Want to find the best business coaching certification program?

Look no further.

Today, I’ll share the top programs available and show you how to choose between them.

So, if you’re ready to become a certified business coach, read on!

The best business coaching certification programs 

The best business coaching certification programs are: 

• Executive Coaching Certification Program (iPEC)
• Leadership and Performance Coaching Certification (Brown University) 
• Executive Coaching Certification (Center for Executive Coaching) 
• Leadership Coaching (Harvard University) 
• Business Coach Certification (University of Houston) 
• WABC Certified Business Coach (WABC) 
• Leadership coaching (MIT)

But before we dive into the business coaching certification programs, let’s talk about one of the most common misconceptions out there.

You don’t need to be certified to become a coach in most niches.

And that’s true for business coaching, too.

The truth is, you only need a few things to be a great coach.

And that’s experience in the field, relevant knowledge, and, most importantly, the ability to help people reach their goals.

In fact, people rarely pay attention to a coach’s qualifications or certifications.

Don’t believe me? 

I didn’t get a certification when I started my coaching business.

But I did have over a decade of experience in my niche and what it takes to keep people motivated while they work toward their goals.

Guess what? I still don’t have a certification.

But my results speak for themselves – my coaching business scaled to six figures in just a year.

I talk more about why you don’t need a certification in this guide.

That said, there’s no downside to getting a business coaching certification.

In fact, it might be a great choice if your ideal clients prefer certified coaches.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at the best business coaching certification programs out there. 

The ones I’ve listed here are in no particular order – they’re all great options!

Disclaimer: I haven’t taken these business coaching certification programs. Instead, I’m recommending them because of their reputation and reviews.

Executive Coaching Certification Program

iPEC

This program is split into two phases.

In the first, you’ll learn iPEC’s Core Energy Coaching methodology and become certified to use the Energy Leadership Index. During this phase, you’ll take part in three live training modules that last three days each.

In the second phase, you’ll receive 40 hours of on-demand niche-specific training and study The COR.E Dynamics curriculum, which helps clients understand the 10 Core Disciplines of High Potential and Performance. 

Altogether, the program takes about a year to finish. The first phase takes 3-4 months to complete, while the second takes 7-8 months to complete.

iPEC has trained leaders at companies like NASA, Coca-Cola, and Deloitte, so rest assured you’ll be in good company.

Key features:

• You’ll receive three industry-recognized certifications
• 200 downloadable assignments, exercises, and templates
• On-demand training
• Access to the 10 Core Disciplines of High Potential and Performance framework
• Includes self-study, webinars, and live interactive modules
• Flexible sessions and training

Length: Up to a year

Delivery: Hybrid

Price: $13,395 if paid in full. Payment plans are available.

ICF accredited: Yes

Leadership and Performance Coaching Certification

Brown University

Yes, even Ivy League schools offer business coaching certification programs.

The curriculum of this eight-month program is primarily focused on teaching coaches to help their clients by using innovative solutions, critical thinking, and better decision-making. 

There are also modules on team and relationship building and effective communication.

But you’ll also get hands-on experience with the basics of coaching, including the skills, mindsets, ethics, and ICF core competencies you’ll need to be successful. 

Throughout the course, you’ll have access to a mentor who will provide you with feedback in both group and individual settings.

Key features:

• Concepts drawn from developmental psychology, neuroscience, and leadership effectiveness research
• Group mentor calls
• Individual mentor feedback
• Self-paced learning between sessions
• Access to The Business of Coaching and Diversity & Inclusion in Coaching webinars
• Online, hybrid, or in-person options available

Length: 8 months

Delivery: Online, in-person, or hybrid

Price: $10,495 (online) or $11,495 (in-person or hybrid)

ICF accredited: Yes

Executive Coaching Certification

Center for Executive Coaching

The Center for Executive Coaching offers several different business coaching certification programs.

The Core Distance Learning Program is the best for new coaches. 

It will teach you coaching skills and methodologies and connect you with a global network of professionals. 

Lessons include Limiting Belief Coaching, Employee Engagement Methodology, and 360-degree Verbal Assessment.

The best part? You can take it at your own pace, and most coaches are certified within four months.

But I recommend the Full Executive Coaching Training Program if you’re looking for something more comprehensive. 

It’s comprehensive, which means that it includes everything you’d learn in the Core Distance Learning Program, as well as the necessary ICF coaching hours and online seminars.

Key features: 

• Multiple business coaching certification programs are available, including International Coaching Federation Certification, Team Coaching Certification, and Programs for Seasoned Coaches
• Programs can be self-paced or taken in real-time
• Interactive classes 
• ICF mentor coaching available
• Comprehensive tools
• Online intensive seminars available

Length: Two to eight months (varies by program)

Delivery: In-person and online

Price: $5,390 for the Core Distance Learning Program if paid upfront

ICF accredited: Yes

Leadership Coaching

Harvard University

If you’re looking to get a business coaching certification from one of the world’s most prestigious and well-known universities, Harvard’s Leadership Coaching might be for you.

The program was designed specifically for professionals who want to start using a coaching approach with their direct reports. It’s not for existing coaches.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn new ways to improve employee performance, make better decisions, and overcome workplace obstacles.

Modules include coaching engagement design, assessments, and core coaching principles.

The best part? It’s a quick program—it can be completed in two days on campus or four days online.

The 2024 sessions start on June 3rd, August 7th, September 30th, and December 11th. 

Key features:

• Extremely short
• Taught by a leadership coach with 15+ years of experience 
• Post-program private consultations are available
• Modules for using assessments, adapting your style for individuals, and developing a coaching mindset
• Includes a Certificate of Participation from the Harvard Division of Continuing Education

Length: 2 days (in-person) or 4 days (online)

Delivery: Online or in-person

Price: $2,600 (online) or $2,865 (in-person)

ICF accredited: No

Business Coach Certification 

University of Houston

In this business coaching certification program, you’ll learn to analyze client needs, measure results, and use your own business expertise to enhance client transformation.

Lessons include ​​What Does a Business Coach Do?, The Coaching Triangle, and Working with Clients.

But this course isn’t just about learning the ins and outs of being a business coach.

By the end of the course, you will also have the entrepreneurial knowledge you need to establish and scale a successful coaching business.

It’s important to note that the course is designed to be hands-off, meaning that you can finish it without external help. That said, you’ll have access to a platform for support.

Key features:

• Modules include The Coaching Triangle, Measuring Results, and Coaching Challenges
• Coaching resources available
• Open enrollment 
• Self-paced 
• Opportunities for questions and discussions

Length: You have 6 months to complete the course, but you can apply for an extension if needed

Delivery: Online

Price: $1,395. Payment plans are available.

ICF accredited: No

WABC Certified Business Coach™ (CBC™)

WABC

The Worldwide Association of Business Coaches offers several different business coaching certified programs. 

But for a comprehensive experience, the Certified Business Coach (CBC) program is your best option.

By the end of the program, you’ll have a better understanding of coaching theories and philosophies, be able to support more business goals and objectives, and create better coaching plans.

It’s important to note this business coaching certification program is only for experienced coaches and leaders. 

You’re eligible to participate if:

• You already have business coaching experience, whether it’s internal or external
• You’re a senior leader or manager, are moving to a development role, or stepping away to be a business coach
• You’re a consultant who wants to enhance your coaching
• You have at least seven years of experience in business

You can find out more about the prerequisites here.

Key features:

• WABC is the only accreditation model designed specifically for business coaching
• WABC membership included
• Access to the global WABC network
• Three program options: Full-length, fast track, and assessment only

Length: 6-9 months

Delivery: Online

Price: Not publicly available

ICF accredited: Yes

Leadership Coaching

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT’s Sloan School of Management is one of the best in the country, and this is your chance to learn directly from its faculty.

Over the course of two days, you’ll learn how to use MIT’s 4-CAPS+ Leadership Framework, which is focused on understanding, cultivating relationships, setting goals and crafting a clear vision for a business. 

Other topics include Negotiation & Communication, Organizations & Leadership, and Strategy & Innovation.

The course is open to most senior managers with leadership responsibility, including CEOs, COOs, Presidents, Directors, vice presidents, and corporate strategists.

Key features:

• Two-day in-person intensive on the MIT campus
• Group and paired activities
• Participation in an x360 Leadership development survey
• 90-minute private coaching session with an MIT executive coach
• Certificate from the MIT Sloan School of Management upon completion

Length: 2 days

Delivery: In-person

Price: $5,100

ICF accredited: No

So, those are the best business coaching certification programs available. 

How do you choose between them?

I’ll tell you next, so keep reading!

How to choose the right business coaching certification program 

There’s a lot to think about when you’re deciding on a business coaching certification program.

Let’s start at the very beginning: Choosing one from an accredited body.

Choose an ICF accredited body

You probably noticed that I specified whether or not a business coaching certification program was ICF-accredited in the certifications we just talked about.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the most well-respected organization in the coaching industry.

There are three certification levels: Associate Certified Coach, Professional Certified Coach, and Master Certified Coach.

ACC requires at least 60 hours of education and 100 hours of coaching.

PCC requires at least 125 hours of education and 500 hours of coaching.

And MCC requires at least 200 hours of education, 2,500 hours of coaching, and a PCC credential.

Each certification requires 10 hours of Mentor Coaching.

That’s a lot of education and experience – so you can typically trust a program that’s accredited by the ICF. Plus, completing one will instantly add to your credibility.

But ICF accreditations aren’t the only option!

There’s also the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches, which I mentioned in the previous section. It’s the only accreditation program designed specifically for business coaching.

But you don’t have to choose an accredited program – shorter online courses or courses designed by a coach are always options. 

Steps to choose the right certification

When you’re trying to choose a business coaching certification program, there are a few things to consider. What’s your time frame?

Business coaching certification programs can last anywhere from a couple of days to a year or longer.

So think about how much time you want to spend studying.

If you’d rather get certified and start your coaching business sooner, choose a shorter course over a more detailed one that might take months.

Just keep in mind that short courses don’t typically include practice coaching sessions or access to experts.

Does it work for your preferred learning style?

Business coaching certification programs are taught in several different ways.

So choose one that works for you. 

Do you want to learn in person or online? Or both?

And would you prefer to go at your own pace or follow a schedule and attend live discussions?

There’s no right or wrong answer – it all depends on what fits with your schedule and lifestyle. Does the course cover what you want to learn?

There’s so much to learn when it comes to business coaching.

So, as you choose a business coaching certification program, think about what’s most important to you.

That includes the coaching process, philosophies, and skills. Does it align with the kind of coach you want to be?

Of course, some programs are comprehensive, which is a good choice if you want a more well-rounded experience.

How much does it cost?

Budget plays a huge part in choosing a business coaching certification.

I’ve seen courses that cost as little as $1,000 and as much as $15,000. 

The price point you’ll be working with depends on the kind of program you want to take. 

The longer a course, the more expensive it will be.

And oftentimes, an in-person course will cost more than a hybrid or online course.

My best advice? Whatever you do, don’t take a free course – they’re not worth the time you’ll spend on them. Who’s teaching the course?

Finally, are you learning from an expert or someone who thinks they’re an expert?

Do your research to find out who’s leading the course, what their experience is, and what their teaching style is.

Remember, you don’t have to get a business coaching certification to become a business coach.

You can always get started and take one later.

Speaking of becoming a business coach, let’s talk about how to get your business off the ground.

How to become a business coach 

You must take three steps to become a business coach, regardless of whether you have a business coaching certification or not.

Step 1: Choose your niche

The only way to stand out from the crowd is by telling your ideal clients exactly how you’ll help them.

Take my niche, for example.

I help employees find greater fulfillment by teaching them to launch their own businesses.

There are tons of niches for business coaches, including:

• Startups 
• Family businesses
• Online businesses
• Service businesses
• Non-profit businesses

Here’s a list of 100+ niches to get you started.

Step 2: Create and price a coaching package

I always recommend starting with a three-month program that promises a specific outcome.

Why?

Because it tells people exactly what they’ll get out of working with you.

From there, you’ll have to name your price.

If you’ve never been a business coach before, a three-month package for $1,500 is a good place to start.

That might seem low, but hear me out.

A lower-priced package is a win-win for everyone involved. Your clients get the transformation they want, and you get to practice your coaching – both for a reasonable price!

Plus, you can always increase your price later.

I talk more about pricing your package in this guide.

Step 3: Get clients

The key to getting clients?

By starting small and focusing on just one or two marketing strategies. 

Believe it or not, your network is the best place to find clients. I bet at least one person you know could benefit from business coaching.

Another great way to catch a potential client’s attention is to get in front of your audience through guest posting or podcasting.

And finally, take advantage of the reach of social media with platforms like Instagram or Reddit. 

Sharing valuable advice and insights will make you a trusted source when you pitch your services.

Of course, there’s more to it than that. I’ll tell you everything you need to know in my full guide to becoming a business coach.

What’s next? 

There you have it!

A complete list of the best business coaching certifications on the market right now.

And remember, you don’t have to get certified to build a multiple-six-figure coaching business.

You just need the right kind of knowledge and experience.

Take it from me.

I built my first business with only the skills I’d learned at my job – while still working full-time!

By the end of my first year, I’d made $100,000.

And I’ve helped hundreds of my students do the same.

If you’re ready to build a business that can replace your 9-5, I’ll show you how in this FREE PDF:

Read more:

The Biggest Benefits of Business Coaching 

The Benefits of Coaching in the Workplace and for Employees

Business Coach For Coaches: How to Work With One