Group mentor coaching is a great option for coaches who are renewing or applying for an ICF credential, and for those who want to learn the new ICF Competency model.
If that sounds like you, I’ve got great news! Registration for 2022 Group Mentor Coaching programs that I run is officially open! These programs will be of interest to you if you are a coach who:
- will be renewing an ICF ACC credential for the first time this year
- are PCC credential holders planning to apply for an MCC credential
- are ACC or PCC candidates applying through the ICF Portfolio Path
- want to learn the new ICF Coach Competency Model and earn CCE units
If you are not sure if you need mentor coaching, my earlier blog post, You Need a Mentor Coach will help. Registration for Group Mentor Coaching just may be your next step.
In the meantime, here are some tips on where to begin when planning to apply for, or renew an ICF credential:
Start an ICF Credential Application
You can complete the application in several sittings, so you can add information as you have it ready. Log in and look around to get familiar with how it operates. To determine if you are eligible complete the ICF Credential Path Survey.
Calendar your critical deadlines
Working backward from your renewal deadline, or the date you plan to apply, block time on your schedule for completing any mentoring or training that you still need. Gather the necessary documentation. Track your coaching hours and complete a draft application.
Start working with a mentor coach
If you require mentor coaching for your renewal or application and have not yet started, this is critical. Many coaches do not realize that mentor coaching must take place over at least three months. I wrote about this in The ICF Three Month Rule for Mentor Coaching. Unfortunately, they leave it much too late. Get signed up for a program now to avoid lapsed credentials. Since registration for 2022 group mentor coaching programs is now open, you can plan ahead and sign up now for ACC and PCC Group Mentor Coaching, or MCC Prep Group Mentor Coaching.
Research training options
If you are renewing and you have not yet accumulated 40 hours of continuing coach education, you will need to get moving on this now. Of the 40 hours, 24 hours must be focused on the ICF Core Competencies and Ethics. The remaining 16 hours can be comprised of resource development. Mentor coaching provides 10 CCE units, many coaches in my 2021 group mentor coaching programs were participating to acquire CCE units.
Locate and file CCEU certificates and letters of completion
You can upload the CCE documents as you get them so you can keep an up-to-date record of your training right in the application on the system. If you don’t have the documents, contact your training provider. This step will also help you cross-check to be sure that you have all of the hours that you need.
Complete the ICF CCE Ethics course
This is a requirement for ICF credential application and renewal. You will earn 3 CCE’s and gain some fresh insights into situations that may cross ethical boundaries in coaching. A new Code of Ethics was effective on January 1, 2020. Find the Ethics Training course here.
Systemize your tracking process
I’m a bit of a checklist and tracking form fanatic. I created the Easy Tracking Form for Coaches for my own use when I applied for my first credential, and I still use it today. I want to be able to capture the necessary information in real-time and have it on hand when I need it.
If you’d like to chat with me about whether my Group Mentor Coaching approach is right for you, book a Group Mentor Coaching Inquiry.
Thanks for reading this post! I hope you will share it with your coaching colleagues. Here’s a special gift for reading all the way to the bottom of the page 🙂 17 Must-Have Coaching Forms and Templates.

Author: Cathy Shaughnessy
Cathy Shaughnessy is an ICF Assessor and PRISM award-winning ICF Master Certified Coach. Cathy mentors credentialed coaches and she creates tools and programs to assist coaches to successfully earn their ICF Credentials. Get more information on Cathy’s group mentor coaching programs here. Check out the latest resource for coaches, How to Learn the ICF Competencies – 32 Fun Activities to Get You Started.
Click the image below to download the Free Easy Tracking Form for Coaches and get tools and resources from Cathy!

Cathy Shaughnessy is an ICF Assessor and PRISM award-winning ICF Master Certified Coach. Cathy mentors credentialed coaches and she creates tools and programs to assist coaches to successfully earn their ICF Credentials. Get more information on Cathy’s group mentor coaching programs here. Check out the latest resource for coaches, How to Learn the ICF Competencies – 32 Fun Activities to Get You Started.
Click the image below to download the Free Easy Tracking Form for Coaches and get tools and resources from Cathy!