What Type of Life Coach Certification Do I Need?

What Type of Life Coach Certification Do I Need?

Life coaching is a growing field that offers a viable business opportunity for those who enjoy helping people. Life coaching can specialize in both personal and professional concerns, from career and business to relationships and fitness. Coaches do their work face to face, by phone or over video chat online. While some coaches forgo any outside training specific to life coaching, others feel that certification though a credible institution or alliance is beneficial.

Should I Become a Certified Life Coach?

At this time, there are no structured licensing requirements to work as a life coach. Many who become life coaches transition from work in their field into a coaching role. However, some coaches who are concerned about professional standards choose to acquire certification from a reputable organization. The International Coach Federation (ICF) is one of the most highly-regarded sources for certified life coach education. Full credentialing with the ICF has three phases:
• Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
• Professional Certified Coach (PCC)
• Master Certified Coach (MCC)

The Associate Certified Coach

This introductory level requires 100 hours (or more) of coaching experience and costs from $100 to $500 USD, depending upon application type and membership status. There are two ways to apply: a portfolio application, or a ACTP application. At this time, application costs $300 for the portfolio option and $100 for the ACTP option.

Professional Certified Coach

This level is for the proven coach who wants to take it further. The PCC requires 750 or more hours of coaching experience; cost ranges from $300 - $775 USD, depending upon membership status and application type. There are two ways to apply: a portfolio application or a ACTP application. If previous coach-specific training was not through an ICF-accredited program, the portfolio option is required.

Master Qualified Coach

The MCC is for the expert coach. Application, review, and exam fee is $575 USD for members and $775 USD for non-members. Application requirements include:

• 2,500 hrs. of client coaching experience
• 200 hrs. of coach-specific training
• Meeting the minimum skill requirements for MCC
• 10 hrs. working with a qualified Mentor Coach
• A performance evaluation

A revised written exam process will be effective April 1, 2014. Check the ICC website for details about becoming a certified life coach.