How to Become a Certified Dialect or Accent Coach

Want to get started as a dialect coach?

You’re in the right place.

Today, I’ll teach you to become a dialect coach who gets results like these:

Following the steps in this article will let you build a business that helps others while working from anywhere, earning more, and spending time with your family.

Even if you’re incredibly busy with your 9-5.

Are you ready to start? Then, let’s go!

Quick overview:

• Dialect coaches help actors learn to speak in a new language, manner, or accentBecoming a dialect coach means finding your niche, gaining practical experience, establishing your network, and getting your first paying clients – getting a certification isn’t necessary but might be required by certain clients
• On average, dialect coaches earn $92,732

What is a dialect coach?

As a dialect coach, you train actors to speak in a language, manner, or accent different from their own. 

For instance, dialect coach Erik Singer worked with Austin Butler – who’s from California – to speak with a Southern accent for Elvis…

…and then had to help him get rid of it! 

You can even help actors speak in a different language and accent simultaneously. For example, Black Panther’s dialect coach helped teach the cast to speak Xhosa and improve their accent. 

Sound exciting?

Good. I’ll show you how to build your business later. For now, let’s cover what you’ll actually be doing as a dialect coach.

What does a professional dialect coach do? 

As a dialect coach, you…

• Help clients tailor the dialect to the character and context
• Work closely with your clients to help them master pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation and ensure consistency through accent work 
• Provide feedback and corrections, both before and during the filming process
• Offer on-set support by providing real-time coaching and making sure the dialect aligns with the overall vision
• Make sure the dialect is authentic and respectful, especially when representing a marginalized group
• Research the requested accent or language and get familiar with its sounds, rhythms, and nuances

But you’ll also use coaching skills like listening, asking questions, and problem-solving. I’ll tell you more about coaching in this video:

And when you’re a dialect coach, you can work in most industries.

For example, you might help clients in:

• Film
• Television
• Theater
• Broadcast journalism (television, radio, and podcasts)
• Voice acting (audiobook narration, video games, and animation)
• Corporate settings
• Public speaking settings
• Educational settings (drama schools and language departments)

Next, let’s talk about how YOU can become a successful dialect coach (you’re closer to your goal than you think). 

How do you become a dialect coach? 

You may be wondering if it’s even worth it to become a dialect coach.

After all, can’t actors just figure it out on their own? 

But even well-known actors have worked with dialect coaches, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, and Meryl Streep,

So, you can find clients and build a successful dialect coaching business.

👋High five to that!👋

Here’s how to do it:

• Find a niche
• Get certified
• Gain experience
• Establish a network
• Get clients

1. Find a niche

First, define your niche.

Yes, dialect coaching is a niche.

But to stand out, you have to get specific.

For instance, you could specialize in helping clients learn the most-requested accents, like British, Southern, and New York.

Or, you could focus on something like:

• Fictional languages
• Period-specific intonation
• Non-native speakers for native roles
• Complex accents
• Character-driven accents

For example, Caitlin Stegemoller specializes in film, television, and the West End…

…Eliza Simpson focuses on audition coaching, sound system analysis, and accent design…

…and David J. Peterson creates fictional languages used in Game of Thrones, Dune, and more.

To find your niche, think about:

• Your ideal clients
• Your experience
• And problems you can solve

For more on finding your niche, check out my video on the topic here:

Next up: Your dialect coach certification.

2. Get a dialect coaching certification  

You might think you need a certification to become an accent coach.

I get it – I used to think the same thing before I started coaching.

The truth is you don’t need a dialect coach certification, but it can be helpful, depending on the types of clients you work with. 

However, similarly, education and formal training can be helpful. 

For example, learning things like speech sciences and speech therapy, the International Phonetic Alphabet, universal accent skills, vocal anatomy, vocal technique, and performing arts can help. 

Here are a few other learning resources:

• The Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA) offers resources and workshops
• Databases like The International Dialects of English Archive and the G. Robert Vincent Voice Library have thousands of accent samples
• The International Phonetic Association Handbook has several downloadable language guides
• Forvo allows you to hear a word pronounced in other languages
• Praat and Speech Analyzer help you understand how different dialects sound

Now, let’s talk about getting real experience.

3. Gain practical experience   

Here’s the thing.

Nothing matters more to your clients than the results you’ll get them.

So, you need experience to build a portfolio that shows those results.

Here are a few ways to get it:

• Volunteer with local theater groups or community productions
• Start an apprenticeship and learn directly from an established dialect coach
• Intern at relevant organizations like theater companies or casting agencies
• Collaborate on independent projects with other aspiring dialect coaches
• And take part in workshops and trainings to hone your craft

The next step? Establishing your network.

4. Establish a network 

I know, I know. 

People hate networking.

But if you want to become a dialect coach, you HAVE to do it. After all, a lot of your clients will come from referrals!

Start building yours by:

• Joining professional organizations like VASTA, British Voices Association, International Phonetic Association, and International Language Coaching Association
• Attending workshops and conferences
• Submitting your portfolio to talent agencies
• And going to relevant events (Meetup is great for this!)

You don’t have to do it all at once, but it’s good to start somewhere and grow from there.

5. Get your first paying clients 

Now, the most exciting part of launching your business – getting clients!

But you have to price your offer first.

A three-month package for $1,500 is a good starting point.

That might seem low, but it’s more impactful than you think.

You’ll only need a few clients to replace that income, and you can always increase your prices later.

I talk more about this here:

With that set, you can start finding clients.

I always tell new coaches it’s best to start small for marketing – I didn’t even have a website until I signed a few clients!

Here are three ways to get them:

• Social media: Sign up for platforms your ideal clients spend time on. For example, actors are on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.
• Podcasts: Getting interviewed on relevant podcasts is a great way to establish yourself as an expert in the dialect space.
• Your network: A family, friend, or colleague might want to learn from you. If not, they can refer you! 

Check out this video for a few other places to find clients:

So, now you know how to become a dialect coach.

Still thinking about getting a dialect coaching certification? Then, read on. 

The best dialect coaching certification programs 

It’s tough knowing where to start with a certification program, but there are good ones out there.

I’ll show you four below, but first, let’s go over how to know which ones are worth your time.

How to choose a certification 

When deciding which certification is right for you, ask yourself a few questions:

• Is it accredited? Note that most credible life coaching certification programs are accredited, while dialect coaching certifications are not. If you go for the former, get a program accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). 
• How long will it take?
• Does it cover what you want to learn?

I walk you through choosing the right dialect coaching certification in this guide.

Now, let’s go over the first certification program.

Teacher Certification Program 

In this course, you’ll learn the Knight-Thompson approach to speech training and how to use the International Phonetic Alphabet in your sessions.

But be aware that it’s not for beginners! It’s application-based, and you have to complete several prerequisites before applying. 

Delivery: In-person (UC Irvine and abroad)

Accreditation: None

Price: Varies by location

Paul Meier Certificate of Proficiency

Instead of an overall certification, you choose the dialects you’d like to be certified in, like British, Irish, French, and American.

For each dialect, you’ll complete a screening test before taking a formal exam, which consists of applying a dialect to an unfamiliar text perfectly.

Delivery: Online, real-time

Accreditation: None

Price: $35 for the dialect screening test, plus $15 for each additional dialect; $95 for the exam, plus $45 for each additional dialect

Dialect Coach Vetting  

So, this isn’t technically a certification.

But Entertainment Linguistics is a top source for actors and producers looking for dialect coaches.

Once you complete the in-room accent performance vetting, they’ll add you to their network, and you can include the accreditation in your portfolio.

Delivery: In-person

Accreditation: None

Price: Not publicly available

iPEC Coach Training Experience

While it isn’t tailored to dialect coaches, this iPEC program is a great way to improve your coaching skills.

Over the course of three stages, you’ll get generalized and specialized training as well as hands-on experience, access to mentors, and even success coaching.

By the end of the program, you’ll have three certifications.

Delivery: Mostly online self-study (10-12 months)

Accreditation: ICF

Price: $13,995 (payment plans are available)

​​Curious about how much a dialect coach can make? Keep reading because I’m going over that next!

How much does a dialect coach earn?

At the end of the day, how much you can make as a dialect coach depends on you.

Things like your experience, location, niche, and even the project you’re working on all make a difference.

And rates vary wildly – some dialect coaches charge $150 per hour while others charge $400.

But according to Glassdoor, the average U.S.-based dialect coach makes $92,732.

Remember, though, that’s just the average.

As a self-employed dialect coach, you set your rates.

That means there’s no limit to your earning potential – you could make five, six, or multiple-six figures!

Next steps 

There you have it, the complete guide to becoming a dialect coach!

So, are you ready to launch a dialect coaching business that gives you more freedom and fulfillment than ever?

You should be! Because you can do it.

But you might feel like you’re out of your depth when it comes to being a business owner.

I get it – I was there once, too. 

That’s why I created a blueprint of the exact steps I took to build a profitable and meaningful business.

It’s what I wish I had when I was starting out, and that’s why I’m giving it to you for FREE.

Get it now!

Read more:

What is Coaching?

How to Start Your Coaching Business

The Definitive Starting a Coaching Business Checklist

How to Become a Vocal Coach