Become a Certified Life Coach

Life coaching is a forward-looking partnership between a trained coach and a client. You help people identify goals, develop strategies, and take concrete action toward the outcomes they want. Unlike therapy — which addresses past trauma and mental health diagnoses — coaching focuses on where someone is now and where they want to go.

The profession is growing. The 2025 ICF Global Coaching Study reports $5.34 billion in global revenue and 122,974 practitioners worldwide, up 15% from 2023. Demand is driven by organizations investing in leadership development, the expansion of health and wellness coaching, and growing consumer awareness of coaching as a professional service.

Becoming a life coach follows a straightforward path: choose a specialization, complete an accredited training program, accumulate coaching hours, and earn a credential. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) offers the most widely recognized credentials — ACC, PCC, and MCC — with progressive requirements at each level.

You don't need a specific degree. What you need is training, practice, and the business skills to find and serve clients. Our complete guide walks through every step, from selecting your niche to launching your practice.

Your specialization is the single biggest factor in your coaching income. Executive coaches earn $300-$500+/hour. General life coaches average $75-$150/hour. Choosing a niche early gives you a clear audience, stronger positioning, and higher rates.

Executive Coaching — the highest-paying niche. Work with C-suite leaders and senior managers on leadership effectiveness. Typical rates: $300-$500+/hour.

Health & Wellness Coaching — the fastest-growing specialization. Support behavior change around nutrition, exercise, and chronic disease management. The NBHWC credential opens doors in healthcare systems.

Career Coaching — help professionals navigate job transitions, promotions, and career pivots. Strong demand from both individuals and organizations.

Business Coaching — work with entrepreneurs and small business owners on growth strategy, operations, and scaling. Typical rates: $200-$400/hour.

Explore all 16 niches on our specializations page, including leadership, relationship, financial, ADHD, and mindset/NLP coaching.

No certification is legally required to coach. But credentialed coaches earn significantly more, and corporate clients specifically look for ICF credentials. Here's how the major certifications compare:

ICF-ACC — the entry-level professional credential. 60+ training hours, 100+ coaching hours. Total cost: $3,400-$7,300. Best for: new coaches building credibility.

ICF-PCC — the mid-career credential. 125+ training hours, 500+ coaching hours. Total cost: $6,000-$16,800. Best for: experienced coaches seeking higher rates.

NBHWC — the gold standard for health coaching. Approved training program + NBME exam. Best for: coaches in health and wellness settings.

See our full certification comparison for ICF-MCC, CCE-BCC, and CPD-accredited alternatives.

U.S. coaches earn an average of $71,719/year (ICF 2025), but income varies dramatically by specialization and experience:

Executive coaches: $120,000-$350,000+ annually. Leadership and business coaches: $80,000-$200,000. Health and career coaches: $50,000-$100,000. General life coaches: $35,000-$75,000. Your niche, credentials, and business skills determine where you land.

For complete salary data by specialization, experience level, and region, see our life coach salary guide.

How to Become a Life Coach — Step-by-step guide from choosing a niche to building your practice.

Certification Comparison — ICF, NBHWC, CCE, and CPD-accredited options side by side.

Requirements Guide — What you actually need: training, credentials, legal, and business setup.

Online Programs — ICF-accredited programs you can complete entirely online.

Start Your Business — Pricing, marketing, finding clients, and scaling beyond 1-on-1.

Is Coaching Right for You? — An honest, data-driven look at the career.

Coaching vs Therapy — The key differences and when to refer.