Online Life Coach Training and Certification Programs

Life coaches support and encourage clients using nonjudgmental techniques and mentoring practices. They assist clients in improving various aspects of their lives, both personally and professionally. Training programs also give future life coaching specialists the tools needed to build their own professional careers.

Online Training Programs in Life Coaching

Life coach training is offered by schools and professional coaching institutions usually as a professional certificate program. A relatively new field in coaching, life coach training typically combines basic coaching strategies, mentoring sessions, and coursework in interpersonal relations. Some training areas require face-to-face technique practice so fully online programs in this field are rare, although they do exist. Some programs are in hybrid format, which allows students to complete some coursework online, while the majority of programs are held completely on-campus.

Online Program Requirements

Online programs are typically accessed on the Internet through the school or institution's online learning portal, although some programs feature mobile technology that allows students to access their program via smart phones. Requirements may include a PC or laptop, a high-speed Internet connection and office software. Some programs may require students to purchase textbooks, while other programs provide study resources online.

Life Coach Classes

Depending on the program, classes may be structured similar to on-campus classes with students meeting with instructors at a specific time or they may be self-study classes that allow students to progress at their own pace. Classes may include the use of textbooks, online study aids, discussion forums, interactive web learning, as well as group conference call sessions. An in-person internship or clinical practicum may be included in some life coaching programs.

Sample Coursework

Life coach coursework is designed to empower students with the confidence needed to help guide their clients through life's challenging questions and decisions. Training often focuses on how to help clients learn from their past choices while laying out a clear path for their clients' future.. Coursework topics may include:

• Life Coaching Techniques
• Life Coach Foundation Skills
• Life Coaching Strategies
• Client Mentoring
• Professional Ethics

Life Coach Career Options

Life coach training gives students the opportunity to be self-employed, work with other life coaches, work for large corporations and be employed in naturopathic or holistic clinics. Some life coaches may choose to continue their education by pursing degrees in counseling, social work, or psychology.

Life Coach Certification Programs

A few professional organizations and commercial coaching institutions offer professional life coach certification, either online or through in-person workshops or seminars. Professional accreditation assures clients that their life coach adheres to professional standards of conduct and practices.

Certification Process & Requirements

Requirements for professional certification vary, but typically include a specific number of hours of life coaching experience and completion of a training program. The certification process generally includes an exam and the completion of a practice coaching session. Online certification is often interactive and requires participation in a live webinar. Certification organizations usually offer study aids or in-person workshops to prepare students for the certification exam.