Updated November 2026
To become a certified life coach, choose an ICF-accredited coach training program, complete the training and mentor coaching, practice with clients, and earn your certification. Accredited training is how clients and employers know you’re qualified. iPEC® produces the most powerful life coaches in the world, with 27+ years of coach training, 25,000+ graduates, and one of the first programs accredited by the ICF.
How to Become a Certified Life Coach in 6 Steps
1. Decide who you want to coach
Career changes, relationships, confidence and life transitions are common focus areas. You can refine this as you train.
2. Choose an ICF-accredited program
ICF Level 1 programs include at least 60 hours of training and Level 2 programs at least 125. Before you compare prices, check what tuition covers. Some programs charge extra for mentor coaching or leave you to arrange your own peer coaching and pro bono hours.
3. Complete your training
iPEC®’s ICF Level 2 accredited Coach Training Program has 160 training hours over 7–9 months, part-time. You attend three live 3-day modules, in person or virtual. Tuition includes 10 hours of mentor coaching and 48 hours of peer coaching (24 as the coach, 24 as the client); the 24 hours you coach count toward ICF as pro bono hours.
4. Earn your certification
iPEC® graduates earn the Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP) certifications.
5. Earn an ICF credential if you want one
ICF’s Associate Certified Coach (ACC) requires 60 training hours, 100 coaching hours (75 paid), 10 mentor coaching hours, a performance evaluation and an exam. The Professional Certified Coach (PCC) requires 125 training hours and 500 coaching hours (450 paid), plus the same mentor coaching, evaluation and exam.
6. Build your practice
Define your ideal client, tell your network, create an online presence, and connect with other coaches. iPEC® offers Lead & Launch: Business Development for Coaches as an optional add-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a certified life coach?
iPEC®’s program takes 7–9 months, part-time. An ICF credential takes longer because you also log client hours.
How much does life coach certification cost?
iPEC®’s Coach Training Program is $9,995, including Coaching Fundamentals, with 0% monthly payments, paid off before your final training module.
Do I need experience or a degree to become a life coach?
No prior coaching experience is required. You need to be 18 or older, with a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is there demand for life coaches?
ICF’s 2025 study estimated $5.34 billion in annual revenue for the coaching profession, up 17% from its 2023 study.
Ready to Get Started?
See how iPEC® life coach certification works, start with Coaching Fundamentals, review tuition, or talk with an admissions coach.
Discover how coach training helps you build a fruitful, fulfilling career
Download the complete program guide to learn what iPEC®’s Coach Training Program is really like, and how it can help you get where you want to go.
