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How Do I Become a Professional Coach

How Do I Become a Professional Coach? The Honest Answer

By Andy Chandler

It’s a question we often hear at Barefoot, and often closely followed by:

“Can I become a coach without experience?” and “Is coaching actually a good career?”

The short answer to all of these questions is yes. You can become a professional coach. You don’t need previous coaching experience to start. And for many people, coaching becomes a rewarding and meaningful career. But perhaps not in the way everyone imagines.

First things first: what does a professional coach actually do?

Before answering that, it is worth recognising that the word ‘coach’ is used to describe many different roles. At a recent networking event I met several people who described themselves as business coaches but whose work was closer to management consultancy: diagnosing problems, offering expert advice and telling business owners what they believed needed to change. There is nothing wrong with consultancy, but it is not the kind of coaching we are exploring here – or the kind we develop at Barefoot. Coaching is often confused with giving advice, solving problems or sharing expertise. In practice, it asks something rather different of the coach.

At its best, coaching is a purposeful conversation in which someone is listened to properly, questioned thoughtfully and challenged respectfully. Rather than fixing, judging or directing, a professional coach creates the conditions for new thinking – helping people understand themselves more clearly and move forward with greater awareness, confidence and responsibility.

That means coaching is less about being the expert and more about developing skills such as:

  • Listening deeply
  • Building trust
  • Asking thoughtful questions
  • Helping people challenge their assumptions
  • Support and challenge
  • Offering unconditional positive regard
  • Creating accountability


Many people are surprised and perhaps relieved to discover that these skills can be learned.

Can I become a coach without experience?

Many successful coaches come from leadership, HR, healthcare, education, consulting, project management, sales, customer service, the military or running their own businesses. Others arrive after career changes, redundancy, retirement or significant life events. You may be new to coaching, but you are not a blank sheet of paper: your work, relationships, successes, challenges and experience of being human all become part of what you bring to the learning.

Never coached before? That’s okay. What matters is your willingness to learn, practise, receive feedback and continue developing. Good coach training also asks for time beyond the taught sessions for reading, reflection, assessment and coaching practice, so choose a route that will stretch you while remaining sustainable alongside the rest of your life.

At Barefoot, we’ve trained people from an extraordinary range of professional and personal backgrounds. Some want to build coaching businesses. Others want to become better leaders. Many simply want to have more meaningful conversations and make a greater impact in the work they already do.

What becoming a coach often looks like in real life

When people imagine becoming a professional coach, they often picture someone handing in their notice on Friday and launching a coaching business on Monday. Occasionally that happens but usually the journey is far more varied.


The Aspiring Coach

Some people join coach training because coaching already feels like their next chapter. They’re looking for more purposeful work. They want to build a business that helps people grow or they feel ready for a career change and coaching sparks their curiosity.

In one of our recent blogs (How Much Does a Coach Earn) we highlight that for many people, coaching isn’t always a full-time job. It often sits alongside something else, with 93% of coaches stating they receive income from other activities beyond coaching such as consulting, training, facilitation or leadership development.


The Leader Who Didn’t Expect To Become A Coach

Others arrive because they want to become better managers, leaders, HR professionals or people developers. What often surprises them is how quickly coaching improves the quality of their conversations. Team members become more self-sufficient. Difficult conversations become less daunting. People take greater ownership. Whether they ever call themselves a professional coach becomes almost irrelevant. The coaching skills transform the role they already have.


The Unexpected Personal Journey

There is another story we see repeatedly. People arrive focused on professional development and leave talking about personal development. Again and again, graduates describe becoming more self-aware, more confident, better listeners and more thoughtful communicators. Many talk about improved relationships, clearer thinking and increased confidence in themselves as much as confidence in their coaching.

One thing we’ve learned over the years is that coach training rarely just develops coaching skills. It often changes how people see themselves and how they show up in the world. Often, people find themselves training to become a coach at the same time as navigating personal or professional change.

How do you actually become a professional coach?

There is no single route. However, most professional coaches follow a similar journey.

1. Understand what coaching is (and isn’t)

Before investing in training, spend time learning about the profession. Coaching is different from consulting, mentoring, therapy and training. Understanding those differences early will help you decide whether coaching is genuinely right for you. Take a look at another of our recent blogs (What is Coaching? A Barefoot Guide) to find out more.

2. Choose a credible training programme

A credible coach training programme should offer more than models and techniques. Look for recognised professional standards, substantial live coaching practice, useful feedback and an adult learning environment that helps you develop self-awareness, confidence and your own professional judgement. Beware of slick marketing or impressive but unsubstantiated promises.

Choosing your training is one of the most important decisions in becoming a professional coach. Our guide to choosing the right coach training programme explores the questions worth asking about professional pathways, coaching practice, tutor experience, learning culture, personal fit and ongoing support.

3. Practise. Then practise some more.

Coaching is learned through doing. Like any profession, competence develops through repeated practice, reflection and useful, specific feedback from experienced practitioners. I consider myself a professional coach, but I often prefer to describe myself as a coach practitioner because I love the idea that I am always learning.

4. Build credibility

Over time, you may choose to build professional credibility through an individual coaching credential, supervision, continuing professional development and membership of a professional body. Completing an accredited training programme may support that pathway, but the qualification awarded by a provider and an individual professional credential are not always the same thing. Ask what the programme includes and what you will need to do afterwards. Being a coach is not simply about collecting certificates; it is about continually developing the quality of your practice.

Is coaching a good career?

The honest answer is: it depends what you’re looking for. For some people, coaching becomes a full-time profession. For others, it becomes part of a broader portfolio career.

What we’ve observed over the years is that relatively few people train as coaches and immediately leave their existing career.

A more common journey can look like this:

  • Learn how to coach
  • Begin using coaching skills in your current role
  • Build confidence and experience
  • Start coaching alongside other work
  • Gradually grow a professional practice


It is often slower than people expect, but usually more sustainable. Importantly, being a great coach is not automatically the same as building a successful coaching business. Marketing, networking, pricing and business development all matter too.

The thing most people get wrong

Many people assume the biggest benefit of coach training is becoming a coach. Interestingly, that isn’t always what our graduates tell us. For some, the biggest impact is becoming a better leader, manager, partner or friend. For others, it’s learning how to listen more effectively, increased self-confidence, better relationships or greater clarity about what they want next in life and work. Plenty go on to build successful coaching businesses and others discover that the learning transforms the career they already have.

So, should you become a coach?

If you’re curious about people and psychology, interested in personal development, willing to challenge your own assumptions and are excited by helping others grow, coaching is an exciting profession to join. If you decide to start your own coaching business, please remember that for many, it takes time, patience and energy to build a sustainable business. You don’t need coaching experience to begin or have your life perfectly figured out. You don’t even need to be certain that you want to become a full-time coach. You simply need enough curiosity to start learning.

Interested in coaching?

If you are curious about learning coaching skills, developing your leadership, or training to become a professional coach, the best place to begin is with a conversation. A free Barefoot taster session is a simple, no-pressure way to experience our approach, meet the team and explore whether coach training is right for you.

Frequently asked questions about coaching

Can I become a coach without experience?
Yes. Every coach starts without coaching experience. What matters most is learning the skills through quality training, practice and feedback.

Do I need a coaching qualification?
In the UK, the title “coach” is not legally protected, so technically you do not need a qualification to call yourself a coach. We nevertheless strongly recommend professionally accredited training because it gives you the opportunity to practise, receive feedback, understand professional ethics and have your coaching assessed before you begin working independently with clients.

Is coaching a good career?
For many people, yes. However, coaching often develops gradually and may form part of a broader portfolio career before becoming a full-time profession.

Can I coach alongside my current job?
Yes. Many professional coaches begin by using coaching skills in their existing role before building an independent practice.

Am I too old to become a coach?
Many people start coach training after years, or even decades, in another profession. The experience you’ve already gained can often become one of your greatest assets as a coach.

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Develop your coaching skills with ICF Level 2 accredited training — blending tools, psychology, and practice, grounded in real coaching experience. Open to all backgrounds, with University of Chester options.

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 A woman is sat on a leather back sofa. She is looking over at her colleague who is sitting to the left of her.

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 A team of 6 sit around a table engaged in conversation. The man at the head of the able has his laptop open and one of the women at the table has a table. She is smiling as everyones eyes focus on her.

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This pioneering programme builds the skills, insight, and empathy to coach clients through grief and loss in all its forms. Accredited with 40 ICF CCE points.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Chris Goldson profile picture 
 
 
 Chris Goldson 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Barefoot more than lived up to its fantastic reputation when I experienced the course. My 5 months with them was one of the most significant and meaningful things I have done in my career of over 30 years. Solid and well planned content, exceptional tutors, and the chance to grow and learn alongside my wonderful cohort of fellow Barefooters. I've been able to bring valuable new skills to my business. Thank you!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Carolyn Deveney profile picture 
 
 
 Carolyn Deveney 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I knew as soon as I found Barefoot that it was the organisation for me to train with. They share my values and ethos. They did not disappoint! The course was one of the most positive experiences of my life. The tutors, the integrity and care woven through like a golden thread, the approach, methods and thoroughness, amount of practice time, the cohort - all perfect. I left feeling well equipped to go out into the world to coach with a great range of tools and techniques under my belt, and a desire to develop more of my own. I have built lasting connections and relationships with some wonderful people. I enrolled on the post-grad certificate to further develop and fine tune my skills. I cannot recommend Barefoot enough. Thank you!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Alison B profile picture 
 
 
 Alison B 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I have just found my ‘Barefoot Coaching’ coaching cards from 2012, they are so valuable even after 9 years!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Duncan S profile picture 
 
 
 Duncan S 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
An amazing 12 days with the Barefoot Team working on Personal and Business Coaching. The tutors are incredibly knowledgeable, the theory wide-ranging and the practical sessions varied and valuable. I'd recommend this course and the Barefoot Team to anyone.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Sandra Whiles profile picture 
 
 
 Sandra Whiles 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I chose Barefoot to consolidate my training as a coach in 2016.  Everyone I spoke to beforehand about coach training providers said that Barefoot was the only choice - and they were so right Great tutors and course materials. Brilliant challenge and support. Excellent venues. You are made to feel part of Barefoot from day one . Lots of folk have said it, but life changing is the only way I can describe my experiences with Barefoot.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Andy Follows profile picture 
 
 
 Andy Follows 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I recently completed the taught modules of the Postgraduate Certificate in Business and Personal Coaching with Barefoot. I wanted to be exposed to a broad range of coaching ideas, to have plenty of time to practice coaching and receive feedback and to meet like minded people who shared my passion. I was not disappointed. I loved every minute of the modules and was sad when the programme finally came to an end. Our cohort has been amazing and we continue to engage with each other via webinars and get togethers organised by ourselves. At no point in the process did I have any feeling that Barefoot was interested in selling places on this or other programmes. It was all about getting a good fit between you as a coach and their offerings. Great people. Very professionally run. Great materials. A good range of tutors from different backgrounds. All delivered with wonderful warmth and passion. Can't recommend highly enough.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Emma Kearin profile picture 
 
 
 Emma Kearin 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
What an amazing program, it has changed my life, I didn't know what I was going to use the training for or how it would change things for me or the people around me.  It has proved the best decision yet 😁
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Teresa Roberts profile picture 
 
 
 Teresa Roberts 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I trained with Barefoot Coaching and can highly recommend the course. The breadth of learning and approaches, together with the great tutors and a very supportive cohort of students allowed me to challenge my existing thinking and develop as a coach in a way that was authentic to me. Completing the essays for Chester University also offered the opportunity to underpin the experiential learning with some academic rigor. The Barefoot team are all warm, friendly people and a pleasure to be around.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
    
 
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Browse Our Courses

Two women sat having a coaching conversation during their Barefoot Training
ICF Level 2

ICF Accredited Coach Training

Develop your coaching skills with ICF Level 2 accredited training — blending tools, psychology, and practice, grounded in real coaching experience. Open to all backgrounds, with University of Chester options.

 Office environment with trained Barefoot Coaches

Workplace Coaching

Our workplace coaching offer develops leaders and teams through practical tools, psychology, and real coaching expertise — building cultures of trust, resilience, and performance across every organisation.

 A woman is sat on a leather back sofa. She is looking over at her colleague who is sitting to the left of her.

Leader as Coach

Our Leader as Coach programme equips leaders with coaching skills to inspire, engage, and empower. Blending theory with practice, it transforms everyday conversations into opportunities for growth.

 A team of 6 sit around a table engaged in conversation. The man at the head of the able has his laptop open and one of the women at the table has a table. She is smiling as everyones eyes focus on her.

Team Coaching Practitioner Programme

This dynamic programme blends advanced learning on group and team dynamics with practical coaching experience — empowering you to coach teams confidently. Accredited with 40 ICF CCE points.

 Guide to Grief and Loss

Certificate in Coaching for Grief & Loss

This pioneering programme builds the skills, insight, and empathy to coach clients through grief and loss in all its forms. Accredited with 40 ICF CCE points.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Chris Goldson profile picture 
 
 
 Chris Goldson 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Barefoot more than lived up to its fantastic reputation when I experienced the course. My 5 months with them was one of the most significant and meaningful things I have done in my career of over 30 years. Solid and well planned content, exceptional tutors, and the chance to grow and learn alongside my wonderful cohort of fellow Barefooters. I've been able to bring valuable new skills to my business. Thank you!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Carolyn Deveney profile picture 
 
 
 Carolyn Deveney 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I knew as soon as I found Barefoot that it was the organisation for me to train with. They share my values and ethos. They did not disappoint! The course was one of the most positive experiences of my life. The tutors, the integrity and care woven through like a golden thread, the approach, methods and thoroughness, amount of practice time, the cohort - all perfect. I left feeling well equipped to go out into the world to coach with a great range of tools and techniques under my belt, and a desire to develop more of my own. I have built lasting connections and relationships with some wonderful people. I enrolled on the post-grad certificate to further develop and fine tune my skills. I cannot recommend Barefoot enough. Thank you!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Alison B profile picture 
 
 
 Alison B 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I have just found my ‘Barefoot Coaching’ coaching cards from 2012, they are so valuable even after 9 years!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Duncan S profile picture 
 
 
 Duncan S 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
An amazing 12 days with the Barefoot Team working on Personal and Business Coaching. The tutors are incredibly knowledgeable, the theory wide-ranging and the practical sessions varied and valuable. I'd recommend this course and the Barefoot Team to anyone.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Sandra Whiles profile picture 
 
 
 Sandra Whiles 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I chose Barefoot to consolidate my training as a coach in 2016.  Everyone I spoke to beforehand about coach training providers said that Barefoot was the only choice - and they were so right Great tutors and course materials. Brilliant challenge and support. Excellent venues. You are made to feel part of Barefoot from day one . Lots of folk have said it, but life changing is the only way I can describe my experiences with Barefoot.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Andy Follows profile picture 
 
 
 Andy Follows 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I recently completed the taught modules of the Postgraduate Certificate in Business and Personal Coaching with Barefoot. I wanted to be exposed to a broad range of coaching ideas, to have plenty of time to practice coaching and receive feedback and to meet like minded people who shared my passion. I was not disappointed. I loved every minute of the modules and was sad when the programme finally came to an end. Our cohort has been amazing and we continue to engage with each other via webinars and get togethers organised by ourselves. At no point in the process did I have any feeling that Barefoot was interested in selling places on this or other programmes. It was all about getting a good fit between you as a coach and their offerings. Great people. Very professionally run. Great materials. A good range of tutors from different backgrounds. All delivered with wonderful warmth and passion. Can't recommend highly enough.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Emma Kearin profile picture 
 
 
 Emma Kearin 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
What an amazing program, it has changed my life, I didn't know what I was going to use the training for or how it would change things for me or the people around me.  It has proved the best decision yet 😁
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Teresa Roberts profile picture 
 
 
 Teresa Roberts 
 
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I trained with Barefoot Coaching and can highly recommend the course. The breadth of learning and approaches, together with the great tutors and a very supportive cohort of students allowed me to challenge my existing thinking and develop as a coach in a way that was authentic to me. Completing the essays for Chester University also offered the opportunity to underpin the experiential learning with some academic rigor. The Barefoot team are all warm, friendly people and a pleasure to be around.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
    
 
 Verified by Trustindex  
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Browse Our Courses

Two women sat having a coaching conversation during their Barefoot Training
ICF Level 2

ICF Accredited Coach Training

Develop your coaching skills with ICF Level 2 accredited training — blending tools, psychology, and practice, grounded in real coaching experience. Open to all backgrounds, with University of Chester options.

 Office environment with trained Barefoot Coaches

Workplace Coaching

Our workplace coaching offer develops leaders and teams through practical tools, psychology, and real coaching expertise — building cultures of trust, resilience, and performance across every organisation.

 A woman is sat on a leather back sofa. She is looking over at her colleague who is sitting to the left of her.

Leader as Coach

Our Leader as Coach programme equips leaders with coaching skills to inspire, engage, and empower. Blending theory with practice, it transforms everyday conversations into opportunities for growth.

 A team of 6 sit around a table engaged in conversation. The man at the head of the able has his laptop open and one of the women at the table has a table. She is smiling as everyones eyes focus on her.

Team Coaching Practitioner Programme

This dynamic programme blends advanced learning on group and team dynamics with practical coaching experience — empowering you to coach teams confidently. Accredited with 40 ICF CCE points.

 Guide to Grief and Loss

Certificate in Coaching for Grief & Loss

This pioneering programme builds the skills, insight, and empathy to coach clients through grief and loss in all its forms. Accredited with 40 ICF CCE points.