Coach to Mentor Coach — An Unlikely Evolution For Me

I have been coaching for the past 8 years, and my coach career has evolved in a number of ways. Reflecting this past week, I noticed that the most surprising and significant shift has been the expansion of my scope of service, from Coach to Mentor Coach. That reflection is what prompted this post. My hope is to encourage other coach practitioners to consider expanding their own scope of work beyond Coach and into Mentor Coaching. You will not be disappointed.

In the paragraphs that follow, I will introduce Mentor Coaching by sharing how the ICF defines it, walk through the Mentor Coach Core Competencies, and introduce the ICF's newly launched Advanced Accreditation in Mentor Coaching.

What is mentor coaching?

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines Mentor Coaching as "a collaborative process where coaches receive feedback based on observed sessions to refine their skills and style in alignment with ICF Core Competencies." The ICF requires ten hours of it, across a minimum of three months, before a coach can be credentialed. I define mentorship as experience-based guidance, and in a way, that is exactly the role of the Mentor Coach: someone who provides experience-based guidance to another coach.

Start with the words "a collaborative process." In my interpretation, a collaborative process includes co-creating the focus and goal of the session with the mentee, who in this case is a coach. A session where only the Mentor Coach declares the focus and goal is incomplete, and inconsistent with what the ICF expects of a Mentor Coach.

Now look at the phrase "to refine their skills and style in alignment with ICF Core Competencies." To me, this means the Mentor Coach does not bring opinion into the moment with the mentee. The Mentor Coach provides objective feedback anchored in the ICF minimum skills, either ACC, PCC, or MCC depending on the mentee's credential, which map to the ICF Core Competencies. A well executed Mentor Coaching session develops skill and style so the coach grows in strength and confidence against those competencies.

What are the ICF Mentor Coach Core Competencies?

The ICF publishes six Mentor Coach Core Competencies, distinct from the eight Coach Core Competencies that govern all coaching. The mentor coach set of competencies covers ethics, agreements, process management, formative appraisal, skill development, and group work. Both are worth reading side by side, since mentor coaching is measured against the first and teaches toward the second. I encourage you to explore them and see whether they resonate with how you would approach Mentor Coaching.

ICF Core Competencies

Demonstrates Ethical Practice

2. Embodies a Coaching Mindset

3. Establishes and Maintains Agreements

4. Cultivates Trust and Safety

5. Maintains Presence

6. Listens Actively

7. Evokes Awareness

8. Facilitates Client Growth

ICF Mentor Coach Core Competencies

1. Models and Promotes Ethical Practice

2. Establishes and Maintains Mentor Coaching Agreements

3. Manages the Mentor Coaching Process

4. Conducts Formative Appraisals

5. Facilitates Skill Development

6. Manages Group Mentor Coaching

Who needs an MCS, and by when?

Beginning January 1, 2027, every ICF credential candidate must complete their mentor coaching hours with a mentor coach who holds the Mentor Coach Specialization at the level the candidate is pursuing. If you intend to offer mentor coaching to credential candidates, you will need it.

That date is closer than it looks. A year sounds like plenty until you account for choosing a program, completing the education, and submitting the application.

Where to start

If you are weighing this, here is the order I would take it in.

1. Read the Mentor Coach Core Competencies and ask honestly whether this is work you want to do. Mentoring coaches is a different craft from coaching clients.

2. Check your own credential standing. You will need an active PCC or MCC, or a renewed ACC in good standing, to apply.

3. Decide where you will train, and do it before the 2027 cohorts fill.

Train with us

Vanguard XXI is one of only 30 organizations worldwide holding ICF's Advanced Accreditation in Mentor Coaching, and one of only 12 that deliver it in person. Our Mentor Coach Training cohorts are being finalized for January and February 2027, and seats are limited.

If you want to serve as a Mentor Coach, join the interest list for Mentor Coach Training and we will reach out as soon as dates are confirmed.

If you are the one who still needs mentor coaching hours, we offer both one to one and group Mentor Coaching with MCS credentialed coaches on staff. I would be glad to walk that road with you.

About the author

Court Whitman is an ICF PCC credentialed coach with Vanguard XXI, where he serves as an Executive Coach, Facilitator, and Director of Mentor Coaching. He has supported over 700 clients and delivered more than 3,800 hours of coaching. His mentor coaching experience includes more than 30 clients in both group and one to one settings, all of them enrolled in ICF Level 1 coach credentialing programs where mentor coaching is a prerequisite to completion.