Skip to main content

Coaching benefits the coach by enhancing their interpersonal skills, empowers the coachee to achieve their goals and unlock potential, and drives organizational success through improved performance and engagement.

The best coaching courses are a great way to learn from other people who've got their finger on the pulse of the coaching practice.

Here's a summary of some great coaching courses with info about who they're for and what they include.

Best Coaching Courses Shortlist

Here's my shortlist of the best coaching courses I think are worth your time in 2024:

  1. Coaching Skills for Managers Specialization (University of California, Davis)
  2. Coaching Skills for Learner-Centred Conversations (Imperial College London)
  3. Coaching: An Introduction (University of Oxford)
  4. Management Coaching: Coaching Employees for High Performance (Udemy)
  5. Understanding Coaching and Mentoring (Alison)
  6. Coaching and Developing Employees (LinkedIn Learning)
  7. Persuasive Coaching (LinkedIn Learning)
  8. Executive and Management Coaching (University of Cape Town)
  9. Three Principles of a Coaching Approach (Open Learn)
  10. Better Conversations & Coaching (Center for Creative Leadership)
  11. Advanced Coaching (University of Oxford)

Find more details about each course below.

Overview Of The Best Coaching Courses

1. Coaching Skills for Managers Specialization (University of California, Davis)

Screenshot of the Coaching Skills for Managers Specialization course page
The Coaching Skills for Managers Specialization course (Source)

This course helps participants develop coaching skills to boost team performance and engagement. Taught by Executive Coach Kris Plachy, it provides practical techniques for effective management.

In this online course, you will learn how to set expectations, create accountability, and conduct coaching conversations that lead to real results.

  • Who It’s For: Managers seeking to enhance their coaching skills
  • Topics Covered:
    • Fundamentals of coaching in management
    • Building trust with employees
    • Goal-setting techniques
    • Providing effective feedback
    • Managing difficult conversations
    • Assessing performance issues
    • Best practices, tools, and models for coaching
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 2 months
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: 10 hours per week
  • Eligibility Requirements: None
  • Price: Free
  • Take The Course: Coursera
Get weekly insights and how-tos on leadership and HR’s biggest and most pressing topics—right to your inbox.

Get weekly insights and how-tos on leadership and HR’s biggest and most pressing topics—right to your inbox.

2. Coaching Skills for Learner-Centred Conversations (Imperial College London)

Alt text: Screenshot of the Coaching Skills for Learner-Centred Conversations course landing page
The Coaching Skills for Learner-Centred Conversations course (Source)

This course provides managers with a structured approach to encouraging self-directed learning within their teams. It focuses on developing communication skills to enable more meaningful, growth-focused conversations.

Over four modules, participants familiarize themselves with essential coaching techniques and learn to apply these skills effectively in educational settings.

  • Who It’s For: Managers wanting to improve learner-focused coaching techniques
  • Topics Covered:
    • Principles of learner-centered coaching
    • Listening and questioning strategies
    • Feedback and reflection methods
    • Building rapport and trust
    • Effective learning relationship conditions creation
    • Components of coaching framework analysis
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 4 weeks
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: 1 to 2 hours per week
  • Eligibility Requirements: None
  • Price:
    • Without certificate: Free
    • With certificate: $59
  • Take The Course: edX

3. Coaching: An Introduction (University of Oxford)

Screenshot of the Coaching: An Introduction course overview page
Coaching: An introduction course (Source)

This course provides a solid foundation in coaching for beginners. It helps participants develop essential skills, understand the coaching mindset, and learn practical applications.

By the end, learners will feel confident using coaching in various areas and have the option to continue to advanced studies.

  • Who It’s For: Individuals new to coaching and interested in foundational skills
  • Topics Covered:
    • Overview of coaching principles
    • Introduction to coaching techniques
    • Frameworks for goal setting and achievement
    • Coaching ethics
    • Protecting clients and ourselves
    • Observation and feedback
    • Psychological insights and coaching
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 10 weeks
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: 3 hours per week
  • Eligibility Requirements: None
  • Price: £535
  • Take The Course: University of Oxford

4. Management Coaching: Coaching Employees for High Performance (Udemy)

Screenshot of the Management Coaching: Coaching Employees for High Performance course page
The Management Coaching: Coaching Employees for High Performance course (Source)

This course is designed to improve team performance through coaching techniques. It teaches ways to align personal goals with organizational goals, making it easier to reach objectives.

The course also focuses on building leadership skills and closing performance gaps within teams.

  • Who It’s For: Managers, supervisors, leaders, business owners, IT, and finance
  • Topics Covered:
    • Coaching basics for managers
    • Performance coaching techniques
    • Feedback and communication skills
    • Goal alignment and accountability
    • Things to consider for coaching setup
    • Foundations for coaching success
    • Effective communication techniques
    • Importance of giving feedback
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 9 hours and 30 minutes
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • Basic understanding of business, management, or leadership with a willingness to learn practical management techniques
  • Price: $79.99
  • Take The Course: Udemy

5. Understanding Coaching and Mentoring (Skill Up)

Understanding Coaching and Mentoring course web page screenshot
Understanding Coaching and Mentoring course (Source)

This course covers the basics of coaching and mentoring, showing how each approach complements the other. It teaches effective communication techniques and the skills needed to be successful in these roles. The course also provides guidance on ethical practices and strategies for creating effective coaching plans.

  • Who It’s For: Individuals interested in learning about coaching and mentoring
  • Topics Covered:
    • Basics of coaching and mentoring
    • Differences between coaching and mentoring
    • Key coaching models
    • Ethics and responsibilities in mentoring
    • Coaching and mentoring skills
    • Efficient coaching model and plans
    • Roles and responsibilities of coaches and mentors
    • Objectives and common problems of coaching and mentoring
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 3 hours
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
  • Eligibility Requirements: None
  • Price: Free
  • Take The Course: Alison

6. Coaching and Developing Employees (LinkedIn Learning)

Screenshot of the Coaching and Developing Employees course landing page
Coaching and Developing Employees course (Source)

This course focuses on using coaching to improve leadership and employee growth. Leadership coach Lisa Gates teaches skills like asking open-ended questions, listening actively, and building accountability to help employees become more independent.

The course also covers remote coaching and includes practical tools and examples to show how coaching can boost team productivity and engagement.

  • Who It’s For: Managers aiming to support employee growth
  • Topics Covered:
    • Employee coaching strategies
    • Setting and monitoring goals
    • Performance feedback
    • Motivational techniques
    • Overview of workplace coaching
    • Building coaching skills
    • Using tools, assessments, and frameworks
    • Maintaining coaching relationships
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 1 hour and 9 minutes
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
  • Eligibility Requirements: None
  • Price: Free for a month
  • Take The Course: LinkedIn Learning

7. Persuasive Coaching (LinkedIn Learning)

Screenshot of the Persuasive Coaching course page
The Persuasive Coaching course (Source)

This course teaches persuasive coaching techniques to help improve team motivation and engagement. Instructor Brian Ahern shows how to use psychology in coaching to build strong relationships and encourage positive behavior changes. The course includes case studies and examples to help apply these coaching skills effectively for better results.

  • Who It’s For: Managers wanting to develop influential coaching skills
  • Topics Covered:
    • Persuasive communication
    • Building influence
    • Motivating team members
    • Effective coaching for results
    • Coaching and psychology overview
    • The importance of trust
    • Positioning ideas for accountability
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 43 minutes and 7 seconds
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
  • Eligibility Requirements: None
  • Price: Free for a month
  • Take The Course: LinkedIn Learning

8. Executive and Management Coaching (University of Cape Town)

Screenshot of the Executive and Management Coaching course landing page
The Executive and Management Coaching course (Source)

This executive course teaches advanced coaching skills for leaders. Participants learn effective methods to manage coaching relationships and improve their coaching expertise. The course includes hands-on practice through observed sessions, helping learners build confidence in guiding others.

  • Who It’s For: Senior leaders and executives seeking advanced coaching skills
  • Topics Covered:
    • Strategic coaching techniques
    • Leadership development
    • Organizational growth through coaching
    • Self-reflection and improvement
    • Mapping a personalized coaching model
    • Coaching initial and following phases
    • Building coaching toolkit
    • The ethics of coaching
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 12 weeks
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: 8 to 12 hours per week
  • Eligibility Requirements: None
  • Take The Course: edX

9. Three Principles of a Coaching Approach (Open Learn)

The Three Principles of a Coaching Approach course page screenshot
The Three Principles of a Coaching Approach course (Source)

This course provides an introduction to a structured approach to coaching, emphasizing key skills for effective coaching. It guides learners in understanding how a coaching mindset can positively influence everyday workplace interactions. This free course also includes activities and resources to support the application of these coaching concepts in practical scenarios.

  • Who It’s For: Beginners interested in understanding coaching principles
  • Topics Covered:
    • Coaching principles
    • Developing a coaching mindset
    • Practical coaching applications
    • Building rapport
    • Listening
    • Summarising and reflecting
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: Self-paced
  • Eligibility Requirements: None
  • Price: Free
  • Take The Course: OpenLearn

10. Better Conversations & Coaching (Center for Creative Leadership)

Screenshot of the Better Conversations & Coaching course web page
Better Conversations & Coaching course (Source)

This program from the Center for Creative Leadership helps leaders improve communication and coaching skills for better workplace conversations. Participants work in small groups with a mentor to develop a coaching style that suits their teams. The training builds confidence to encourage open, productive discussions and a positive work culture.

  • Who It’s For: Leaders wanting to improve workplace communication, employees at all levels
  • Topics Covered:
    • Building communication skills
    • Listening techniques
    • Effective questioning
    • Coaching for collaboration
    • Refine coaching skills
    • Motivate employees to boost engagement and build trust
    • Enhance peer relationships and practices
    • Build a resilient, challenge-ready organization
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? Online
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 5 half days
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: Half-day per day (instructor-led)
  • Eligibility Requirements: None
  • Price:
    • Online Global: $4,200
    • Americas: $4,200
    • APAC: $6,380
    • EMEA: €3,800
  • Take The Course: Center for Creative Leadership

11. Advanced Coaching (University of Oxford)

Screenshot of the Advanced Coaching course overview page
The Advanced Coaching course (Source)

This course helps experienced coaches improve their skills and refine their coaching methods. It guides coaches in understanding clients' needs and expanding their client base and professional reputation. Open to coaches from all fields, the program supports meaningful, personalized development in coaching practices.

  • Who It’s For: Experienced coaches seeking advanced skills, and students that completed an initial coaching program
  • Topics Covered:
    • Complex coaching models
    • Advanced feedback techniques
    • Deepening coaching relationships
    • Self-reflection in coaching
    • Definition of coaching
    • Reflective practice and journaling
    • Coaching mindset for self, client, and world
    • Strategic coaching with goals and strategic thinking
  • Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
  • Exam Required? No
  • Duration: 10 weeks
  • How Many Hours Of Instruction: 3 hours per week
  • Eligibility Requirements: None
  • Price: £535
  • Take The Course: University of Oxford

What’s Next?

To remain up to date on all the latest in people management, subscribe to our weekly newsletter for HR and busniess leaders. You'll receive insights and offerings tailored to leaders and HR professionals straight to your inbox.

David Rice

David Rice is a long time journalist and editor who specializes in covering human resources and leadership topics. His career has seen him focus on a variety of industries for both print and digital publications in the United States and UK.