Credit for Prior Learning candidate
You are preparing for the MCS and want real fluency with the evaluation instruments as part of that preparation. Confirm what ICF requires for your application directly with ICF.
Most commonThe BARS and Markers are the instruments ICF uses to evaluate coaching at each credential level. Most coaches only ever see them as a PDF. We built video courses with worked examples, practice exercises, and downloadable tools - taught by a Master Certified Coach who scores real sessions with them.
These are independent professional development courses from Tandem Coaching. They are not ICF-approved and do not satisfy ICF Mentor Coach Specialization requirements. For MCS requirements, consult ICF directly.
An instrument description on a page is not the same as learning to apply it. 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.
| Self-study PDF | 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 |
Whether you are preparing for the ICF Mentor Coach Specialization or simply sharpening how you evaluate coaching, these courses build working fluency with the BARS and Markers. They are professional development, not a substitute for ICF's own requirements.
You are preparing for the MCS and want real fluency with the evaluation instruments as part of that preparation. Confirm what ICF requires for your application directly with ICF.
Most commonYou are working through a longer mentor coaching program and want BARS and Markers fluency early. Knowing the instruments now makes your live practice sessions more productive.
You already mentor coach but have never had structured BARS or Markers training. These courses give you a working command of the instruments ICF uses to evaluate coaching.
ICF uses a different instrument at each credential level. ACC and MCC coaching is evaluated with BARS (Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales); PCC with Markers. Pick the course for the instrument you want to learn - 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 - the evaluation instruments ICF uses across all three credential levels.
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.
Each instrument matches a credential level:
Take the course for each credential level you want to learn the instrument for.
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.
Tandem's courses are independent 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.
They build your skill with the instruments ICF uses to evaluate coaching. They are professional development and are not a replacement for any training ICF requires or offers.
No. These are independent professional development courses. ICF has not reviewed or approved them, and they do not satisfy the evaluation training requirement for the Mentor Coach Specialization.
ICF determines what training meets MCS requirements. Confirm current requirements and approved options directly with ICF before relying on any course for your application.
No. These courses are not ICF-approved, ICF-accredited, or endorsed by the International Coaching Federation, and Tandem Coaching is not affiliated with ICF. ICF has not reviewed or approved them.
Each course issues a Tandem Coaching Academy Certificate of Completion documenting the training you completed. It carries no ICF name, logo, or mark. For the requirements of the Mentor Coach Specialization, consult ICF directly.
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.
Independent professional development in the ICF coaching evaluation instruments. Enrollment is temporarily paused while we review this page.
Also from Tandem: Mentor Coaching Foundations - our 10-hour mentor coaching competencies program ($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.
