No formal life coach certification is required to call yourself a life coach, however, there are many benefits and reasons for getting certified. Even though you don’t need a coaching certification to start your life coaching practice, over time you’ll probably obtain a few life coach certifications because great coaches are life long learners.
The Real Value of Life Coach Certification
No matter how valuable the certification itself, in order to get certified, you will have to learn valuable coaching techniques. When going through a life coach certification program you know you will have at least a minimum level of knowledge and expertise to practice as a life coach.
By having a life coaching certification, you will set yourself apart from the many life coaches that do not have certification and give you instant credibility with your prospective clients. This can be a helpful factor that results in you getting more clients than someone without a certification or confidence to back up their coaching skills.
Why Most Life Coach Certifications Fall Short of Expectations
There are also many life coaches who have life coaching certifications but no clients. Most coach training companies will give you the skills you need to coach your clients, but they will not give you any training on the sales and marketing skills that are essential to get clients. If you need sales and marketing skills, look for a coaching certification program that includes these skills.
Make sure you do your homework before you jump into a coaching certification program. What specific coaching certifications will your prospects recognize and expect you to have? If you have a coaching certification that is meaningless you will waste time and money on something that is not going to do you much good.
JTS Advisors, for instance, offers an extensive, 18 month Master Coach Certification, which includes training and experience in three discrete branches of coaching and teaches, expects and reinforces the highest level of integrity in both staff and trainees.
Special Bonus: Learn how to start, setup, and run an online coaching business in a completely free one hour online life coach certification training and learn about the new Master Coach Certification home study course, including a live demonstration of the coaching techniques in the course.
CEO, JTS Advisors
Founder, Coaches Training Blog community
