How to Become a Certified Franchise Coach or Consultant

Want to become a certified franchise coach or consultant, but don’t know where to start?

As an eight-figure coach myself, I’m going to give you the roadmap to becoming a franchise coach or consultant. You’ll help your clients achieve their entrepreneurial dreams while you enjoy more: 

• Freedom
• Income
• And meaning in your work 

…just like my clients do.

Want to learn more? Then, keep reading.

Key takeaways: 

• A franchise coach helps clients set up and buy a franchise business.
• The average franchise coach salary is $82,964, but you can earn significantly more when you run your own coaching business.
• No certification is legally required, but you can get certified through organizations like IFA and IFPG.

Jump to: 

• What is a franchise coach? 
• What does a franchise coach do? 
• Step-by-step guide 
• Certification options 
• Salary potential 

What is a franchise coach?

A franchise coach, also known as a franchise business coach, is a professional who guides clients through the process of identifying, buying, or setting up a franchise. They act as a trusted advisor, offering expertise and actionable strategies to help clients succeed.

​​For instance, a franchise coach can:

• Help clients identify the right franchise opportunities and get unstuck 
• Offer strategies for successfully starting a franchise business (and achieve financial freedom)
• Help clients create systems and manage costs so their franchise becomes far more profitable 

Take Rick Bisio, for example—a franchise coach who has guided thousands of people toward financial security through franchise ownership.

And here’s the exciting part—you can do the same.

The industry is massive: 

• In the US alone, there are over 821,000 franchises
• Franchising is growing steadily and contributes $890 billion to the US economy
• Similarly, the coaching industry is a growing and valued at $4.564 billion

But becoming a franchise coach doesn’t just transform your clients’ lives—it benefits you too. You’ll enjoy:

• Flexibility: Work when and where you want
• Higher earnings: Offer profitable coaching services 
• Work-life balance: Free up more time for family, travel, and personal projects

At the same time, you might be wondering, ‘Won’t it be tough to stand out?’

Look: 

Starting your coaching business comes down to following a clear, proven process.

Having helped over 3,500 new coaches in 50+ industries launch their businesses, I know what works—and I’ll share that with you in this guide.

It starts with understanding one thing: How you, as a franchise coach, can create extraordinary value for your clients.

What does a franchise coach do?

As a franchise coach, your role revolves around guiding clients through owning a franchise. Here are some key responsibilities you have as a franchise coach:

• Help clients choose the right franchise based on their goals 
• Evaluate franchise systems to help your clients create more sustainable businesses
• Review franchise disclosure documents (FDDs) with your clients to ensure they understand the legal and financial implications of buying a franchise
• Assist with negotiations, business planning, and financing so your clients build a solid, sustainable foundation
• Provide strategies to address labor costs and business expenses—two of the biggest challenges franchise owners face
• Offer expertise and accountability to guide clients, keep them on track, and help them avoid costly mistakes

However, keep in mind that as a franchise coach, you’re not a salesperson.

• You’re not there to pressure clients into buying a franchise
• You don’t earn sales commissions from specific franchises, unlike a franchise broker

Instead? Your role is to help people who don’t have the experience to break into franchising on their own, avoid common pitfalls, and make business decisions that will help them grow. 

This is why having a successful background in franchising is such a valuable asset before transitioning into coaching or consulting. So, how exactly can you become a franchise coach?

That’s what we’ll look at next.

How do you become a successful franchise coach?

Starting out as a franchise coach can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If I were starting a franchise coach business today, here’s the path I’d follow: 

1. Find a niche

Why is having a niche so important? For three key reasons:

• Stand out: A clear niche helps you attract the right audience and differentiate yourself in a crowded market.
• Solve problems better: Specializing allows you to deeply understand your clients’ unique challenges and provide tailored solutions.
• You can charge more: Clients are willing to pay a premium for specialized expertise.

Just put yourself in your clients’ shoes for a moment. 

If you were hiring a coach, wouldn’t you prefer someone with experience solving your specific problems rather than a generalist?

So, for example, you could become a franchise coach or consultant who helps a specific group of people, like…

• Young entrepreneurs just getting started
• Companies looking to expand
• Franchise owners who need to tighten their systems 

Each will have different needs and backgrounds, so it’s helpful to know who you want to help beforehand.

To find your own niche, start by asking yourself: What do I already know?

Your existing experience and skills should be the foundation of your niche. If you’re unsure how to narrow it down, check out this guide for step-by-step advice:

The next question is: 

Are you even qualified to become a franchise coach?

We’ll tackle that question next.

2. Get certified (if you want to)

Do you really need a franchise coach certification to break into the industry?

The short answer: No.

Your clients won’t hire you because you’ve taken a course. They’ll hire you because you have the skills and expertise to help them succeed.

Because keep in mind that coaching isn’t therapy. It’s not regulated. 

Which means? You have the freedom to learn in whatever way makes sense for you.

And I’m not just saying that. I know it firsthand.

I don’t have any coaching certifications.

Yet, I’ve built an eight-figure coaching business, served thousands of happy clients, and consistently receive feedback like this:

So, bottom line here: Certifications aren’t essential to be a successful franchise consultant.

That said, if you want to get one to build confidence or strengthen your credentials, I’ll share some of the best certification options later in this guide.

But before we dive into that, let’s explore how to package your offer effectively.

3. Create and price a coaching package 

The best type of package for new coaches? Start with a three-month package priced at $1,500.

Why?

• Three months gives you enough time to deliver meaningful results
• $1,500 is an accessible price point that attracts clients, even before you have social proof like testimonials

But you might be asking, “Luisa, why choose a package instead of charging per hour or using a retainer rate?”

Great question.

While you can charge per hour or offer a monthly retainer, I recommend packages for a few key reasons:

• Set boundaries: Packages let you define your working terms and avoid feeling like you have to answer “urgent” client questions at 3 a.m.  When you have a business, YOU can decide how to run things. Otherwise, you’d just have a job, and I’m guessing that’s not what you want. 
• Help your clients: With a structured package, you’ll get better at solving your clients’ problems efficiently. That means you can spend less time coaching and more time growing your business.
• Win-win for everyone: Clients love the clear value of a package, and you’ll love the flexibility it gives you to scale your business on your terms.

Next up: Let’s talk about how to get your first paying clients.

4. Find paying clients 

The best way to get your first clients as a new coach? A few effective marketing strategies include:

Tap into your network

Many coaches get their first clients through people they know.

• Reach out privately: Send a personal message to connections who might be interested in your services or know someone who is.
• Post on LinkedIn: Share a post to share your new coaching offer to broaden your reach. 

Use social media

Find online spaces where your ideal clients hang out, whether that’s TikTok, LinkedIn, Reddit, or another platform.

• Look for groups and forums related to franchising
• Offer value by answering questions or sharing tips
• Show your expertise, and potential clients will naturally want to work with you

Pitch podcasts

Podcasts are a great way to connect with your audience and showcase your expertise.

• Search for podcasts in your niche
• Pitch the host a few valuable topics their audience would love
• Remember: Even small podcasts can help you attract clients

And for more on landing clients, check out this video:

Once you’ve got your first clients, the next question is: How do you coach them effectively?

5. Work with your clients 

Becoming a great coach—and helping your clients achieve success—comes down to a simple, three-step framework:

• Step 1: Specify what your clients are looking for. How will they measure whether they’ve met their objective? 
• Step 2: Once you’ve clarified the end goal, set milestones to help them stay on track.
• Step 3: Break those milestones down into doable steps. 

Use this basic framework as a guide to help you plan your coaching sessions. Want more help? 

Check out this article. 

Next up: Let’s talk about certifications. 

How to choose a certification

There are a lot of certifications out there. So, how can you filter your options?

Here are a few things I recommend looking at to make sure you’re getting a certification that’ll give you the highest return on investment (ROI):

• Accreditation: Does the program offer accreditation? If so, from what accreditation body? ICF is the most well-known, so I’d go with that if you can afford it. 

• Price: Are you willing to invest several thousand dollars (or more) in a certification program? More expensive doesn’t always mean better, but you need to be clear on what you can afford and are willing to pay for. 

• Program duration: Can you make time in your schedule to study for the duration of the program? Course length can vary a lot, so think about the time commitment involved before deciding on a particular program. 

• Course educators: Who’s teaching the program, and what relevant credentials do they have?

And with that, let’s look at your franchise certification options.

Top franchise coaching certifications

There aren’t many accredited franchise coach certification programs out there–but I’ve listed the most prominent ones below. 

That said, you can also explore franchise consultant certifications or business coach certifications, which offer excellent alternatives. 

Here are three great options to consider:

1. Certified Franchise Executive™ Program

Offered by: International Franchise Association (IFA)

Are you new to franchising, or just want to increase your knowledge? The IFA offers a comprehensive coaching certification that dives into topics like:

• Franchise law
• Leadership
• HR Infrastructure 
• Business development
• And more!

This program is designed for all experience levels, helping you sharpen your skills and succeed in the franchising industry.

Program details:

• Delivery: Online and in-person
• Price: $915 for non-members, $499 for IFA members
• Length: Available upon request

2. Certified Franchise Consultant (CFC) Training

Offered by: International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG)

If you’re looking for a program that offers one-on-one support on how to start your own franchising business, the IFPG’s training is a solid option. 

Here, you’ll learn the fundamentals of starting your own franchise consulting business, which will prepare you for the 60-question exam to become a certified franchise consultant.

Program details:

• Delivery: Online and live sessions 
• Price: $25,000
• Length: 4-6 weeks

3. WABC Certified Business Coach™ (CBC™)

Offered by: Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC) 

While not franchise-specific, the WABC’s CBC™ program is a highly respected credential for anyone looking to enhance their business coaching skills.

However, note that you’ll need at least seven years of business experience to apply.

Program details:

• Delivery: In-person, virtual, or blended
• Price: Available upon request
• Length: 4.5–9 months

Alright, now that we’ve looked at a few certification options, let’s answer another question you might have…

How much does a franchise coach make?

According to Glassdoor, a franchise coach’s salary is $82,964 on average. 

That’s just the average, though. How much you make can depend on a range of factors, from how you position yourself to the results you offer.

With the right type of coaching business you can earn more than the average, while…

• Deciding what clients to work with
• Choosing your own schedule
• And making more money without working more (through courses, templates, etc.) 

Frequently asked questions about franchise coaching

How much does it cost to become a franchise consultant?

Becoming a franchise consultant doesn’t cost anything. You can start coaching or consulting today by tapping into your network. However, if you choose to get certified, the cost will vary  depending on the training or certification program you choose. Certifications typically cost anywhere from $500-$30,000.

Can you be a coach without certification?

Absolutely! You don’t need a certification to become a successful coach. Coaching isn’t regulated and doesn’t have strict licensing requirements (unlike therapy). And your clients will hire you based on your skills, expertise, and ability to deliver results—not because of a certification.

Want to start your franchise coaching business today?

And that’s it!

Now you know how to become a franchise coach so you can quit that 9-5 and make a bigger impact doing what you love (while also making more money). 

But let’s be honest—knowing what to do isn’t the same as actually doing it.

You might feel stuck, overwhelmed, or worried that you’re wasting time trying to figure it all out on your own. 

I’ve been there.

Before launching my first coaching business, I was juggling a demanding corporate job and dreaming of building something of my own. Like many others, I wanted freedom—but leaving my steady paycheck felt overwhelming.

I needed a clear, practical way to:

• Start small,
• Grow my business,
• And transition out of my 9-to-5 without risking my financial security.

After years of trial, error and plenty of frustrating mistakes, I had developed a proven system that helped me scale my coaching business to six figures in just a few months.

When people began asking me how I did it, I turned my process into Employee to Entrepreneur—a step-by-step roadmap that has helped thousands of new coaches build successful businesses.

To date, 3,500+ coaches have used the program to create their dream businesses and get results like this: 

Want to be next? Get my FREE six-figure coaching blueprint to learn the exact steps I used to launch and grow my first coaching business so fast. 

Read more:

How to Become a Business Coach

How to Market Yourself Successfully

Top Life Coaching Skills of the Most Successful Coaches