An ADHD diagnosis can be difficult to navigate, but with the help of medical professionals and certified ADHD coaches, people with ADHD can access the support they need to lead wonderful, fulfilling lives. Learning how to understand the unique challenges that come with ADHD becomes much easier with the right support.

For coaches considering entering this space, finding the right certification is critical. ADHD is a medical diagnosis that can have a major impact on someone’s life and coaches need to be fully prepared to support their clients.

Today we’ll be covering what we believe are the top 3 ADHD coach certification courses on the market. We’ve made this conclusion based on reputation, course offerings, cost, and online reviews.

Let’s get started!

Overall pick: iACTcenter

The International ADHA Coach Training Center (iACTcenter) is led by Laurie Dupar who is a Trained Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, PCC, and Certified ADHD Life Coach. After her 7-year-old son’s ADHD diagnosis in 2002, Laurie became a certified coach and went on to start iACTcenter in 2015.

Background

Foundationally, iACTcenter seeks to remove the stigma around ADHD and make a difference in the lives of those struggling with ADHD.

1000s of Certified ADHD Life Coaches (CALC) have been trained at the iACTcenter and gone on to have major impacts on their clients’ lives. Since this program is certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), iACTcenter coaches are able to start coaching immediately after course completion.

Structure

The course is conducted primarily via Zoom, making it easy for coaches from all over the world to tap into its benefits. There are three separate courses within the certification process which are taught in 90-minute increments 2x per week. Additionally, there are full-day quarterly workshops, 90-minute Community Coaching Labs, and monthly business resource calls.

What’s Included

The three integral courses throughout this certification program are: “Foundations of ADHD for Coaches,” “GROWTH: Coaching Tools for Awareness & Change,” and “CORE: Essential Coach Skills for the ADHD Life Coach.” A total of 8.5 weeks or 17 classes are spent on the first course, followed by 11 weeks or 22 classes of “GROWTH,” and finally, another 11 weeks of “CORE.”

In addition to the detailed trainings and coursework, coaches will receive hands-on support throughout the process, along with many other benefits and resources such as:

• Community support and close-knit learning environments.
• Over 30 hours of dedicated business coaching to help coaches grow their coaching business upon course completion.
• At least 5 hours of 1:1 mentoring during the course and reduced-cost group mentoring after the course.
• Access to the “Coach Referral Network” which matches clients and coaches.
• Practical coaching practice multiple times every month.

Pricing

There are a few different certification pathways offered by the iACTcenter, but the Certified ADHD Life Coach Training Program has a price tag of $7,200. On the website, there is a breakdown of the cost of each component of the course, which is actually valued at $18,643 in total.

This course packs a punch in terms of value, without breaking the bank. Payment plans are available for coaches who need them, and they are very easy to set up.

Testimonials

This certification has changed the lives of coaches and clients. Here’s what prior students who are now coaching have to say:

“The Coaching labs that Laurie carries out, helped me dissect down the coaching process and apply them to my patients. I have loved our conversations. Laurie is extremely patient in helping her students navigate the process. She is extremely committed to developing the skills of her students. Very frequently, she will stay even after the 1.5-hour long classes and continue answering questions- which shows her dedication towards teaching and coaching.” – Kirti Sivakoti, MD, CALC

“As an inaugural student of Laurie Dupar’s iACTcenter program, the information that I’ve learned thus far is invaluable. In addition to being taught the ins and outs of life coaching, I have received such an in-depth education on ADHD – its history, how it presents, treatment options, its positive qualities and so much more.” – Shaun Roney

Runner up: ADD Coach Academy

Featuring faculty and trainers that are accredited with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or Professional Association of ADHD Coaches (PAAC), the ADD Coach Academy certifies the largest group of ADHD coaches every year.

With two path options, basic or advanced, completing a certification at ADDCA will open up many doors, no matter where you are in the world. Engaging, virtual classes allow learners to come together from every corner of the earth, making the class discussions interesting, diverse, and unique.

If you are not ready to embark on the full certification journey, ADDCA offers the option to take “prerequisites” on their own. These two courses, “Simply ADHD” and “Personal Transformation” are both components of the ADHD & Life Coach Training Certification Program, but they can be taken independently, as well.

Pricing

For the Basic ADHD & Life Coach Training Certification, the fee is $6,135 if paid in full. There are payment plans offered that require a $2,197 deposit, followed by 7 monthly payments of $609.

The advanced course, which adds an Advance Coaching Skills Course to the basic course curriculum is $11,503 if paid in full. The payment plan consists of a $2,197 deposit and 14 monthly payments of $708, for a total of $12,109.

Structure

The course will take a number of months to complete, with each component of the curriculum focused on at one time. There are two, 90-minute virtual classes each week that cover course material. Some courses will require additional partner work or lab work, too. Students can expect to spend 5-10 hours per week dedicated to the program, depending on which course they are in at the time.

What’s Included

The basic certification program consists of 3 courses: “Simply ADHD,” “Personal Transformation,” and “Basic Coaching Skills.” The first course requires 21 hours or 7 weeks; the second requires 32 hours or 9 weeks; and the third requires 56 hours or 16 weeks.

If pursuing the advanced certification, a fourth module called “Advanced Coaching Skills” will be added to the curriculum. This advanced course requires 112 hours, or 27 weeks of study. In addition to top-tier teaching and courses, students will have access to:

• An accessible electronic manual with coaching content, visuals, and learning tools.
• A secure student portal that will have resources, research, class materials, and class recordings.
• Learning partners will be assigned during the program to allow students to connect with one another and pull from each other’s knowledge.
• Private Facebook group access for even more resources and ways to connect.
• A listing in the ADDCA coach directory, making it easier than ever for newly certified coaches to find clients.

Testimonials

More testimonials can be found here, but below are a couple of perspectives from prior students:

“This was the best and most approachable ADHD deep dive anyone could hope for. Barbara is an amazing teacher, someone who exudes passion for the content and an enthusiasm that can be felt from the other side of the world.” – Brett Weggelaar

“Everything related to the ADDCA Program is top notch. From the way the program is laid out, to the outstanding and experienced faculty, and the excellent support staff. I have only met one of my classmates in person, but I have met 14 professional friends for a lifetime.” – Kenneth Kochajda

The Original: JST Coaching

Jodi Sleeper-Triplett, the founder of JST Coaching and world-renowned expert in student and ADHD coaching, got her start in this space after she volunteered at her son’s elementary school. Tasked with supporting the “difficult” and “different” students, Jodi quickly realized that these students were brilliant and capable, and that they simply needed the right support to help them succeed.

Jodi developed the first ever ICF-accredited course that focused on coaching students with ADHD, and now, it is one of the best-in-class certification paths for prospective coaches. The course, called “Empowering Students Through Coaching” offers a fresh look at how to support individuals with ADHD from an early age.

This 80-hour ICF-approved course teaches life coaching basics and ADHD coaching skills and is the only research-based student coach training program in the world.

Pricing

The total cost of the program is $7,595, but payment plans are available. The 3-month payment plan requires monthly payments of $2,582 per month and the 6-month payment plan requires payments of $1,316 per month.

Structure

With 2 hours of class each week, program completion takes roughly 7 months. Throughout the course, participants will have access to 10 hours of mentoring as well, which is required by ICF. All teaching is done virtually to allow participants to access the course from all over the world.

What’s Included

Unlike the two programs above, JST Coaching does not teach different “courses” throughout the training. Instead, there are 30 different lessons covered, which can be found here. In addition to the virtual course materials and 10 hours of mentoring, participants will love all that is included in the course:

• Recordings of each class with unlimited access, allowing students to master the materials.
• Ongoing access to the JST Resource Library.
• Complimentary listing in the online JST Coach Finder.
• Private Facebook group access for JST graduates.
• Virtual chats with JST Founder, Jodi Sleeper-Triplett

Testimonials

Previous JST students have nothing but positive things to say, below are a couple of testimonials:

“JST Coaching went over and above to train and teach their students. They were amazing and patient. JST coaching touched on all aspects of coaching and provided training sessions with amazing working coaches who gave us feedback good or bad in a very helpful and informative way.” – Nancy Waters Rossetti

“I learned so much and Dulces was incredible as well as Jodi. I highly recommend this course. It equipped me with the tools to Coach people with ADHD.” – Lori Melnitsky-Fradkin

Conclusion

Though it can be difficult to narrow down and select a program, any one of these options will allow you to take the next step in your career. With incredible resources, staff, and course materials, you can’t go wrong. It’s simply up to you to figure out which one fits your needs best as you make your way to becoming a Certified ADHD Life Coach.