As a new life coach, you might consider a life coach certification to make your coaching business more attractive to potential clients. Getting certified makes your business stronger and creates more legitimacy in your practice while honing your coaching skills.
A report recently published by Practice surveying over 160+ coaches globally found that over 80% of coaches have undergone some type of certification.
In some cases, having a badge to point to the International Coaching Federation (also known as ICF) in some cases is a requirement to work for a coaching organization. Ultimately, it comes down to the type of coach that you’d like to become and where you plan to do your coaching (in-person or online).
Why do I need a life coach certification?
There are a few main reasons why you might want to consider enrollment to become a certified life coach:
- Credibility: Certification gives credibility to a life coach's skills and expertise. It indicates that the coach has received proper training and education in their field, and the credential means the coach has met certain standards set by the certifying organization.
- Professionalism: Certification demonstrates a coach's commitment to professionalism and ethical standards. It assures clients that the coach follows a strict code of ethics and professional conduct, and is accountable to a governing body.
- Knowledge and skills: Certification ensures that a coach has a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in their field. It provides them with access to resources and continuing education opportunities and builds the core competencies that help them stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their industry.
- Competitive advantage: Certification sets a life coach apart from others who are not certified. It can help them attract more clients, especially those who are looking for a coach with a proven track record of success and strong coaching experience.
Overall, certification is a valuable investment for a life coach who wants to build a successful and reputable coaching practice. Knowing the right questions to ask, the right way to handle certain situations and even the right way to run a moral business can all be learned via an accredited program. Going through a coach training program provides assurance to clients that they are working with a qualified professional who is committed to their success.
The coaching accreditation bodies
There are several coaching accreditation bodies that provide certifications and accreditations to coaches for every type of vertical. It's important to do your research and choose an accreditation that aligns with your coaching goals and values. Some of the most well-known coaching accreditation bodies include:
- International Coach Federation (ICF): The ICF is one of the largest coaching accreditation bodies in the world. It offers three levels of accreditation: Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Master Certified Coach (MCC). Getting your ICF credential can provide a huge network of coaches and be an extremely valuable tool in your toolbag.
- European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC): The EMCC offers a range of coaching and mentoring qualifications, including Foundation, Practitioner, and Master Practitioner levels.
- Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE): The CCE offers several coaching certifications, including Board Certified Coach (BCC) and Health and Wellness Coach (HWC).
- Institute of Coaching (IOC): The IOC offers a coaching certification program that is based on evidence-based coaching and coaching psychology research.
- Coach Training Alliance (CTA): The CTA offers a Certified Coach Program that is accredited by the International Coach Federation.
8 Best Life Coach Certification Programs
The path to becoming a professional life coach isn’t going to be the same for everyone. There are many avenues to leading a successful career as a coach. Some programs are a mix of in-person and online training, while others are strictly online OR in-person.
Here are a few of the best life coaching certification programs.
The Life Coach School
The Life Coach School is a coaching training program founded by Brooke Castillo in 2006. It was designed to provide training and support for individuals who want to become certified life coaches, as well as those who want to improve their personal growth and development.
The Life Coach School offers several training programs, including a comprehensive coach training program, a self-coaching program, and a program for weight loss coaching. The coach training program consists of in-depth training on coaching principles and techniques, as well as practical experience working with clients.
Pros:
- Comprehensive training: The Life Coach School provides comprehensive training on coaching principles and techniques, which can be valuable for individuals who want to become certified coaches or improve their personal development skills.
- Emphasis on personal growth: The school places a strong emphasis on personal growth and development, which can be beneficial for individuals who want to work on themselves while learning coaching skills.
- Wide range of resources: The school offers a wide range of resources, including podcasts, books, and online courses, which can be helpful for individuals who want to continue their learning outside of the training program.
- Reputation: The school has a strong reputation within the coaching industry, which can be valuable for individuals who want to establish themselves as credible coaches.
Cons:
- Cost: The training program and resources offered by The Life Coach School can be expensive, which may be a barrier to entry in some cases.
- Limited focus: While the school offers training on a range of coaching techniques, it has a particular focus on weight loss coaching, which may not be relevant or interesting to all individuals.
- Their approach may not suit everyone: The coaching techniques and approach taught by The Life Coach School may not resonate with everyone, as different individuals have different coaching styles and preferences.
- Limited recognition: While the school has a strong reputation within the coaching industry, its certification may not be widely recognized outside of the industry which may cause some challenges if you expect to do both coaching and consulting for example.
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)
The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) is a coaching training program that was founded in 1999.
iPEC offers a comprehensive coach training program that covers coaching principles, techniques, and skills, as well as practical experience working with clients. The school emphasizes the importance of using coaching techniques to help individuals achieve their goals, overcome limiting beliefs, and reach their full potential.
Pros:
- Accredited program: iPEC's coach training program is ICF-accredited
- Comprehensive training: The program covers a wide range of coaching principles, techniques, and skills, as well as practical experience working with clients.
- Emphasis on personal growth: iPEC places a strong emphasis on personal growth and development, which can be beneficial for individuals who want to work on themselves while learning coaching skills.
- Resources for continued learning: The school offers a range of resources to support continued learning and professional development, including online courses, webinars, and workshops.
- Reputation: iPEC has a strong reputation within the coaching industry, which can be valuable for individuals who want to establish themselves as credible coaches.
Cons:
- Cost: The coach training program and resources offered by iPEC can be expensive, which may be a barrier for some individuals.
- Time commitment: The coach training program is a significant time commitment, and may not be feasible for individuals who have other commitments or limited time availability.
- Limited focus: While the program covers a range of coaching techniques, it has a particular focus on energy leadership coaching, which may not be relevant or interesting to all individuals.
Institute for Life Coach Training
The Institute for Life Coach Training (ILCT) is a coaching training program that was founded in 1998 by Patrick Williams, a licensed psychologist, and board-certified coach. The program is designed to provide training and support for individuals who want to become certified coaches or improve their coaching skills.
ILCT offers a comprehensive coach training program that covers coaching principles, techniques, and skills, as well as practical experience in coaching sessions working with coaching clients.
Pros:
- Accredited program: ILCT's coach training program is accredited by the ICF
- Comprehensive training: The program covers a wide range of coaching principles, techniques, and skills, as well as practical experience working with clients.
- Emphasis on personal growth: ILCT places a strong emphasis on personal growth and development, which can be beneficial for individuals who want to work on themselves while learning coaching skills.
- There are many different paths to go down with the ILCT; Career coaching, Christian coaching, Executive coaching, Life Coaching, Relationship Coaching, and Wellness Coaching
- Resources for continued learning: The school offers a range of resources to support continued learning and professional development, including online courses, workshops, and retreats.
- Reputation: ILCT has a strong reputation within the coaching industry, which can be valuable for individuals who want to establish themselves as credible coaches.
Cons:
- Cost: The coach training program and resources offered by ILCT can be expensive, which may be a barrier for some individuals.
- Time commitment: The ILCT coach training program is a significant time commitment, and may not be feasible for individuals who have other commitments or limited time availability.
- Limited focus: While the program covers a range of coaching techniques, it has a particular focus on wellness coaching, (although other specializations are supported) which may not be relevant or interesting to all coaches as it’s specific to one specialization.
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Health Coach Institute: Dual Life and Health Coaching Certification (HCI)
The Health Coach Institute is a training and coach certification program that offers Dual Life and Health Coaching certificates.
The Dual Life and Health Coaching Certification program is a comprehensive program that includes both the foundations of life coaching and the fundamentals of health coaching. The program covers topics such as behavior change, nutrition, fitness, and stress management, as well as coaching techniques, communication skills, and business development strategies.
Pros:
- Online delivery: The program is delivered online, which provides flexibility for individuals who may have other commitments, such as a full-time job or family obligations.
- Recognized certification: The Health Coach Institute's certification is recognized by the ICF
- Business development support: The program includes business development training, which can help individuals develop the skills needed to build and grow a successful coaching practice.
Cons:
- Limited interaction: The program is delivered online, which may limit the amount of interaction and feedback that individuals receive from instructors and other students.
- Limited focus: While the program provides comprehensive training in both life coaching and health coaching, it may not be suitable for individuals who have a specific focus or niche in mind for their coaching practice.
- Time commitment: The program can be time-consuming, which may make it difficult for individuals who have other commitments or limited time available for study and training.
The Coach Training Academy (CTA)
The Coach Training Academy is designed to teach coaches the skills and knowledge needed to help clients achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives.
The CTA offers a variety of coaching certification programs, including life coaching, executive coaching, wellness coaching, and leadership coaching. Each program is designed to provide coaches with a deep understanding of the principles of coaching in their chosen specialty, as well as hands-on experience working with clients.
Pros:
- Continuing education: There are three attainable levels to develop your skills; certified coach, professional coach, and master coach.
- Diverse learning methods: The CTA's training program is delivered through a combination of online coursework, live training events, and supervised coaching sessions. This approach provides coaches with the flexibility to learn at their own pace and the opportunity to apply what they're learning in real-world coaching situations.
- ICF-accredited: The CTA is accredited by the International Coach Federation
- Supportive community: The CTA provides coaches with the opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded individuals who are also pursuing a career in coaching. This can provide support and networking opportunities.
Cons:
- Limited live training options: While the CTA offers some live training events, much of the program is delivered online. Coaches who prefer in-person training may want to consider other options.
- Time commitment: The program can be time-consuming, and coaches will need to be prepared to dedicate a significant amount of time to coursework, practice sessions, and other program requirements.
Life Purpose Institute
Life Purpose Institute is a training and certification organization that helps people discover and pursue their life purpose. It was founded in 1997 by Dr. Eric Maisel, a leading expert in the field of creativity and psychology.
The organization offers a variety of programs and services, including life coach training, career coach training, and workshops on personal development and life purpose. Their programs are designed to provide individuals with the tools, techniques, and support they need to help others identify and achieve their life purpose.
Pros:
- Comprehensive training: The Life Purpose Institute's programs provide extensive training on coaching skills, personal development, and psychology, which can help participants become effective coaches and help clients find and pursue their life purpose.
- Certification: Graduates of the Life Purpose Institute's programs receive a certification as a life coach or career coach, which can help them establish credibility and attract clients.
- Supportive community: The Life Purpose Institute provides a supportive community of coaches and peers who can offer feedback, guidance, and encouragement.
Cons:
- Cost: The Life Purpose Institute's programs can be expensive, which may make it difficult for some individuals to afford as the program ranges up to $5,000 USD in some cases.
- Time commitment: The Life Purpose Institute's programs can be time-consuming, particularly the 100-hour life coach training program, which may be challenging for individuals with busy schedules.
- Lack of accreditation: The Life Purpose Institute's certifications are not accredited by a third-party organization, which may limit their recognition and value in some contexts.
- Marketing support: While the Life Purpose Institute provides training on coaching skills, it may not provide as much support on how to market and grow a coaching business, which may be important for graduates who want to establish a successful practice.
Life Coach Institute
The Life Coach Institute has almost 50,000 graduates globally. Based in the U.S. the LCI offers a variety of programs, including certification programs for aspiring life coaches, continuing education courses for existing coaches, and even coaching services for individuals and organizations.
Their life coach training program is designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to become successful life coaches. Their certification course covers topics across communication, goal-setting, leadership, and business development, among others.
Pros:
- Comprehensive training: The Life Coach Institute offers a comprehensive training program that covers a wide range of coaching skills and techniques. This can help you develop the foundational knowledge and skills needed to become a successful life coach.
- Credibility: The Life Coach Institute is a well-regarded organization in the coaching industry. Completing their program and obtaining certification can lend credibility to your coaching practice and help you attract clients or job opportunities.
- Flexibility: The Life Coach Institute offers both online and in-person training options, which can provide flexibility in terms of scheduling and location and is a self-paced option for those that would like to take their time
- Community: Attending the Life Coach Institute can connect you with a community of like-minded individuals who are also pursuing a career in coaching. This can provide you with a support system, as well as networking opportunities.
Cons:
- Recognition: The Life Coach Institute's training programs is not as widely recognized as it’s not an ICF-accredited program
- Time commitment: The Life Coach Institute's training programs can be time-consuming, and you'll need to be prepared to dedicate a significant amount of time to coursework, practice sessions, and other program requirements.
Robbins-Madanes Training
The Robbins-Madanes Training is a coaching training program founded by Tony Robbins and Cloe Madanes. The program is designed to train coaches in Strategic Intervention, which is a unique approach to coaching that combines principles from psychology, cognitive therapy, human needs psychology, and other fields.
The training program is divided into four levels, with each level building on the skills and knowledge learned in the previous level and focused modules. The levels are:
- Basic Training: This level provides an introduction to the Strategic Intervention approach and covers foundational coaching skills and techniques.
- Core Training: This level dives deeper into the principles of Strategic Intervention and provides more advanced coaching skills and techniques.
- Mastery Training: This level is designed for experienced coaches who want to further develop their skills and knowledge in Strategic Intervention.
- Certification Training: This level is designed for coaches who want to become certified in Strategic Intervention. To become certified, coaches must complete all three previous levels, as well as pass a written and practical exam.
Pros:
- Hands-on training: The Robbins-Madanes Training is known for its focus on practical, hands-on learning. The program includes a mix of online coursework, live events, and practice sessions, which provide coaches with the opportunity to apply what they're learning in real-world coaching situations.
- Flexibility: The program offers both online and in-person training options, which provide flexibility in terms of scheduling and location.
- Recognition: Tony Robbins is one of the most recognizable names in the world (not just in coaching, but as part of modern culture) so the credibility of his name carries some weight.
Cons:
- Focused on one approach: The program is focused on Strategic Intervention, which may not be the right fit for every coach or coaching situation. Coaches who are looking for a more diverse training program may want to consider other options.
- Intensity: The program can be intense and may require coaches to confront their own limiting beliefs and emotional blocks. This can be challenging for some individuals.
- The Robbins-Madanes Training program is not ICF-certified
Conclusion & Takeaways
Because full-time coaches that get certified tend to earn more over the course of their careers, it makes sense to consider getting certified via an accredited program.
Coaching education is a continuous process and you’ll always be focused on delivering the best experience for your coaching clients. As a coach and an entrepreneur, you’re always looking to learn from other successful leaders in your field. Reading, webinars, tools, workshops, and conferences are all different ways to bolster your expertise.
And, if you’re a new coach, or one just starting out, you can use Practice to run, manage and grow your entire coaching business in one simple place. Try free for 7 days.
