9 Top-Notch ICF Accredited Life Coaching Programs Online

Are you looking for an ICF-accredited life coaching program?

We get it!

An ICF life coach certification is a trusted mark of quality. It means you underwent a program that trains you in life coaching core competencies. And… that you're equipped to be a support system and accountability partner for your client.

However, being an ICF-certified life coach also means you'll have to invest time, money, and effort to obtain this quality mark.

In this blog post, we’ve compiled a blend of ICF life coach certifications of the highest quality that you can take from home. We understand that you want a program that meets your expectations, budget, and goals while ensuring industry recognition. 

 But first, let’s start with the basics.

Do You Need a Certification To Be a Coach?

You don’t!

Currently, the coaching industry isn’t regulated by federal or state agencies. You don’t need education, a license, or a certification to offer your services as a coach.

As a life coach, you support and guide people to help them improve their life. You aid your clients based on qualifications or life experiences you already have. BUT you’re not a counselor or therapist. So, as long as you don’t offer these services, you’re good to go. 

Still, there’s a globally recognized organization called the International Coach Federation (ICF). The ICF sets professional coaching standards that ensure coaches deliver high-quality services to their clients. 

But, it’s not a requirement to be an ICF-certified life coach to practice your skills.   

BUT is a Life Coach Certification Worth  It?

Absolutely! 

You may not need a life coach certification accredited by the ICF to be a life coach. But an ICF coach credential (ACC, PCC or MCC) can most certainly bring advantages to your coaching career.

Some reasons to pursue an ICF life coach certification are:

• Gives you credibility: Clients want to know they’re putting themselves in the hands of a professional. Having a certification can make clients trust you more and could easily get you the “yes” you’re looking for in a discovery call.

• Reinforces communication and emotional intelligence: Coaching involves working with people to discuss goals and identify obstacles. That's why coaching programs teach communication techniques and foster the development of emotional intelligence, so coaches can build a relationship of trust and support with their clients.

• Continuous professional development: This is how you keep yourself relevant. When you commit to ongoing growth by taking on new programs, you give yourself the chance to enhance existing skills or develop new ones. 

Often, people who are exploring becoming a coach get a life coach certification that’s accredited by the ICF because it teaches them coaching models or core coaching skills. So, whatever the reason is for you to pursue a program… it is worth it. 

Even if you don’t feel that an ICF credential would mean anything to your clients, the training and development from a credible life coaching program is certainly relevant to impart the coaching skills you need.

With that said, let’s dive into the highest quality ICF-certified programs for life coaches.

#1. CreativeMind’s Jungian Life Coaching Training Program

CreativeMind’s Jungian Life Coach Training Program is a year-long program designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to become a certified Jungian life coach. 

The program integrates Jungian psychology, Eastern spirituality, and social neuroscience to help you guide your clients towards life-changing results. 

You'll gain expertise in depth coaching for personal transformation and also receive the step-by-step strategy and expert guidance to build your coaching business. The program is accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF) and offers 105 Continuing Coach Education (CCE) hours.

Why we recommend it: 

• It combines Jungian psychology, Eastern spirituality, and social neuroscience into a life coach training model.

• The program is highly experiential and includes things like live demonstrations, private coaching mentor sessions, coaching labs, and a 24/7 dedicated forum with coach support.

• The program offers a full year of private coaching with a Master Jungian Life Coach.

Duration: 1 year

Cost: Download brochure for more information

Delivered in 12 life-changing modules, CreativeMind’s Jungian Life Coaching Training Program delivers an intensive journey into Jungian psychology and Eastern spirituality, including shadow work and archetype exploration. This value-packed program transcends basic coaching, aiming to forge you into a transformative coach with a deep well of knowledge and practical skills.  Expect a rich curriculum designed to maximize your potential and justify the cost investment by making you a master of your coaching craft.

Who is this for: The CreativeMindLife program doesn't offer specific coaching specializations, but its focus on personal transformation and Jungian theory equips you to coach clients in various areas seeking personal growth. With strong core coaching skills development, you'll be prepared to pursue your chosen coaching niche after graduation.

Where to enroll: CreativeMind Jungian Life Coach Training Program

#2. The Mindvalley Life Coaching Certification Program 

MindValley is an online education platform that offers a wide range of personal growth courses. It collaborates with experts, authors, and thought leaders to deliver content of the highest quality.  

Having 5 million members around the globe, MindValley is taking the next step by training next-generation life coaches. 

Their Life Coaching Certification program equips life coaches with the knowledge, strategies, and support they need to transform people’s lives. It also gives coaches the tools and guidance necessary to set up and grow their life coaching business.

Why we recommend it:

• Direct coaching by Mindvalley Founder & CEO Vishen Lakhiani and Evercoach CEO Ajit Nawalkha

• Weekly coaching pods with an empowering coaching community

• Most competitive pricing in the industry

• Program structure is based on Mindvalley's 20 years in learning design

• Inclusion & presentation in Mindvalley's Coaching Directory

• Learn proven strategies, skills, methodologies, mindsets, and more from coaching leaders. Then practice your acquired knowledge with fellow coaches on interactive labs, LIVE classroom sessions, and LIVE Q&As.  

• Get training in both coaching and business skills to better your own competencies and learn how to run a business from finding your niche, to creating your coaching packages and mindset.

• Obtain bonuses such as workshops, coaching demonstrations, invitations to private events, business training, and more.

• Access MindValley’s coaching platform where you can be part of a five million-member community and match with potential clients

Duration: Four months (or self-paced)

Cost: USD $2,799

Who is this for: New and experienced life coaches who want to learn or enhance coaching and business skills at their own pace with all the resources and support they need along the way.

Where to enroll: Mindvalley Life Coaching Certification program.

#3. Academy of Leadership Coaching & NLP (ALCN): NLP Somatic Coach Certification Program

The Academy of Leadership Coaching & NLP (ALCN) is a company that offers coach training programs. Their goal is to empower individuals, leaders, and changemakers to create positive change. ALCN is the only ICF accredited coach certification company that offers the NLP Somatic Coach certification program, which includes its proprietary Conscious Change™ method. They believe this method allows clients to create lasting change in all areas of their lives.

Why we recommend ALCN:

• 1:1 Personalized Training: ALCN’s program offers unparalleled flexibility where students can choose their personal Coach Trainer from a global network of PCC level coaches based on niches, language, or time zone. Students also get to set the pace of their program, with options to fast track or take their time within the 1-year timeframe.

• Conscious Change™ Method: ALCN integrates the ICF coaching framework, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) techniques, and somatic coaching practices into their program. This combination is said to foster profound and lasting change across all areas of life.

• ICF Coaching provides a structured framework for coaching conversations.

• NLP helps clients gain understanding, clarity, and inner alignment, and embody desired changes.

• Somatic coaching helps clients connect with their body and integrate mind-body wisdom.

• Lasting Change: The ALCN program is designed to help people achieve lasting change in all areas of their life. Their core mission is centered on equipping individuals to create positive transformations in their lives and the world around them, and the program's focus on mind, body, and spirit is said to contribute to the sustainability of the results.

• Inner Alignment Map™: Program includes the Inner Alignment Map™, a proprietary method developed by ALCN that adds a unique element to their training.

Duration: 6 months – 1 year (self-paced program)

Cost: USD$10,995 (full payment / 3 or 6 months payment plans available)

Who is it for:

• Individuals who want to become coaches

• Leaders who want to improve their coaching and leadership skills

• Changemakers who want to create positive change in the world

Where to enroll: ALCN NLP Somatic Coach Certification Program

#4. Coach Training Alliance: Certified Coach Program

The Coach Training Alliance is an organization that provides coach training programs and certifications. Their Certified Coach Program offers foundational coach training to develop your coaching abilities by preparing you for real-world coaching with practical experience. 

Why we recommend it: 

• Gain a mix of coaching, marketing, and business skills from activities like group mentoring, self-study, observation & critique, and coach the coach (coach and be coached)

• Get access to interactive software downloaded onto  your computer to enhance your learning experience

• List your coach profile in Coach Training Alliance’s life coach directory website to start promoting your business

• Learn methodologies like the LearnMore System™, Four Pillars of Wisdom™, and Circle of Learning™

Duration: Six months

Cost: $3,897

Who is this for: Aspiring or newcomer coaches who have  time to attend sessions and be active participants in group mentoring sessions.

#5. Certified Life Coach Institute: Life Coach Certification

The Certified Life Coach Institute is an organization that trains coaches in any niche and profession. Their Certified Life Coach program teaches the fundamentals of being a coach, along with introducing tools and techniques that can help you set up your business.  

Why we recommend it:

• Learn conversational intelligence, cognitive coaching, open-ended questions, ways to improve your client's life, and more.

• Get the tools you need to develop SMART goals, contracts, packages, and your business plan.

• Understand how to brand yourself with a marketing plan that includes building a website, SEO, having an elevator pitch, and how to sell yourself.

Duration: Three days

Cost: $995

Who is this for: Aspiring life coaches that want to learn the essential skills to be a coach, start their business, and get a certificate quickly. 

#6. Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching: Life Coach Certification

The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) is an organization that offers coach training programs for essential coaching topics or niche options (life, executive, health & wellness, and sports & performance). Their Life Coach certification is designed to help you support your clients in creating their own formula of success. 

Why we recommend it:

• Earn up to three certifications in one: Certified Professional Coach (CPC), Energy Leadership™ Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP), and COR.E Dynamics™ Specialist (niche specific).  

• Attend three-day LIVE seminars (virtual or in-person) and on-demand webinars or niche-specific training.

• Get access to iPEC’s resource library where you can find tools, templates, materials, assignments, and exercises.

Duration: Nine months

Cost: $13,395

Who is this for: New coaches that have the time and money to apply for a robust program. 

#7. Coach U: Core Essentials Program

Coach U was founded in 1992 and is considered one of the first coach training schools. Their Core Essentials Program offers you the essential knowledge of core coaching competencies along with skills you can incorporate into other positions or professions. 

Why we recommend it:

• Get courses on proprietary coach models, packages, how to position your coaching business, how to be a better coach, and more.

• Learn virtually and choose from two programs, the Core Essentials (78 hours of coaching education) and the Accelerated Core Essentials (six intense days of immersive coaching education).

• Gain insights from coach mentoring sessions and assessments.

Duration: Six to eight months (or self-paced)

Cost: $6,095 ($5,695 if purchased 45 before the program starts)

Who is this for: Aspiring coaches or professionals who want to implement the skills acquired in their day-to-day jobs.  

#8. iNLP Center: Life Coach Certification

The iNLP was the first training center providing neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) online. They offer NLP training, coach training, and other programs that include hypnosis and mindfulness. Their Life Coach Certification program uses NLP practices with the general coaching model.

Why we recommend it:

• Train in a combination of neuro-linguistic techniques, ICF competencies, and inner dynamic parts work to deepen your coaching knowledge.

• Earn your certificate with online coursework, offline activities, LIVE training sessions, and coaching with peers for an effective learning environment.

• Get lifetime access to LIVE sessions and materials.

Duration: Self-paced (170 hours of training)

Cost: $3,400 (or $440/month for eight months)

Who is this for: New or experienced coaches who want to implement NLP techniques as part of their coaching services.

#9. Coach Training EDU: Essential Coaching Program

Coaching Training EDU is an institution that provides life coaching courses built around the principles of positive psychology, coaching skills, communication techniques, and goal-setting strategies. Their Essential Life Coach Program is designed to teach you the core coaching skills you need to develop your practice in any niche. 

 Why we recommend it: 

• Learn the foundational coaching skills you need to coach in any topic or niche you choose.

• Attend classes in which you’ll learn how to use a tool or skill from your trainer to then practice with a classmate.

• Develop unique coaching exercises for your clients.

• Get business-building materials as a bonus.

Duration: Two months

Cost: $1,612

Who is this for: Aspiring or new coaches who haven’t decided on a niche yet but want to learn the fundamentals of coaching.

Find the Life Coach Program That Ignites Your Passion: Why CreativeMind Should Be Your Top Choice

While all the programs listed are excellent options, if you're seeking an ICF-accredited life coach certification program that fosters deep personal transformation and sets you apart as a coach, then look no further than the CreativeMind Jungian Life Coaching Training Program.

Here's why CreativeMind stands out:

• Unique Approach: CreativeMind integrates Jungian theory, Eastern spirituality, and social neuroscience for a holistic coaching perspective. This empowers you to guide your clients towards profound life changes, addressing not just the conscious mind but also the unconscious aspects that drive behavior.

• Experiential Learning: Go beyond theory with live demonstrations, private coaching sessions, coaching labs, and a dedicated forum for ongoing support. This program equips you with practical skills you can confidently apply from day one.

• Year-Long Coaching: Unlike shorter programs, CreativeMind provides a full year of private coaching with a Master Jungian Life Coach. This personalized guidance ensures you refine your skills and gain deep self-knowledge, making you a more effective coach.

Ready to Start Your Coaching Journey?

The CreativeMind Jungian Life Coaching Training Program is designed for individuals who are passionate about helping others achieve lasting transformations. It's perfect for those who want to:

• Make a Powerful Impact: Guide your clients to reach their full potential and create fulfilling lives.

• Build a Rewarding Career: Become a sought-after coach with a unique and powerful approach.

• Experience Personal Growth: Embark on a journey of self-discovery alongside your clients.

Don't settle for an ordinary coaching program. Unleash your potential and become a truly transformative coach with CreativeMind Jungian Life Coaching Training Program.

Enroll today and take the first step towards a fulfilling coaching career!