How to Become a Life Coach in Puerto Rico

People who enjoy advising others and helping them create proactive plans to reach their goals may enjoy a career as a life coach. In this role, you’ll work with clients to develop step-by-step processes, hold them accountable to those plans, help them work through rough patches and provide encouragement as they work toward their goals.

Life coaches generally work on their own, choosing the hours, strategies and clients that work best for their schedules and work styles. Most coaches choose an area of expertise, such as career guidance or dating, with a nearly endless array of options.

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Credentialing and Training Requirements

Life coaching is a largely unregulated field, with no state or federal credentialing requirements in place. As a result, no special certification or training is needed to begin working. Some coaches prefer to receive some training and recognition of their skills, thought, and a number of programs are available to them. High ethical and professional standards are critical in this field due to the often sensitive nature of the work, and new coaches can receive training in how to meet these standards through programs from the International Coach Federation (ICF) or another trusted organization.

Professional Training Courses

If you are interested in receiving formal life coach training, there are several organizations across the country to assist. The following are well-regarded options with online components:

  • American Life Coaching Academy. Students at the American Life Coaching Academy can take in-person or online courses, both of which take about four months to complete. Coursework includes peer coaching, which gives students real-world experience before graduating.
  • Coaching Changes Lives. Coaching Changes Lives offers online training in various specialties, such as wellness, executive and public speaking coaching. The 70-hour course includes training, virtual classes and group coaching sessions.

Available Certifications

Life coaches are not required to receive credentials or certifications prior to beginning work. However, holding a certification can be a valuable way to formally recognize your skills. The IFC offers three levels of certification to pursue:

  • Associate Certified Coach (ACC). ACC-certified coaches have completed at least 60 hours of training and 100 hours of coaching. Most ICF-approved training courses meet these requirements.
  • Professional Certified Coaches (PCC). Coaches who have completed 125 training hours and 500 coaching hours are eligible for PCC certification.
  • Master Certified Coach (MCC). To qualify as a Master Certified Coach, you must complete at least 200 training hours and 2,500 hours of work experience.

Salary Expectations

Salaries for life coaches vary significantly, because coaches typically set their own rates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for life coaches in 2015 was $61,900, the most recent year for which data is available.

Working as a Life Coach in Puerto Rico

As a life coach, you’ll enjoy a flexible career that allows you to determine your own growth and work strategies. Many coaches meet their clients in person, but some choose to hold meetings over the phone or online for additional options. Most clients will likely live in urban areas, such as San Juan, and job opportunities with consulting companies or formal coaching groups may also be available in cities. Wherever you choose to make your career, life coaching can be a rewarding one for those who want to make a positive difference in other people’s lives.