Career Counselor and Life Coach

This online life and career coach training program teaches you all the aspects of career counseling and life coaching, from working with clients to establishing a business. You will learn about career development stages, planning fundamentals, and how to work with diverse audiences, as well as the Core Competencies of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and ICF-recognized protocols to build a distinctive coaching style.

The International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches (IAPRC)...

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12 Months / 160 Course Hrs
Open Enrollment
Offered in partnership with your preferred school

CSU Channel Islands

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Career Counselor and Life Coach

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Course code: GES2104

What you will learn

  • Guide clients through a dynamic coaching process from start to finish, establishing a successful foundation using a formal coaching agreement
  • Apply the application of ethical practices and standards to your business
  • Develop your own personal coaching presence, style, and communication system
  • Assist clients in clarifying their purpose, goals, plans, and actions
  • Launch your own coaching practice using strategies that best fit your style
  • Create an envisioning possibilities statement for your client and construct a comprehensive business plan
  • Understand fundamental goals and identify key stages of career development, identify common career challenges, and learn to conduct career counseling interviews
  • Design and deliver comprehensive career development plans to expand your counseling services

How you will benefit

  • Develop your coaching presence, style, and communication system
  • Master self-awareness and self-discovery exercises are foundational to your life coaching career
  • Learn business strategies from successful life coaches to develop your client base
  • Demonstrate your learning through a final capstone project
  • Working with a practice client will help you establish a unique and individual coaching style
  • Earn the Certified Professional Coach (CPC) certification from the International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches (IAPRC).

How the course is taught

  • Self-paced, online course
  • 12 Months to complete
  • Open enrollment, begin anytime
  • 160 course hours
  1. Career Counselor
    1. Foundations of Career Counseling
    2. Communication & Counseling Techniques
    3. Career Development Theories & Frameworks
    4. Practical Tools: Assessments, Resumes & Personal Branding
    5. Job Search Strategies & Interview Techniques
    6. Specialized Populations & Diversity
    7. AI Tools & Technology in Career Counseling
    8. Building a Thriving Practice & Monetization
    9. Advanced Techniques & High-Level Engagement
    10. Professional Identity
  2. Certified Professional Life Coach
    1. Coaching Fundamentals
    2. Coaching Ethics and Professional Responsibility
    3. Establishing Your Coaching Mindset
    4. Strengthening Your Coaching Mindset
    5. Introduction to Assessments and Tools
    6. Using Assessments and Tools in Your Practice
    7. Tracking Progress and Managing Challenges
    8. Shifting the Narrative
    9. Communication Strategies for Effective Coaching
    10. Being a Client-Centered Coach
    11. Business Basics
    12. Maintaining Your Business
    13. Capstone Project
    14. Final Exam

Thea Roberts

Thea Roberts is an instructor with a background in business administration. Previously, she was a finance officer and employment advisor. She also held a position in the Washington State Ombudsman Program. Roberts holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Arts.

Misty Marlowe

Misty C. Marlowe completed her M.A. in Clinical/Community Psychology at UNC-Charlotte and her Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Capella University. She has devoted the past 22 years of her career to the nuances of human behavior and personal development. With a commitment to fostering resilience and enhancing relationships, Misty has excelled at coaching individuals from diverse backgrounds, aiming to unlock their potential for personal growth. Her approach to life coaching, grounded in Jungian Analytical and Gestalt techniques, reflects her passion for helping others achieve self-understanding and positive change.

Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites prior to enrolling in this course.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

  • This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows 8 or later.
  • Mac: macOS 12 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  • Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

  • Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment in the Certified Professional Life Coach portion of the course:

  • Becoming a Professional Life Coach: The Art and Science of a Whole-Person Approach

About Certification: International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches (IAPRC)

The International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches (IAPRC) provides leadership in the field of Professional Recovery Coaching worldwide in order to enhance the quality of life and health for individuals, families and communities.

According to Indeed.com, a life coach advocates for and consults with people to help them strengthen their life skills and reach their full potential. They use their interpersonal skills to learn more about each person/client and their history and to provide them with an objective perspective on the steps necessary to take their personal or professional endeavors to the next level.

Additionally, they offer support, motivation, and accountability to do the work necessary to achieve clients' goals. Life coaches can help people through major life crises and transitions, helping them thrive again.

According to Zippia (2026 estimate), the average life coach salary is $44,870 per year.

The average salary of school and career counselors and advisors  is $65,140, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.. Their salary range can vary from $43,580 to $105,870..

A career counselor, also known as a vocational counselor, is a professional who helps individuals identify suitable career paths and make informed decisions about education, training, and employment opportunities. They guide clients by assessing interests, abilities, personality traits, and work histories to match them with appropriate career options. They also help people navigate career transitions, explore new occupations, and understand the requirements of different job fields.

These professionals guide individuals in choosing, preparing for, and advancing in their careers. They combine assessment tools, counseling techniques, and labor‑market knowledge to help clients make informed decisions—and improve their academic, professional, and personal outcomes.

Yes. Upon successful completion of the final exam within this vocational counselor  course, you will receive the Certified Professional Coach (CPC) certification. This credential is issued through the International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches (IAPRC).

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive 12 months to complete the course.

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.