The Health Coach Institute (HCI) is proud to share that we have been named the Best Life Coaching Certification Program of 2025 by Forbes Health. This recognition, which awarded HCI an “Excellent” rating of 9.9 out of 10, demonstrates the strength of our training, the credibility of our programs, and the success of our graduates.

For ten years, HCI has been empowering purpose-driven individuals to transform lives through proven, human-centered coaching education. This accolade is not just an honor, it’s a reflection of the thousands of students and graduates who are now helping others create healthier, more meaningful lives.

Why Forbes Selected HCI as the Best

When evaluating life coach certification programs, Forbes looked beyond the marketing promises and focused on what matters most: accreditation, practical training, and career readiness.

The Forbes Health editorial team highlighted that the best programs give students more than theory. They offer:

  • Accreditation and credibility: Our training programs hold approvals from respected industry bodies; some are approved for CCE (Continuing Coach Education) by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), while one is recognized by the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).
  • Practice and feedback: Opportunities to coach real people with guidance from experienced mentors.
  • Business training: Tools and strategies to find clients, price services, and build a sustainable practice.
  • Flexibility and support: Online options and community mentorship that fit into busy lives.

HCI’s program excels in all these areas, combining science-based training, live practice sessions, and a proven path from first class to first paying client. Many HCI students begin working with clients before they even graduate.

Setting the Standard in Life Coach Training

“This recognition is especially meaningful as we celebrate our 10th anniversary in 2025,” said Lexi Everson, General Manager at HCI. “It affirms what our graduates already know, that our programs are built to help students gain confidence, get clients, and create lasting impact in their communities. Our goal has always been to make life coaching education accessible, credible, and transformative, and this acknowledgement from Forbes reinforces that mission.”

This milestone underscores HCI’s commitment to staying at the forefront of life coach education, not just by meeting industry standards, but by creating programs that truly prepare graduates for real-world success.

Transforming Students Into Confident Coaches

At HCI, we believe coaching is more than a profession, it’s a path to transformation. Students don’t just leave with a certificate; they leave with the confidence, clarity, and tools to launch a business, serve clients, and change lives.

One graduate, Richard Taliaferro, shared how HCI prepared him to pivot into coaching after a long career in journalism. 

“When I was laid off after 26 years in journalism, I had three paying clients within two months – including one who reached out to me completely unsolicited! The preparation I’d done through HCI – from creating a vision of my ideal coaching day to having the right infrastructure in place – made the transition remarkably smooth,” he explained. “Today, I’m building a thriving practice working with entrepreneurs, busy professionals, and journalists. HCI didn’t just give me a new career path – it gave me the confidence to define myself beyond my job title and embrace this exciting new chapter.”

Stories like Richard’s are at the heart of why HCI exists. Every program is designed to take students from where they are now to where they want to be, whether that’s launching a private practice, transitioning out of a corporate career, or simply making a bigger impact in their community.

Ten Years of Impact And Counting

This Forbes recognition comes at a time when HCI is celebrating a decade of success and growth. Over the past 10 years, we’ve trained thousands of health and life coaches worldwide, creating a global network of professionals who are driving change in health, wellness, and personal development.

Our vision remains the same: to help purpose-driven individuals find meaningful work, create thriving businesses, and change the lives of the people they serve.

Ready to Build a Career You Love?

Becoming a coach isn’t just about earning a title, it’s about creating a future filled with purpose, flexibility, and impact. With HCI, you gain a clear path from student to confident coach, supported every step of the way by mentors, peers, and a proven curriculum.

Learn more about HCI’s programs and schedule an appointment with a Clarity Coach today.

Read the full Forbes Health story.