The biggest changes in decades are coming to mentor coaching. Today’s show walks you through the research behind the new Mentor Coaching Competencies, explains the brand-new Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS) credential, and lays out exactly what mentors and mentees need to do before the January 1, 2027 deadline. We also discuss the bigger shift coming in April 2027, when the portfolio path performance evaluation is retired in favor of documented mentor coaching. If you’re feeling “change anxiety” about these new guidelines, join us for today’s conversation!

Carrie Abner is the VP of ICF Credentials and Standards and a Certified Association Executive (CAE) who has advanced professional associations at the local, state, national, and international levels. With a passion for bringing together diverse communities of practitioners through common purpose and voice, Carrie has more than two decades of experience in communications, domestic and foreign policy, and nonprofit management in her roles at the International Coaching Federation, The Council of State Governments, and the International Council for Voluntary Action.

Show Highlights:

• Maintaining the highest standards requires constant growth and change.
• Mentor coaching: What is it, and why is it important at every level?
• Mentor coaching is a requirement at the ACC level.
• Highlights of the upcoming changes–and the research data behind them
• What the new guidelines mean for mentor coaches and mentees in 2026 and 2027
• Understanding the new Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS) credential– and the two paths to achieve it
• Finding the courses you need (See Resources below for specific links.)
• Requirements for experienced mentor coaches
• Benefits of the new requirements: reduced application fees, faster review times, and the ability to match language/accessibility needs
• Key takeaways from Carrie
• An ideal breakdown of 10 hours of mentor coaching for mentors and mentees

Resources:

Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS) Application

Mentor Coaching Handbook

Introduction to Mentor Coach Specialization MCS

What Qualifies as Mentor Coaching Hours?

MCS Standard Sample Application

MCS Credit for Prior Learning Sample Application

Connect with Meg:

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Explore past episodes and other resources at www.STaRcoachshow.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Mentor Program

If you're working toward your ACC or PCC credential, or if it's time to recertify your ACC mentor, coaching isn't just a requirement on a checklist. It's one of the most transformative investments you can make in yourself and your coaching. I've taught or mentored over 2000 coaches, and I hear the same thing again and again. I came because I had to, and I am so glad that I did. Coaches tell me they walk away with renewed energy, deeper confidence and a community of peers who genuinely support each other. Here's what you need to know right now. Mentor coaching must span a minimum of three months, so the time to start is not when your credential is just about to expire. And if you complete your hours in 2026, you get ahead of the upcoming ICF changes, which means peace of mind along with skill development. My fall cohort is already filling up. Every group is capped at ten. It's small, personal, and powerful. If you've been waiting for the right time, this is it. So head over to Star Coach Show. That’s https://starcoachshow.com/mentor/ to grab your spot or to learn more. I'd love to work with you. Now, let's get into today's show.