If so, you’re not alone. The tuition for an ICF accredited coach training program (ACTP), which are at least 125 hours in length, averages approx. $6355 US.¹

Many prospective coaches don’t have access to that much money all at once.

While you do need to invest money and time into learning the profession of coaching (or any profession), there are ways to start coach training without going into debt. Here are some suggestions:

1. One Course At a Time

Instead of registering for a complete certification program, pay for and take one course at a time. This allows you to get a feel for coaching and what types of questions to ask etc. The ideal course would be one that allows you to watch/listen to coaching demos, practice coaching and get feedback.

After the program start coaching and building your business. Then pay for and take another course. It’s the pay as you build your business method…

(If you have no background in building a business then you may want to consider coach training organizations that include that in their curriculum.)

2. Payment Plans and Scholarships

Some of the coach training schools offer payment plans. Instead of making an upfront investment of $6000, you pay a monthly fee of $300 (for example). You could ask if they have any sort of scholarship program for those with limited funds. You just never know until you ask.

3. Local Community Colleges

Do any of the local community colleges offer coaching courses or certificates? These courses may be offered via regular college courses or through the continuing education department. In some cases these courses may be less expensive than those offered by private coach training organizations.

If you’re over 60, you could check to see if the local community college offers a discount based on age.

In addition, there may be bursaries or grants you could apply for.

4. Government Funding

Some states may even offer financial support for career training for those who have lost their job or are on unemployment insurance. There may also be government programs, like those in Vancouver, BC, for people who want to start a business. If a program like this exists in your area, there may be pre-requisites for entry.

In addition, are there any stimulus funds in your state for career training?

5. Does Your Current Workplace Offer Professional Development?

Does your workplace have a professional development budget for employees? While this may have been an option before the economical problems of the past two years, it may not be true now.

6. Ask Local Coaches

Do you have a local coaching association, such as an ICF chapter, that meets near you? You could go to a meeting and ask the coaches if they know of any affordable, quality coach training. Or just ask coaches in your area.

Have you found affordable coach training that allowed you to start coaching? Do you have suggestions to add to the above list? Please leave a comment below (or contact me if you’re averse to leaving blog comments.)

1. This figure is based on five ICF accredited coach training programs (ACTP) that met the following parameters: offered via telelclass, in English, and niche was life coaching (vs executive or corporate coaching). Many of the other accredited programs were taught via a combination of in-person and teleclasses. The tuition fees the noted figure is based on are for the ACTP programs of Coach U, Coachville, Erickson, International Coach Academy, and InviteChange.

Thanks for sending in your question.  As you have probably discovered in your research – life coach training is an investment!  In a previous article on life coach training I shared that tuition fees for accredited coach training programs range from range from $3,900 to $10,000+ US.

I came up with nine ways you could find funding or ways to pay for coach training.

1. Some coach training programs have affiliations with loan agencies.  At least three of the accredited coach training programs have partnered with SLM Financial to offer student loans for students in certain US states.  In the UK there are government backed interest free career development loans.
2. Some companies have paid for coach training for their employees.  Find out if the company you work for pays for personal or professional development courses.
3. Many coach training schools have payment plans.  You may end up paying more in the end, due to a financing charge, but it will allow you to break down the payment into manageable chunks. If the fees are too high, call and see if you can create a customized plan that you can make work.
4. Instead of taking and paying for the entire program at once, take your training on a per course basis and pay as you go. It’s usually cheaper to buy the package but if you need to break up the cost, this may work for you.
5. More and more colleges and universities offer coach training, so you may have access to loans and/or grants that are available to all students.
6. Apply for scholarships, if available. If you can’t find note of it on a website, contact them and find out.
7. Coach as you train and pay for your training. You need to put the skills you learn into action so sell your services as a coach while you’re in training. If you’re not comfortable charging the ‘going rate’ – charge less while you’re in training.  As your competence and confidence increase, so can your fees.  Remember – clients pay for results.  You may already know how to support people to get results in a certain area of expertise.
8. As with anything we really want – find a way.  Is there something you can sell?  Can you make some money on the side with a part-time venture or hobby? Can you hold a fund-raising event?
9. Can your new coaching skills result in a promotion (with more pay) at work?  Even if your company doesn’t pay for your training, the increase in pay may.

Before investing in a coach training program, take the time to research the profession and see if it’s a fit for you. Once you know that, then take the time to research the training programs to find the right one for your learning style and goals.

Have you found a way to fund your coach training?  Let us know by leaving a comment below.