Life Coaching Business

There are lots of people who start coaching without a life coach certification. They do so because one day they realize everybody is seeking their advice, and they feel really good about this work they do. The profession is relatively new and, only recently, attempts have be made towards regulating the work background legally.

Which is the accrediting body for life coach certification?

The International Coach Federation or ICF works with specific schools that have accredited courses. You can recognize such a course as it is marked with the ICF stamp. Other educational units do not have recognition from this accrediting entity, yet, the trainee can enter the Portfolio track to accreditation in order to receive life coach certification when he/she graduates.

The Coachville School or IAC is another major educational institution that trains people who want to become life coaches. They have their own certifications and organizational structure. Yet, they are not recognized by the ICF, and it seems that at some point they will also apply to start the accreditation procedure.

Academic institutions also offer life coaching degrees, and most of them are ICF accredited. Things are a bit confusing for the average Joe who may get entangled in all the regulations that impact this industry. In some countries, life coach certification is not recognized by the government, while in others the government offers a workplace training certification, as it is the case of Australia. The best idea here would be for you to check locally and nationally to see what requirements there are for the certification.

Is prior training recognized?

Some institutions like the ICF does not recognize any form of non-specific training. That’s really frustrating for someone who’s been working as speaker, counselor, training, financial planner or fitness trainer for years? You can apply for a diploma with the Coachville School, known as the IAC route, which is the alternative to ICF. However, their certification is not recognized by the International Coach Federation.

How long to train before taking the life coach certification exam?

It’s a recognized fact that prior training represents a great advantage for the way you handle the course material. Trained professionals are able to go through the courses a lot more quickly and take their exams sooner, without spending two years in a life coaching school. With the IAC or Coachville school, there is no requirement for a certain number of training hours or training period. This means that in two or three months you could take your life coach certification with them.

Things stand a bit differently with the International Coaching Federation where you are required to spend at least 250 paid coaching hours and 60 hours of coach specific training before sitting for the exam. This means that the first level of ICF certification will take between 6 months and a year to complete, depending on your schedule.

It is advisable that prior to enrolling with a certain school you check all the requirements for getting your life coach certification according to the state laws or national standards of the country.