Best Life Coach Certification Programs of 2024 (2024)

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A life coach supports and advises clients on personal and professional matters. Life coaching is a broad term, and certification is a mark of professionalism. If your career goal is to become a certified life coach, finding the best life coach certification program is an instrumental first step.

Your certification program should be accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF), where you can apply for ICF credentials upon completing your course. The best life coach certification programs provide time to practice life coaching skills, offer feedback from other professionals, and cover critical areas of life coaching, like ways to communicate with clients and how to run your business.

Best Life Coach Certification Programs

Best Life Coach Certification Programs

  • Our Top Picks
  • Coach Training Alliance (CTA)
  • Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)
  • Coach U—Core Essentials Fast Track Program (CEFTP)
  • Certified Life Coach Institute
  • ClientWise—Certified Financial Services Coach Training Program
  • See More (2)
  • Final Verdict

  • Compare Programs

  • FAQs

  • Methodology

Best Overall : Coach Training Alliance (CTA)

Why We Chose It

Through its online and self-study options, Coach Training Alliance (CTA) prepares you to work with clients, offers education on the business side of coaching, and provides ongoing support through its intensive six-month program.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Prepares you for real-life coaching

  • Recognized program

  • Cost-effective

Cons

  • Registration required in advance to guarantee space

  • Must attend live sessions

  • Classes limited to 12 participants

Overview

CTA is a six-month program accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF), boasting over 10,000 certified coaches from 45 countries. CTA was the 2020 recipient of the Global Excellence Award for “Best Life Coach Training and Certification Provider,” is well-respected in the life coaching community, and provides you with the requirements needed to obtain an ICF credential.

Students complete self-study work on coaching and communication, marketing, and business skills, including starting a home-based business and attracting clients.

This affordable program, at $3,897, is one of the least expensive options on our list, and a monthly payment plan is available. Students commit to five hours over 22 weeks with 12 group mentoring sessions, 10 “coach the coach” sessions, 60 to 90 minutes of weekly virtual learning, and a private forum. You will earn a certificate upon completion.

Best for Career Change : Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)

Why We Chose It

iPEC provides you with the training you need to start a new career as a certified life coach, including courses on running your own business and marketing yourself to clients.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Live learning modules

  • Library of resources

  • One-on-one training

Cons

  • Program can take seven to 12 months to complete

  • Expensive at $13,995

Overview

iPEC can help you start a home-based career as a certified life coach with a comprehensive program that will teach you how to work with clients. The program is based on its unique Core Energy Coaching process and focuses on guiding clients to create choices in how they think and feel. At the end of the course, you will earn the title of Certified Professional Coach (CPC).

The program includes education on branding, marketing, and how to launch a coaching business and provides you with the requirements needed to apply for an ICF credential. iPEC has been an ICF-accredited coach training program since 2002 and currently offers virtual live options or in-person classes with rolling start dates.

iPEC is one of the more expensive options on our list, costing $13,995. There are payment plans and discounts available for the full program which includes three certifications, one being a master's level certification. You can also get the coaching fundamentals certificate for $2,995.

The program is split into two phases, phase one being seven to eight months long, and phase two being three to four months long. Each module in a phase is three days long, earning you 30 hours of training and one certificate. For all three certificates, it can take nine to 12 months.

Tuition includes access to iPEC's library of resources with tools and techniques to use with your clients as you help them on their journey. Sessions are offered at three-month intervals, and you learn directly from certified life coaches with opportunities to participate in group coaching sessions. The master's certification is self-paced, while the rest of the program is scheduled.

Best Live Instruction : Coach U—Core Essentials Fast Track Program (CEFTP)

Why We Chose It

Coach U Core Essential Fast Track Program (CEFTP) offers an accelerated 6-day program with live classes.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Six-day live intensive program

  • Includes everything required for ICF certification

  • Live instruction via Zoom

Cons

  • Must be a certified coach for Professional Essentials Program

  • No business courses offered

Overview

The Coach U CEFPT live program is designed as a six-day intensive workshop to learn the skills needed to become a life coach and start coaching clients or mentoring co-workers. Students learn the fundamentals of working as a life coach and, in the following six months, can access weekly courses to review the material, take online exams, complete their required coaching hours, and receive guidance from Coach U faculty.

Topics include ethics in coaching, guiding principles, coaching mindset, interview skills, and practical application. Courses are interactive and provide many opportunities to practice your skills with other students. The program is an ICF-accredited program and has many positive third-party reviews online.

The CEFPT program costs $6,095. If you opt for the Professional Essentials Program after completion, the cost is $10,090 if bundled together. A fast-track option costs $11,190. You can register online, and programs start monthly and can be completed in eight months.

Best for Short Timeline : Certified Life Coach Institute

Why We Chose It

You can get certified in three days through the Certified Life Coach Institute, making it a good choice for students with limited time.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Get certified in three days

  • ICF-accredited institution

  • Over 10,000 coaching alumni

  • Inexpensive compared to other programs

Cons

  • Classes fill quickly

  • Must complete both levels for 65.8 accredited coaching hours

  • Business modules are introductory

Overview

Certified Life Coach Institute (CLCI) is designed to help you become certified as a life coach in three days. The program is available online, offering level one and two courses to help you obtain the required 60 hours of training to join ICF.

Coursework includes an introduction to the ICF coaching model, questioning and interviewing skills, how to help clients establish goals, business basics, marketing tips, and peer-to-peer coaching opportunities. CLCI has many positive third-party reviews online.

The program is less expensive than other life coaching programs at $995 for level one and $1,995 if you bundle levels one and two. Financing is available, and various discounts are offered. All courses are offered via Zoom, and you must register to reserve space. Students are provided with a manual to support learning during the three days.

Best for Financial Coaching : ClientWise—Certified Financial Services Coach Training Program

Why We Chose It

The ClientWise Certified Financial Services Coach Training Program is ICF-accredited and designed for financial professionals who want to expand their skills into coaching.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • The only available ICF-accredited financial coaching program

  • Six month program

  • Many opportunities to practice skills

Cons

  • Program is not self-paced

  • Limited information regarding enrollment and pricing

Overview

The ClientWise Certified Financial Services Coach Training Program is a 60-hour program designed for financial professionals, including financial advisors, brokers, asset managers, and insurance agents. It is the only elite financial services coach program certified through the International Coach Federation (ICF).

Programs include both in-person and virtual sessions over six months. There is a two-day intensive workshop led by master coaches. The program focuses on building relationships with clients and improving communication to provide sound guidance regarding financial planning.

Students are expected to attend weekly 90-minute virtual sessions. Each module includes many opportunities to practice your coaching skills and learn from experienced professionals.For program costs and start dates, prospective students should connect with a relationship manager at the ClientWise website.

Final Verdict

All life coaching certification programs teach students how to become effective communicators and prepare them to work with clients. We rank Coach Training Alliance (CTA) first as it provides the educational training you need and provides ongoing support through its intensive six-month program. For a fast-tracked path, the Certified Life Coach Institute (CLCI) program is designed to get you certified as a life coach in three days.

Compare the Best Life Coach Certification Programs

Life Coach Certification ProgramCostProgram LengthOnline or In-Person
Coach Training Alliance (CTA)
Best Overall
$3,8976 monthsOnline
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC):
Best for Career Change
$13,9957 to 12 monthsBoth
Coach U—Core Essentials Fast Track Program (CEFTP)
Best Live Instruction
$6,095; Additional programs availableUp to 8 monthsOnline
Certified Life Coach Institute:
Best for Short Timeline
$995 for level 1, $1,995 for levels 1 and 23 daysOnline
ClientWise—Certified Financial Services Coach Training Program:
Best for Financial Coaching
Request information on the website6 monthsBoth

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Life Coach Certification Program?

Life coach certification programs are courses and classes designed to give you the skills to become a certified life coach and work with clients. Programs cover effective communication, relationship-building, business development, and marketing. Many offer practical applications.The best programs are accredited by the ICF and prepare you to apply for an ICF coaching credential. An ICF Associate Certified Coach has completed 60+ hours of training and logged over 100 hours of coaching experience.

Do You Need a Certification to Work as a Life Coach?

Formal certification is not required to work as a life coach as it is not a licensed profession. Reputable life coaching certification programs are accredited by the ICF and prepare you with the requirements to earn an ICF credential.

How Much Do Life Coach Certification Programs Cost?

Life coach certification programs cost between $995 and $13,995. The price for a life coach certification program varies depending on factors like length, in-person or virtual classes, qualifications and experience of the instructor, and access to supplemental materials. To obtain your ICF credential, your application will cost $300.

Are Life Coaches in High Demand?

There are over 23,000 life coaches in the United States. Successful life coaches often carve out their niche and establish themselves as professionals in a specific arena. Many coaches may specialize in career or financial coaching, while others may provide general life coaching services.

Do Life Coaches Make Money?

Life coaching can be a full-time or a part-time job, and how much you earn is usually tied to an hourly rate, where you live, and your certification. According to Indeed.com, you can charge over $55 an hour as a certified life coach.

Methodology

We evaluated more than eight in-person and online life coaching certification programs based on criteria including cost, operating in business for at least ten years, and online student reviews.

We also focused on ICF-accredited programs, as their rigorous standards ensure the program meets the requirements to apply for an ICF credential upon completion. We considered the cost and looked for discounts or payment plans.

All of our top choices are reasonably priced, offer flexibility in how classes are delivered, offer ICF accreditation, and have a solid reputation.

Best Life Coach Certification Programs of 2024 (6)

Article Sources

  1. Coach Training Alliance (CTA). "Why Coach Training Alliance."

  2. Coach Training Alliance. "The Certified Coach Program."

  3. Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). "Overview of iPEC Coach Training Program."

  4. Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. "Schedule and Location."

  5. Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. "Earn 3 Coaching Certifications."

  6. iPEC. "Frequently Asked Questions: How Long Is the Program?"

  7. Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. "Tuition."

  8. CoachU. "Become a Coach."

  9. Coach U. "Core Essentials."

  10. International Coaching Federation (ICF). "Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential."

  11. Certified Life Coach Institute. "Tuition & Registration."

  12. ClientWise. "Certified Financial Services Coach Training Program."

  13. IBIS. "Life Coaches in the US-Number of Businesses 2005-2028."

  14. Indeed. "What Is a Life Coach?"

Updated by

April McCormick

Best Life Coach Certification Programs of 2024 (7)

April is the health editor for performance marketing at Verywell, where she oversees family health, wellness, and lifestyle content. Her work has appeared in Time, Parents Magazine, The Huffington Post, TripSavvy, Parenting.com, First Time Mom and Dad, Mama Mia, All4Women, the New York Times Bestseller, A Letter To My Mom, and more.

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Best Life Coach Certification Programs of 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What is the best institute for life coaching? ›

Summary: Best Life Coach Certification Programs
ProgramsForbes Health Ratings
Health Coach Institute Dual Life and Health Coaching Certification5.0
Coach Training Alliance4.5
Certified Life Coach Institute Life Coach Certification4.5
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching3.9
1 more row

Which coaching certification is best? ›

  • Our Top Picks.
  • Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching.
  • Certified Life Coach Institute Life Coach Certification.
  • Health Coach Institute Dual Life and Health Coaching Certification.
  • Integrative Wellness Academy Master Life Coaching Program.
  • Institute for Life Coach Training Professional Certification.
Jan 8, 2024

What is the best degree to become a life coach? ›

Some degree options to consider include psychology, business, or social work, as many popular coaching approaches implement methodologies and practices developed within those fields.

Are life coaches in demand right now? ›

Yes, there is demand for life coaches. After all, the coaching industry is a multi-billion dollar industry – and it's growing fast. According to IBIS World, there are 22,758 life coaches in the US.

What is the highest coaching accreditation? ›

MCC is often times referred to as the gold standard of coaching (as the ICF calls it) and requires the most amount of coaching education. To become eligible you must have: 200+ hours of coaching education.

Who are the top 10 life coaches? ›

10 Best Life Coaches of 2023 To Learn From
  • Tony Robbins.
  • Robin Sharma.
  • Alyssa Nobriga.
  • Lisa Haisha.
  • Elizabeth King.
  • Joel Brown.
  • Dr. Manja Podratz.
  • Jack Kirnan.
Jun 12, 2023

Which certification is the most popular? ›

Table of Contents
  • Data Science Certification.
  • Cloud Architect Certification.
  • Business Analytics Certification.
  • Cybersecurity Certification.
  • Blockchain Certification.
  • DevOps Certification.
  • IoT Solutions Certification.
  • Artificial Intelligence Certification.
Dec 14, 2023

What certifications do you need to be a life coach? ›

There are no federal or state-mandated educational or licensing requirements to become a life coach, but there is consensus in the industry on education and training: Completing a coach certificate program is highly recommended to be a successful coach and demonstrate your expertise to potential clients and employers.

Can you make 6 figures as a life coach? ›

Life coaches on average make $30.000 to $80.000 dollars a year, with top coaches making a six-figure income while helping others improve their life.

Is life coach certification worth it? ›

One of the main benefits of life coach training is that it provides you with the skills and techniques necessary to become a successful coach. You will learn how to communicate effectively with clients, ask powerful questions, and guide individuals toward their goals.

How much does it cost to get ICF certification? ›

In addition to your training fees, you'll also need to pay application fees before your exams to receive your ICF credentials. These fees range from $175 all the way to $900, depending on which level and accreditation path you choose.

What is the failure rate of life coaches? ›

What percentage of life coaches are successful? Only 10% of life coaches are successful because it is estimated that over 90% of coaches who are just starting off fail because they do not have a niche.

What is the downside of life coach? ›

The key disadvantages of life coaching are the expectations clients have and the promises that certain life coaches make. Life coaching can be an excellent way to set yourself clear goals, work out how to achieve them, and achieve them. It isn't some sort of miracle cure for everything you don't like about your life.

How much should I charge as a life coach? ›

Personal life coaching typically costs $75 to $200 per hour, with an average of $120 per hour. Packages of four 30-minute sessions may cost $300 a month, while programs of eight 90-minute sessions can cost up to $2,000. Corporate life coaches typically have monthly charges of between $750 and $1,000.

Is Certified life coach Institute legit? ›

But rest assured, the Certified Life Coach Institute is the real deal. The Institute has a proven track record of success for over 14 years in the industry and was accredited by the International Coaching Federation.

What is the average cost of a life coaching session? ›

Personal life coaching typically costs $75 to $200 per hour, with an average of $120 per hour. Packages of four 30-minute sessions may cost $300 a month, while programs of eight 90-minute sessions can cost up to $2,000. Corporate life coaches typically have monthly charges of between $750 and $1,000.

Who is the best life coach in the world? ›

The Most Famous Life Coaches of Our Time
  • 1) Tony Robbins: A Trailblazer in Life Coaching. ...
  • 2) Rainy Rainmaker: Award-winning Life Coach in Singapore. ...
  • 3) Robin Sharma: Mastering Leadership and Personal Mastery. ...
  • 4) Esther Perel: Transforming Relationships Through Coaching.
Feb 25, 2024

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