Best Life Coach Certification Programs

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.

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 for the seven to twelve-month program, and offers a monthly payment plan, split payments, or an iPEC loan. 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 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. 

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.

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.