MCC Competency Changes 2026: Old vs New Comparison
ICF updated the MCC (Master Certified Coach) minimum skill requirements in late 2025, and these changes are fully in effect as of 2026. As the profession's highest credential, these changes reshape how mastery standards are defined.
In this guide, you'll find the differences between the old (2021) and new (2026) versions, their impact on assessment, and practical tips for MCC candidates.
The Fundamental Shift: From Philosophy to Behavior
The 2026 revision has standardized MCC criteria by eliminating ambiguity rather than raising the bar in terms of "difficulty."
Structural Changes
| Old Version (2021) | New Version (2026) |
|---|---|
| Narrative, philosophical language | Behavior-focused, bulleted format |
| "Minimum standard" descriptions | "Compliant/Non-Compliant Behaviors" lists |
| Gray areas present | Clear "Do/Don't" rules |
Result: The margin for error (gray area) has shrunk. This is an advantage for prepared coaches and a risk for those clinging to old habits.
Changes by Competency
Competency 1: Demonstrates Ethical Practice
Similarity: In both documents, ethical compliance is a "pass/fail" criterion.
What changed? The new document explicitly lists under "Non-Compliant Behaviors" that the coach:
- Giving advice
- Focusing on the past/emotional past (therapy mode)
- Telling the client what to do
...is prohibited.
Warning for Coaches: If there's even one moment in your recording where you give advice or direct the client, under the new criteria this will be a more visible violation.
Competency 3: Establishes and Maintains Agreements
Old approach: Focuses on the concept of "full partnership" and deep exploration of success criteria.
New approach: Collaboration is emphasized. The coach:
- Moves in the direction of the client's desired outcome
- Notices and clarifies "potential shifts that emerge"
- Uses the client's own words
New Non-Compliant Behavior: The coach's responses being "generic" and not reflecting the client's words is explicitly defined as a negative.
Assessment Impact: MINOR-MODERATE
Competency 4: Cultivates Trust and Safety
Old approach: Coach being willing to be "vulnerable" and seeing the client as an "equal partner."
New emphasis: "Acknowledging/Appreciating"
The coach is expected to recognize the client's insights, emotions, and strengths at any point during the session.
New Non-Compliant Behavior: The coach "remaining unresponsive" when the client shares information is explicitly listed as non-compliant.
Recommendation for Coaches: Simply creating a safe space isn't enough; you must actively verbally appreciate the client's identity and efforts. Unresponsive listening (in the name of staying neutral) can be interpreted as lack of trust.
Competency 5: Maintains Presence
Old approach: Being comfortable with "not knowing" and using silence.
New expectation: Instead of using a "pre-defined approach," the coach must work with what emerges in the moment.
Critical Distinction: The coach working only with the "situation" (problem) rather than with the client "as a person" is contrary to MCC standards.
New Non-Compliant Behavior: Interrupting is a clear violation.
Assessment Impact: MODERATE — The distinction between "Person-focused" (Who) vs "Problem-focused" (What) has sharpened.
Competency 6: Listens Actively
Old approach: Logical and emotional listening, cumulative listening across sessions.
New detail: Noticing the client's "nuances in language, emotion, energy, or behavior."
Critical Distinction: If the coach's listening ignores what the client shares "about themselves" and focuses only on "solving the situation"—this is non-compliant behavior.
Recommendation for Coaches: Simply repeating the client's words (like a parrot) isn't enough; you must give responses that show you understand the energy and emotion beneath those words.
Competency 7: Evokes Awareness
Old approach: Questions that expand the client's thinking, use of metaphor.
New technical specification: Questions must be:
- "Short and concise"
- Asked "one at a time"
New Non-Compliant Behaviors:
- Coach's speaking style being complex
- Pushing/leading the client toward a solution
Assessment Impact: MAJOR (Technical)
For coaches with a habit of stacking questions or asking questions with long introductions, this document is a "red card."
Competency 8: Facilitates Client Growth
Old approach: Action plan, accountability, analysis of obstacles.
New focus: Shift from "Action Plan" to "Integration of Learning."
The coach should invite the client to reflect on "what they learned about themselves."
New Non-Compliant Behaviors:
- Coach suggesting or providing specific actions for the client
- Coach unilaterally choosing the timing or method of session closure
Recommendation for Coaches: At the end of the session, asking not just "What will you do?" but "What did this session teach you about yourself?" and closing together with the client has become critical.
Summary Comparison Table
| Feature | Old (2021) | New (2025) | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Narrative | Bulleted | Major |
| Clarity | "What to do" | "Do" AND "Don't" | Major |
| Question Style | Powerful questions | Short, concise, one at a time | Moderate |
| Partnership | Full partnership | Collaboration + autonomy | Minor |
| Focus | Client + Problem | Whole Person | Moderate |
Comprehensive Recommendations for MCC Candidates
1. Turn the "Non-Compliant Behaviors" List Into a Checklist
The new document's greatest gift: the "Non-Compliant Behaviors" list. Take it and check "Did I do any of these?" when reviewing your session recordings.
2. Practice Brevity and Simplicity
The new text positions questions being "short, concise, and one at a time" not as a preference but as a standard. Avoid questions with long introductions.
3. Develop Your Appreciation/Acknowledgment Muscle
Just listening isn't enough for building trust; increase the number of moments where you verbally appreciate the client's identity and efforts.
4. Change Your Closing Routine
Don't summarize and close the session yourself as the coach:
- "What are you taking away from here?"
- "What do you need to complete the session?"
...give control of the closing to the client with questions like these.
5. Internalize the "Person" vs "Situation" Difference
At MCC level, who the client is is at least as important as their situation. Focusing only on solving the problem is no longer sufficient.
Conclusion
The 2026 revision has brought transparency to MCC standards by eliminating ambiguity.
The coaching philosophy hasn't changed—but assessment criteria are now much clearer. The "Non-Compliant Behaviors" list eliminates gray areas.
This is an advantage for prepared coaches; for those clinging to old habits (consulting-like approaches, long questions), it's a significant risk.
Related Resources
- MCC Minimum Skill Requirements Guide
- ACC Minimum Skill Requirements - Entry level
- PCC Minimum Skill Requirements - Professional level
- ACC Competency Changes 2026 - ACC changes
This analysis is based on official ICF documents. For current information, visit coachingfederation.org.