coaching recordings and compare your scores against the instructor's evaluation.
Auto-scored quizzes and written assignments contribute to your completion certificate.
Downloadable scoring rubrics, evaluation forms, and reference guides for each instrument.
| ICF self-study | Tandem courses | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | PDF reference materials | Video lessons with narrated walkthroughs |
| Scoring examples | Written examples in documentation | Real coaching recordings you analyze and score |
| Verification | Self-attestation | Quizzes + written assignments + certificate |
| Tools | Reference documents only | Downloadable rubrics, evaluation forms, frameworks |
| Lifetime access | Static PDF | All videos and materials, revisit anytime |
Every MCS path requires evaluation instrument training. These courses satisfy that requirement regardless of which path you take or which credential level you hold.
You completed your 10 hours of mentor coaching competencies education and need the evaluation instrument training as a separate, additional requirement. This is the fastest path to completing your MCS application.
Most commonYou are working through the 41-hour Standard Path program and want to complete your evaluation training early. Getting BARS and Markers knowledge now makes your live practicum sessions more productive.
You already mentor coach but have never had formal BARS or Markers training. These courses give you structured instrument knowledge and a certificate you can reference when the MCS becomes mandatory in January 2027.
Each MCS level requires specific evaluation training. ACC and MCC use BARS (Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales). PCC uses Markers. Pick the course that matches the credential level you want to mentor at - or get all three.
Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales for ACC-level coaching evaluation.
PCC-level coaching markers across all 8 ICF Core Competencies.
Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales for MCC-level coaching evaluation, including the artistry threshold.
All three courses in one enrollment. ACC BARS + PCC Markers + MCC BARS - everything you need to evaluate coaching at every ICF credential level.
One enrollment, all three instruments, lifetime access.
Cherie doesn't just teach these instruments - she uses them in real evaluations. Every lesson draws on her direct experience scoring sessions, calibrating with ICF assessors, and helping coaches understand what the BARS and Markers are actually looking for.
Master Certified Coach since 2017. Cherie has personally mentored more than 200 ICF credential candidates across ACC, PCC, and MCC levels and is co-author of Enterprise Agile Coaching (2021). She serves as Program Director and ICF Director of Education for Tandem Coaching Academy.
It depends on the credential level you want to mentor at:
If you are pursuing MCS at multiple levels simultaneously - for example, MCS-ACC and MCS-PCC - you need the evaluation training for each level.
Only if you want MCS at all three credential levels. Most coaches pursue MCS at the level matching their current ICF credential. If you hold a PCC and want to qualify as a PCC-level mentor coach, you need only the PCC Markers course.
The Complete Bundle ($149) is designed for coaches who want comprehensive instrument knowledge across all levels - either because they plan to mentor at multiple levels or because they want the fullest understanding of how ICF evaluates coaching.
ICF offers evaluation training as self-study reference materials - PDFs with instrument descriptions and written examples. These are valuable reference documents.
Tandem's courses are instructor-led video programs. You watch two MCC-level coaches walk through each BARS statement and PCC Marker, analyze real coaching recordings, complete scored assessments, and download working tools. The difference is the same as reading a textbook versus taking a class.
No. Evaluation instrument training is a separate MCS requirement. The 10 hours of mentor coaching competencies education (such as our Mentor Coaching Foundations program) and the evaluation training are distinct requirements that must both be satisfied.
For Credit for Prior Learning candidates: you complete your 10 hours of MC education and the BARS or Markers course for each level you seek. They do not overlap.
ICF requires evaluation training as part of the MCS, but does not accredit individual BARS or Markers courses. What ICF requires is that you complete training on the evaluation instrument for your credential level - through ICF directly or through an equivalent course.
Tandem's courses are designed as ICF-equivalent evaluation instrument training. Each course issues a completion certificate documenting your training, which you include with your MCS application.
Lifetime access. All video lessons, downloadable tools, and course materials remain available to you indefinitely. Revisit any lesson whenever you need to refresh your understanding of an instrument.
All courses are hosted on the Tandem Coaching Academy at community.tandemcoaching.academy. You receive access credentials immediately after purchase and can start right away.
Yes. If the course isn't what you expected, email hello@tandemcoach.co within 14 days of purchase for a full refund. Refunds are not available after your completion certificate has been issued.
Choose the instrument for your credential level, or get all three and save.
Also from Tandem: Mentor Coaching Foundations - the 10-hour MCS competencies program for the Credit for Prior Learning path ($299).
For coaches comparing options, sharing with a sponsor, or saving for the next credential cycle: the full Evaluation Training brochure. Course design, pricing, what's inside each level, and why "watch a video" beats "read a manual" for ICF instrument calibration.
Opens on this site - your copy lands in your inbox so you can share it later.
