Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started as a brand-new life coach, the best training certifications can make a huge difference in the success of your practice. Becoming a certified professional coach helps you stand out from the competition and adds credibility to your service. For long-time coaches, continuing education can help you hone your coaching skills further. To help you choose the best program for your education needs, our experts have compiled this guide of the best certifications for life coaches.
We’ll cover:
- The benefits of being certified
- The best options for your certification needs
- Costs and other key criteria to consideration
What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Certified Life Coach?
Becoming a certified life coach shows clients you’re a professional with quality training. You’ve gone through the extra step of getting extra training to serve them better. Whether you’re a health coach or you specialize in executive coaching, there are programs tailored to your niche that will help you reach your business goals. Because it’s not required, some life coaches skip out on formal education or certification. But studies have shown that 85% of life coaches agree their clients expect them to have some sort of certification. That’s a percentage of clients you don’t want to miss out on!
“Coming into Coach Training EDU and working with the other coaches and trainers and role-playing and listening each session, I really began to understand, yeah, I can do this,” said Nick Sanchez, a CTEDU Executive Coaching Graduate. “I can actually be a coach, and I think we all can, and that was a really beautiful moment to think that all of us could be coaches too.”
Interested in Becoming a Certified Life Coach? Get Started for Free.
Best Life Coaching Training Certification Programs
We’ve rounded up our top programs for a variety of coaching needs. We’ve chosen these programs based on their price, classroom style, accreditations, reviews, training hours, and course offerings. Some programs let you go at your own pace, group sessions, and ones that focus on business development and marketing skills. Read on for the best of each of our six categories, including:
– Best Overall Life Coach Training
– Best Performance Coach Training
– Best Online Training
– Best Health and Wellness Specialties
– Best for Quick Completion
– r/LifeCoach Redditor’s Pick
Best Overall Life Coach Training: Essential Training
Price: Flexible to your needs: The base level is $257/Month or a Flat Rate of $5228. See all flexible pricing options here.
Time to Completion: 6 Months
Class Schedule: A mix of individual study and live-online weekly classes
Class Size: Small Cohort
Certifications:
- CTEDU Coaching Certification
- ICF Certification Level 1 and Level 2
- National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching Certification
Reviews & Graduate Feedback
Our program has a 4.7 star rating on Facebook
Positive Review:
“When I found CTEDU, I found my people. I also found myself.
Coach Training EDU not only cares deeply about helping people become excellent coaches, but also becoming the people they are meant to be. If you are looking for a personalized coach training program that honors your individuality, while helping you master the skills to be a highly effective coach, you’re in the right place!” – Hannah F. via Facebook
Check Out What Our Graduates Have to Say About CTEDU’s Programs
Pros and Cons of Coach Training EDU’s Certified Professional Coaching Program
Pros:
Hardbound textbook and all training materials are included. It also includes a robust catalog of additional courses for niches, advanced training, and certifications. CTEDU uses a learning philosophy based on positive psychology. This prioritizes student mental health and positive learning experiences. A robust alumni network and mentorship opportunities to help your coaching business succeed from the start. CTEDU also offers learning philosophy open to alumni and new students alike. CTEDU offers a Dual Life and Health Coach Accreditation that satisfies both ICF and NBHWC requirements.
Cons:
Courses fill up and you may need to wait a week or two before you can begin your program. CTEDU’s program isn’t the cheapest on the market but is competitive with programs of a similar caliber. No in-person courses offered.
Best Performance Coach Training: iPEC’s Coach Training Program
Price: $13,995
Time to Completion: 7-8 months
Class Schedule: Three 3-day seminars, 3 months apart
Class Size: Varies between online and in-person courses.
Certifications:
- ICF Level 1 & 2
- HR Certification Institute
- SHRM Certified
- Board Certified Coach
Reviews & Graduate Feedback
The program has a 3.4-star rating on TrustPilot
Positive Review
“Excellence training and qualitative and in-depth program for anyone willing to be a qualified and well-versed Coach. The program offers 3 certifications in one including a personalized Leadership assessment review the clients can highly benefit from. Going really to the COR.E and roots of what is preventing the clients to reach his own definition of success, the IPEC enables to have a really intensive understanding of what it is needed to serve and empowers the clients best. I did other coaching certification and can only attest from the excellence of this institution.”
– Sand P. – TrustPilot
Critical Review
“Please exercise caution when considering iPEC Coaching and explore alternative coaching programs that prioritize your growth, offer comprehensive training, and provide ongoing support. Your investment of time, energy, and financial resources deserves an organization that truly values your success.”
– Nancy – TrustPilot
Pros and Cons of iPEC’s Professional Life Coach Certification Program
Pros: This program offers flexible scheduling that could work around a full-time job, niche certifications in sports and performance as well as executive and health coaching, and advance training courses to expand upon your education if you so choose.
Cons: This is one of the more expensive educational programs in coaching and offers limited hands-on experience for it. With three 3-day sessions spread out over 7-8 months, learning may stagnate between courses.
Best Online Training: Lumia Coaching Essential Training
Price: $4,995
Time to Completion: 21 Weeks
Class Schedule: Weekly live online classes with cohort, additional homework in student portal, and monthly seminars from Lumia’s CEO.
Class Size: Small cohort
Certifications:
- International Coach Federation (ICF) Level 1 and Level 2
Reviews & Graduate Feedback
Positive Review
“This program packs a ton of information, skills, and experiences in only 20 sessions. Although it can seem overwhelming, it is manageable. The best part is the teachers and the fellow classmates and the willingness of both to share, to support, and to provide community!”
– Jean K. via Lumia Website
Pros and Cons of Lumia’s Essentials Program
Pros: This ICF Certified program features courses on coaching, marketing yourself, and running your business. The blend of live courses and self-guided homework provides structure and a classroom experience. The 21 week pace of the course provides you with skills to enter the field quickly.
Cons: Additional programs are required to satisfy the requirements of an ICF accreditation. Students have said the pacing of homework can be a bit overwhelming. They don’t offer specialty programs or additional courses for niches.
Best Specialty Program: Institute for Integrative Nutrition
Price: $3,995
Time to Completion: 6-month or 1-year tracks available
Class Schedule: Self-paced online courses and live coaching sessions available.
Class Size: N/A, fully self-paced online program
Certifications:
Reviews & Graduate Feedback
INN has a 4.4 star rating on TrustPilot (needs manual check)
Positive Review:
“This is an amazing program. I wish everyone in the world could take this. I have gone through great personal growth and transformation throughout this course as I implement new things that I have learned into my life. I am so excited to start my own coaching practice and help empower others to live a happier and healthier life.”
– Elissa via TrustPilot
Critical Review:
“IIN is an expensive way to learn a little bit about nutrition theories and perhaps learning how to take better care of yourself. It is not a solid foundation for being a health coach or counseling people. Why would it be ? You watch hours of lectures ( interesting but not like getting a proper degree) and take little quizzes in which the answers are obvious. Don’t waste your money. Their program, in most cases will not in most cases lead to gainful employment.”
-Hilary via TrustPilot
Pros and Cons of INN’s Health Coaching Program
Pros: INN’s flexible program allows for you to learn on your own schedule and satisfies the requirements for a number of personal training and athletic certifications. They offer a variety of programs in the health and wellness field that allows niche specialties to get an education in their field alongside coaching courses.
Cons: While the coursework is interactive, it doesn’t provide the same community or education experience as live courses with a cohort of fellow students. You’ll need additional programs and courses to satisfy ICF or NBHWC requirements.
Best For Quick Completion: Coaching 101 3-Day Course
Price: $1,295
Time to Completion: 3 Days
Class Schedule: 3 consecutive days, either Friday-Sunday or Tuesday-Thursday
Class Size: Up to 25 students per class
Certifications:
- ICF Level 1 (with additional course work)
- Association of Coach Training Organizations (ACTO)
Reviews & Graduate Feedback
This program has a 4.4-star rating on Yelp.
Positive Review
“Just finished the course, and man, it was terrific! I learned more in 3 days (Zoom class) than I ever thought possible!! Brilliant staff, very comprehensive. I cant recommend it more highly.”
– Lynn S. via Yelp
Critical Review
“This course should be advertised as an introductory class. Joan was a knowledgeable instructor but there wasn’t enough time for us to completely master the techniques. Jordan criticized me for participating in the class lectures and discussions. A good teacher would encourage student participation. I am not sorry I took the class but if I didn’t have a background in psychology, I’m not sure I would be confident as a life coach. Joan did her best in the time available and I have only good things to say about her however I do think the course needs one more day to fully equip students with adequate skills.”
– Linda S. via Yelp
Pros and Cons of the Coaching 101 3-Day Program
Pros: This lightning-fast program will get you started in just 3 days. This generalized program is a great way for life coaches who might be practicing already to boost their skills.
Cons: Because of the quick nature of this program, they do not go as in-depth on specific niches as some other programs. They offer a Master Life Coach training that is another 3-day course at additional cost. You will also need to take additional courses to get ICF certified.
r/LifeCoach Redditor’s Pick: Certified Professional Coaching Program
Price: $14,000
Time to Completion: 6 Months
Class Schedule: Live online courses on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with daytime or evening options. Also includes 3 half-day weekend modules.
Class Size: 10-15 Students
Certifications:
- ICF-Accredited Level 1 and Level 2
Reviews & Graduate Feedback
This program has a 5-star rating on Bark (needs manual check)
Positive Review
“Thriving Coach Academy is simply the best way to grow personally and professionally. If you’re looking to become a unique life coach don’t doubt and go for it. The sessions, tools and network are so worth it. Safe place where you are going to meet fantastic professionals and full support. Highly recommend to enjoy the Academy!”
– Maria V. via Bark
Critical Review
“This company is highly manipulative and unethical. They teach holistic practitioners how to hook into people’s fears and pain to be able to over price their programs and services.”
– Karen M. via Better Business Bureau
Pros and Cons of Thriving Coach Academy’s Program
Pros: Founder Frank Macri is known for his podcast and leadership in the coaching space and is hands-on in this program helping students. The program is flexible for those working a full-time job. Provides a well-rounded ICF-certified education. They offer individual niche-based classes you can take. They offer an accelerated path that is completed in 3 months for those who want to work through it faster.
Cons: Expensive program cost with some payment plans, but still a large investment. They don’t arrange cohorts by niche or offer niche-centric programs, although you can take some additional add-on niche classes.
What We Considered In Selecting Our Top Programs
In identifying the top life coach certification programs, we considered many factors and weighed the pros and cons of each. A few of the factors we considered for this expert guidance include:
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Cost of the program
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Time needed to complete the program
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Flexibility of course schedule
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Certifications offered
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Reviews of business
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Additional courses offered
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Specialty trainings offered
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Availability of mentorship opportunities
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Ability to network with other students
Life Coaching FAQs
Here are some common questions people have about life coaching certifications, and life coaching in general.
How Long Does It Take to Complete the Program?
This is an important factor when deciding what program is a good fit for your life and schedule. Many life coaches transition from another career. They might still be working their full-time job while receiving training. For those students, online self-paced courses are a great way to complete your training in the evenings and weekends. For other students, in-person networking or live-online style courses might be a better option. Most accredited coach training programs take between 6-18 months to complete, with a few exceptions that can get you started in just a weekend!
What Variety of Courses Is Offered?
One of the most important factors in success for life coaches is finding your niche. Whether that’s as a health and wellness coach, a personal growth coach, an executive coach, or another niche, you’ll want to find a program that aligns with the specific niche you’re hoping to work within. Look for a program with additional courses beyond the basic programs that help you dial into your specific niche.
Where are the Courses Offered? Online? In-Person?
Life coaching courses come in all shapes and sizes. Looking at your schedule, your personal goals, and your own life is the first step in figuring out what style of learning will suit you best. If you prefer an in-person-style classroom, look for a local program that offers that style of classes. Many universities and community colleges offer life coaching certificate courses. If you prefer to do things online on your schedule, find a self-paced online course that you can fit in when it works for you.
What is the Cost of the Program?
Life coaching certification can cost anywhere from $200 to upwards of $20,000. The programs will vary in quality and accreditations offered with the price points. You’ll want to look for a mix of value and cost that works for your goals and starting your coaching practice. For more formal training programs, you can expect to pay $2000-8000. Many of our selections fall in the $4000-$5000 range. You can view CTEDU’s full pricing and payment options to see how our programs compare.
Where Do You Find Reliable Reviews?
Reviews from past students and industry professionals help determine credibility of the programs. This is an important way to educate yourself on how the program works for students now in the field.
We looked for reviews from trusted platforms like:
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The Better Business Bureau
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Trustpilot
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Google Reviews
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Yelp
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Bark
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Facebook
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LinkedIn
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Reddit
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Best Certifications for Life Coaches: What is ICF?
While there are many certifications available, it’s important to find one from an organization that is widely recognized. The International Coaching Federation is recognized as the industry gold standard for coaching certifications.
What Does ICF-Certified Mean?
The International Coaching Federation is the leading global organization for coaches and coaching. They are dedicated to helping grow the success of coaches and the industry at large by setting a high bar for what meets ICF accreditation. The ICF offers three levels of certification: Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Master Certified Coach (MCC).
Is Certification for Life Coaches Required?
Not technically, but studies show and our own experience proves that clients prefer to work with certified coaches. It will not only help take your coaching to the next level, but it will help you develop credibility that helps you excel in your new career.
What Steps Are Required to Get ICF-Certified?
To earn a credential you’ll complete these five steps with the ICF:
- Obtain a coach-specific education that meets ICF requirements for core competencies and code of ethics.
- Gain coaching experience, logging hours coaching with clients after your program is completed.
- Receive mentor coaching to strengthen your skills and continue your education.
- Pass a performance evaluation that assesses your coaching skills against ICF standards.
- Pass a written exam.
Why Coach Training EDU Is the Best Continuing Education for Life Coaches
CTEDU was founded by John Andrew and Amois Williams. They aimed to create a cutting-edge educational program for life coaches that will prepare the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in their new craft. John and Amois met at Brown University, but didn’t start as life coaches. They each began their careers elsewhere and found their way to coaching as a calling later on. Like many of our students, we had epiphanies that this was what we were meant to be doing. Expanding our coaching practices to create the best life coaching education we can means we could help train even more people so that every person has the opportunity to work with a well-educated coach. Learn more about the team and mission on our about page.
Our students inspire us to include more philosophies and niches each year. We’re creating an education that will carry students throughout their new career.
The Best Faculty in the Industry
We’re proud to have a global faculty made up of some of the best coaches and educators in the world. With mentor hours built into each of our programs, students get one-on-one time with these world-class educators.
Access to our Alumni Community
We’re proud to have a robust alumni community network where many of our students meet new friends and colleagues. They also receive peer-to-peer support as they launch their new businesses. Our Coaching Directory helps you connect to potential clients in your area at no additional cost. We’re here to support our students at every step of their coaching career.
Get Started at CTEDU for Free.
The best way to find out what life coaching program is right for you is to see the classes first-hand! Get started for FREE with two sessions from our Essential Coach Training Course and attend a 60-minute live training session to explore the practice and theory of coaching. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started.
