Best online life coaching courses in 2025
Explore the top online life coaching courses of 2025, tailored for aspiring coaches and professionals seeking personal growth.
Looking to become a life coach or enhance your skills? Here’s a breakdown of the best online life coaching courses in 2025 to help you decide:
- Upskillist Life Coaching Course: Flexible 16-week program with CPD certification, focusing on coaching fundamentals, emotional intelligence, and practice setup. Costs $39.99/month with a 7-day free trial.
- Coach Training Alliance (CTA): ICF-certified 22-week program offering live mentoring, business training, and hands-on coaching. Priced at $4,339, discounted to $3,897 with code "2025."
- Udemy: Life Coaching 101: Free, beginner-friendly course covering coaching basics, client motivations, and marketing tips. Ideal for exploring the field without commitment.
- OpenLearn: Three Principles of a Coaching Approach: Free, 2–3 hour course focusing on rapport, active listening, and reflection. Great for managers or team leaders.
Behind the scenes of training to be a Certified Life Coach 🎬 (full podcast episode)
Quick Comparison Table
| Course | Cost | Accreditation | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upskillist | $39.99/month | CPD-certified | 16 weeks | Flexible, self-paced learning |
| Coach Training Alliance | $3,897–$4,339 | ICF-certified | 22 weeks | Business-focused certification |
| Udemy: Life Coaching 101 | Free (paid options available) | None | 1 hour 42 minutes | Beginners exploring coaching |
| OpenLearn: Three Principles | Free | None | 2–3 hours | Managers/team leaders |
Choose a course based on your goals, budget, and time commitment. Whether you’re pursuing certification, starting a career, or just exploring, there’s an option for everyone.
1. Upskillist Life Coaching Course
The Diploma in Coaching from Upskillist is a 16-week program designed to set you on the path to a CPD-certified coaching career. With globally recognized credentials, this course is ideal for those aiming to become life coaches or enhance their personal and professional skills.
The course is structured into four modules, delivered across 32 lessons:
- Module 1: Learn the basics of coaching, including how to build rapport, practice active listening, and ask impactful questions.
- Module 2: Dive into intermediate-level skills such as ethical guidelines, coaching beliefs, and transformation tools like conversational techniques, drawing exercises, and play-based activities.
- Module 3: Focus on emotional intelligence, exploring self-awareness, self-management, relationship management, and social awareness.
- Module 4: Prepare to launch your coaching practice with lessons on brand building, clarifying your purpose, and getting ready for accreditation.
The program is built with flexibility in mind, offering both scheduled and on-demand sessions. You can pause and resume as needed, making it a great fit for working professionals or anyone transitioning into coaching. This adaptable format pairs well with a curriculum packed with actionable coaching techniques.
A standout feature of the course is its emphasis on brain-based methods that help reshape client beliefs. You’ll gain hands-on coaching skills, backed by ongoing educational support, resources, and an e-certificate upon completion.
The course is available for $39.99 per month and includes a 7-day free trial. Subscribers also gain access to over 70 additional courses. Here's a quick overview of the module focus areas:
| Module | Focus Area | Key Skills Developed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Coaching | Rapport building, active listening, impactful questioning |
| 2 | Intermediate Coaching | Ethics, transformation tools, personality insights |
| 3 | Advanced Coaching | Emotional intelligence, self-awareness, relationship management |
| 4 | Professional Coaching | Branding, practice development, accreditation readiness |
Whether you’re aiming to kickstart a coaching career, sharpen your leadership abilities, or pursue a meaningful hobby, Upskillist’s Life Coaching Course provides the knowledge and tools to help you succeed.
2. Coach Training Alliance
Coach Training Alliance (CTA) offers its Certified Coach Program (CCP), an ICF-approved course with over 20,000 graduates since its inception. This program takes a hands-on approach, allowing students to start coaching paying clients even before earning their certification.
The program spans 22 weeks and blends live teleconferencing, online tools, and interactive software to create a guided apprenticeship experience. Participants receive 60 ICF-approved contact learning hours as part of a 75-hour training program, with class sizes capped at 12 students to ensure individual attention.
CTA’s curriculum is divided into five core areas: Coaching From Center, Impeccable Business Sense, Effective Coaching Tools, Becoming a Client Magnet, and Masterful Coaching Sessions. The program uses its proprietary LearnMore System™, which incorporates the Four Pillars of Wisdom™ and Circle of Learning™ methodologies. Students follow an "earn while you learn" model, completing group mentoring and 20 sample sessions as part of their graduation requirements.
"The materials are extremely comprehensive. I have talked with other coaches who are going through other programs and they are amazed at the fact that I already have a business plan, I'm working on a website and I'm already coaching clients." – Stacye York, CTA Graduate
The program includes the Coach Training Accelerator™, featuring 346 pages of training materials and over 8 hours of audio tutorials, valued at $599. Graduates also gain access to CTA's Coaches and Mentors Certified Life Coach Directory, a resource that has helped individuals like Carl Reichanadter from Elkhart, Indiana, connect with new clients.
The Certified Coach Program is priced at $4,339, but a current discount of $650 (using code "2025") reduces the cost to $3,897. Compared to other ICF-approved programs, which can average over $14,000, this price point offers a more accessible option. Flexible payment plans are available, allowing participants to spread the cost over three, seven, or nine monthly installments.
To graduate, students must meet several requirements, including attending orientation, participating in at least 10 of 12 group mentoring sessions, completing 8 of 10 'Coach the Coach' sessions, finishing 80% of assignments, conducting 20 sample sessions, passing a written exam, and coaching two paying clients through a final critique.
"The 'coach the coach' sessions and the feedback from those are the heart of the program. Coaching live is where the learning is for me. It builds my confidence and believability." – Mary Alyce Owens, Denver, CO
While many students praise the program’s practical focus and business-oriented training, some reviews suggest that the content may feel a bit basic for the price. This makes the program particularly appealing to those who value a structured, business-focused certification over a deep dive into advanced coaching theory. Next, we’ll explore another prominent course in this field.
3. Udemy: Life Coaching 101
Udemy's Life Coaching 101 is a free, beginner-friendly course that has drawn the attention of 44,467 students and boasts a 4.5-star rating from 2,251 reviews. It’s a great entry point for those curious about the life coaching field.
This course includes 1 hour and 42 minutes of on-demand video and dives into the basics of a $2 billion industry that continues to grow rapidly. It breaks down the role of a life coach, explores client motivations, and touches on current industry trends. Unlike more in-depth programs, this course keeps its focus on the essentials, making it accessible to newcomers.
Some of the key topics covered include the qualifications for becoming a life coach and how life coaching differs from therapy. It also explores the boundaries between coaching and consulting, introduces tools like the Wheel of Life, and explains what the instructor calls the "4 keys to becoming a successful life coach". Additionally, the course shares three "secrets" to attracting ideal clients and offers practical marketing strategies for building a sustainable coaching business.
Students who complete the course receive a certificate of completion and can take advantage of features like instructor Q&A and direct messaging. It’s designed for aspiring life coaches, current coaches looking to grow their business, and professionals considering adding coaching to their skill set.
For those wanting to dive deeper, Udemy offers paid courses starting at $44.99, which include more advanced content. These paid options come with perks like lifetime access, compatibility with mobile and TV devices, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
As a free introductory course, Life Coaching 101 serves as a solid foundation for anyone interested in the field. Its popularity and positive reviews highlight its value as a starting point for exploring life coaching before committing to more advanced certification programs.
4. OpenLearn: The Three Principles of a Coaching Approach
OpenLearn’s "The Three Principles of a Coaching Approach" offers a concise introduction to key coaching skills, available through The Open University’s free learning platform. Adapted from the Open University course BG023 Coaching for Performance, this short course takes about 2–3 hours to complete and has earned an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from learners.
The course focuses on three foundational coaching skills: rapport, active listening, and reflection. These skills are designed to help learners adopt a coaching approach that ensures clients feel genuinely understood and supported.
The first principle, building rapport, highlights the importance of creating a sense of connection, mutual recognition, and respect. Participants learn practical techniques like mirroring body language, posture, facial expressions, and gestures to establish a strong, immediate connection.
Active listening, the second pillar, encourages learners to fully engage in conversations, focusing on truly understanding the client’s perspective rather than simply waiting for their turn to speak.
Lastly, the reflection and summarizing technique teaches learners how to distill and respond to key elements of client communication, including facts, emotions, values, and even unspoken cues. This approach helps reinforce the idea that the client is both heard and valued, making it an essential skill for effective coaching. These core principles align seamlessly with the more advanced, structured training methods discussed earlier.
Unlike full certification programs, this course offers a free statement of participation rather than industry-recognized credentials. It’s accessible without requiring immediate registration, and the content is available in multiple downloadable formats (Word, Kindle, PDF, etc.), making it convenient for offline use. This flexibility is especially appealing to workplace professionals who want to enhance their daily interactions without committing to a lengthy program.
For those interested in more advanced options, OpenLearn also provides the course Coaching Others to Coach, which is accredited by the CPD Standards Office and awards 24 CPD points upon completion. Reviews from April 2025 include positive feedback such as "Awesome" from Majida Ichoudane and "Brilliant course" from Mario Spanjic.
This course serves as an excellent starting point for anyone looking to grasp the basics of coaching without the time or financial investment of full certification programs. Its practical focus makes it particularly useful for managers, team leaders, and professionals eager to incorporate effective coaching techniques into their roles.
Course Comparison: Pros and Cons
To help you make an informed decision, the table below breaks down key factors across popular life coaching programs. The right choice depends on your personal goals, budget, and learning preferences.
| Course | Pricing | Accreditation | Curriculum Depth | Flexibility | Post-Course Support | Key Pros | Key Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upskillist Life Coaching Course | 7-day free trial, then subscription | Accredited with globally recognized certifications | Detailed with AI-driven personalized learning paths | High – self-paced with lifetime access | Continuous support with AI tools (Compass AI, Pathfinder) | Interactive classes, expert-designed content, enterprise solutions | Subscription model might lead to higher long-term costs |
| Coach Training Alliance | $4,339 | ICF-accredited | Comprehensive certification program | Moderate – structured timeline | Guarantees at least two paying clients before graduation | Business-focused, client guarantee | High upfront cost, less flexible schedule |
| Udemy: Life Coaching 101 | Budget-friendly (typically under $100) | No formal accreditation | Basic introductory content | Very high – completely self-paced | Limited – mostly course materials | Affordable, accessible, self-paced | No certification, minimal support, and limited content depth |
| OpenLearn: Three Principles | Free | Not formally accredited | Focuses on basic coaching principles | Very high – downloadable formats, offline access | Free statement of participation | No cost, practical focus, multiple formats | No industry-recognized credentials, limited scope |
This comparison highlights key differences and trade-offs, which we’ll explore further. Certification, for example, plays a major role in establishing credibility. A survey found that 83% of clients prefer coaches with recognized credentials.
Pricing varies widely, from free courses to programs exceeding $15,000. Coach Training Alliance, priced at $4,339, offers a unique promise: securing at least two paying clients before you even graduate. This can help offset the initial investment by generating early income.
Curriculum depth and flexibility often require balancing priorities. Upskillist’s AI-powered courses stand out for their tailored support and lifetime access, blending structure with adaptability. Meanwhile, Coach Training Alliance provides a business-oriented approach with ongoing support to help you establish your coaching practice.
Post-course support is another critical factor. Some courses offer minimal assistance beyond completion, while others, like Upskillist, provide continuous, AI-driven tools to help you apply your skills in practical settings.
Finally, specialization opportunities can set certain programs apart. While some courses focus on foundational coaching skills, others offer niche certifications or dual qualifications. These options can broaden your client base and boost your earnings, making it essential to align your choice with your career goals.
Conclusion
When choosing a course, it’s important to think about your goals, budget, and preferred learning style. Here’s a quick recap of the key points from each program to help guide your decision.
If you’re looking for a learning experience that combines flexible scheduling with advanced tools, Upskillist might be the right fit. With its AI-powered platform and a 7-day free trial, it’s perfect for busy professionals who need a self-paced approach. Its standout feature is the continuous AI-driven support, making it a strong option for those who value adaptability in their learning journey.
For those ready to dive into building a coaching career, the Coach Training Alliance program offers a comprehensive package. Priced at $4,339, it includes live mentoring and practical business training, giving graduates the tools to establish their practices quickly and efficiently.
If you’re just exploring life coaching, Udemy's Life Coaching 101 and OpenLearn's Three Principles provide low-commitment options. While details on pricing and certification are less clear, these courses are great for testing the waters and seeing if life coaching aligns with your interests.
Ultimately, your choice should match your primary objectives. For personal growth, a basic introductory course may be enough. However, if you’re serious about starting a coaching career, look for a program that combines solid coaching principles, business insights, and ongoing mentorship. Keep in mind that certification alone won’t guarantee success - practical skills and continuous guidance are equally important. Refer to the comparison table above to see how each course stacks up in terms of strengths and limitations.
FAQs
What should I look for in an online life coaching course?
When picking an online life coaching course, the first thing to check is whether it's accredited by a respected organization like the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Accreditation ensures the program meets professional standards and equips you with the skills you need.
Next, take a close look at the course content and how it's structured. Prioritize programs that include interactive features such as live webinars or hands-on practice sessions. Also, see if they offer support after you finish, like mentorship or career advice. Don't forget to assess practical details like the course length, cost, and flexibility to make sure it works with your schedule and budget.
Lastly, choose a course that matches your personal values and goals. Whether you're focused on advancing your career, growing personally, or launching a coaching business, finding a program that aligns with your aspirations will help keep you motivated and set you up for success.
Why is accreditation important when choosing a life coaching course?
Accreditation matters because it guarantees that a life coaching course aligns with industry standards and adheres to ethical practices. It ensures the program offers solid training and prepares you with the skills needed to thrive as a professional coach.
In the U.S., where life coaching remains a largely unregulated field, earning accreditation from respected organizations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) can significantly boost your credibility. It helps establish trust with clients and employers while showcasing your dedication to delivering quality and professionalism - key factors that can open doors to better career opportunities.
How can completing a life coaching course benefit my career and support my professional growth?
Completing a life coaching course can significantly boost your career by giving you the tools to inspire and support others in reaching their goals. Along the way, you'll also sharpen essential skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving - abilities that are useful no matter what field you're in.
This certification can lead to opportunities for higher earnings and a fulfilling career that matches your passion for helping people. Whether you dream of starting your own coaching practice or want to be more effective in your current role, a life coaching course equips you with the resources to make a meaningful difference while advancing your career.