Youth Life Coach Certification Programs
Join a mission-driven peer network, access ongoing mentorship from ICF-certified experts, and participate in reflective, interactive learning sessions. Share experiences, grow together, and stay at the forefront of youth support. Explore our full professional training and certification paths accredited by the International Coaching Federation and the Center for Credentialing and Education.
Explore Our Youth Coaching Certification Programs
All programs are completely virtual, accessible internationally via Zoom and our learning platform. Whether you’re just starting or looking to specialize in health or behavior-focused coaching, we have a pathway for you.
Certified Youth Well-being Coach
Courses 1-3 | Live Training
- For youth-serving adults who want to add the coaching skillset to do deeper well-being work 1:1 or in groups
- 36 hours of training, including practicum and supervision. Typical time to complete is 14 weeks, including 7 weeks of live training.
- Trainees earn the Certified Youth Well-being Coach designation
Certified Youth Resilience Coach
Courses 1-8 | Live Training
- 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
- 76 hours of training, including practicum, supervision, and ICF mentor coaching. Typical time to complete is 25 weeks, including 22 weeks of live training.
- Trainees earn the Certified Youth Well-being Coach and Certified Youth Resilience Coach designation
Certified Youth Behavioral Health Coach
Courses 1-9 | Live Training
- For new or existing coaches seeking to expand their skillset and credentials with a focus on health and wellness coaching, behavioral health coaching, or mental health coaching
- 91 hours of training, including practicum, supervision, and ICF mentor coaching. Typical time to complete is 32 weeks, including 22 weeks of live training.
- Trainees earn Certified Youth Behavioral Health Coach, Certified Resilience Coach, and Certified Youth Well-being Coach designations
Empowering the Next Generation: Coaching for Real Change
Young people today face a range of challenges—teen stress, body image concerns, rebellion, and a lack of direction. Certified youth coaches play a vital role in guiding teens through these struggles. Whether you’re learning how to inspire teenagers, build confidence in teens, or help teenagers who seem unmotivated, our training will equip you with powerful tools to coach effectively.
Youth coaching is a fulfilling career path rooted in science, discipline, and service. Our evidence-based youth life coach certification programs offer practical skills in teenage behavior management, communication skills for teens, emotional regulation, and resilience building.
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.
“I cannot speak highly enough of my experience as a YCI trainee. The Youth Resilience Coaching Certification not only prepared me to coach with confidence, I was also well-equipped to continue with the YCI mentoring training and pass the ICF ACC licensure with ease. As a long-time educator and education researcher, I was particularly impressed with the YCI curriculum. It is a masterful balance of research-backed theory, digestible lessons, and ample experiential practice sessions. The leaders of the training also foster a warm community to learn with and from, so I always looked forward to classes. I heartily recommend YCI for anyone interested in becoming a coach or bringing coaching skills to their life or work.”
Jessica Koehler
PhD. University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
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 research on adolescent development, motivation, and wellness coaching. We focus on adolescent interventions that enhance self-perceptions, engagement, and positive behaviors while reducing challenges.
Community of Social Change Agents
At YCI, we are dedicated youth advocates, educators, and life coaches focused on helping the next generation thrive. Having transformed from our adolescent struggles into thriving adults, we are committed to guiding the youth through their journeys into successful adults.
Flexible and Virtual Learning Environment
Our virtual coaching certifications 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.
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.
How to Help Reluctant Teens Set Goals (Without the Pressure)
January 10, 2026
YCI Youth Coaching Competencies
January 1, 2026
Elevate Your Impact and Start Coaching Today
Take the first step toward a fulfilling career in teen coaching. Whether you’re helping teens manage attitude, stress, or self-esteem, or launching your own coaching practice, YCI provides the mentorship, tools, and credentials to succeed.