Relationship coaching is one of the biggest niches in the industry—and a deeply fulfilling career for many professionals.

But becoming a relationship coach isn’t the same as giving advice to your friends on their relationships, which is why it’s worth getting certified to learn the specialized methodology that will allow you to work with clients.

Let’s explore how you can get the right training and some highly-rated relationship coach certifications.

Do You Need Certification to Coach on Relationships?

Certification is not mandatory to work as a relationship coach (unlike in the case of becoming a therapist or doctor). Several reputable coaching organizations are recognized worldwide but have no legal power over your coaching business.

However, getting certified can help you stand out and become a more effective professional in your niche, especially when you’re new. According to a survey run by the International Coach Federation (ICF), 85% of coaching clients believe it’s essential for their coach to have a certification. 

On the other hand, there are other ways to gain qualifications. If you have experience in couples counseling or education in a strongly related background, you may only need to learn foundational coaching methodology to transition into this field.

Consider your long-term career goals in coaching, the kind of clients you want to serve, and the budget and time you can invest in your training.

How to Get Relationship Coaching Certification

How does getting certified in relationship coaching work? Let’s go through it step by step.

1. Look for the Right Credentials

Before choosing a coaching training program, it’s good to know what credentials you’re after.

Several internationally recognized organizations provide coaches with certifications. One of the most respected is the International Coach Federation (ICF).

If you decide to get certified with the ICF, you can choose one of these three credentials:

• 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.

Each credential will also require the following:

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

Most relationship coaches start with ACC and later get advanced training and more experience to apply for PCC, or even MCC later on.

2. Choose an Accredited Coaching Program

Once you’re clear on your expectations, find a relationship coaching program that fits your requirements.

There are three types of coaching training programs you can take to get certified:

• Level 1 / Level 2 / Accredited Coach Training Programs (ACTP): These programs include all the minimum education hours, mentor coaching, and performance evaluation you need to get your ACC credential. 
• Accredited Coach-Specific Training Hours (ACSTH) Programs: With these, you’ll get your training but must find a mentor coach and performance evaluation separately.
• Non-Accredited or Continuing Coach Education (CCE) Programs: CCE units can be used to accumulate your required education hours. If you choose a non-accredited program, you must submit the curriculum to prove it meets ICF standards.

The simplest way to get certified is to choose an ACTP program. However, these are normally the longest and most expensive ones.

3. Complete Your Certification Requirements

Besides your accredited training and mentor coaching hours, you’ll need to submit your coaching log with the required practice hours.

Many coaching programs will match you with other students for your first few and may help you find clients to help you accumulate the rest.

Some certifying bodies may also ask you for the recordings of some of your sessions for evaluation.

Once your documents are in order, all that’s left is to pass your exam.

4. Apply for Your Certification

Finally, submit all your documents through the organization’s form and pay your application fees. Here are the current fees of the ICF:

Level 1 / Level 2 / ACTP Path Application Price:  

• ICF Member: $175
• Non-Member: $325

ACSTH Path Application Price:

• ICF Member: $375 
• Non-Member: $525

Portfolio Path Application Price: 

• ICF Member: $475
• Non-Member: $625 

Now, all that’s left is to wait to hear back about your results, which may take a few months on average.

4 Best Relationship Coach Certification Programs

Looking for accredited relationship coach certification? Have a look at these ICF-accredited programs.

1. World Coach Institute

The World Coach Institute provides various certification programs in several niches, including relationships. 

Before taking the Certified Relationship Coach (CRC) program, you must take the core Certified Professional Coach (CPC) course. Then, you can continue with your specialized program as an add-on.

The self-study foundational course costs $1,232, while the live online training starts at $2,337. You must sign up for the group mentor class for $1,122 to apply for ICF credentials. To take a niche masterclass such as relationship coaching, you’ll need to invest an additional $247.

2. Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)

The iPEC is one of the most known institutions in coach training. Besides ICF credentials, you’ll also get three other certifications with them, namely:

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

You can choose from four specialized courses. iPEC doesn’t have a relationship coaching specialty, but their life coaching program will give you a solid foundation to help your clients achieve powerful transformations.

Since they are a well-known institution, their fees are some of the highest amongst similar options; tuition costs $13,995 with installment options. 

3. Coach Training World

Coach Training World provides a whole-person approach to coach training. Their program is grounded in science and psychology.

In the first step of their program, you’ll get to choose your niche. This is where you can specialize as a relationship coach and select your preferred coaching style.

They’ll also help you achieve your required coaching hours—one less hurdle to consider when you get certified.

Your tuition will depend on whether you take the Professional Certification or Coachpreneur Certificate. The first track costs $7,550, while the second costs $8,850. With the Coachpreneur track, you’ll get extra business development training. Payment plans are also available. 

4. Erickson Coaching International

At Erickson Coaching International, you can take a core coach training program called The Art & Science of Coaching. Periodically, they also offer specialized follow-up courses in various locations.

Tuition for The Art & Science of Coaching certificate is $5,285. If you’re between 18 and 25 years old, you can also apply for a Youth Subsidy.

Free Relationship Coaching Courses

While more robust, accredited training programs generally come with a hefty price tag, you can also take free courses in relationship coaching to earn specialized education.

Loveology University

Loveology University offers a free chapter of its relationship coaching program called Healing the World. You’ll learn about healing from abuse and grief, how to stop self-sabotaging, and how to build a mind-body connection.

Udemy

Udemy occasionally offers free relationship coaching courses or discounts on more comprehensive paid options. These cover areas like relationship dynamics, conflict resolution, and communication skills.

Alison

Alison offers free courses that can be useful for relationship coaching. While they don’t have a specialized relationship coaching certification, they provide several courses related to communication, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence—key areas for relationship coaching.

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