Coach Training Alliance Review: What to Know Before Enrolling (2024)

Are you thinking about becoming a certified coach? Here is a comprehensive review of Coach Training Alliance, a popular ICF Accredited training program.

Coach Training Alliance Review: What to Know Before Enrolling (2023)

If you’ve been searching for a way to create a career or add more to your income by helping others succeed – then coaching could very well be a perfect fit. In this review, we will discuss everything you need to know about enrolling about Coach Training Alliance programs, and why there's never been a better time to obtain your coaching certification.

The Benefits of Obtaining a Coaching Certification

The demand for qualified coaches is on the rise in every sector. As people’s lives become increasingly complex, they often seek support and guidance to help them become more accountable in areas such as their finances, relationships, and personal productivity.

According to Gitnux, the market value of the Life Coaching Industry is expected to reach $25 billion by 2025 with a 7% average annual growth rate from 2022 to 2025.

Yet, as the coaching industry continues to grow, clients will likely expect a higher standard in terms of credentials. Research conducted by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) found that 84% of individuals who have participated in a coaching relationship believe it’s important for a coach to possess a certification or credential.

Whether you have some experience as a coach, or you're starting from scratch - enrolling in a certification program is an effective way to improve your coaching skills, boost your credibility in the industry, and attract higher-paying clients.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more information.

What is Coach Training Alliance?

Coach Training Alliance (CTA) is a global coach training organization that offers various ICF credentialed coaching programs and continuing education courses.

Established in 2000, CTA has trained and certified over 15,000 coaches from 45 countries, and has emerged as a leader in the industry.

All their training programs are offered entirely online.

CTA has carefully tailored their curriculum to build a human-centered coaching philosophy that is aligned with the International Coaching Federation’s philosophy:

Coaching is a co-creative process between a coach and client

Through the coaching process, clients tap into their own knowledge, wisdom and vision to create new awareness, intent and opportunities for success

Coaches partner with clients to clarify the client’s agenda, listening deeply and effectively

Coaching Training Alliance utilizes an Exclusive Learning Model that encourages coaches to learn experientially - by applying their knowledge in real-world contexts.

CTA programs are designed to have you working and earning income before course completion. This is accomplished through “Just-In-Time” knowledge transfer where you learn what you need to know, when you need to know it, in order to derive the most benefit for yourself and your clients.

Additionally, upon graduation, you gain access to CTA's alumni network and coach directory website so you can list your practice and start promoting and growing your coaching business right away.

=> Learn more about Coach Training Alliance Program Perks here.

Coach Training Alliance Reviews

Is the Coach Training Alliance Program Worth it?

Upon research, it's evident that Coach Training Alliance has pretty excellent reviews across the internet. The average rating for Coach Training Alliance on Facebook is 4.5, and 4.1 on Indeed (out of 5).

Here are some reviews that can provide you with additional insights if you're deciding whether or not to enroll:

More Graduate Reviews:

The CTA program is amazing. Very thorough utilizing Coach Training Accelerator audio program, small classes and a mentor coach. I particularly loved having Nan Einarson as my mentor coach. It’s been 3+ years and my “coach the coach” buddy and I still connect every week."

- Rhonda Cimorelli

"The part of the course I like the best and that is helping me build my practice the most, so far, is the course software. It is very well done and useful. I like the examples, resources, sample brochures, etc."

- Gail Mason

"By the time the course was complete I already had 17 paying clients. What a boost to my confidence!”

- Ray Brejcha

Good Program (4.0/5)

"If you're looking for coaching certification to augment you other educational experiences - this is a good program to get things started. The program helps you get your private practice started by requiring website and payment set up."

- Written by a former studenton June 29, 2021 on Indeed

CTA prepared me for my coaching career (5.0/5)

"Great on-line school with thorough training, accountability and lots of support. Highly recommend if you're seriously considering becoming a life coach."

- Written by a former student on May 7, 2021 on Indeed

A solid and cost effective program (4.0/5)

"CTA is a solid, well-rounded certification program. Program materials are very thorough and helpful, and the trainers are knowledgeable and want you to succeed."

- Written by a former student on June 14, 2021 on Indeed

The All-Inclusive Certified Coach Program

The Certified Coach Program is the most comprehensive training course offered by Coach Training Alliance. This program enables you to become an ICF certified coach in just six months.

This program is delivered through a combination of live teleconferencing, online media, and interactive software downloaded directly to your computer.

Course Outline

There are five major sections to the Certified Coach Program:

Coaching From Center
Impeccable Business Sense
Effective Coaching Tools
Becoming a Client Magnet
Masterful Coaching Sessions

The program includes:

Group Mentoring
Coach the Coach
Self Study
Observation & Critique

Upon registration you will immediately receive a login to the Coach Training Accelerator™ Online course - a self-contained online coach training program that is actually sold as a separate course.

The program begins with Becoming a Coach orientation teleclasses, where you discover the inside scoop on what established coaches are doing with great success. Throughout the program you will coach, be coached, and observe coaching as it happens.

Instructor-led sessions target specific coaching tools, techniques and models. In addition to learning coaching skills, you will be provided with valuable information about how to market your business successfully.

The mentoring group consists of you, your Mentor Coach and your fellow classmates. Classes are held weekly via teleconference over dedicated, private bridgelines. Members of your mentoring group will become your “community of practice” - an environment where you learn by example and through practical experience.

You’ll also gain access to an online private forum that allows you to share your progress, questions, and resources with your classmates as well as stay connected outside of class.

Key Course Features:

Typical Week: Telesessions, 60-90 minutes per week. Self-study and homework, 2 to 5 hours per week.

Class Size: Limited to a maximum of 12 participants. This increases opportunities for participation and meaningful involvement.

Course Length: Condensed to 6 months (22 weeks with time off, holidays, etc.) There’s no guessing when you will finish this program. There’s no waiting for classes to open up. No delays in meeting graduation requirements.

Price: $3,897. This price includes everything you need to graduate and become a certified coach. There are no hidden charges, no extra fees for testing or certification, no cost for additional books or course software. Your course fee is payable in full or in three, seven or nine parts.

Upon successful completion of the program you will receive your certificate ready for printing and framing. You’ll also be given your official CTA Certified Coach insignia in various formats for use on your website, emails, business cards and stationery.

As soon as you’re certified through CTA, they begin promoting your new coaching practice.

You gain free access to the Coaches and Mentors site. You’ll create your own personalized listing in the Certified Life Coach Directory.

=> See the latest information about Certified Coach Program here.

More Flexible Option: Coach Training Accelerator

The Coach Training Accelerator is a online self-study program designed so that you can earn while you learn, grow professionally as a coach and create a successful life coaching practice.

This program is completely self-paced, and a more affordable option for individuals who want to learn own their own schedule.

Who would benefit from this training?

Individuals entering the field of coaching
Established Coaches developing their coaching practice and business plan
Independent Consultants
Those re-entering the workforce
Persons in Career Transition (Switching careers, recently laid off)

Course Overview:

Receive a Structure for productive Coaching Conversations – Learn how to use the Simple Coaching Model to support others as they navigate change and create new opportunities.

Develop Coaching Skills – Develop essential coaching skills necessary to be an effective coach. Listening, Asking Powerful Questions, Reframing, Mirroring… and many more

Create a Business Plan – Design a path to earn an income as a coach and learn lessons from professional coaches who have come before you.

Access to the Marketing Toolkit and Resources – Attract clients and grow your business using the vast library of resources and supporting documents.

Key course features:

20 Lesson Online Graduate Level Program
5 Multimedia Training Modules
3 Bonus Self-Paced Interactive Courses
Become a Coach in 20 Weeks

This course will teach you how to develop a niche and how to showcase your skills and services. You’ll also discover shortcuts that take years off your learning curve, enhance your coaching abilities, and accelerate your ability to earn a significant income.

=> Learn more about the Coach Training Accelerator Package here.

CTA Organizational Coaching Programs

Coach Training Alliance also offers coaching programs that are designed to train emerging leaders how to effectively coach employees.

There are three different organizational coaching programs available for individuals, organizations, and self study:

For Individuals - Human Capital Coaching

The Human Capital Coaching program and certification course will prepare you to competently lead, develop and coach others in your organization. You may draw upon your new skills in your role as an internal coach, an independent consultant or as part of a department responsible for talent management.

Program topics:

Coaching: What Is It, Why It’s Important, and How to Coach
Contextual Coaching: Alignment with Organizational Agenda
The Simple Coaching Model
Advanced Coaching Skills and Techniques
Identifying and Creating Coaching Opportunities
Generating Coaching Conversations
Integrating Coaching Into Your Roll

Key course features:

Course length: 3 months
Class size: 12 students
90 minutes per week
2 hrs/week self study

For Organizations - Co-Creative Leadership Coaching

The Co-Creative Leadership program is for organizations who want to develop coaching skills in their management teams. It is structured to consistently and methodically improve your coaching ability through regular practice and continual improvement.

Program topics:

Co-Creative Leadership: What is it, Why it’s important, and How to Coach
Alignment with Organizational Agenda
Advanced Coaching Skills and Techniques
Identifying and Creating Opportunities for your Team

Key course features:

Course length: 12 weeks
Class size: 12 students
90 minutes per week
4 hrs/week self study

Online Self Study - Fundamentals of Organizational Coaching

The Fundamentals of Organizational Coaching will help you establish a foundation for what coaching is, how to introduce it to your organization and how to apply it in your role. This self-study program provides immediate access to all the class materials, recordings, assignments, and tools you need to get started.

Program topics:

What is Coaching?
Neuroscience of Coaching
Impact of Coaching
How to Coach
How to Excel and Improve Your Skills

Key course features:

5 hours of Training
6 Video Presentations
Required Reading (2 hours)
Coaching Demonstrations (1 hour)

=> Learn More About CTA Organizational Coaching Programs here.

How to Choose the Right Coach Certification Program for You

The programs listed above are the most popular training programs offered by Coach Training Alliance. If you explore their website, you'll find that they also offer other smaller classes and workshops that are designed to refine specific skill sets.

So, how do you decide on the right coach certification program? Should you go with Coach Training Alliance?

Well, first of all - if you feel that you're not quite sure about making an investment and would like more information - you can sign up for the next complimentary, live Becoming a Certified Coach workshop with CTA Certified Coach and Director of Admissions, Lisa Pisano:

In this workshop, you’ll learn about the common challenges that all new coaches face, and the kind of training you need to effectively meet your clients needs.

You’ll also get to meet some of the CTA faculty and participate in a live coaching session guided by an experienced mentor coach.

=> Sign up for the Free Becoming a Certified Coach Workshop here.

Things to Keep in Mind

Remember that when it comes to coach training programs, knowledge is potential power. But actual power comes from integrating knowledge into practice. Therefore, your goal should be to find a program that builds on what you already know and allows you to leverage the skills and abilities you already have.

Ideally, you should choose your coach training based on the program offerings, your instinct, your personal experience with the course orientation, and your communication with the instructors.

A good program should:

Provide a structure with an easy-to-follow learning sequence

Place you in a learning environment with other coaches and mentors

Facilitate and support client acquisition and income generation

Immerse you in real world training that is practical, not theoretical

Coach Training Alliance implements all these fundamental blocks of a successful coaching program.

Their programs include practical information on coaching skills, marketing and being an entrepreneur, as well as a community of coaches where you can share ideas and get valuable feedback about your coaching. Most importantly, you learn by doing not just watching a webinar or reading a book.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, becoming a coach is a powerful and transformative experience.

Developing your ability to coach opens a multitude of possibilities - starting your own business, facilitating workshops, taking your leadership skills to the next level, becoming an accountability partner, and helping others work towards the change they see for themselves.

Some programs require years and a significant investment to get all the pieces in place to become a certified coach. However, as you've probably noticed by now, the CTA certification is one of the most reputable and competitive in the industry, enabling you to become a certified coach within just a few months and with a relatively low investment.

So if you have decided, really decided, that you're going to become a coach, it's a good time to take the next step to reach your goal:

=> See the start dates for the next Coach Training Alliance classes.