If you’ve been thinking of becoming a Life Coach, we’re here to tell you that it’s a great career path—one that can be rewarding, fulfilling, and lucrative!

As you’ve been researching Life Coach training programs and exploring what a career as a Life Coach might look like, you’ve probably come across information about Life Coach certification.

Certification versus non-certification can be a bit confusing, so we’re going to tell you everything you need to know to make the most informed decision for you and your future!

What Does it Mean to Become a Certified Life Coach?

As of the date of this post, there are no official regulations regarding certification for Life Coaches. In other words, almost anyone can take a training or build a business and call themselves a Life Coach.

But we at Health Coach Institute strongly feel that investing time—and yes, even money—in your future will help you build a lucrative Life Coaching Career that really helps clients transform their lives. In order to set yourself up for the most successful career possible, we strongly recommend becoming a certified Life Coach.

The return on your investment is well worth it for several reasons:

  • You’ll graduate a trusted expert. Clients and colleagues will be comfortable in your capabilities, and trust that you’ll help them seek and achieve real change.
  • A comprehensive training will ensure you’ll have the tools and knowledge to help clients in all areas of their lives.
  • You’ll gain confidence. It’s important that your clients trust your abilities, but it’s equally if not more important, that you have confidence and trust in your own abilities as a coach! Earning your certification will ensure you’ll feel ready to take on clients and help them create the change they desire.

Certified Life Coach Training

The first step in becoming a certified Life Coach is to get trained. There are a number of options available to you, including online and in-person classes, lengthy or short courses, accredited programs, and more!

It can feel overwhelming and difficult to choose the best program for you, but there are some basic guidelines that will help you in your search.

Great programs will provide you with a number of important benefits, including but not limited to:

  • Real-life practice with clients
  • A robust, cutting-edge curriculum
  • Business and marketing training
  • Practical skills you can apply in your practice, including techniques you can use with clients and tools you can use to keep your business running smoothly
  • Invaluable support from instructors and peers

A truly great certified Life Coach training program will prepare you as much as possible to launch a career. You should graduate feeling comfortable and confident in working with clients, marketing your services, and managing the practical aspects of running a business.
For more information on how to select the best program for you, click here to read our post on how to compare Life Coach certification programs.

Another important factor to consider is accreditation from organizations like the International Coach Federation. ICF sets the standard when it comes to Life Coaching accreditation. So if a program has been approved by ICF, you can feel confident they’ll deliver a thorough training experience.

As you undertake your Life Coach training, remember that it’s one small step in your journey to a new career. In order to be successful, you should also try to take full advantage of everything your training program has to offer. Forge relationships with your fellow students and mentors. Immerse yourself in the resources made available to you…and be sure to ask any and all questions!

What Exactly Does a Certified Professional Life Coach Do?

After you’ve completed your training, you’ll be well on your way to a career as a certified Life Coach!

One of the best things about becoming a Life Coach is the flexibility it offers to create a career and life that complements your goals and dreams. So whether you want a regular 9-5 job, want to work from home (or anywhere in the world!), or you want to build your own business, you can cultivate whatever kind of business you dream up!

As a Life Coach, you can meet with your clients over the phone, via video chat, or in person. You’ll spend time coaching clients, making plans and reviewing client “homework,” keeping up with industry information and continuing education, and managing the business side of your business (accounting, marketing, etc.).

As a Life Coach, you’ll be both your clients’ cheerleader and challenger through a variety of life changes. You’ll help clients with:

  • Getting out of a “funk.”
  • Finding clarity to make pivotal decisions
  • Managing stress
  • Finding their purpose
  • Making career changes
  • Navigating retirement and divorce
  • Overcoming procrastination
  • Following through with goals
  • Improving health and wellness
  • Dealing with grief and loss
  • Increasing confidence
  • Developing leadership skills
  • …and lots more!

Life Coaches often choose a specific niche to specialize in, so give some thought to where your specific skills will be most effective.

Whatever topics you’re passionate about, or have extensive knowledge and skills in, would be a great place for you to focus. This might be health, relationships, business, self-confidence, career fulfillment, entrepreneurship…the list is endless!

By determining your niche, you’ll ensure you’re doing the work you find most fulfilling, limit the competition in your field, and offer your clients more value because your services are focused around a very specific expertise.

Becoming a Certified Life Coach

When you’ve hit the ground running with your new career, you’ll be well on your way to living the life of your dreams. Certified Life Coaches are changing the world one client at a time, while also seeking personal transformation and bettering their own lives. You’ve chosen an amazing path!

Start Your Health and Wellness Coaching Career with HCI

Coaching is a great career that you can help others, while also learning how to help your own personal growth. Health Coach Institute is a top health and wellness coaching certification program. Join our Become a Health Coach program and begin coaching in 6 months! If you are already a coach and want to advance your skills, check out HCI’s Coach Mastery program. Feel free to get in touch with with one of our clarity coaches directly, by calling 1-800-303-2399.

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Health Coach Institute provides aspiring Health and Life Coaches with the tools, training, and support to make a great living transforming lives.