01
Prepare for the MCS framework
Understand the purpose, structure and expectations of the ICF Mentor Coach Specialization and how the Credit for Prior Learning Path recognizes substantial prior experience.
Credit for Prior Learning Path • European Cohort • Live Online
A focused 10-hour education program for experienced mentor coaches preparing to apply for the ICF Mentor Coach Specialization through the Credit for Prior Learning Path, at ACC, PCC and MCC levels.
The pathway
The ICF Mentor Coach Specialization creates a globally recognized benchmark for mentor coaching preparation and practice. For experienced practitioners, the Credit for Prior Learning Path combines proven experience with focused education aligned with the ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies.
Understand the purpose, structure and expectations of the ICF Mentor Coach Specialization and how the Credit for Prior Learning Path recognizes substantial prior experience.
Translate what you already do into the six ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies, from ethical practice and agreements to formative appraisal, skill development and group mentor coaching.
Refine how you observe live or recorded coaching, identify evidence at ACC, PCC and MCC levels, and offer clear, non-judgmental developmental feedback.
Complete 10 hours of mentor coaching education aligned with the ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies, one of the requirements for the Credit for Prior Learning Path.
Philosophy
We approach the ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies as a practical framework for ethical, relational and evidence-informed work. Observation and evaluation matter, but they always serve learning, confidence and sustainable skill development.
You will connect your existing experience to a clearer professional framework and leave better equipped to establish agreements, manage the learning process, conduct formative appraisals and facilitate meaningful development at ACC, PCC and MCC levels.
You will not leave with a script. You will leave with a richer relationship to your own coaching — and the confidence and skill to hold that space for others.
"The purpose is not to create copies of the mentor coach. It is to help each coach develop competence in a way that remains genuinely their own."
The right fit
This program is specifically designed for experienced mentor coach practitioners who intend to apply through the ICF Credit for Prior Learning Path.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the program, you will have connected your prior experience to the full ICF Mentor Coaching Competency Model and completed 10 hours of aligned education.
Apply the ICF Code of Ethics, clarify the distinctions between coaching, mentor coaching, supervision and assessment, and manage recordings and sensitive data responsibly.
Establish transparent agreements for the engagement and each session, including goals, responsibilities, confidentiality and the desired ACC, PCC or MCC standard.
Co-create an inclusive learning environment, tailor development plans and make room for reflection, practice and integration between sessions.
Observe coaching evidence and discuss strengths, growth opportunities and developmental trends in relation to ACC, PCC and MCC performance expectations.
Offer specific, non-judgmental observations and guidance while helping each coach integrate new learning with their own values and unique coaching style.
Create collaborative group learning, facilitate practice and demonstration, manage group dynamics and invite meaningful participation from every member.
Program structure
The five live online sessions translate the six ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies into practical mentor coaching work for ACC, PCC and MCC specialization levels.
Session 1 • 2 hours
This session introduces the foundations of mentor coaching and the new ICF Mentor Coach Specialization. It explores what mentor coaching is, how it differs from professional coaching, training, assessment, coaching supervision and observed coaching, and why clear role boundaries matter.
Session 1 also covers the MCS levels, application pathways, transition timeline and practical ICF requirements, including the ten hours of mentor coaching, observed coaching sessions and required documentation. Attention is given to the impact of these changes on the structure, delivery and business model of existing coach education programs.
Session 2 • 2 hours
This session explores the six ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies, organized into four domains: Foundation, Process Management, Client Development and Group Mentor Coaching.
Session 2 examines how ethical practice, clear agreements, developmental planning, formative appraisal, feedback and group facilitation work together throughout a mentor coaching engagement. The focus lies on translating the framework into current practice, identifying what is already in place, what needs to change and how to create a consistent, developmental mentor coaching process across a training program.
Session 3 • 2 hours
Session 3 explores the ICF learning principles that support effective mentor coaching, including experiential learning, reflection, feedback and opportunities to practice new coaching behaviors. It examines how Formative Evaluation is grounded in observed coaching, aligned with the ICF Core Competencies and adapted to the skills required at the relevant credential level.
The session also covers the characteristics of high-quality feedback: respectful, neutral, evidence-based, behavior-focused and actionable. Attention is given to adapting feedback to the coach's skill level, readiness for learning, sensitivity and individual coaching style, as well as to segmented and holistic observation. The use of the ICF Session Observation Form and Competency Review Form is integrated into the structure of a complete mentor coaching engagement, from agreement and intake through individual or group sessions to the final review.
Session 4 • 2 hours
Session 4 explores how conscious and unconscious bias can influence the observation, interpretation and evaluation of coaching skills. It examines common forms of bias, including similarity, leniency, stringency, confirmation, first-impression, cultural style, language, pacing and expressiveness bias.
The session also focuses on the evaluator's professional responsibility to distinguish personal preference from observable ICF competence. Attention is given to self-awareness, emotional triggers, cultural and linguistic differences, evidence-based judgment and consistent use of the relevant ICF criteria. A practical comparison of one passing and one non-passing coaching conversation, supported by the Bias Awareness Checklist, helps identify evaluation patterns and define concrete actions for fairer and more consistent formative evaluation.
Session 5 • 2 hours
Session 5 examines how the ACC, PCC and MCC Minimum Skills Requirements are used to review coaching at the relevant credential level. It clarifies what the MSR provide, how they work alongside the ICF Core Competencies and why they should be applied to observable evidence within the context of the whole coaching conversation rather than as a mechanical checklist. The session also compares how the evaluation lens changes across ACC, PCC and MCC and provides an opportunity to review the same coaching extract from different credential-level perspectives.
The session introduces the ICF Session Observation Forms and Competency Review Forms, showing how evidence from individual coaching sessions contributes to a cumulative review of coaching development and proficiency. Attention is also given to the closing review session, the mindset required for fair and evidence-based evaluation, and the documentation needed to proceed with an ICF Mentor Coach Specialization application.
The learning experience
This is focused professional education for experienced practitioners. Short teaching segments are combined with reflection, discussion, observation and practical application.
Five live two-hour sessions via Zoom, scheduled for a European audience. Sessions combine concise input with reflection, discussion and practical exercises.
Work directly with the six ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies and apply them to realistic mentor coaching situations across ACC, PCC and MCC levels.
A small European cohort creates room for questions, comparison of practice across contexts and meaningful professional dialogue.
Structured reflection helps you examine your existing approach, identify strengths and blind spots, and connect experience with the ICF framework.
Receive practical frameworks and reference materials that support agreements, formative appraisal, developmental feedback and application preparation.
Learn with experienced mentor coaches from different European countries and professional contexts, broadening your view of effective mentor coaching practice.
Meet your trainer
Tom Hallez is an ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC), holds the ICF Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS) at ACC, PCC and MCC levels, and is an experienced mentor coach within YourCoach's ICF-accredited Level 1 and Level 2 Coach Education Programs.
He leads the mentor coaching program, assesses coaching recordings and facilitates YourCoach's peer reflection sessions every two months. His approach combines high professional standards with warmth, curiosity and respect for each coach's unique style and learning journey.
With more than 20 years of experience in coaching, leadership development and coach education, Tom supports experienced coaches in seeing their work more clearly, developing their competencies and translating honest feedback into meaningful growth.
Why us
YourCoach has developed coaches and coach educators for more than 15 years. This program brings that experience into a focused European preparation route for experienced mentor coach practitioners.
YourCoach delivers ICF-accredited Level 1 and Level 2 coach education and works continuously with mentor coaching, observed coaching and credential-level assessment.
The program connects the official competency model to the real decisions mentor coaches make when contracting, observing, evaluating, giving feedback and supporting development.
A small cohort allows experienced practitioners to compare approaches, test assumptions and work with nuanced questions across ACC, PCC and MCC levels.
YourCoach is based in Ghent, which we proudly call one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. The program is developed from a distinctly European perspective, with dates and evening hours designed for participants across Europe. All sessions are delivered live online in English.
Tom Hallez brings more than 20 years of coaching and coach education experience, together with direct responsibility for mentor coaching and recording assessment within accredited programs.
Participants who meet the attendance requirements receive a certificate confirming 10 hours of mentor coaching education aligned with the ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies.
Feedback from previous YourCoach learning programs
"Practical, insightful and always tailored to the questions that matter. An open, safe environment where real learning happens."
"An interactive, supportive and enjoyable learning experience that really helped me sharpen my coaching skills."
"Practical, to the point and immediately applicable. It gave me fresh perspectives on the challenges I face in my coaching."
Questions
Still have a question? Write to us via the registration form and we will get back to you within two working days.
It is designed for experienced mentor coach practitioners preparing to apply through the Credit for Prior Learning Path. Participants should already have substantial mentor coaching experience and must meet the credential requirements for the MCS level they intend to pursue.
Yes. Participants receive a certificate confirming 10 Continuing Coach Education (CCE) hours in Mentor Coaching Education. These hours are aligned with the ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies and satisfy the education requirement for the ICF Mentor Coach Specialization Credit for Prior Learning Path.
The Mentor Coach Preparation Program covers mentor coaching, observation and evaluation at ACC, PCC and MCC levels.
No. This program covers the 10-hour education requirement for the Credit for Prior Learning Path. You must also meet the credential and experience requirements, complete the applicable ACC BARS, PCC Markers and/or MCC BARS evaluation training, and submit a successful ICF application.
Yes. Before enrollment, participants can discuss their background, mentor coaching experience and intended MCS level with YourCoach. This conversation helps determine whether the program is a suitable educational fit, but does not constitute confirmation of eligibility by ICF.
Yes. Attendance at all five live online sessions is required to receive the certificate of completion and documentation for 10 CCE hours. In exceptional circumstances, YourCoach may approve an alternative completion activity, but this is not guaranteed.
The next cohort meets on 5, 8, 12, 15 and 19 October 2026, from 19:00 to 21:00 Brussels time (CEST, UTC+2).
Practical details
5, 8, 12, 15 and 19 October 2026. Each session runs from 19:00 to 21:00 Brussels time (CEST, UTC+2).
Five live online sessions via Zoom, delivered in English for an international European cohort.
€595 excluding VAT. The applicable VAT treatment depends on the participant's country and business status. The total amount payable will be confirmed before enrollment. The fee includes all five live online sessions, learning materials and the certificate of completion.
English. The timing is designed to accommodate participants from across European time zones.
Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate confirming 10 Continuing Coach Education (CCE) hours in Mentor Coaching Education. These 10 CCE hours satisfy the education requirement for the ICF Mentor Coach Specialization Credit for Prior Learning Path. Completion does not itself confer the MCS, and final approval remains subject to all applicable ICF requirements.
The cohort is limited to a maximum of 18 participants, creating space for interaction, nuanced questions and shared learning among experienced practitioners.
This program is independently offered by YourCoach. The ICF Mentor Coach Specialization is awarded separately by ICF following application and review.
Register your interest
Register your interest in the October 2026 cohort. We will contact you with the final practical information, payment details and enrollment steps.
We will be in touch within two working days with the final practical details and answers to any questions you shared.
