How to Become a Life Skills Coach + Answers to FAQs

Why Become a Life Skills Coach?

A life skills coach helps people overcome obstacles and achieve their personal goals. As a coach, you empower individuals to discover their inner strengths, develop critical skills, and build self-confidence. If you are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, becoming a life coach can be an incredibly rewarding career path.

What is Involved in Life Coaching?

Life skills coaches provide training, guidance and encouragement to help clients set and reach goals. You meet with clients one-on-one or in groups, asking probing questions and designing thoughtful exercises to foster development. Key duties include:

Assessing clients’ abilities, values and interests
Working with clients to establish realistic, meaningful goals
Developing personalized strategies and action plans
Providing accountability through consistent support
Celebrating successes and readjusting tactics when necessary

What Qualifications Do You Need?

While specific credentials vary, most life coaches pursue training and certification in areas like:

Psychology principles
Communication techniques
Health and wellness
Leadership
Professional ethics

Hands-on experience in counseling, mentoring, teaching, social work or a related field can also help prepare you for a coaching career.

How Do You Become a Certified Life Coach?

Here are some typical steps to become a certified life skills coach:

Earn a relevant bachelor’s degree in psychology, education or social work (optional but encouraged)
Complete a accredited coach training program (60+ hours recommended)
Pursue niche credentials related to your specific coaching goals
Log coaching practice hours under an experienced mentor coach
Pass a certification exam through the International Coach Federation or International Association of Coaching
Establish your independent coaching business or apply to work for an organization
Commit to ongoing professional development through conferences, communities of practice and continual learning

Life Coaching FAQs

How long does it take to become a life coach?

The time investment depends largely on your prior experience and chosen program format. Typical training ranges from eight weeks for a part-time online class to a year or more in an intensive curriculum. Many work on gaining credentials while still developing their initial client roster.

How much do life coaches charge?

According to the International Coaching Federation’s 2020 survey, life coaches charge an average fee of $314 per hour. Rates range from around $100 for newer coaches building their practice to $500+ for highly specialized services.

What is the income potential for life coaches?

The earning potential for life coaches varies greatly. New coaches often start out working part time in addition to a primary job. As you gain experience and establish your brand, you may be able to coach full time and earn a comfortable living. Top coaches can make six-figures annually.

What is the job outlook for life coaching?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment for coaches and scouts will grow 15% through 2029, much faster than average across all fields. Demand for life coaches specializing in health, wellness and personal development is expected to be strong.

How do I get my first life coaching clients?

Effective strategies to find your initial clients include establishing an online presence, speaking at local events, offering reduced-cost services, partnering with aligned businesses, pursuing referrals from existing contacts, and leveraging social media.