Do you have an infectious positive attitude to life? Do you find yourself able to help others get more joy out of their day-to-day lives?

If so, you could find deep fulfillment by becoming a mindset coach. Let’s explore what you need to become a mindset coach and the five best mindset coach certification programs available online.

Do You Need Certification as a Mindset Coach?

The best way to gain credibility from potential clients as a mindset coach is to get certified by a reputable organization.

But is it necessary? Can you start a coaching business without certification? 

Yes, you can. You don’t necessarily need formal education or certifications to operate a business. 

However, a mindset coach certification can go a long way to gaining the trust of potential clients. According to the International Coaching Federation (ICF), 85% of coaching clients believe it’s important that their coach is certified.

How to Choose a Coaching Certification Program

1. Choose Your Credential Level

Several organizations provide coaching certification globally, the most recognized being the ICF.

If you choose to get certified by the ICF, you can choose between three credential levels:

• Associate Certified Coach (ACC): You must complete 60 hours of coach-specific education plus 100 hours of client coaching experience.
• Professional Certified Coach (PCC): You must complete 125 hours of coach-specific education plus 500 hours of client coaching experience.
• Master Certified Coach (MCC): You must already have your PCC Credential, complete 200 hours of coach-specific education, and accumulate 2,500 hours of client coaching experience.

No matter which credential you choose, you’ll also need the following:

• 10 hours of Mentor Coaching
• A performance evaluation
• Passing a written exam

If industry-recognized credentials matter to you, an ICF-accredited program can greatly boost your portfolio. On the other hand, all coaching certifications provide credentials, some specifically in the niche of mindset coaching.

If you want your program to include all the necessary requirements for an ICF credential, go for an Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP). Otherwise, you’ll need to find separate resources to get your mentor coaching and performance evaluation done.

2. Compare the Curriculum, Schedule, and Cost

Each program offers its own curriculum and varying levels of support at different price points. So, how can you determine the best choice for you?

First, consider that not all programs are available at all times. Some mindset coaching certification options only happen once a year or during specific months. If you want to get certified soon, you can rule out any program that isn’t currently available.

You should also compare the curriculum of each program. All accredited programs will teach you foundational coaching methodology, but not all will specialize in mindset coaching.

Last but not least, the price point is a huge factor. Comprehensive programs with a high level of personalized support tend to cost more. On the other hand, online self-study courses are usually cheaper.

5 Top Certification Programs for Coaches

First, let’s look at some broad coaching training options with excellent credentials that can lay the foundation for your career.

1. Coach U

At Coach U, you’ll undergo a 2-step process to become certified as a professional coach. 

You can pursue either the Core Essentials Program for foundational skills or the Advanced Coaching Program (ACP) for deeper mastery, both of which are accredited by the ICF.

The curriculum emphasizes developing coaching competence, ethical practice, and creating sustainable results for clients across diverse settings.

Each of the two phases of the program currently costs $6,095.

2. Co-Active Training Institute

Co-Active has trained over 65,000 coaches, as well as employees and executives in over one-third of all Fortune 100 companies. According to their website, they’ve trained at least 50% of all professional coaches.

This program will prepare you to coach people on any topic. For mindset coaches, this well-rounded program is a great asset.

For example, you’ll learn how to create relationships built on trust that inspire action-taking. You’ll also learn how to help your clients see the big picture of what they can be. 

To take the complete program, you’ll need to invest $7,998. 

3. Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)

iPEC is an internationally recognized organization in the coaching industry that provides three additional certifications on top of the ICF ones:

• Certified Professional Coach (CPC)
• Energy Leadership™ Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP)
• COR.E Dynamics™ Specialist (in the niche of your choice)

Depending on the type of coach you want to become, you can choose between four niches:

• Life Coaching
• Health and Wellness Coaching
• Executive and Leadership Development Coaching
• Sports and Performance Coaching

Each specialty will be useful for you as a mindset coach, but the best one will depend on the type of people you want to work with.

If unsure, start with the life coaching specialization and niche down later.

To take iPEC’s coaching program and certification, you’ll need to invest $13,995 with an option to pay in three installments.

4. World Coach Institute

Another leader in the coaching industry, the World Coach Institute offers several options for its students to get certified.

The basic program helps you become a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) in addition to the ICF credentials. But you can also niche down with one of their Self-Study Niche programs.

The best option for mindset coaching depends on your niche. They have programs available for:

• Wellness coaches
• Career coaches
• Relationship coaches
• Addiction coaches
• Youth, parent, and family coaches
• Executive leadership coaches
• Business coaches
• Marketing coaches
• Christian coaches
• Master coaches
• Group coaches
• Laser coaches

Getting certified as a Business Coach could be the best option if you want to help entrepreneurs with their mindset. On the other hand, if you prefer to work with executives, you could choose the executive leadership coach option. Like with iPEC specializations, choose the niche that makes the most sense for the people you want to work with.

Program fees start at $2337. 

5. Coach Training World

Coach Training World’s whole-person approach to coaching is perfect for those who want to specialize as mindset coaches. Their program is rooted in science and psychology and even helps you develop your own mindset, coaching style, and niche.

One of the biggest advantages of getting certified through this program is that preparing for your ICF exam is extremely simple.

It provides everything an Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP) should offer and allows you to log your required coaching experience hours. Additionally, the program includes over 125 hours of accredited training.

This will make it much easier to fill out your ICF log before you apply for certification.

Their curriculum includes ICF exam preparation and a vast library of mentor coaching videos. You’ll get access to a three-month ICF certification process that you can start anytime you complete their fourth course, Ignite.

Finally, Coach Training World offers its own certifications, too. Plus, you can become a Board Certified Coach with an MA or PhD.

If you take the Professional Certification track, your investment will be $7,550. If you want access to additional business development training, you can get the Coachpreneur track for $8,850.

3 Certifications to Specialize in Mindset Coaching

1. Certification by The Mindset Coach Academy

The Mindset Coach Academy teaches coaches advanced skills so they can help clients shift their mindsets and overcome limiting beliefs.

This program emphasizes techniques like neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and cognitive behavioral strategies, providing a comprehensive toolkit for transformative change.

It currently costs $7,500 if paid in full with a monthly payment plan available.

2. Mindset Coach Certification by The Transformation Academy

The Transformation Academy’s Mindset Coach Certification is an online course that offers strategies for overcoming mental blocks and achieving personal growth.

This program is a deep dive into effective mindset coaching practices. It focuses on transformative techniques like emotional intelligence and resilience-building strategies.

It currently costs $497.

3. Mindset Dynamics Certification by Natural Wellness Academy

The Mindset Dynamics Certification at Natural Wellness Academy trains coaches in advanced techniques for transforming clients’ mindsets and breaking through limiting beliefs.

The program incorporates dynamic approaches such as integrative psychology and holistic wellness practices. It’s a robust framework for transformative coaching.

It currently costs $1995.

FAQs About Mindset Coaching

Is a Mindset Coach the Same as a Life Coach?

Not exactly. While there may be overlaps, a mindset coach typically focuses on helping individuals develop a positive and empowering mindset. In contrast, a life coach addresses a broader range of personal and professional goals.

Who is the Best Mindset Coach in the World?

Some highly recognized people in the industry who can be considered mindset coaches are Tony Robbins, Dr. Carol Dweck, Brendon Burchard, Dr. Joe Dispenza, and Lisa Nichols.

What Does a Mindset Coach Do?

A mindset coach helps individuals identify and overcome limiting beliefs and develop a positive mindset. They work with clients to set and achieve goals, enhance their self-confidence, and cultivate resilience to navigate challenges.

Start Your Mindset Coaching Business

Building your business sustainably is one of the most crucial parts of becoming a mindset coach. And there’s no simpler way to do that than automating your practice with Paperbell.

Paperbell can create landing pages to handle your contracts, bookings, payments, and a long list of other tasks that come with being a coach.

Get started for free to test all features.

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