Looking for the right coaching certification can take you down a deep rabbit hole. To make your research easier, we’ve gathered all the most popular free and paid training programs available.
In this certification masterlist, you’ll find everything from free online coaching certifications to year-long comprehensive coach training options.
Let’s dive in to find the one that’s best for you.
How to Choose the Right Coaching Certification for You
There are a couple of factors to consider to narrow down your research. First, define the niche you want to be working in. A specialized business or health coaching program can help you gain expertise relevant to your interests and career goals.
Next, consider whether specific credentials are important to you. Although being certified by a renowned organization like the International Coach Federation (ICF) is unnecessary, it can increase your credibility and make you more attractive to new clients.
Finally, plan your budget and the time available to invest in your education. These programs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars and vary in length from a few days to over a year.
More expensive doesn’t always mean better, but you want to get quality training that meets your needs. Payment plans and classes delivered online can give you some flexibility, and additional support, like mentorship opportunities, can boost the value of your program.
Free Life Coaching Certifications and Courses Online
Free Life Coach Certification by the Life Coach Training Institute
This mini-course covers essential topics such as conducting sessions, active listening, asking powerful questions, client accountability, and business basics.
It includes some exercises and lesson transcripts. If you want to dive deeper later, upgrade to their entire certification course or live boot camp for $195.
Professional Life Coach Course by Alison
Alison’s CPD-accredited course includes 6-10 hours of lessons on coaching questions, setting SMART goals, and overcoming limiting beliefs.
You’ll learn to distinguish between good and bad habits and help people discover their purpose. You must score 80% or higher on each assessment to earn the certificate.
Free Introductory Life Coaching Lecture by Animas
Animas offers a free three-hour session on Transformational Coaching. It explains the transformative coaching approach and the different career pathways and specializations you can take as a transformational coach.
The interactive session includes trainer-led presentations and group discussions over Zoom.
Free Life Coaching Certificate by eLearning College
This three-month course from eLearning College can be completed at your own pace and covers life coaching fundamentals, such as performance improvement strategies, coaching tools, and solutions for communication issues.
Each end-of-unit assessment grants a free CPD-accredited coaching certificate.
Coaching Skills by UC Davis on Coursera
Coursera offers the Coaching Skills course for managers by UC Davis, which can be audited for free.
This comprehensive program includes lessons on improving communication skills, providing feedback, and developing teams. It also covers essential coaching techniques to enhance leadership capabilities in a managerial role.
The Complete Guide to Becoming a Coach on Udemy
Udemy has a free version of its Complete Guide to Becoming a Coach course. This online program offers a detailed guide to the principles and practices of effective coaching.
Topics include establishing a coaching practice, developing client relationships, and mastering techniques for various scenarios.
Top Coaching Certifications
Co-Active Training Institute (CTI): Co-Active Coaching Certification
The Co-Active Coaching Certification offers Professional Certified Coach credentials. It focuses on relationship building and personal development. The program costs $1,099-6,499 for each module, depending on its level and delivery format.
It’s available in person and online and can be completed in 6-12 months. It emphasizes experiential learning and practical application.
Here’s our in-depth review of the Co-Active Certification.
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC): Certified Professional Coach (CPC)
iPEC offers Certified Professional Coach (CPC) certification and focuses on core energy coaching principles. The program costs around $11,950 and takes approximately 7-9 months to complete. It includes in-depth training on energy leadership and personal transformation.
Additionally, iPEC offers specialized programs in executive coaching, health and wellness coaching, and sports and performance coaching.
Here’s our in-depth review of iPEC’s programs.
The NeuroLeadership Institute (NLI): Brain-Based Coaching Certification
The NeuroLeadership Institute (NLI) offers certification in brain-based coaching, integrating neuroscience with coaching practices.
Depending on your region, the program costs around $3,170 for part one and $5,995 for part two and can be completed in six months.
Here’s our in-depth review of the Neuroleadership Institute.
Coach Training Alliance (CTA): Certified Coach Program
The Coach Training Alliance (CTA) offers ICF-accredited certifications in life, career, and business coaching. The program costs $4,339 and spans six months. It includes interactive online classes and mentor coaching.
CTA’s comprehensive curriculum prepares participants to become proficient coaches, focusing on practical skills and professional development.
Here’s our in-depth review of the program at CTA.
Applied Positive Psychology Certificate by IPPC
The Institute of Positive Psychology Coaching offers programs integrating positive psychology with coaching practices.
Their Level 1 program costs $3,500 and includes practical courses on strengths-based approaches and well-being, live support, and personalized feedback from experts. Their advanced diploma is a one-year program for $8,200.
Here’s our in-depth review of the program at the Positive Psychology Coaching Institute.
Erickson Coaching International: The Art & Science of Coaching
The Art & Science of Coaching program offers multiple levels of certification with solution-focused coaching methodologies.
The cost ranges from $4,512 to $8,496 and lasts 6-12 months. It emphasizes the practical application of coaching tools and NLP techniques.
Here’s our in-depth review of the Art & Science of Coaching program at Erickson Coaching International.
Coachville
Coachville offers two main coaching certification programs: the Starter Program and the Complete Program. Both are aligned with ICF credentials (ACC and PCC).
It prepares coaches across various specialties by featuring gamified online learning via Game Cards and live classes. Based on their level, these programs last 6-18 months and cost $3,500-6,000.
Here’s our in-depth review of Coachville.
Jay Shetty Certification School
The Jay Shetty Certification School offers a six-month online life coach certification program with 120 hours of lectures.
It includes coaching basics, advanced techniques, and business strategies, culminating in Jay Shetty Certified Life and Success Coach credentials. Pricing details are disclosed during an enrollment call, reportedly around $7,400.
Here’s our in-depth review of the Jay Shetty Coach School.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Certification by Six Seconds
Six Seconds offers various Emotional Intelligence (EQ) certification programs tailored for coaches at various career stages. Courses include EQ Coach, Practitioner, Assessor, Performance Metrics, Educator, and Brain Profiler certifications.
Their full course, the EQ Coach program, costs $10,000, while other courses vary between $275 and $7,000. Each program emphasizes evidence-based learning outcomes and access to global EQ tools.
Here’s our in-depth review of the EQ Coach training by Six Seconds.
Coach Certification Program at UC Davis
The Coaching for Life and Work Certificate Program at UC Davis costs $9,500, spanning 5 months of online classes via Zoom.
Accredited by the ICF, it equips professionals with core coaching competencies and offers pathways to ACC and PCC credentials. It is facilitated by experienced master coaches from diverse industries.
Here’s our in-depth review of the coaching program at UC Davis.
MBTI Certification Program
The MBTI Certified Practitioner program offers comprehensive training on applying the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator for coaches and HR professionals.
Pricing ranges from $1,195 to $2,395 in the US. Duration varies with options for virtual or in-person training lasting over a few days.
This training helps you gain expertise in personality assessments to enhance your coaching effectiveness as well as client relationships.
Here’s our in-depth review of the MBTI Certification Program.
The Robbins-Madanes Life Coach Certification
The coaching program of Tony Robbins and Cloe Madanes has three online tracks: Core 100, Core 200, and the Total Breakthrough Training, ranging from $3,500 to $4,990.
These programs combine self-paced learning with live sessions over six months, focusing on strategic intervention coaching and real-life case studies.
Here’s our in-depth review of The Robbins-Madanes Life Coach Certification.
Coach Certification by The Goal Imagery Institute
The Goal Imagery Institute Coach Certification offers comprehensive training in transformative coaching techniques, aligning with ICF core competencies.
Programs include Holistic Life, Career, and Executive Coach certifications, structured across three levels, with prices starting at $4,500.
Students learn goal imagery, positive psychology, and NLP, preparing them to guide clients effectively through personalized coaching sessions.
Here’s our in-depth review of The Goal Imagery Institute.
Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching Certification
The Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching Certification costs $4,000 and spans 7 to 9 months. It combines eLearning modules, weekly mentorship calls, and practical client engagement.
Graduates gain 36 ICF Continuing Coach Education hours, mastering a collaborative coaching approach for sustained leadership improvement in diverse global contexts.
Here’s our in-depth review of Marshall Goldsmith.
Coach Certification by the Gestalt Center
The Gestalt Center for Coaching offers a comprehensive ICF-accredited program lasting 5-7 months, combining online and in-person sessions. It emphasizes Gestalt psychology, mindfulness, and field theory, preparing coaches to facilitate intentional change through heightened awareness.
Program fees aren’t currently featured on the organization’s website, but you can learn more about tuition by contacting their team.
Here’s our in-depth review of the Gestalt Center.
Transformation Academy
Transformation Academy offers affordable coach certification programs in over 45 niches, including happiness coaching, mental health coaching, and business coaching.
Their self-paced courses equip you with essential strategies and tools to effectively coach clients in your chosen specialty.
Accredited by the Continuing Professional Development Standards Agency (CPD), their programs are available for $197 or some for as low as $69.99 on Udemy.
Coach Training World
Coach Training World offers the Professional Whole Person Certified Coach program, blending science and psychology. You’ll earn Whole Person Certified Coach and ICF credentials upon completion.
The program guides you through niche discovery, core whole-person coaching training, and ICF credentialing. Optional access to CoachPreneur Academy helps you launch your coaching business.
As an ACTP program, it provides comprehensive support and over 400 hours of extended learning.
CoachU
CoachU is renowned for its Executive Coaching certification, which focuses on foundational skills across two phases: Core Essentials and Professional Essentials (for certified coaches). You can complete the 78 hours of training over eight months or opt for a fast-track 6-day intensive.
The program covers core skills, proprietary coaching models, and business positioning. Costs range from $6,095 per phase to $11,190 for the entire program. With flexible scheduling options, this program can be an excellent choice for those changing careers and professionals integrating coaching skills into their current full-time roles.
Mindvalley
Mindvalley offers coach certification programs for life and business coaches that can be completed in 16 weeks. Designed for busy professionals, these programs are divided into three hours of bite-sized weekly lessons and cost $4,499.
You’ll engage in weekly live sessions, peer coaching labs and gain access to over 16 hours of live session recordings with top coaches. Led by Ajit Nawalkha, co-founder of Mindvalley Coach, the program includes exclusive access to Mindvalley’s global ecosystem of coaches and grants 42 continuing education units with ICF.
Evidence-Based Coaching Certification by Fielding Graduate University
Fielding Graduate University’s certification emphasizes evidence-based practices and research in coaching. The program costs $6,125 to $6,420 per term and takes eight months to complete.
Combining academic rigor with practical coaching skills, it prepares coaches to apply scientifically grounded methods to their practice.
New Ventures West: Professional Coaching Course (PCC)
New Ventures West offers a certification in integral coaching that costs $13,900 for 12 months.
The program emphasizes a holistic approach to personal and professional development, integrating multiple coaching methodologies to foster comprehensive client growth.
World Coach Institute: Certified Professional Coach (CPC)
The World Coach Institute (WCI) offers a broad range of certifications, including a foundational Certified Professional Coach (CPC) program delivered online.
The course material includes communication skills, core coaching competencies, as well as tools and assessments. You’ll also have the chance to observe up to 25 coaching sessions, give and receive coaching, and get personalized feedback.
The 8-week program costs $2,922 and provides a well-rounded foundation for aspiring professional coaches. It combines self-study classes and mentor coaching.
Center for Executive Coaching
The Center for Executive Coaching offers an ICF-accredited certification designed for aspiring executive coaches. This comprehensive program covers foundational coaching skills, business coaching methodology, and results-focused leadership solutions.
The program emphasizes practical, measurable results for executives and managers and prepares graduates to facilitate, assess, train, advise, or consult clients. Program fees range from $4,900 to $7,350, and depending on the track you choose, it can be completed in a few days to six months.
Certified Happiness Coach Program at Happiitude
The Certified Happiness Coach Program at Happiitude is a six-week certification tailored to coaches focusing on workplace happiness. It covers personal happiness foundations, applying happiness frameworks at work, and designing workshops.
Accredited by the Berkeley Well-Being Institute, it includes live group sessions and extensive materials. The program costs $1,299 and is delivered entirely online through interactive sessions.
Integrative Health Coach Certification by Nickerson
The Nickerson Institute’s Integrative Health Coach Certification, led by Dr. Wendy Nickerson, lasts 6-12 months, involves 200 hours of training, and costs $4,299.
It includes self-paced video lessons, bi-weekly live meetings, a year of personal mentoring, and an opportunity to be listed on the organization’s coach directory.
The program is accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP), the Canadian Association of Integrative Nutrition (CAIN), and the Health Coach Alliance (HCA).
Build a Thriving Coaching Business
Getting trained is the foundation of your coaching practice. Keeping it organized is its heartbeat.
Paperbell helps free up valuable hours in your weekly schedule by automating your client management. It’s an all-in-one client management tool that handles bookings, payments, contracts, packages, and more.
Try Paperbell for free with your first client.
