Want to become a coach but have no idea where to learn the ropes? The Co-Active Training Institute might just be what you’re looking for.

But before you jump in, here’s what you need to know about the Co-Active Training Institute, its programs, cost, and reviews.

Keep reading to discover the following:

• What is the Co-Active Training Institute?
• Is the Co-Active Training Institute legit?
• The programs at the Co-Active Training Institute
• The pricing of the Co-Active Training Institute
• Reviews of the Co-Active Training Institute
• Is Co-Active Training Institute right for you?

What is the Co-Active Training Institute?

Founded in 1992, the Co-Active Training Institute (CTI) is an internationally recognized coaching school that uses a co-active approach to transform individuals and organizations. 

Co-active coaching is a collaborative process that values the client as the expert in their lives. It encourages the coach-client relationship to be dynamic, supportive, and creative.

At CTI, students learn how to become professional coaches through an experiential learning process that combines the following:

• Classroom instruction
• Group discussions
• Hands-on coaching practice

CTI’s co-active coaching model is based on the belief that everyone has the capacity for creativity, resourcefulness, and wholeness. Co-active coaching aims to help clients tap into these inner resources and use them to achieve their goals and live a more fulfilling life.

CTI is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community of coaches and clients. The school welcomes students and clients from all backgrounds and strives to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

What are the 3 Core Principles of Co-Active Coaching?

The three core principles of co-active coaching are:

• Fulfillment: Helping clients achieve personal and professional satisfaction.
• Balance: Guiding clients to make conscious choices that align with their values.
• Process: Emphasizing the importance of being fully present and engaged in the journey.

Is the Co-Active Training Institute Legit?

CTI was the first coach training organization accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF).

Their full program is an Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP), so you won’t need to pursue additional training to qualify for ICF credentials.

CTI has also been recognized as one of the top coaching schools in the world by publications such as Forbes and Inc.

Its program is also highly experiential, focusing on hands-on learning and practice. Students can work with real clients and receive feedback from experienced coaches. This opportunity allows them to develop their coaching skills in a supportive and challenging environment.

Another unique aspect of CTI’s program is its focus on personal growth. Beyond helping others, it also provides an opportunity for developing yourself.

Overall, the Co-Active Training Institute is a highly respected and effective coaching program. 

The Programs at Co-Active Training Institute

At Co-Active, you can get one of the following types of training:

• Coach training
• Leadership training
• Organizational training

In this review, we’ll focus specifically on their Coach Training program.

Also called the Professional Co-Active Coach Program, this training includes several courses and a certification process at the end:

• Step 1: Fundamentals
• Step 2: Coach training with a focus on fulfillment, balance, process, and synergy
• Step 3: Certification

While coaches can take each course separately, the program is designed to be taken in this order.

Step 1: Fundamentals of Coaching

In this first step, you’ll learn about the Co-Active coaching model. You can take it as part of your certification process or as standalone training.

Fundamentals of Coaching takes 3 or 4 days to complete.

Step 2: Intermediate Coach Training

Once you’ve grasped the Co-Active Fundamentals, you can take this four-step course to deepen your coaching knowledge.

Each course will take 3 to 5 days to complete. You’ll explore each of these four principles to establish a reliable coaching framework:

• Fulfillment
• Balance
• Process
• Synergy

These modules are designed to be taken over six months and are available online.

Several dates are available, which makes it easy for busy aspiring coaches to work this program around their schedule. 

Step 3: Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

In the third step, you’ll follow along with the same cohort of students for six months. You’ll meet with your class once a week online for 90 minutes to master what you’ve learned and prepare for your certification.

You’ll also get 30-90 minutes of homework each week and 1-2 hours of coaching your first clients (yes, you read that right).

Here’s an overview of the timeline for this final step:

You’ll get personal feedback at every step of the process when you sign up for the certification program. 

Co-Active Training Institute Cost

So, how much will it cost to enroll at the Co-Active Training Institute?

Coaches can purchase each course individually or purchase program bundles. Here’s a breakdown of the price:

• Fundamentals of Coaching: $1,099
• Intermediate Course 1: $1,899
• Intermediate Course 2: $1,899
• Intermediate Course 3: $1,899
• Intermediate Course 4: $1,899
• All five courses: $7,998
• Certified Professional Co-Active Coach: $6,499

In total, it will cost at least $14,497 to go through the entire process.

While the cost of the Co-Active Coach Training Program is steep, it’s important to consider the potential return on investment. The institute also offers financial assistance to help make the program more accessible.

To be eligible for a scholarship, you must commit to developing yourself as a leader and a coach. You’ll also need to demonstrate a few more things depending on which of the two scholarships you want to take.

Full info on the Co-Active scholarships is available on their page.

Co-Active Training Institute Reviews

What do real students have to say about the Co-Active Training Institute?

You can find several reviews online for this program on Google, their Facebook page, and other third-party websites.

Several students expressed feelings such as: 

• “Blown away.”
• “The knowledge I have gained in such a short period of time is truly accessible and applicable to daily and professional life.”
• “I was challenged and supported to understand myself better and to develop a plan to move forward.”
• “An experience in my life that will serve me from now, immediately onwards.”

Here are more examples of glowing reviews for the program:

While the program is highly regarded, some reviewers have noted that it can be intense and time-consuming. 

The curriculum is designed to challenge students and push them out of their comfort zones, which can be both rewarding and exhausting.

One graduate shared:

 “The Co-Active Training Institute was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. But it was also one of the most rewarding. I learned so much about myself and my coaching style, and I feel like I’m a much stronger coach as a result.”

Another potential downside to the program is its cost. The Co-Active Training Institute is costly, and several reviewers expressed frustration with the price tag.

One reviewer wrote, “I loved the program, but I wish it was more affordable. It was a big investment for me, and I had to make some sacrifices to make it work.”

Remember that each person will have subjective experiences to share, so take reviews with a grain of salt.

Is the Co-Active Training Institute Right for You?

This depends on your coaching goals, learning style, and financial situation. 

If you’re passionate about co-active coaching and willing to invest time and money into your training, CTI can provide you with the skills and community to take your coaching to the next level. 

However, if you’re not ready for a full-time commitment or if the price tag is out of reach, there are other coaching programs and resources available.

Keep in mind that this high price tag comes with the opportunity to get real practice with real clients. This doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to end the program with paying clients, but it does mean you’ll have real experience.

On the other hand, if you take a coach training program with no practice coaching included, you’ll be on your own to build up your testimonials.

Start Your Career as a Certified Life Coach

Now you know everything there is to know about Co-Active Training Institute! It’s now up to you to decide what path to take.

No matter which coach training certification you choose to enroll in, Paperbell can help you run your successful coaching business the simple way. Grab your free trial to test it out for yourself.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in May 2023 and has since been updated for accuracy.