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.
We’ve had the pleasure of training youth coaches for:
Certified Youth Well-being Coach
36 hours - $1,350 (Package includes: Courses 1-3)
Courses 1-3 | Virtual | Live Certification Course
*Courses are available as a package or for individual enrollment
Please input the preferred schedule date in the note during checkout
Those interested in a monthly payment plan option can add the full package to the cart, click proceed to checkout, and select PayPal Pay Later for PayPal Credit
Course 1 of 9: Basic Coaching Skills and Adolescent Well-being Science
Self-study - Knowledge-based learning
The purpose of this program is to introduce youth-serving professionals, parents, and/or other caring adults to core coaching competencies and adolescent well-being science to support and empower tweens, teens, and emerging adults.
Lessons 1-6 – 12 hours of asynchronous training with assigned reading
Lessons 1-6 include, Introduction to Coaching, The Adolescent Stage of Development, Coaching Structure, Process, and Skills, Facilitating Engagement, Self-Discovery, & Effective Goals, Facilitating Effective Planning, Goals Striving, & Self-Management, Evoking Awareness & Promoting a Positive Identity
Cost: $440
Schedule: Ongoing enrollment
Prerequisite for Practicum & Supervision Seminar 1
Course 2 of 9: Practicum & Supervision Seminar 1
Live - Experiential learning
The purpose of this program is to engage trainees in experiential learning to apply core coaching competencies with peers for supervision and feedback. Facilitators and evaluators support trainees’ as they develop proficiency as coach practitioners toward the ICF ACC minimum skills requirements.
7 weekly 2-hour Zoom meetings = 14 hours of synchronous training with faculty and peers in a group forum (maximum of 20 per group)
Cost $495
Schedule: Winter 2025
1 – 2/18-4/1/25, Tues AM 11-1 CT
2 – 2/18-4/1/25, Tues PM 5:30-7:30 PM
Registration deadline: 2/4/25
Course 3 of 9: Evidence-based Coaching Interventions 1
Self-study - Knowledge-based learning
Recommend taking Courses 2 & 3 together
The purpose of this course is to train caring adults to apply evidence-based coaching grounded in psychology and neuroscience to enhance well-being and resilience in tweens, teens, and emerging adults.
Lessons 7-11 – 10 hours of asynchronous training with assigned reading
Lessons 7-11 include Coaching Self-care & Managing the Coaching Engagement, Identifying Stages of Change & Motivational Interviewing, Introduction to Acceptance & Commitment Coaching, Social Connection, SEL, & Health, Academic Coaching & Learning Science
Cost: $415
Schedule: Ongoing enrollment
Certified Youth Resilience Coach
76 hours - $3,200 (Package includes: Courses 1-8)
Courses 4-8 | Virtual | Live Certification Course
The Certified Youth Resilience Coach program is accredited by the International Coaching Federation as a Level 1 provider for 76 coach specific education/training hours, including 10 mentor coaching hours. This program is also approved through the Center for Credentialing & Education for 60 training hours toward the BCC application.
*Courses are available as a package or for individual enrollment
Please input the preferred schedule date in the note during checkout
Those interested in a monthly payment plan option can add the full package to the cart, click proceed to checkout, and select PayPal Pay Later for PayPal Credit
Course 4 of 9: Practicum & Supervision Seminar 2
Live - Experiential learning
Courses 1-3 are prerequisites
Recommend taking course 4 & 5 together
The purpose of this program is to engage trainees in experiential learning to apply core coaching competencies with peers for supervision and feedback. Facilitators and evaluators support trainees’ as they develop proficiency as coach practitioners toward the ICF ACC minimum skills requirements.
7 weekly 2-hour Zoom meetings = 14 hours of synchronous training with faculty and peers in a group forum (maximum of 20 per group)
Cost: $495
Schedule: Fall 2024
1- 10/31-12/19, Thurs AM 11-1 CT
2- 10/31-12/19, Thurs PM 5:30-7:30 PM
Registration deadline: 10/17/24
*Next run will be Spring 2025 (4/15-5/27) for trainees who complete the Winter 2025 Course 2.
Course 5 of 9: Evidence-based Coaching Interventions 2
Self-study - Knowledge-based learning
Can be taken with Practicum and Supervision Seminar 2
The purpose of this course is to train caring adults to apply evidence-based coaching grounded in psychology and neuroscience to enhance well-being and resilience in tweens, teens, and emerging adults.
Lessons 12-16 – 10 hours of asynchronous and synchronous learning with reading and practice client
Lessons 12-16 include Well-being at Work, ADHD & Perfectionism, Desistance Coaching for Transitions Away from Crime or Delinquency, Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Coaching, Parent Coaching
Cost: $415
Schedule: Ongoing enrollment
Course 6 of 9: Mentor Coaching 1 (live)
Live 1:1 meetings with a mentor
Can be taken with Practicum 1 or 2
Trainees completing the ICF-accredited CYRC program are required to complete 10 hours of mentor coaching with a qualified mentor coach. Mentor coaching involves coaching and feedback in a collaborative, appreciative and dialogued process based on an observed or recorded coaching session to increase the coach’s capability in coaching, in alignment with the ICF Core Competencies. Seven of those 10 hours can be in a group setting and three of those hours must be in a 1:1 format.
3 1:1 hours
Cost: $300
First hour must be by 12/6 to remain in compliance with ICF 3 month min to join the Jan MC group(s)
Course 7 of 9: Business of Coaching
Self-study - Knowledge-based learning
Recommend taking course 7 & 8 together
The purpose of this course is to introduce coach practitioners to the various ways coaching is currently applied in professional domains; and provide an overview of how to get started with establishing and maintaining a private coaching client base.
Lessons 17-20 – 6 hours of asynchronous and synchronous training with homework – practice client and other activities
Lessons 17-20 include Coaching Programs & Group Coaching Considerations, Business Building, Marketing & Relationship Building, and Ongoing Professional Development
Cost: $190
Schedule: Ongoing enrollment
Course 8 of 9: Mentor Coaching 2 - Group
Live - Experiential learning
Trainees completing the ICF-accredited CYRC program are required to complete 10 hours of mentor coaching with a qualified mentor coach. Mentor coaching involves coaching and feedback in a collaborative, appreciative and dialogued process based on an observed or recorded coaching session to increase the coach’s capability in coaching, in alignment with the ICF Core Competencies. Seven of these hours may be taken in a group setting and three in a 1:1 format.
7 group hours
Cost: $450
Schedule: Winter 2025 – bi-weekly
1- 1/9-3/6, Thurs AM 11-1 CT
2- 1/9-3/6, Thurs PM 5:30-7:30 PM
Registration deadline: 12/26/24
*Next run will be Summer 2025 (6/10-8/5) for trainees who complete the Spring 2025 Course 4.
Certified Youth Health Coach
91 hours (Courses 1-9)
Course 9 | Virtual | Live Certification Course
*Courses are available as a package or for individual enrollment
Please input the preferred schedule date in the note during checkout
Those interested in a monthly payment plan option can add the full package to the cart, click proceed to checkout, and select PayPal Pay Later for PayPal Credit
Course 9: Lifestyle Medicine for Adolescents
Self-study - Knowledge-based learning
This designation is only available to coaches who have completed our Certified Youth Resilience Coach program. CYRCs who complete our Lifestyle Medicine for Adolescents course earn the Certified Youth Health Coach designation.
Our Certified Youth Health Coaches are equipped to support youth through identifying and engaging in behaviors that promote holistic health, well-being, and thriving. Learn to work with your clients to address specific health and wellness challenges or promote healthy lifestyle habits relating to nutrition, physical activity, sleep, sexual health, technology use, mindfulness, and mental health.
15 Hours Self-study
Cost: $495
Schedule: Coming late Fall 2024
ExcellentBased on 36 reviewsAsjah Monroe2024-02-06The 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 Hora2024-01-26Qualifying 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 Shanks2024-01-24The 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 Guo2023-11-01YCI 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 Spagni2023-10-31I 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 Hubbard2023-05-31I 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 Grace2022-11-14I 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 Vanella2022-09-06I 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 Beck2022-07-05Dr. 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!
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
All training, supervision, and practicum are completed 100% virtually and available internationally via live Zoom webinar and/or telephone conference call.
Candidates must be 18 years old or older.
Our training programs are ideal for professionals working directly with tweens, teens, and/or emerging adults, professionals leading organizations serving these populations, or those who aim to serve this audience in some capacity.
Coaching is a helping profession focused on learning and growth. Thus, it is a wonderful skillset addition for those in or interested in a career path within helping professions or education (e.g., human resources, counseling, social work, human services, leadership, nursing, teaching, public health, etc.)
Trainees who complete our programs most often apply their skills in the following ways:
- Coaching as a side gig for access to deep, meaningful work and extra income around a full-time job
- Coaching as a professional career path
- Adding coaching skills to enhance their work with tweens, teens, or young adults
- Coaching in a volunteer or mentoring capacity
Trainees may opt to complete individual courses for continuing education hours or the series of courses required to earn a certification through YCI. We offer three certifications with each one building to the next.
Trainees who complete courses 1-3 earn our Certified Youth Well-being Coach designation. This option is generally a good fit for youth-serving professionals, such as teachers or caseworkers, who want to add coaching skills to enhance their current work.
Trainees who complete courses 1-8 earn our Certified Youth Resilience Coach designation. This is our ICF Level 1 accredited and CCE-approved coach training program. This option is generally a good fit for aspiring professional coaches, those in leadership roles over coaching staff, or those who would like to pursue a private coaching practice as a side gig or career pivot.
Trainees who complete courses 1-9 earn our Certified Youth Health Coach designation. This option is generally a good fit for professional coaches who support youth through mental or health and wellness organizations offering full continuum of care services.
Yes! You can earn your first certification and come back to complete additional courses for next level certifications when you’re ready. Just purchase each next course or set of courses as you’re ready.
Our Certified Youth Well-being Coach and Certified Youth Resilience Coach training programs have an 80% live attendance requirement.
All live classes are recorded so that those who have an allowed absence are able to watch the recording to submit a missed class makeup summary to earn credit.
If you were scheduled to coach the day of your absence, you would also need to complete a makeup practice coaching session outside of class.
Life happens! Your well-being is our priority. If you need to pause your training, you can transfer to a later cohort to complete your training up to one year from the date of your withdrawal from your current cohort.
Absolutely not. Your basic coaching skills are generally applicable to any coaching-appropriate audience – tweens, teens, and adults of all ages.
The behavioral science knowledge you’ll gain is also generally applicable. You are practicing coaching peer trainees who are adults of all ages with various backgrounds, experiences, and cultures during your in-class training. This means that you’re learning to coach adults of all ages through this program.
Because your training with us is approved by the International Coaching Federation, you also qualify to obtain a higher credential through the ICF upon successful completion with us. The ICF’s designations are general professional coaching designations accepted in most coaching-related roles.
Self-Study Courses: All tuition paid for self-study courses is non-refundable upon release of course access to the buyer.
Live Meeting Courses: Registrants can cancel or withdraw participation at any time within 14 days prior to the first scheduled live meeting date for their enrolled group for a full refund of paid tuition. Registrants can cancel within 7 days following the first live meeting date for the enrolled group for a 50% refund of paid tuition. If registrants cancel or withdraw from training more than 7 days following the first live meeting date for the enrolled group they are not entitled to any refund or any reductions in tuition owed, as they must cover the cost of the lost seat.
Just click the CYWC, CYRC, or CYHC Full Package button to add the full program of your choice to the cart. Be sure to note which of the live schedules you want for the live courses included in your package upon checkout.
We offer PayPal Credit for those who want to complete our full certification program, but need low monthly payments to make that affordable. To use that option, just add all courses for the full certification program to the cart, click proceed to checkout, and select the PayPal Pay Later option to see if you qualify. Also, keep in mind that our tuition rates are intentionally priced well below the market for comparable training to keep it accessible to public servants. The current market rate for a comparable ICF-accredited Level 1 program is $5,000-$14,000 USD.
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.
Alumni Spotlight Series – Lillian Powell
Alumni Spotlight Series – Joe Chan
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.