As a business coach, your growth is just as important as your clients’. In this guide, we’ve gathered seven business coaching programs worth investing in, from low-cost options to the most comprehensive ones.
Note that none of the training programs in this list have sponsored this article, and we haven’t taken them personally. This selection is based on our research and experience working in the coaching industry.
Let’s dive in to find the best training to propel your business forward.
What Is a Business Coaching Program?
A business coaching program is structured training centered around the skills, knowledge, and methodology needed to coach professionals, entrepreneurs, and teams. These programs cover a range of topics relevant to business coaching, including:
- Leadership development
- Strategic planning
- Communication skills
- Team building
- Goal setting
They often blend coaching methodologies with psychological principles and business theories to help coaches understand the dynamics and challenges of organizational environments.
Business coaching certification programs vary in duration, costs, and format. Many are available online as a self-study course, an interactive live training, or a combination of both.
Generally, the more personalized, interactive, and in-depth they are, the more they cost. You may also find business coach training programs held in person near you in the form of workshops, seminars, or intensive training sessions.
[ Read: 10 Top Female Business Coaches to Watch in 2024 ]
Though it may be difficult to tell which program is trustworthy, accreditation by a professional coaching organization is a good indicator. The two most well-established organizations that accredit business coaching programs are the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC).
Of course, ICF accreditation isn’t a prerequisite for a successful coaching career. There are several other business coaching programs with excellent reputation and reviews that aren’t associated with these organizations. Let’s take a look at the most well-known one.
What Is the Most Recognized Business Coaching Certification Program?
One of the most recognized business coaching certification programs is the Professional Coach Certification offered by Co-Active Coaching (also known as Coaches Training Institute or CTI).
It’s one of the largest and most established coach training organizations globally with 30 years in the industry.
[ Read: How to Become a Business Coach and Become Your Own Boss ]
The comprehensive curriculum at the institute takes an experiential approach to learning and emphasizes its unique principles. Co-active coaching is known for:
- Being client-centered: The coach is not an expert telling the client what to do, but rather a sounding board and support system as the client explores their own solutions and potential.
- Focusing on fulfillment: It goes beyond just setting goals; it emphasizes the client’s overall well-being and balance, as well as the coaching process itself.
- Using five core contexts: Five key areas shape the coaching interaction: listening, intuition, self-management, curiosity, and forward action. These contexts aren’t techniques but rather the foundation for the coaching relationship.
This certification is accredited by the ICF, which guarantees high standards and quality education. Graduating from this training, you can trust that you’ll be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and credentials to become a successful and experienced business coach in various industries and settings.
You can complete the course in six months through weekly 90-minute online classes and an additional five hours of practice and learning each week. During this time, you’ll get the chance to coach real clients, receive personalized feedback, and learn from live demos.
You’ll have a year to complete 100 hours of coaching and take an exam to receive ICF credentials.
The caveat? You’ll need to complete five other courses as prerequisites to get enrolled in this certification program, each costing $1000-$2000.
The training costs $6,499, which is quite reasonable for a comprehensive coaching program like this. Here’s where you can read our more in-depth review.
If you’re looking for an alternative without prerequisites and a lower rate, keep reading.
How Much Should I Pay for a Business Coaching Program?
The cost of business coaching programs varies significantly depending on:
- The reputation of the coaching institution
- The depth of the curriculum
- The mode of delivery (online or in-person)
- The level of support provided (e.g., mentor coaching and additional resources)
They range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Shorter introductory courses or workshops are on the lower end of the spectrum, typically between $200 to $1,000. These programs offer basic training and foundational skills in business coaching.
More comprehensive certification programs generally include in-depth coursework, mentor coaching, practical experience, and accreditation from recognized bodies like the ICF.
Therefore, they tend to be more expensive and range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more. They provide higher credibility, expertise, and support to establish yourself as a professional business coach.
Consider your budget, career goals, and the value you expect to receive from the program to determine how much you’re willing to pay for it. Here are a few well-regarded options, from the most budget-friendly to the most high-end.
7 Business Coaching Programs to Consider
Entrepreneurship and Business Life Coach Certification by Transformation Academy
Transformation Academy offers online life coach certifications accredited as Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It has trained over 700,000 students globally. Their self-paced courses are pre-recorded and taught by psychologist Joeel Rivera.
The Entrepreneurship and Business Life Coach certification is the most budget-friendly business coaching program with only $197. The same course is also offered on Udemy for $49.99, with further discounts offered periodically.
You can complete it in about 11 hours online at your own pace and learn the basics about:
- Helping clients find clarity about their business ideas and goals.
- Turning a business vision into a concrete action plan.
- Getting clients unstuck when they hit mental roadblocks.
- Identifying and creating new revenue streams.
- The psychology behind entrepreneurship.
The program gears toward existing life coaches who want to specialize in guiding aspiring entrepreneurs. It teaches a step-by-step system called the Quantum Leap Business Model, created by the founders of the academy.
Though online courses can’t be measured against more robust coach certification programs, Transformation Academy may be a decent option for learning the foundations of entrepreneurship and business coaching before you commit to something bigger.
Business Coach Certification Program by Mindvalley
Mindvalley’s program certifies you as a business coach in 4 months, and you only need to invest around three hours a week to go through its coursework at your own pace.
Additionally, you’ll have access to live sessions with Q&As every week with Mindvalley’s facilitators, as well as peer coaching labs where you put things into practice. These coaching hours help you build your coaching skill set and gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment.
Beyond what most curriculums cover, you’ll get access to over 16 hours of live session recordings with coaches who have worked with an elite clientele of Olympic athletes and Oscar-winning actors. The program’s instructor is Ajit Nawalkha, bestselling author and co-founder of Mindvalley Coach.
The biggest highlight of getting certified by Mindvalley is access to its worldwide ecosystem. You’ll get to attend the Supercoach Experience event, an annual gathering reserved for past and current students of Mindvalley’s coaching programs. You’ll also get to join exclusive online communities where you can connect with fellow coaches and potential clients.
Mindvalley’s certification will grant you 42 Continuous Coaching Education (CCE) units with the ICF that you can use to renew your existing ICF credentials. Attending the program is tied to an application process and costs $4,999 with a 15-day money-back guarantee.
Business Coach Certification by WABC
The Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC) offers a hands-on program for experienced coaches and senior leaders to continue their professional development.
It’s recommended for professionals with at least seven years of business and organizational experience and business coaches who want to enhance their services.
It’s a practical program that demonstrates the real-world application of coaching competencies and best practices. It lets you immediately translate theory into effective coaching.
Becoming a WABC-certified business coach signals expertise and commitment that can boost your credibility, especially in the corporate world. To enroll in the program, you’ll need to pass a screening interview and become a member of the organization.
To keep your credentials, you’re required to continuously participate in ongoing professional development and stay up-to-date with the latest business coaching trends.
CBC is delivered online and takes 6-9 months to complete. Program fees aren’t shared publicly so it’s best to contact the WABC team for an up-to-date breakdown.
Coaching Certification by the Center for Executive Coaching
The Center for Executive Coaching offers a certification program for aspiring business coaches, focusing on practical methods to deliver results for clients. This program is perfect for those who want to coach business owners, executives, and leaders across various levels.
The CEC offers several tracks ranging from $5,390 to $10,780, depending on duration, delivery, and certification level.
The training is grounded in business psychology, leadership, and neuroscience principles, and is filled with practical tools and coaching methods you can apply right away.
It’s a straightforward and flexible way to fulfill your training hours and other requirements for your Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credentials through the ICF.
Organizational Coaching Training by IECL
The Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL) offers affordable live classes held online and ICF certification. You can opt for various class schedules adjusted to locations around the world (it’s mainly geared toward the Asia-Pacific region, though).
Enrollment fees for their Level 1 training cost around $3,395 for members and $3,975 for non-members, lower than most training options in the US. It takes seven weeks to complete your training through three stages:
- Three full days of live virtual workshops
- 21 hours of pre-workshop online learning
- 23 hours of post-workshop activities (practice groups and a reflective essay)
The coursework can be completed in three hours a week at your own pace. It also includes live instructor-led sessions and peer group discussions. This combination gives you a solid foundation in coaching theory, plus valuable real-time feedback.
The program is accredited by the ICF and includes all requirements for ACC and PCC credentials. If earning these designations isn’t your priority, you can also go through IECL’s more condensed programs to speed up your training process.
Executive Coaching Certification at iPEC
The Executive Coaching Certification program at iPEC provides specialized coach training with a unique approach. With over 25,000 graduates, iPEC has the most accreditations among top life coach training programs. Though it may not be for everyone, many students rave about the energy-centered philosophy of the organization.
This certification for executive coaches has no prerequisites and consists of two phases:
- Phase one focuses on iPEC’s signature Core Energy Coaching™ methodology and Energy Leadership™ Index (ELI) assessment. It certifies you as a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) upon completion.
- Phase two goes deeper into executive coaching, granting you the Executive Coach Certification.
Through these two trainings, you’ll be equipped to help leaders create high-performing teams, manage stress, and overcome common business challenges. iPEC is big on personal growth and provides a high level of support with dedicated mentors.
However, it comes with a high price tag. At $13,395, this program is one of the most expensive coach certification options with a duration of 7-9 months.
Business Coach Training at the College of Executive Coaching
The College of Executive Coaching is a great alternative for post-graduate professionals who want to expand their careers into coaching. One of the highlights of this program is its world-class faculty of 20 PhD and MBA-graduate instructors.
It offers various pricing and duration options. The 128-hour track can be completed in a year and fulfills all requirements for ICF credentialing. It’s one of the most expensive ICF-accredited training options at $10,800, but you can also opt for their fast-track, non-accredited track for $4,890.
Beyond core coaching skills, this program emphasizes individual development, offering:
- Personalized leadership training
- Extensive practice with feedback on your coaching techniques
- Training on building your coaching practice from the ground up
This comprehensive approach gives you the tools and confidence to thrive as a professional coach.
Flexibility is another key advantage of studying at the College of Executive Coaching. Instead of the one-size-fits-all curriculum most certification programs follow, you can choose individual courses, personalized coaching sessions with mentors, or an entire certificate program based on your needs and schedule. They also offer convenient phone-based coaching sessions for added flexibility.
It’s ideal for graduate-level professionals looking for in-depth training with renowned instructors and personalized development.
Build a Thriving Coaching Business
We hope this guide has given you some clarity on which business coaching program is best for you.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2024 and has since been updated for accuracy.
