7 Best Life Coach Certification Online Ranked [Updated 2024]

Thinking of getting an online coaching certification but unsure about its value?

You’re in the right place.

We picked the top 7 life coach certification online programs for 2024 by checking what past students and experts say and looking at important details from each program.

We make sure our reviews follow a strict no-conflict-of-interest policy. In this way, we are able to maintain our editorial independence and provide objective, honest, and fair reviews.

Keep reading to find out which certification best aligns with your coaching style and goals!

In Brief: The 7 Best Life Coach Certifications Online Compared

🥇iPEC Coaching: Best for energy-focused, holistic learners.
🥈Health Coach Institute: Best for health and life dual-focus.
🥉Institute for Life Coach Training: Best for coaches with experience.
Life Purpose Institute: Best for comprehensive, versatile coaching.
iNLP Center: Best for NLP enthusiasts and professionals.
Certified Life Coach Institute: Best for quick-start, aspiring coaches.
Life Coach Certification Institute (LCCI): Best for budget-friendly, fast certification.

Programs	Our Review	Pricing	Learn More
		USD 13,395
		USD 5,950
		USD 7,700.
		N/A
		USD 4,095
		USD 1,295
		USD 275

The 7 Best Life Coach Certification Online Programs Ranked

Whether you’re looking to boost your existing coaching business or just starting out, we can help you navigate your options.

We’ve done the hard work for you by researching and ranking the top seven life coach certifications online.

Our rankings are based on a clear methodology that evaluates each program’s course quality, accreditation, and practical training.

Here are our top 7 online coaching certification programs, detailed:

🥇#1 iPEC Coaching: Best for Energy-focused, holistic learners

Coach Foundation Score

iPEC offers an immersive program that includes three certifications and focuses on creating sustainable change through energy leadership and core energy coaching.

It’s designed to empower coaches to drive transformation effectively in their clients’ lives.

Program Details

Program Costs: You can pay USD 13,395 all at once, or split it into USD 4,665 over three months, or USD 1,083 per month for 12 months.
Program Length: 7-9 months, including three live modules and additional self-study.
Accreditation and Credibility: ICF-accredited
Mode of Learning: Offers both online and in-person training options.

Pros and Cons

Mentor feedback provided.

Personalized training sessions.

Includes a resource library.

Extensive time commitment.

Comparatively costlier

Specialty

It focuses on Core Energy Coaching™ and Energy Leadership, which distinguishes it from traditional life coaching programs.
Ideal for coaches seeking a transformational life coach certification with a focus on energy leadership and personalized development.

Visit iPEC Coaching

🥈#2 Health Coach Institute: Best For Health and life dual-focus

Coach Foundation Score

The Health Coach Institute offers a dual-certified Health and Life Coach certification program that spans six months and is entirely online. It’s taught by experienced coaches and provides practical skills for starting a successful coaching career.

This life coach certification emphasizes holistic development across various life areas and includes extensive mentorship and community support.

Program Details

Program Costs: The program costs USD 5,950 if paid in full, with options for payment plans such as 7 payments of USD 921.43 or 12 payments of USD 537.50.
Program Length: 6 months.
Accreditation and Credibility: Accredited by the ICF and the Canadian Health Coach Alliance.
Mode of Learning: Entirely online, with video lessons, mentorship, and partner skills labs.

Pros and Cons

Dual certification in health and life coaching.

Comprehensive curriculum covering multiple aspects of wellness and business skills.

Supportive community and mentorship.

Extensive time commitment.

Relatively high cost.

Specialty

Offers a dual certification and a holistic approach covering five key areas of life that include behavioral psychology, neuroscience, and habit change.
It is tailored to those new to health and wellness or looking to expand their professional services.

Visit Health Coach Institute

🥉#3 Institute for Life Coach Training: Best for Advanced Coaches

The 7 Best Life Coach Certification Online Programs Compared [2024 Edition] life coach certification

Coach Foundation Score

This advanced training program prepares coaches for the ICF’s PCC credential through a detailed curriculum covering 130 hours.

It includes required courses and electives, culminating in graduation exercises.

This life coach certification is for those who wish for higher credentialing in professional coaching.

Program Details

Program Costs: Approximately USD 7,700.
Program Length: Typically, it takes 1.5 to 2 years to complete.
Accreditation and Credibility: Accredited by the ICF.
Mode of Learning: Online; includes both core courses and electives.

Pros and Cons

Deep focus on core competencies.

Customizable electives.

Relatively high cost.

Require a significant time commitment.

Specialty

It focuses deeply on enhancing core coaching competencies and offers a wide variety of electives for customization.

Visit Institute for Life Coach Training

#4 Life Purpose Institute: Best for Comprehensive, versatile coaching

Coach Foundation Score

The Life Purpose Institute offers a Life Coach Certification program that focuses on practical coaching tools, comprehensive training, and personalized support.

The institute’s online coaching certification also supports graduates with marketing resources and a community for continued professional growth.

Program Details

Program Costs: Specific cost details are not listed; you would need to contact the institute directly for them.
Program Length: Available as a 3- or 6-month program, or as a 5-day intensive with follow-up classes.
Accreditation and Credibility: Accredited by the ICF.
Mode of Learning: Entirely online; flexible with day, evening, and intensive course options available.

Pros and Cons

Focused on practical coaching skills.

Significant practice with feedback.

Marketing support post-certification.

Details on costs are not transparent.

Intensive programs require a significant time commitment.

Specialty

It emphasizes the use of over 100 coaching techniques to assist clients in various areas such as relationship, health, and career development.
Provides extensive support for starting a coaching business.

Visit Life Purpose Institute

#5 iNLP Center: Best for NLP enthusiasts and professionals

Coach Foundation Score

The iNLP Center provides a detailed and flexible online coaching certification that combines traditional coaching methodologies with advanced NLP techniques.

This online coaching certification program is designed to equip coaches with a unique skill set that enhances both personal and professional growth.

Program Details

Program Costs: USD 4,095, payable in 8 monthly installments of USD 512 each.
Program Length: 3 months; self-paced.
Accreditation and Credibility: Accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE), providing both Level 1 and Level 2 accredited training.
Mode of Learning: Entirely online with a self-paced format, supplemented by live Zoom sessions and unlimited peer coaching.

Pros and Cons

Flexible scheduling.

Comprehensive NLP training included.

Lifetime access to materials and sessions.

Relatively expensive.

Heavy focus on NLP may not suit everyone’s coaching style or career goals.

Specialty

Offers an integration of NLP with traditional life coaching techniques, providing a robust framework for understanding and facilitating client transformations.
Lifetime access to study material and recorded sessions.

Visit iNLP Center

#6 Certified Life Coach Institute: Best for Quick-start, aspiring coaches

Coach Foundation Score

This life coach certification provides intensive, immediate training designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and credentials to begin their coaching careers

It emphasizes practical skills and professional preparation. It is ideal for individuals seeking a foundational introduction to life coaching and aiming to start a professional coaching career quickly.

Program Details

Program Costs: USD 1,295, with a “Register Now, Pay Later” financing option that requires a non-refundable deposit of USD 395, with the remainder due three weeks before the class begins.
Program Length: 3 consecutive days.
Accreditation and Credibility: Accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF)
Mode of Learning: Entirely online.

Pros and Cons

Quick and accessible lengthwise.

Offers ICF Contact Learning Hours (which are necessary for those pursuing further credentials with the ICF).

Spending 33 hours across three days might be challenging for some people.

Specialty

The quick turnaround from training to certification is a significant draw. It allows new coaches to start practicing and charging for their services shortly after completion.

Visit Certified Life Coach Institute

#7 Life Coach Certification Institute (LCCI): Best for Budget-friendly, fast certification

Coach Foundation Score

LCCI provides a simple, accessible online life coach certification. It is geared towards immediate application and convenience, with unlimited access to training and exam materials.

It’s fit for those looking for a quick life coach certification online, including professionals seeking a career transition or addition to their current skills.

Program Details

Program Costs: USD 275; cheapest in our list.
Program Length: Self-paced.
Accreditation and Credibility: Self-accredited.
Mode of Learning: Entirely online with a self-paced format.

Pros and Cons

Affordable, flexible, and fast.

Unlimited exam retakes and instant certification.

No prior experience is necessary.

Lacks accreditation from any reputed institute.

Less comprehensive training

Specialty

Offers a straightforward and rapid online certification process.

Visit Life Coach Certification Institute

How to Find the Right Certification

Choosing the right life coaching certification online or otherwise can be a pivotal step in your career.

Here are some key points to consider when deciding on the best certification program for you:

Accreditation and Credibility: Look for programs that are accredited by well-recognized organizations. These include the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), or the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE). Accreditation ensures the program meets certain professional and ethical standards.
Program Content: Analyze the curriculum to ensure it covers the essential topics you are interested in. Such as coaching techniques, ethics, business development, and specific areas like career coaching, wellness coaching, or life balance. Check if the program provides a comprehensive approach to coaching.
Training and Methodology: Consider the training methods used. Does the program offer hands-on experience through workshops, live sessions, and peer coaching? Practical experience is crucial to developing effective coaching skills.
Faculty and Support: Look into the qualifications of the instructors and what kind of support is available during and after the certification process. Good programs often provide mentorship and opportunities for ongoing education.
Certification Requirements: Understand what you need to do to obtain and maintain certification. This includes the number of training hours, the need for practice coaching hours, exams, and any continuing education requirements.
Time and Financial Investment: Evaluate the duration of the program and the total cost, including any hidden expenses like books, materials, or membership fees. Consider whether the program offers flexible learning options that fit your schedule.
Reputation and Reviews: Research testimonials and reviews from past participants to gauge their satisfaction and the effectiveness of the program in helping them achieve their coaching goals.
Networking Opportunities: Check if the program offers a strong alumni network or professional associations that can help in building your career and finding potential clients.
Alignment with Your Goals: Finally, ensure that the program aligns with your career goals and values. Some programs might focus more on corporate coaching; others may emphasize personal life coaching.

Just a heads up—getting certified isn’t a must to start life coaching. But it can definitely boost your reputation in the industry if you do. And getting a life coaching certification online is the easiest way to go about it.

However, certified or not, we’ve got your back every step of the way to make sure your life coaching gig is a success. You’ve got this!

Methodology

To evaluate the seven life coach certifications online, we used a straightforward method that took into consideration the important factors outlined in the “How to Find the Right Certification” section.

In order to find the best life coaching certification programs for 2024, we prioritized these factors based on how much they affect a program’s quality and its fit for potential coaches.

The data is sourced from program administrators, alumni, and educational reviews and analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure accuracy and depth.

We strictly adhere to a no-conflict-of-interest policy with full disclosures, maintaining editorial independence to ensure unbiased evaluations.

To determine the best online coaching certification, our team of specialized editors and researchers ensures thorough analysis and diverse viewpoints in our evaluation process.

Our rankings are updated bi-annually and presented in an interactive format, allowing users to easily compare certifications and access up-to-date information and testimonials.

Conclusion

Selecting the right life coach certification can significantly impact your career.

We’ve ranked seven top online coaching certifications to guide your decision based on their features, credibility, and affordability. Consider which program aligns best with your goals and budget as you move forward.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your pick from these options?

Do you think there should be any additions or deletions to this list?

Let us know in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is life coach certification worth it?

Yes, it can be worth it if you’re serious about establishing credibility and building a professional coaching business. It helps you gain skills, trust from clients, and access to professional networks.

How quickly can you become a life coach?

You can become a life coach in a few months to a year, depending on the training program’s length and your pace of learning.

What credentials do you need to be a life coach?

Technically, you don’t need any specific credentials to start as a life coach. However, certifications from recognized coaching organizations like the International Coach Federation (ICF) can enhance your professionalism.

Which Online coaching certification is best?

The International Coach Federation (ICF) certification is widely respected and considered one of the best due to its rigorous standards and worldwide recognition.

Can you be an online coach without certification?

Yes, you can be an online coach without certification. However, having certification can increase your credibility and potentially attract more clients

How much does it cost to get ICF certification?

The cost for ICF certification can range from $1,000 to over $10,000, depending on the training provider and the level of certification you’re seeking.