Frequently Asked Questions
Who can benefit from becoming a coach?
There are three types of professionals who benefit from becoming a coach:
There are many benefits to becoming a coach. Coaches report feeling fulfilled by their work and often share how rewarding it is to help people transform their lives for the better. Coaches enjoy taking on private clients and earning an income while also making a positive impact.
Coaching skills and tools are also career leveraging. They can open doors for career progression because you stand out from others and help the people around you succeed.
Do I need to become certified to coach?
Coaching is a peer-regulated industry. Currently, the government does not oversee or regulate coaching or credentialing. It's because, unlike therapists or physicians, coaches do not diagnose or treat medical conditions.
Training, certification, and credentialing options optimize your success as a coach.
Choosing to credential with the ICF is a professional pledge to coaching excellence. Many companies that hire professional coaches will require an ICF credential in good standing.
How long does it take to gain certification?
Our full certification program is approximately one year. After you complete class training (6-8 months depending on your start date), you enter into certification. Certification is self-paced and completed within six months.
The mid-level training takes approximately 6 months plus self-paced credentialing requirements.
You may apply for ICF credentialing once you complete the training requirements and have logged the required coaching hours.
What is the difference between certification and credentialing?
Certification is obtained by completing your training program and having your coaching skills assessed to meet or surpass the training level you attended (ACC or PCC).
Additional credentialing is offered through the ICF after you graduate from an accredited program and have completed the required coaching hours. Credentials are renewed every three years along with Continuing Education requirements.
Obtaining a credential after certification is a professional choice. If you are going into private practice, the additional credential is optional. However, if you will be directly contracting with companies, they often require an ICF credential in addition to training.
How do I know which coach training program is going to be the best fit for me?
There are three key considerations when determining which program fits you best.
In addition to great program options, there are also many basic or ineffective programs available. Considering these three factors can help you know what to look for as you weed through the hundreds of programs found online and on the ICF-accredited school search.
First, any ICF-accredited program is guaranteed to teach you about the Core Coaching Competencies. These competencies cover "what" coaching is. Whether that program is effective at 1) delivering coach training and 2) teaching you "how" to masterfully coach is not assessed by the ICF. It's important for you to research this because some programs are structured, and others only touch on concepts without any scaffolding.
Things to consider: What level of structure is best for me? Am I better with being thrown into a concept and learning how to swim, or do I do better with being phased into new learning?
For example, our institute provides a very structured step-by-step process to follow. We break down abstract concepts into bite-size lessons to apply and phase our students into mastery. We also offer additional options to dive deeper.
Different schools provide different learning approaches and environments, so determining your preferences and best learning style is key when choosing a program.
Second, it's important to look at the coaching tools and frameworks. Remember that ICF-accredited programs are guaranteed to teach coaching skills only. Do you only want to learn the coaching skills, or would you also love to gain access to additional frameworks and tools? If you are taking on private clients, other tools and frameworks can help a client integrate into new potentials, so attending a program that takes you beyond just the coaching skills will be a better match for you.
For example, our institute provides an in-depth, deeper-dive, coach training experience. Our programs are designed for coaches who want to take their clients or employees on a growth journey and be trained in robust tools and frameworks. Our programs go beyond basic coaching skills. Others do not. You will want to determine what level is the best fit.
Lastly, we highly recommend joining a program that aligns with your core values and beliefs. Your training will go with you for a lifetime and being around like-hearted professionals can amplify your learning experience, education integration, and long-term success.
How much does a professional coach make?
In a private practice, coaching fees are self-determined. However, we do see some general standards. Prices can range from $60/hr for students in training to $250/hr for Executive Coaches. We see ACC-level coaches averaging $100/hr and PCC coaches averaging $150/hr. MCC coaches charge closer to $200/hr.
Companies that hire coaches will offer a set rate. You may make less as a coach working for a company, but you save on marketing and administrative costs.
Workload: Part-time coaches may take on 8-10 clients, while full-time coaches may take on 20-30 clients. Number of sessions per client varies, but typically a client will meet with their coach 2-3 times per month.
How does life coaching differ from consulting or counseling?
Coaching is a highly unique approach compared to consulting and counseling.
There are two journeys in life people must take to realize their full potential. The first journey is guided. On the guided journey, individuals are shown the way to a goal. They learn from external teachings, mentors, community, counselors, advisors, books, etc.
Counselors and consultants are instrumental in the first journey.
To experience their fullest growth, people must embark on the second journey. This journey is a self-discovery process. Coaches are experts in helping someone succeed on the second journey.
In Essence:
Counseling is about helping someone address issues of the past and emotional healing. Therapists diagnose and treat mental and emotional illness. Therapy is crucial to healing from trauma, abuse, addiction, and issues where guided support is necessary.
Consulting is about providing specialized information. Consultants are experts in their field who are hired to advise and direct.
Personal coaching is about the client self-discovering their inner gifts/inner wisdom and attaining client-driven goals. Coaching is a Socratic process of inquiry. Coaches are trained to help clients realize their own potential by providing a structured approach that allows them to address inner-obstacles and be accountable to forward momentum.
Is the ACC or PCC program better for me?
To review which program is right for you, please download our PDF overview >> HERE <<
If I take the full CPIC program, do I need to pick a concentration?
Concentrations are 100% optional. They are supplemental training for private practice coaches who wish to specialize in a specific area or work within a specific niche.
You may pick a concentration we offer, or you may request one. If you request a concentration that is not on our list, we will make every effort to pair you with a coach who has experience in that specialization. However, all our coaches are trained to facilitate a self-directed approach to any field.
Because of the self-directed nature of concentrations, you may request any coach on our team as your supervisor.
How is your program different from other programs?
We are the educational leaders in ICF coach training through the powerful lens of Integrative Intelligence©. No other institute around the globe offers the same level of service and high-caliber frameworks that we do.
We are a team of professional coaches who care deeply about leaving a positive impact globally. Our team is so invested in your success that we guarantee you will achieve it, or we will hold your hand until you do.
Other ways we stand out:
What are your online classes like?
Online learning can either be fun and engaging or ineffective leading to Zoom burnout. Our classes are fun, effective, and enjoyable! They engage all parts of the brain and all learning styles. They are rich with activities, pictures, examples, stories, videos, breakouts, discussions, and more.
How do you come up with the tuition costs? What does tuition cover?
Our tuition covers the robust training and personalized education we provide. Tuition depends on the course options you sign up for. Tuition is listed on each program page. We DO honor fair tuition pricing. We 100% disagree with overcharging which is a common practice we see in the industry. Your tuition goes directly towards your program and includes everything you need to succeed as a coach: contracting, program support, materials, and marketing help. Training costs less than a degree with equal career benefits.
OUR COMMITMENT & GUARANTEE:
No other institute around the globe offers the level of service and high-caliber ICF coaching frameworks that we do. Our team of coaches is so invested in your success that if you join our full certification program, we guarantee you will succeed, or we will hold your hand until you do.
What is the cost to become a coach?
Becoming a professional coach is currently highly cost-effective. Being a trained coach, positions professionals to up-level their career, similar to a degree at a fraction of the time and cost.
Completing a PCC level certification ranges from $12-20k and takes approximately a year. Completing a master's degree costs anywhere from $20-65k and typically takes two years to complete. (Reference - click here)
You should plan to spend approximately $15k on your coach training program.
Tuition- $12k
ICF Credentialing (optional)- $1k
Business start-up fees (if you are independent)- $2k
Is one year enough time to learn how to be a truly masterful coach?
Yes, with our training people make massive transformations as a coach within one year!
A well-designed learning experience has been developed to ensure you form excellent coaching habits early on that will amplify with time. A poorly designed program will not yield the same results. Our programs are designed to amplify your coaching gifts and to grow with you for as long as you are coaching.
Our training is also adapted to your goals and personalized to you. The PCC program includes working with one of the coaches on our team, so you can experience being in the client seat. We take you into coaching mastery from day one and phase you into deepening your results. This will set you up to earn your MCC down the road, should you desire to reach the highest credentialing level.
Do you offer continued support after course completion?
We have a thriving Alumni community that is passionate about supporting each other, networking, and staying connected. When you train with us, you gain a team of successful coaches. This team goes with you for a lifetime and doesn't stop after training ends!
How does coaching work?
Coaching is a client-directed process for personal growth and goal attainment. Professional coaches offer more than just coaching sessions; they offer coaching programs. A typical coaching program includes:
What happens during a coaching session?
There are three key components to a highly impactful session.
Can anyone benefit from hiring a coach?
As much as we love coaching and know how powerful it is, surprisingly, not everyone benefits from it. A person has to be ready, willing, and able. Coaching invites transformation when people are prepared to self-explore, willing to commit to their growth, and remain open to the process.
It is key to remember that successful coaching is generated by establishing a solid foundation for your coach/client relationship. A solid foundation sets the coaching up for success and allows the client to get the most out of the coaching. It includes a clear outline of policies and exceptions, a clear definition of what coaching is and is not, clearly defined purpose and outcomes, psychological safety, and a connection with your client.
Why would people who are already successful hire a life coach?
People who are already successful hire coaches because new goals surface as they continue to grow. Anytime we stretch and grow in new ways... new lessons, challenges, and skills are required. Coaches help people close the gap from goal setting to goal attainment.
Successful people and companies hire coaches because success in one area does not guarantee success in all areas. For example: A CEO might have successfully climbed to the top of the corporate ladder, but the emotional intelligence ladder is still at the bottom. This can negatively impact company culture, create high turnover, and cost the company well-deserved profits. Coaches come in to help optimize current success and broaden the positive impact.
How does a coach amplify success?
Coaches help clients identify blind spots, locate new gifts, enhance personal skills like emotional intelligence, improve communication, and take action. The entire coaching process is designed to amplify success.
There is a joke among fishermen that even a bad day of fishing is still a good day of fishing. It is the same with coaching. Even in sessions that don't go the best, the client still walks away with something.
Where does a coach focus with an average client?
The coach focuses on where the client wishes to go. Coaches are trained to meet clients exactly where they are at. They help the client get to where they want to go and often help them attain much more than the initially established goals.
There is a saying in the coaching world that all business coaching is life coaching after session three. The focus ends up being on the person, not the problem. Coaches help clients focus on what matters and self-examine what inner obstacles are getting in the way. This allows the client to release any unconscious limitations and lean into hidden gifts.
Why is life coaching so popular?
Coaching is exploding in popularity! However, it is not the latest trend that will pass. Coaching is here to stay and will only be expanding from here on out. Coaching has an outstanding return on investment (ROI) record.
There are three types of professionals who benefit from becoming a coach:
- People who feel called to leave a significant positive impact on people's lives
- Leaders who seek to be more coach-like or foster a coaching culture in their organization.
- Consultants or specialists that have clients who would greatly benefit from being coached.
There are many benefits to becoming a coach. Coaches report feeling fulfilled by their work and often share how rewarding it is to help people transform their lives for the better. Coaches enjoy taking on private clients and earning an income while also making a positive impact.
Coaching skills and tools are also career leveraging. They can open doors for career progression because you stand out from others and help the people around you succeed.
Do I need to become certified to coach?
Coaching is a peer-regulated industry. Currently, the government does not oversee or regulate coaching or credentialing. It's because, unlike therapists or physicians, coaches do not diagnose or treat medical conditions.
Training, certification, and credentialing options optimize your success as a coach.
- Training ensures you have developed a masterful skillset unique to coaching (versus consulting, teaching, or counseling).
- Certification indicates your coaching competencies have been assessed, and that you have met or exceeded standards.
- Credentialing is an option for professional coaches who have undergone training, passed certification standards, and are committed to adhering to the ICF Code of Ethics, continuing their coach-specific training, and upholding professionalism.
Choosing to credential with the ICF is a professional pledge to coaching excellence. Many companies that hire professional coaches will require an ICF credential in good standing.
How long does it take to gain certification?
Our full certification program is approximately one year. After you complete class training (6-8 months depending on your start date), you enter into certification. Certification is self-paced and completed within six months.
The mid-level training takes approximately 6 months plus self-paced credentialing requirements.
You may apply for ICF credentialing once you complete the training requirements and have logged the required coaching hours.
What is the difference between certification and credentialing?
Certification is obtained by completing your training program and having your coaching skills assessed to meet or surpass the training level you attended (ACC or PCC).
Additional credentialing is offered through the ICF after you graduate from an accredited program and have completed the required coaching hours. Credentials are renewed every three years along with Continuing Education requirements.
Obtaining a credential after certification is a professional choice. If you are going into private practice, the additional credential is optional. However, if you will be directly contracting with companies, they often require an ICF credential in addition to training.
How do I know which coach training program is going to be the best fit for me?
There are three key considerations when determining which program fits you best.
In addition to great program options, there are also many basic or ineffective programs available. Considering these three factors can help you know what to look for as you weed through the hundreds of programs found online and on the ICF-accredited school search.
First, any ICF-accredited program is guaranteed to teach you about the Core Coaching Competencies. These competencies cover "what" coaching is. Whether that program is effective at 1) delivering coach training and 2) teaching you "how" to masterfully coach is not assessed by the ICF. It's important for you to research this because some programs are structured, and others only touch on concepts without any scaffolding.
Things to consider: What level of structure is best for me? Am I better with being thrown into a concept and learning how to swim, or do I do better with being phased into new learning?
For example, our institute provides a very structured step-by-step process to follow. We break down abstract concepts into bite-size lessons to apply and phase our students into mastery. We also offer additional options to dive deeper.
Different schools provide different learning approaches and environments, so determining your preferences and best learning style is key when choosing a program.
Second, it's important to look at the coaching tools and frameworks. Remember that ICF-accredited programs are guaranteed to teach coaching skills only. Do you only want to learn the coaching skills, or would you also love to gain access to additional frameworks and tools? If you are taking on private clients, other tools and frameworks can help a client integrate into new potentials, so attending a program that takes you beyond just the coaching skills will be a better match for you.
For example, our institute provides an in-depth, deeper-dive, coach training experience. Our programs are designed for coaches who want to take their clients or employees on a growth journey and be trained in robust tools and frameworks. Our programs go beyond basic coaching skills. Others do not. You will want to determine what level is the best fit.
Lastly, we highly recommend joining a program that aligns with your core values and beliefs. Your training will go with you for a lifetime and being around like-hearted professionals can amplify your learning experience, education integration, and long-term success.
How much does a professional coach make?
In a private practice, coaching fees are self-determined. However, we do see some general standards. Prices can range from $60/hr for students in training to $250/hr for Executive Coaches. We see ACC-level coaches averaging $100/hr and PCC coaches averaging $150/hr. MCC coaches charge closer to $200/hr.
Companies that hire coaches will offer a set rate. You may make less as a coach working for a company, but you save on marketing and administrative costs.
Workload: Part-time coaches may take on 8-10 clients, while full-time coaches may take on 20-30 clients. Number of sessions per client varies, but typically a client will meet with their coach 2-3 times per month.
How does life coaching differ from consulting or counseling?
Coaching is a highly unique approach compared to consulting and counseling.
There are two journeys in life people must take to realize their full potential. The first journey is guided. On the guided journey, individuals are shown the way to a goal. They learn from external teachings, mentors, community, counselors, advisors, books, etc.
Counselors and consultants are instrumental in the first journey.
To experience their fullest growth, people must embark on the second journey. This journey is a self-discovery process. Coaches are experts in helping someone succeed on the second journey.
In Essence:
Counseling is about helping someone address issues of the past and emotional healing. Therapists diagnose and treat mental and emotional illness. Therapy is crucial to healing from trauma, abuse, addiction, and issues where guided support is necessary.
Consulting is about providing specialized information. Consultants are experts in their field who are hired to advise and direct.
Personal coaching is about the client self-discovering their inner gifts/inner wisdom and attaining client-driven goals. Coaching is a Socratic process of inquiry. Coaches are trained to help clients realize their own potential by providing a structured approach that allows them to address inner-obstacles and be accountable to forward momentum.
Is the ACC or PCC program better for me?
To review which program is right for you, please download our PDF overview >> HERE <<
If I take the full CPIC program, do I need to pick a concentration?
Concentrations are 100% optional. They are supplemental training for private practice coaches who wish to specialize in a specific area or work within a specific niche.
You may pick a concentration we offer, or you may request one. If you request a concentration that is not on our list, we will make every effort to pair you with a coach who has experience in that specialization. However, all our coaches are trained to facilitate a self-directed approach to any field.
Because of the self-directed nature of concentrations, you may request any coach on our team as your supervisor.
How is your program different from other programs?
We are the educational leaders in ICF coach training through the powerful lens of Integrative Intelligence©. No other institute around the globe offers the same level of service and high-caliber frameworks that we do.
We are a team of professional coaches who care deeply about leaving a positive impact globally. Our team is so invested in your success that we guarantee you will achieve it, or we will hold your hand until you do.
Other ways we stand out:
- Integrative Intelligence is a trademark skillset unique to our school.
- Many integration programs are heavily steeped in intellect alone. We are heart-centered!
- We offer exceptional, personalized support in and outside of class during training and post-graduation.
- We value the quality of education over the number of students. We accept applicants who value quality as well.
- We go beyond teaching coaching skills alone. We teach you robust tools and frameworks.
- We provide ample structures to follow, so you can focus on enjoying learning.
- We include a business growth blueprint to follow early on.
What are your online classes like?
Online learning can either be fun and engaging or ineffective leading to Zoom burnout. Our classes are fun, effective, and enjoyable! They engage all parts of the brain and all learning styles. They are rich with activities, pictures, examples, stories, videos, breakouts, discussions, and more.
How do you come up with the tuition costs? What does tuition cover?
Our tuition covers the robust training and personalized education we provide. Tuition depends on the course options you sign up for. Tuition is listed on each program page. We DO honor fair tuition pricing. We 100% disagree with overcharging which is a common practice we see in the industry. Your tuition goes directly towards your program and includes everything you need to succeed as a coach: contracting, program support, materials, and marketing help. Training costs less than a degree with equal career benefits.
OUR COMMITMENT & GUARANTEE:
No other institute around the globe offers the level of service and high-caliber ICF coaching frameworks that we do. Our team of coaches is so invested in your success that if you join our full certification program, we guarantee you will succeed, or we will hold your hand until you do.
What is the cost to become a coach?
Becoming a professional coach is currently highly cost-effective. Being a trained coach, positions professionals to up-level their career, similar to a degree at a fraction of the time and cost.
Completing a PCC level certification ranges from $12-20k and takes approximately a year. Completing a master's degree costs anywhere from $20-65k and typically takes two years to complete. (Reference - click here)
You should plan to spend approximately $15k on your coach training program.
Tuition- $12k
ICF Credentialing (optional)- $1k
Business start-up fees (if you are independent)- $2k
Is one year enough time to learn how to be a truly masterful coach?
Yes, with our training people make massive transformations as a coach within one year!
A well-designed learning experience has been developed to ensure you form excellent coaching habits early on that will amplify with time. A poorly designed program will not yield the same results. Our programs are designed to amplify your coaching gifts and to grow with you for as long as you are coaching.
Our training is also adapted to your goals and personalized to you. The PCC program includes working with one of the coaches on our team, so you can experience being in the client seat. We take you into coaching mastery from day one and phase you into deepening your results. This will set you up to earn your MCC down the road, should you desire to reach the highest credentialing level.
Do you offer continued support after course completion?
We have a thriving Alumni community that is passionate about supporting each other, networking, and staying connected. When you train with us, you gain a team of successful coaches. This team goes with you for a lifetime and doesn't stop after training ends!
How does coaching work?
Coaching is a client-directed process for personal growth and goal attainment. Professional coaches offer more than just coaching sessions; they offer coaching programs. A typical coaching program includes:
- Free Consultation / Sample Session
- Foundation Session
- Ongoing support for 3-6 months
- Progress Reviews / ROI calculations
What happens during a coaching session?
There are three key components to a highly impactful session.
- Well-Rounded Opening: The client establishes the session plan and goals with the coach's aid.
- The Deeper Dive - Body of the Session: The coach then holds space for the chosen goal. The coach offers powerful questions, observations, developmental opportunities, and reflection which aids the client in diving deeper into their wisdom.
- Well-Rounded Closing: The session is wrapped up with actions, timelines, an accountability plan, and a celebration of successes.
Can anyone benefit from hiring a coach?
As much as we love coaching and know how powerful it is, surprisingly, not everyone benefits from it. A person has to be ready, willing, and able. Coaching invites transformation when people are prepared to self-explore, willing to commit to their growth, and remain open to the process.
It is key to remember that successful coaching is generated by establishing a solid foundation for your coach/client relationship. A solid foundation sets the coaching up for success and allows the client to get the most out of the coaching. It includes a clear outline of policies and exceptions, a clear definition of what coaching is and is not, clearly defined purpose and outcomes, psychological safety, and a connection with your client.
Why would people who are already successful hire a life coach?
People who are already successful hire coaches because new goals surface as they continue to grow. Anytime we stretch and grow in new ways... new lessons, challenges, and skills are required. Coaches help people close the gap from goal setting to goal attainment.
Successful people and companies hire coaches because success in one area does not guarantee success in all areas. For example: A CEO might have successfully climbed to the top of the corporate ladder, but the emotional intelligence ladder is still at the bottom. This can negatively impact company culture, create high turnover, and cost the company well-deserved profits. Coaches come in to help optimize current success and broaden the positive impact.
How does a coach amplify success?
Coaches help clients identify blind spots, locate new gifts, enhance personal skills like emotional intelligence, improve communication, and take action. The entire coaching process is designed to amplify success.
There is a joke among fishermen that even a bad day of fishing is still a good day of fishing. It is the same with coaching. Even in sessions that don't go the best, the client still walks away with something.
Where does a coach focus with an average client?
The coach focuses on where the client wishes to go. Coaches are trained to meet clients exactly where they are at. They help the client get to where they want to go and often help them attain much more than the initially established goals.
There is a saying in the coaching world that all business coaching is life coaching after session three. The focus ends up being on the person, not the problem. Coaches help clients focus on what matters and self-examine what inner obstacles are getting in the way. This allows the client to release any unconscious limitations and lean into hidden gifts.
Why is life coaching so popular?
Coaching is exploding in popularity! However, it is not the latest trend that will pass. Coaching is here to stay and will only be expanding from here on out. Coaching has an outstanding return on investment (ROI) record.
We would love to help you determine if we're the right school for you. Please feel free to reach out and schedule time to speak with our Dean of Students, Lauren Stidham to learn more about our unique process.
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