How to Become a Certified Life Coach in California

Want to become a certified life coach in California?

You’re in the right place! 

A life coaching business can offer you more freedom, a more flexible schedule, and a higher income–while also paying you to help others.

But how do you even get started? 

Today, you’ll learn: 

• What a life coach really does (and what niche you should choose) 
• The certifications and licenses you actually need (no guesswork)
• A step-by-step process for setting up your coaching business in California

So that you can get results like this:

Let’s dive in!

Biggest takeaways:

• Set up your business in California: Setting up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in California provides legal protection. But a sole proprietorship is simpler to create.
• Make a great income as a life coach: Life coaches in California earn $55,000–$98,000 annually, while many coaches go on to earn six figures and beyond. 
• Get started right away: Coaching isn’t regulated in California, so you don’t need a certification or license. But to help clients get results, you need experience in your niche.

Should you become a life coach in California?  

A life coach uses their unique skills and experience to help clients achieve their personal and professional goals. In return, you as the coach are able to build a career that gives you the freedom, flexibility, and income you want.

And your unique gifts and skills are needed. The coaching market generates $4.564 billion annually–and is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years. 

Plus, California is an especially great place to start your life coaching business. 

Here’s why:

• Higher earning potential: Life coaches in California earn between $55,000 and $98,000 per year, well above the national average. And, as you’ll see below, many self-employed life coaches go on to make six figures and beyond.
• Access to resources: California offers an abundance of networking events and professional organizations to help you grow. As the state with the highest number of life coaches, there’s a lot of opportunity for new coaches!
• No certification requirements: You can get started without needing a specific certification or license.

And look: You get paid to do work that’s massively impactful and fulfilling too.

As a life coach, you’ll help others thrive while building your own profitable and scalable coaching business. Once you have a steady stream of clients, you can use that income to replace your salary. 

That said, building your own life coaching business in California can feel demanding because of the high cost of living and how saturated the market is.

The good news is:

You can stand out and become a highly profitable life coach, and we’ll look at how below. 

But first, can you become one? 

What qualifications do you need to become a life coach in California? 

Below, I’ll break down the qualifications you may (or may not) need to become a life coach in California.

Starting with…

Do life coaches need a license or certification? 

Life coaching is an unregulated industry in California. So you generally don’t need a specific license or certification to get started. 

More importantly, what matters most to clients isn’t a piece of paper—it’s your ability to deliver results, share your expertise, and guide them toward the transformation they’re seeking.

For example, if you’ve climbed the corporate ladder and can help others do the same, you’ve built a successful investment portfolio, or you’ve created a system that has helped you lose excess weight, those are all results you can help others achieve as a coach.

However:

If you specialize in niches like health or wellness coaching, you might need to comply with specific regulations. 

For example, providing dietary advice could require a license as a nutritionist. Also, other professions, such as therapy and counselling, do require licensing. 

How do you get certified as a life coach? 

If you decide to pursue certification, follow these life coach certification requirement steps: 

• Research accredited programs: Look for programs recognized by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the gold standard in coaching certifications.
• Choose the right certification level:
  • Associate Certified Coach (ACC): Requires 60+ hours of training and 100+ hours of coaching experience
  • Professional Certified Coach (PCC): Requires 125+ hours of training and 500+ hours of coaching experience
  • Master Certified Coach (MCC): Requires 200+ hours of training and 2,500+ hours of coaching experience
• Evaluate programs: Consider factors like cost, duration, curriculum, and delivery format (online vs. in-person).
• Apply and complete training: Enroll in your chosen program and complete the required training hours and assessments.

A few recommended life coaching certification programs are: 

• iPEC’s Coach Training Program: A fully online program offering an in-depth curriculum
• San Diego State University’s Certified Professional Life Coach Program: Focused on practical coaching skills and professional development
• Loyola Marymount University’s Certified Professional Life Coach Program: Offers an online coaching certification tailored for professionals 
• UC Davis’s Coaching for Life and Work Certificate Program: Designed for career and personal coaching

How do you set up your life coaching business in California? 

The next decision you’ll need to make is choosing your business structure. The two most common options are sole proprietorships and LLCs.

Note: I outline what you need to consider for each structure, but remember that this information is only meant as an overview. My friend and legal coach Lisa Fraley offers personalized advice to help you set up your business.

Sole proprietorship

This is the simplest way to start your coaching business. As a sole proprietor, you can begin operating immediately under your own name. 

However, simplicity comes with trade-offs—you’re personally responsible for all business debts and legal obligations.

Here’s what you’ll need to consider:

• Choosing a business name: You can operate under your legal name or select a different coaching business name, either a fictitious business name (FBN) or “doing business as” (DBA). If you opt for an FBN, ensure it’s not already in use by checking with the California Secretary of State and conducting a trademark search. 
• Understanding your tax obligations: As a sole proprietor, you’ll report business income and expenses on your personal tax return using IRS Schedule C. Make sure you’re aware of any local tax requirements, including sales tax if applicable. 
• Acquiring an employer identification number (EIN) and open a business bank account: While you’re not required to get an employer identification number (EIN) unless you have employees, having one can simplify opening a business bank account. Separating personal and business finances is a good idea. 

LLC 

If you want more protection from business debts and legal risks, an LLC might be the right choice. But setting one up is more costly and complex. 

You need to: 

• Choose a name: Ensure it’s unique and meets California’s naming requirements.
• File articles of organization: Submit Form LLC-1 to the California Secretary of State with a $70 filing fee.
• Appoint a registered agent: This person or service will handle legal documents on your behalf.
• Pay annual fees: California LLCs must pay an $800 annual franchise tax.
• File a statement of information: Submit Form LLC-12 (Statement of Information) within 90 days of forming your LLC. This filing updates the state on your LLC’s key details, such as business address and registered agent. The filing fee is $20.
• Acquire an EIN and open a business bank account: Similarly to sole proprietorships, you can apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Use it to open a business bank account. 

Other resources

To learn more about starting a coaching business in California, take a look at these resources and consult a lawyer who can help you choose the right structure for yourself.

• How to Start a Business in California
• Business Entity Types in California
• Checklist for Starting a Business in California
• Legal requirements for life coaches

How to become an online life coach in California 

By now, you know what it takes to set up shop as a life coach in California. But how do you stand out? Attract clients? Build a profitable business? 

Read on to find out!

1. Choose your coaching format

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to offer online coaching or in-person coaching in California. 

If you choose to coach in person, you’ll need to:

• Find and rent a space to host sessions, which adds to your overhead costs
• Focus your marketing on your local community to attract nearby clients

Online coaching, on the other hand, is a more flexible and profitable option, including: 

• Lower costs: No need to pay for office space or commute to sessions
• Location independence: You can work from anywhere and coach clients from around the world
• Scalability: It’s easier to offer group sessions, online programs, or digital courses to grow your business

After deciding on how you offer your services, it’s time to narrow down your offer. 

2. Find a niche 

To stand out, focus on a specific area of life coaching. You see, niching down helps you attract the right clients and positions you as an expert. 

Think about it: 

Clients don’t just want a general life coach; they want someone who understands their unique challenges and goals. 

Examples of niches include:

• Career coaching
• Fitness coaching
• Wellness coaching
• Health coaching
• Financial coaching
• Relationship coaching

To find your niche, ask yourself:

• What are my unique skills and experiences?
• What problems do I want to help clients solve?

Take myself, for example. My very first coaching business focused on helping small business owners use digital advertising because that was a sellable skill I had learned in my day job at a tech startup.

Since then, I’ve helped 3,500+ people find their own niches. And my clients have found them using a variety of skills.

Like:

• Ryan, who leveraged his experience building a 6-figure rental property portfolio to start a real estate coaching business
• Anna, a former executive who now offers career coaching to help women excel at work
• Ruby, who turned her experience as a matchmaker into a relationship coaching business that helps introverted men find love

The point is, you CAN find a niche–it’s just about turning what you’ve done into your own unique niche. Whether you help people reduce stress, parent, improve their mindset, or something else.

I talk more about niching down here: 

3. Create a strong brand

Your brand is the key to making potential clients think, “This is the coach for me.” A strong brand builds trust, makes you memorable, and sets you apart from the competition.

Think about brands like Apple or Nike. You instantly know who they are and what they stand for. The same should be true for your coaching business. 

And to create a brand that resonates, start by asking yourself:

What do you want to be known for?

These questions will help you figure it out: 

• What’s your story?
• What’s your mission? 
• What are your top three values? 
• Who do you help, and how? 

Then, summarize your answers in this one sentences to clearly communicate what it is you stand for: 

I help ____[who] do ____[what] by ____[how]. 

4. Design a coaching package 

How much should you charge as a new life coach in California?

I recommend keeping it simple:

Start with a $1,500 three-month coaching package that includes monthly, biweekly, or weekly calls.

Here’s why this approach works for so many new coaches:

• Lower barrier to entry: A $1,500 package makes it easier for serious clients to say “yes,” while allowing you to gain experience and confidence.
• Profitability from the start: The rate is still high enough that you’re able to start building a sustainable business.
• Easy to scale: Once you collect testimonials and refine your program, you can confidently raise your prices.

To create a package that resonates with your audience, ask yourself:

1. What’s the end result my clients want?
   • Think about the transformation your clients are seeking, like losing weight, finding a dream job, or improving relationships.
2. What specific steps will help them get there?
   • Outline a clear process or framework that guides your clients step by step toward their goals.

For example, one of my students, Emily Liou, is a career coach. Her coaching program guides clients step by step—from identifying their dream job to crafting the perfect resume and acing job interviews.

The key to a successful coaching package is the transformation you offer. Your clients aren’t paying for calls, worksheets, or strategies—they’re paying for the results you help them achieve, whether it’s losing 15 lbs, finding love, or building confidence.

I share more in this video: 

5. Market your coaching business  

With your coaching package ready, it’s time to attract your first clients. 

And marketing a coaching business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These strategies are incredibly useful for new coaches: 

• Reach out to your network: Start with the people who already know you—friends, family, or colleagues. Let them know about your services and ask for referrals. Often, your first clients will come from someone in your immediate circle or a recommendation from them. 
• Attend events: Find personal development workshops, networking events, or meetups related to your niche. Take a look at Meetup.com to find events in your area. 
• Guest host on podcasts: Pitch yourself as a guest expert on podcasts that align with your niche. Share valuable insights or tips that showcase your expertise, and at the end, invite listeners to connect with you. 
• Post on social media: Think about where your ideal clients spend their time online—LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok—and focus your efforts there. Share engaging content like tips, success stories, and behind-the-scenes.

FAQ: Become a life coach in California 

What type of life coach is most in demand?

The most in-demand coaching niches, based on the types of coaching people search for online, are health and wellness coaching, career coaching, mindset coaching, financial coaching, and relationship coaching. Smaller, specialized niches like parenting coaching or recovery coaching can also set you apart. These niches allow you to tap into unique client needs and position yourself as an expert in a less crowded space.

How much do life coaches charge in California? 

Life coaching rates vary based on experience, niche, and location. The average income for a life coach in California is $62,614, but the potential is much higher if you run your own business. For new coaches, starting with packages priced around $1,500 for three months is a strategic move. Over time, as you gain testimonials and refine your process, you can confidently increase your rates and scale your income

What’s next? 

You now know the steps to become a life coach in California.

👋High five to that!👋 

A life coaching business helps you connect your work with your purpose–while you build financial freedom and create a life on your own terms. 

But building an online business is overwhelming. 

Many new coaches wish they had a clear roadmap to avoid the trial-and-error process of figuring everything out alone.

When I first started my coaching business, I felt the same way. 

There were no step-by-step programs back then, so I had to learn the hard way. I spent tens of thousands of dollars and countless hours testing strategies.

Finally everything clicked and I grew my first coaching business to six figures in just four months, quit my day job, and scaled to seven figures within a year. Since then, I’ve helped thousands of people like you start their coaching businesses.

To make it easier for you, I’ve packaged everything I’ve learned into my coaching training program, Employee to Entrepreneur (ETE). It’s designed to give you the structure and support you need to build your coaching business from scratch. 

Ready to take the first step?

Grab my FREE PDF on how to grow a six-figure coaching business. It’ll show you how it’s possible to replace your salary (and more) by strategically starting and growing your own coaching business.

Read more:

The Best Life Coach Courses

The Truth About Life Coaching

The Top Insurance Programs for Life Coaches

How to Become a Life Coach in New York 

(Disclaimer: This article is not meant as legal advice. Consult a legal expert for tailored legal information that applies to your specific situation.)