What Qualifies as Mentor Coaching Education Hours

Mentor coaching requires a specific set of skills to support growth, reflection, and transformation in others. Education for mentor coaches should intentionally support the development of those skills.

Whether you are pursuing the Mentor Coach Specialization (MCS) or evaluating mentor coaching education activities, this guide provides practical direction for identifying experiences that align with the ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies and ICF standards.

The main thing to consider is whether the activity was intentionally designed or used as mentor coaching education with a clear connection to the ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies.

Activities may qualify as mentor coaching education when they:

• Clearly align with the ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies.
• Include a genuine learning or educational component.
• Are part of a structured program, exercise, or developmental process.
• Support the development of a person’s capacity as a mentor coach.

Inside this guide, you will find examples and guidance related to ICF-accredited and non-ICF-accredited mentor coaching education, collective mentor coaching evaluation within organizations, and the delivery of mentor coaching education.

No matter which type of education you complete, documentation is required for ICF review. This may include a certificate of completion, letter of attestation, or other supporting materials. If additional clarification is needed during the review process, ICF staff will contact you directly.

Note: This document is intended to provide general guidance on what may qualify as mentor coaching education hours. Final determinations are based on clear alignment with the ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies and the presence of a structured educational component.