Top 11 Life Coach Certifications

Certifications are important for life coaches because they demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and expertise. They provide potential employers and clients with evidence that the coach has received formal training in the field and is knowledgeable about the subject matter. This gives them peace of mind that their coach is qualified to provide advice and guidance. Certifications also help to set a life coach apart from other practitioners who may not have taken the time to pursue additional education or professional development. Finally, certifications can open up job opportunities in some areas where only certified life coaches are allowed to practice.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Life Coaches and explains how they can help to enhance a life coach's career.

What are Life Coach Certifications?

Life coach certification is a process of training and assessment that certifies individuals to become professional life coaches. It helps individuals gain the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to become successful life coaches. This certification process provides those seeking to become life coaches with the tools they need to confidently and effectively help their clients reach their goals.

Life coaching certification teaches potential life coaches how to assess client needs, develop action plans, create strategies for achieving goals, and provide support and guidance along the way. It also provides them with an understanding of the ethical standards and best practices of the industry so they can ethically serve their clients in a responsible manner.

Having this certification can help potential life coaches stand out from other applicants when looking for employment or marketing themselves as a certified coach. It also shows that they have taken the necessary steps in becoming qualified professionals who are committed to helping others reach their fullest potential.

Overall, having a life coaching certification can be beneficial for those looking to become professional life coaches as it provides them with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.

Pro Tip: Make sure to do your research and find a life coach certification program that is accredited, provides comprehensive training, and offers ongoing support. Additionally, look for programs that have an emphasis on developing your own coaching skills and personal development.

Related: What does a Life Coach do?

Top 11 Life Coach Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Life Coachs today.

1. International Coach Federation (ICF) Certification

The International Coach Federation (ICF) is an organization that provides professional certification for coaches. ICF certification is the gold standard of coaching credentials, and it demonstrates a coach’s commitment to their profession and clients.

To become certified by the ICF, coaches must complete a rigorous process that includes completing at least 60 hours of coach-specific training, passing an examination, and submitting a portfolio demonstrating their coaching skills.

The entire process typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete depending on how quickly the coach completes the required steps.

To get started on the path to ICF certification, coaches should first find an accredited coach training program that meets ICF standards. Once they have completed the required coursework and passed the exam, they will need to submit their portfolio for review by an ICF-approved mentor or assessor.

The cost of becoming ICF certified varies depending on the type of program chosen, but it can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD for basic programs to $7,000+ USD for more advanced programs.

2. Professional Certified Coach (PCC)

Professional Certified Coach (PCC) is an internationally recognized certification for professional coaches. This certification is offered through the International Coach Federation (ICF). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and experience of professional coaches.

To become a PCC, you must meet certain criteria set by the ICF. This includes having at least 500 hours of coaching experience, completing at least 60 hours of coach-specific training, passing a written exam and submitting a portfolio of your coaching work. The process typically takes between six months to two years to complete depending on your current level of experience and education.

The cost of becoming a PCC varies depending on the training program you choose to pursue. Most programs range from $2,500 - $7,000 USD. You will also need to pay for the ICF application fee which is currently $195 USD.

3. Master Certified Coach (MCC)

Master Certified Coach (MCC) is the highest credential offered by the International Coach Federation (ICF). It is a mark of excellence and experience in the coaching profession. This certification requires a coach to demonstrate mastery in core competencies, knowledge and skills, as well as ethical practice.

To become an MCC, a coach must have at least 500 hours of documented coaching experience over the past three years. In addition, they must have completed at least 125 hours of coach-specific training and have passed an ICF assessment process. The assessment process includes submitting detailed coaching session recordings for review and passing both a written exam and oral evaluation.

The entire process typically takes between six months to one year to complete depending on how quickly you can accumulate your required hours of coaching experience and training.

The cost for the MCC credential varies depending on the country you are applying from, but generally ranges from $2,000 - $3,500 USD. This cost covers all fees associated with the application process including assessment fees, membership dues, and any additional resources needed to prepare for the assessment process.

4. Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC)

Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) is a professional credential issued by the International Coach Federation (ICF). It is designed for experienced coaches who have already achieved a certain level of mastery in their practice and are looking to demonstrate their commitment to excellence. The CPCC credential is recognized as the highest standard of professional coaching worldwide.

The CPCC program requires applicants to meet specific educational and experience requirements, including having at least 100 hours of coach-specific training, 600 hours of paid client coaching experience, and 10 hours of mentor coaching. Applicants must also pass an ICF-administered assessment.

To get the CPCC credential, applicants must first complete the ICF's application process. This includes providing evidence that they meet the criteria outlined above, as well as submitting a written essay and completing an interview with an ICF assessor. Once approved, applicants will be invited to take part in the ICF's online assessment process.

The cost of becoming a CPCC varies depending on your individual circumstances but typically ranges from $2,500-$3,000 USD. This includes the cost of coach training courses, mentor coaching sessions, and the ICF assessment fee.

5. Associate Certified Coach (ACC)

Associate Certified Coach (ACC) is a credential awarded by the International Coach Federation (ICF). It is the second-highest level of professional coaching certification available and demonstrates a coach’s commitment to professional excellence. An ACC credential indicates that a coach has achieved a certain level of mastery in coaching skills, knowledge, and ethical practice.

The process to become an ACC requires completion of at least 60 hours of coach-specific training from an ICF-accredited program, as well as 100 hours of documented client coaching experience. In addition, applicants must pass the ICF’s written examination and submit an application for review by the ICF Board of Directors.

The process typically takes 6-12 months to complete depending on how quickly you can complete your training and client hours. The cost for becoming an ACC varies depending on the type of training you choose, but typically ranges from $3,000-$5,000 USD.

6. Positive Psychology Coaching Certification

Positive Psychology Coaching Certification is a professional certification program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to become certified Positive Psychology Coaches. It is an internationally recognized certification program that provides practitioners with the tools necessary to help their clients create meaningful and lasting change in their lives.

The Positive Psychology Coaching Certification Program consists of two levels: Level 1 and Level 2. The Level 1 course covers the basics of Positive Psychology, including its history, principles, and applications. The Level 2 course focuses on developing coaching skills using Positive Psychology techniques. Both courses are completed online, and each course takes approximately 12-15 hours to complete.

To get certified as a Positive Psychology Coach, you must first complete both the Level 1 and Level 2 courses. Upon completion of both courses, you will receive a certificate from the International Association for Applied Positive Psychology (IAAPP). You must also pass a written exam in order to be eligible for certification. After passing the exam, you can apply for IAAPP membership, which includes access to additional resources such as webinars and workshops.

The cost of the Positive Psychology Coaching Certification Program varies depending on whether you are taking it through IAAPP or another provider. Generally speaking, it typically costs around $500-$800 USD for both levels of certification.

7. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Certification

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a set of techniques and tools used to understand the structure of subjective experience, and to facilitate change in behavior. It is based on the idea that all human behavior has a structure which can be identified, understood, and changed. NLP Certification is an internationally recognized certification program designed to teach individuals how to use NLP for personal development, communication, and leadership.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the type of certification you are seeking. For example, if you are looking for basic NLP practitioner certification, it could take anywhere from two days up to two weeks depending on the program you choose. If you are seeking advanced NLP practitioner certification or master practitioner certification, it could take up to six months or more depending on the program.

To get certified in NLP, you will need to find an accredited training provider who offers courses in your area. You can look online or ask friends and colleagues for recommendations. Once you have found a suitable course provider, they will provide you with information about their training programs and course schedules. You will then need to register for the course and pay any applicable fees.

The cost of getting certified in NLP varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking and the training provider you choose. Basic practitioner certifications typically range from $500-$2000 USD while advanced practitioner certifications can range from $3000-$5000 USD or more depending on the program length and content covered.

8. Life Strategies Coaching Certification

Life Strategies Coaching Certification is a professional certification program for individuals interested in becoming life coaches. The program provides training and resources to help individuals develop the skills necessary to become successful life coaches.

The Life Strategies Coaching Certification Program is offered through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). It is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation of knowledge and skills for aspiring life coaches, as well as experienced professionals. The program consists of three levels: Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Master Certified Coach (MCC).

The ACC level requires completion of an online course, which typically takes 40-50 hours to complete. Upon completion of the course, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The PCC level requires additional coursework and experience, while the MCC level requires even more advanced training and experience.

In order to receive the Life Strategies Coaching Certification, individuals must meet certain requirements set forth by the ICF. These include completing at least 60 hours of coach-specific training, passing an exam, and submitting a portfolio demonstrating their coaching competencies.

The cost of the Life Strategies Coaching Certification varies depending on which level you are seeking certification for. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1,000 for each level of certification.

9. Holistic Life Coaching Certification

Holistic Life Coaching Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the skills, knowledge and tools needed to become a successful holistic life coach. It is designed to help people develop an understanding of the principles of holistic life coaching and how to apply them in their own lives and those of their clients.

The certification program typically takes between one and two years to complete, depending on the individual's commitment level. The program consists of courses in topics such as nutrition, stress management, meditation, mindfulness, communication skills, goal setting and more. Students will also learn how to create a personalized coaching plan for each client based on their individual needs.

To get certified as a Holistic Life Coach, individuals must complete all required courses and pass an exam administered by the International Association of Coaches (IAC). The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$2000 USD. Additionally, some providers may require additional fees for continuing education credits or other services.

Once certified, individuals can use their new credentials to start their own business or join existing organizations as a Holistic Life Coach. They can also apply for positions in health care facilities or educational institutions that require this type of expertise.

10. Spiritual Life Coaching Certification

Spiritual Life Coaching Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to help others reach their spiritual goals. This type of coaching is based on the belief that everyone has an innate wisdom within them that can be used to create positive change in their lives.

The certification process typically takes between six months and two years, depending on the program. It involves completing coursework, taking exams, and participating in supervised practice sessions. Many programs also require applicants to have a minimum of two years of experience working in a related field or have completed some form of spiritual training.

In order to get certified as a Spiritual Life Coach, you must first complete an accredited program from an approved institution. These courses are offered by universities, colleges, seminaries, and other organizations dedicated to spiritual life coaching. The cost for these programs varies depending on the institution and the length of the program but typically ranges from $1,500 - $4,000 USD.

Once you’ve completed your coursework and passed all required exams, you will receive your certification from the organization or institution where you took your courses. You may also need to submit additional paperwork such as proof of insurance or background checks before becoming certified.

Finally, it’s important to remember that while having a Spiritual Life Coaching Certification is beneficial for those looking to work as a coach professionally; it is not necessary in order to practice life coaching without credentials.

11. Health and Wellness Coaching Certification

Health and Wellness Coaching Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge and competency in the field of health and wellness coaching. This certification is designed to equip coaches with the skills, tools, and resources necessary to effectively support their clients in achieving their health and wellness goals.

The Health and Wellness Coaching Certification program typically takes between six months to one year to complete. The program consists of online courses, live webinars, self-paced activities, hands-on practice sessions, and assessments. The curriculum covers topics such as nutrition science, behavior change strategies, lifestyle medicine, stress management techniques, communication skills, goal setting strategies, coaching ethics and principles, client assessment methods, and more.

In order to obtain the Health and Wellness Coaching Certification credential from the International Consortium for Health & Wellness Coaches (ICHWC), applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field; completing an approved coach training program; passing an exam; completing at least 100 hours of supervised coaching experience; submitting three letters of recommendation from qualified professionals; providing proof of professional liability insurance; signing a code of ethics agreement; and paying applicable fees.

The cost for the Health & Wellness Coaching Certification program varies depending on the specific course or program chosen by the applicant. Generally speaking though, applicants can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 - $3,500 for the entire certification process.

Do You Really Need a Life Coach Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what you want to do with your life coaching. If you are looking to become a professional life coach, then the answer is yes, you will need a life coach certificate. A life coach certification serves as proof that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to help people reach their goals in life. It also shows potential clients that you are qualified and experienced in helping others achieve success.

On the other hand, if you are looking to use life coaching techniques in your own personal development and growth, then a certification is not completely necessary. While having a certificate can be beneficial for some people, there are many resources available online and through books which can provide you with the same amount of knowledge and insight into effective coaching methods. Additionally, if you already have experience in counseling or psychology, then these qualifications may be enough for some employers or clients who are seeking out a reliable life coach.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual person to decide whether they need a life coach certificate or not. Those who are hoping to become professional coaches should definitely consider getting certified in order to set themselves apart from other potential coaches and show potential clients that they have the required skills and qualifications. However, those who are looking for more personal growth may find that self-study or mentorship is enough for them without needing an official certification.

Related: Life Coach Resume Examples

FAQs About Life Coach Certifications

1. How do I become a life coach?

Answer: You can become a life coach by completing an accredited life coaching certification program. Certification programs typically include coursework, assessments and exams to ensure coaches have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective services to their clients.

2. What are the benefits of becoming a certified life coach?

Answer: Certified life coaches gain credibility and recognition from potential clients and employers, as well as access to resources and networks that can help them further their career. Additionally, certified life coaches may be eligible for professional liability insurance, which provides protection against potential lawsuits or claims of negligence.

3. How long does it take to become a certified life coach?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become a certified life coach depends on the type of program you choose and how quickly you are able to complete it. Most certification programs require between 100-200 hours of study time, which can range from several months up to two years depending on your schedule.

4. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a certified life coach?

Answer: While there are no specific prerequisites for becoming a certified life coach, many programs do expect applicants to have some prior experience with coaching or counseling in order to successfully complete the program. Additionally, most programs require applicants to have strong communication skills and be comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds.

5. Is there an exam required for certification?

Answer: Yes, most certification programs require completion of an assessment or exam in order to receive certification as a life coach. The exam typically covers topics such as ethics, coaching techniques and strategies, client intake procedures, goal setting methods and more.