Coaching Certification Programs

Jumpstart your coaching career and make a difference in the lives of tweens, teens, and young adults as a youth coach. We offer full professional training and certification paths accredited by the International Coaching Federation and the Center for Credentialing and Education.

Transform Your Passion Into a Career in Youth Coaching

Today’s youth face unprecedented challenges – from mental health struggles and identity crises to extreme overwhelm and difficulty defining their path in a quickly evolving world. The need for skilled youth coaches has never been greater. As a youth coach, you have the opportunity to make a profound impact in the lives of teens and emerging adults, helping them to develop coping skills and resilience, grow in self-awareness, build confidence, set goals, and foster a greater sense of hope and well-being.

Life coaching is more than just a noble pursuit – it’s a viable and fulfilling career path. As a coach, you’ll have complete autonomy as you transform your passion for helping youth into a rewarding and purpose-driven business venture. Our certification programs, grounded in practical, evidence-based learning, will equip you with the necessary skills to thrive as a youth coach.

Explore Our Youth Coaching Certification Programs

Our coach training programs are offered internationally online via Zoom meetings and learning management systems. From teaching foundational skills in youth well-being to advanced techniques in resilience coaching, our courses are your gateway to a rewarding career in youth mentorship and coaching.

Certified Youth Well-being Coach

Stages 1-2 | Live Training

For youth-serving adults who want to add the coaching skillset to do deeper well-being work 1:1 or in groups
Learn basic coaching skills
The science of the adolescent stage of development
The science of resilience building
50 hours of training, including practicum and supervision, over 14 weeks
Trainees earn the Certified Youth Well-being Coach designation

Certified Youth Resilience Coach

Stages 1-4 | Live Training

International Coaching Federation Level 1 Accredited Program (80 hours)
Center for Credentialing and Education Board Certified Coach Approved Training Program (60 hours)
Professional coach path for adults who want to pursue a career in coaching, those who lead coaching staff, or those interested in establishing a private coaching client base or business
Learn basic coaching skills, the science of the adolescent development stage, resilience building, and business building for new coaches
80 hours of training, including practicum, supervision, and ICF mentor coaching hours over 25 weeks
Trainees earn the Certified Youth Well-being Coach and Certified Youth Resilience Coach designation

Certified Youth Behavioral Health Coach

Stages 1-5 | Live Training

Eligibility based on associate degree completion or equivalent work experience (4,000 hours)
For new or existing coaches seeking to expand their skillset and credentials with a focus on youth behavioral health and resilience
Also ideal for leaders and staff in youth-serving organizations who want to integrate behavioral health coaching into their program offerings.
Focus on behavioral coaching principles, including Lifestyle Medicine, specific to youth and adolescents
In-depth study of behavioral health interventions and resilience strategies
Trainees earn the Certified Youth Behavioral Health Coach, Certified Resilience Coach, and Certified Youth Well-being Coach designations

Have Questions? Schedule a Q&A With Us.

Whether you have some coaching experience under your belt, want to better serve youth in your profession, or are exploring a profitable and fulfilling career choice, we’re here to guide you on the best path forward. Fill out our contact form or schedule a live 20-minute Q&A to learn more.

What to Expect From Our Live Training Programs

Our training approach blends self-directed, observational, experiential, and active learning methods. Trainees engage with self-study materials such as lectures, quizzes, discussions, and readings at their own pace, preparing them for in-depth discussions and real-world application in weekly live classes led by ICF-credentialed faculty.

Trainees observe live coaching sessions to see techniques in action, followed by group debriefs that analyze these methods for competencies and/or opportunities. Additionally, they engage in peer-to-peer coaching exercises in private meeting rooms, practicing both coaching and client roles. This hands-on experience is complemented by feedback and mentorship from our faculty, ensuring ongoing skill refinement and professional growth in the field of youth coaching.

Why Choose the Youth Coaching Institute?

Evidence-Based Approach

Our curriculum is grounded in proven behavioral health principles, focusing on adolescent interventions that enhance self-perceptions, engagement, and positive behaviors while reducing challenges.

Community of Social Change Agents

At YCI, we’re a community of social change agents, transformed from our adolescent struggles into thriving adults, now dedicated to guiding the next generation through their journey.

Flexible and Virtual Learning Environment

Our flexible training model accommodates even the busiest lifestyles and is designed for professionals across the globe, ensuring a seamless learning experience. We offer both live and self-paced courses.

International Coaching Federation Accreditation

Stand out in the field of youth coaching with our internationally recognized certifications. The ICF is one of the highest-regarded coaching certification organizations, known for its stringent education and rigorous credentialing.

Reach Out to Us to Learn More

Have questions or want to speak with a member of our team? Schedule a meeting or reach out to us directly, and we’ll be happy to assist you on your coaching journey.

     Excellent  
     Based on 36 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Asjah Monroe 
 2024-02-06
 
 
  The YCI coaching certification program experience has been top notch.  Worth every penny.  When you enroll and commit, you will come out on the other side experience a competent, well-prepared, and trustworthy youth life coach.

The workload is very manageable and the learning pace is entirely appropriate and well thought out.  I highly recommend this program for anyone ready to step into coaching at any level.  Don't continue to think about it, just do it.
  
 
       
   Saloni Hora 
 2024-01-26
 
 
  Qualifying as a certified youth resilience coach through YCI was a pivotal experience. YCI approaches coach training with academic integrity - drawing from psychological theory and best practices, as well as requiring extensive practical training. Dr. Leah - thank you for your deep wisdom, and the grace with which you share your knowledge and experience!
  
 
       
   Kelly Shanks 
 2024-01-24
 
 
  The words "thank you" are not enough for what I have received through pursuing coaching with YCI. I am at a huge turning point in my life and finding this program was just the right fit for me. I have high expectations for my professional development experiences and this exceeded my expectations! As a school psychologist it was imperative that the program I pursued was rooted in evidence based practices.  The design of the course, attentiveness of staff and passion for coaching that was demonstrated throughout the course was exceptional! An added bonus is how much our cohort supported and cared for one another along this journey. If you are ready to pursue coaching, this program is worth the financial, time and energy investment, without a doubt.
  
 
       
   Gilbert Guo 
 2023-11-01
 
 
  YCI was a very worthwhile experience. My instructor Liezel did a fantastic job of teaching. YCI's support staff was incredibly responsive and organized. I've been able to build great relationships through the organization that will help me in my career after the course.
  
 
       
   Emely Spagni 
 2023-10-31
 
 
  I absolutely loved every lesson of the "Certified Youth Resilience Coach" program! It went above and beyond what I expected. I didn't just learn about coaching – I learned a lot about myself too. The program offers great value for its price. Plus, a big bonus: it makes the ICF ACC application process a breeze compared to other programs!
  
 
       
   Alex Hubbard 
 2023-05-31
 
 
  I took part in the YCI Certified Youth Resilience Coach program and I can't recommend it enough. I was looking for a path to build on my skills as an educator and further my career in way that aligns with my values. While I was unsure of what exactly to expect as I underwent this 25 week course, I can honestly say it exceeded all of my expectations. I was able to develop a strong understanding of what it takes to be a great coach and learn more about adolescent psychology. The class was very manageable and Dr. Leah's approach was informative, honest, and supportive. I feel like I have grown tremendously in a relatively short amount of time and I am excited to start my journey as a certified youth life coach.
  
 
       
   Sarah Grace 
 2022-11-14
 
 
  I recently completed my training with YCI as a Youth Resilience Coach.  It has been an incredible experience. The quality of the teaching and accompanying support materials are excellent. The registration process and administration are straightforward and hassle-free. It has been fantastic to be part of an amazing cohort of people - an eclectic mix of backgrounds and cultures, all connecting through our shared desire to improve the lives of our young people.  The magic comes, however, in the leadership and passion bestowed by Dr Leah.  Her resounding commitment to her own learning journey of personal growth, coupled with her ceaseless determination to act, always, in service to her students and clients is quite remarkable. It has been a privilege and an honour to be in the presence of this alchemy - if only for a few weeks.  If you can scrape the funds together; if you want to grow as a human being;  and believe you can be of service to others in a positive way then sign up for this programme. You will not regret it.
  
 
       
   Lisa Vanella 
 2022-09-06
 
 
  I really enjoyed this coaching class taught by Dr. Leah. Not only did I learn how to help clients but I learned a lot about myself. Dr. Leah opens up about her own life experience which helped me feel comfortable and safe. Her coaching technique is perfection. Very informative and highly recommended!
  
 
       
   Brittany Beck 
 2022-07-05
 
 
  Dr. Leah and YCI are incredible!  I just completed my certification and could not be happier. Dr. Leah is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about her work. From class one it was a very safe space to learn and grow. I highly recommend YCI and am extremely grateful for the experience!

Youth Coaching Expert Insights

Discover a library of free expert resources exploring the youth coaching landscape, the experiences of adolescents today, and opportunities to strengthen your approach.

Elevate Your Impact and Start Coaching Today

Make a positive and measurable impact with the Youth Coaching Institute. Develop your coaching skillset and begin the journey to becoming a certified youth life coach today.