Become a Certified People Coach
Empower others. Transform organizations. Invest in your career.
- SHRM PDCs toward SHRM‑CP® or SHRM‑SCP®
- 45
- years testing, researching and proving these frameworks
- 20
- page Facilitators Workbook
- 200+
Most coaching is guesswork. We use science.
Communication is the lever that moves everything—careers, relationships and entire organizations. But too often, it's taught with fluff, intuition and outdated advice.
You want to make a real impact. You want to give your clients, team or students tools that actually work. Not just "be confident," but how to be confident. Not just "listen better," but how to decode hidden signals.
I've spent two decades testing, researching and proving these frameworks. Now, I'm handing them to you.
This certification is designed for two groups of extraordinary leaders:
Intrapreneurs, Managers & Organizational Leaders
- Become the go-to communication coach inside your company or on your team.
- Earn the skills (and credential) to set yourself apart in your career and on your resume.
- Use our communication tools as a manager to coach your team to more effective communication.
- Become the person who elevates communication across the organization.
- Lead workshops, build stronger teams and transform culture.
Coaches, Therapists, Teachers, Social Workers & Faith Leaders
- Add proven science-backed tools to your toolkit.
- Boost credibility with a globally recognized credential.
- Empower clients and students to communicate with confidence.
- Finally, have a structured, research-driven framework to guide your work.
Be the go-to People Coach for your organization. ...for your team. ...for your city.
What makes this certification different
Core frameworks that work: ready to teach and apply immediately.
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Skill-Based, Self-Paced Program
Designed for busy professionals. Start anytime, go at your own pace.
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Bonus Office Hours with Vanessa
Direct access to me and your fellow certified coaches for ongoing support and development.
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Proprietary Assessment Tools
Cutting edge social skills assessments let you know where each student needs help. They get access to tools to improve those specific areas.
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Private Community
A network of other ambitious coaches, facilitators and trainers to learn, collaborate and grow with.
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Three Flagship Workshop Kits
60/90/120-minute variants for each workshop, giving you flexibility to adapt to any time constraint or audience need.
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Micro-Modules Library
5–15 minute activities to assemble custom agendas on unique aspects of communication. Mix and match to create the perfect session.
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Client Communications Pack
Pre-work emails, day-of reminders, post-session recap templates, sample client intake forms and attendee surveys—all ready to customize.
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Event Logistics Kit
The behind-the-scenes setup that keeps your sessions running smoothly—in person or online. Includes room layouts, seating maps, AV specifications, Zoom/Teams settings and a pre-flight checklist.
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Core Curriculum Slides and Workbooks
Done for you slides for presenting & coaching. A 200+ page Facilitators Workbook and a 50+ page student workbook.
Your enrollment includes
- Access to All Core Modules — the full certification curriculum
- 45 SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs) toward SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification
- Bonus Office Hours with Vanessa
- Exclusive AI Tools — designed to help you implement and train others more effectively
- Updated Materials — you'll always be current with the latest science and frameworks
- Private Community of Certified Coaches, Trainers and Facilitators
- Powerful Presentations Course
- Final Exam + Assessment — so you (and your future clients or company) know you've truly mastered the method.
- A goodie box shipped to you, with a signed copy of Cues
Format
- Start
- Upon acceptance. You can get started with the first lesson immediately.
- Pace
- Self-paced, about 3–5 hours per week
- Office hours
- Bonus office hours with Vanessa during your cohort
- Access
- Unlimited access to the program materials for one year
- Finish
- Final exam and assessment
- Credits
- 45 SHRM PDCs
Required reading: Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication.
This program is not for everyone.
We only accept applicants who show:
- Motivation to empower others and use communication as a force for good.
- Alignment with the Science of People mission: bringing more warmth, competence and humanity into workplaces and communities.
- Action to do the work, take the program and activate it. We need ambitious, motivated folks who are excited for this level of work.
- ...bonus points for detail‑oriented. The core curriculum you will use as a People Coach is jam-packed with incredible science, stats and details.
That's why we require an application process. Not everyone will be accepted — and that's by design. When you join, you'll know you're part of a high-caliber group of professionals who take communication seriously.
What this program is — and is not
It is
The People Coach Certification will equip you with the research-backed tools, frameworks and pedagogy to teach communication, people skills and social intelligence with confidence and accuracy.
- How to apply and teach Science of People frameworks with depth and nuance
- How to coach individuals and lead groups through proven communication methods
- How to design sessions that use our D3 Lesson Loop™ — the best science-backed pedagogy for behavior change
- How to help people with warmth, competence and integrity
It is not
- This is not a quick "life coach" certification or a business program.
- It's not business coaching, social media coaching or how to make money online.
- It's not therapy, nor is it a substitute for mental health treatment.
- This is not a referral vehicle or a promise of clients or business.
- It's not passive learning — it's a rigorous, hands-on certification that requires full participation, practice and demonstration of skill.
Please note graduates of this program are not "employees" of Science of People, but licensed practitioners who meet our standards and represent our methods ethically in their own coaching, training or organizational work.
By the end of this certification, you won't just understand the science of communication — you'll embody it.
- You'll have the tools to shift a team dynamic.
- You'll know how to help a client walk into a meeting with confidence.
- You'll be ready to be the person others introduce as: "the one who makes communication easy."
This is more than a credential. It's a calling.
Graduates on how it changed the way they show up.
“A very valuable and thoughtfully structured program. Science-based, practical, and easy to apply. You learn not only the content, but also how to teach it — with space to develop your own coaching style.”
“In an AI-driven world, our 'soft skills' are no longer optional—they are our greatest competitive advantage. I've found that learning to read a room, and truly seeing how you show up in it, is a total game-changer. But if you want to truly master these skills? Teach them. That's when the real transformation happens.”
“Vanessa is the Gold Standard in the art and science of how to bring presence into every room, both physical and virtual. When an opportunity to learn from the best appears... take it.”
“The People Coach program is a great way to dive deeper into Vanessa's approach to communication and her PEOPLE framework. It's a valuable addition to any leader or coach's toolkit to help their clients improve and grow.”
“I highly recommend this People Coach Program to anybody who wants to truly understand the science and practical application of effective soft, people and communication skills. Also, to anyone who has a deep desire to help people improve their people skills and needs the right toolkit to do so. This qualification has given me a great toolkit, credibility and practices to add to my methods as a communication coach.”
“This was an amazing program and I am so glad I decided to sign up. I loved the group of students and everyone was so helpful. I learned so much and feel so much more confident.”
This certification is a serious commitment — to yourself, your career and the people you will serve.
Why? Because this isn't a quick course or a weekend seminar. This is a professional-level credential, designed for leaders who are ready to step into a new level of authority and impact.
With this certification, our goal is to equip you to:
- Lead corporate training workshops inside organizations.
- Strengthen your coaching offers and expand your practice.
- Gain recognition in your organization as the in-house expert.
- Market yourself differently by adding a world-class credential to your toolkit.
Payment plan
Certified People Coach
3 payments of $3,332
or $9,995 paid in full
- Application-based
- Start upon acceptance
- 45 SHRM PDCs
Applications are reviewed for fit. If accepted, you'll receive your enrollment link.
No refunds after acceptance. If your application isn't approved, you aren't charged.
Renewal & recertification
To maintain your certification and community membership, there is a $500 annual renewal fee. This renewal includes: Continuous access to updated training materials. Ongoing membership in the private community. Participation in live office hours. Recertification checks to ensure you remain at the highest standard of mastery. This keeps the certification prestigious and respected — when people see this credential, they know it means something.
Why learn from me?
I've spent the last two decades testing, researching and teaching the hidden science of communication. I've helped 5M+ students master their people skills, now I want to share my method with you. I'm the NY Times bestselling author of Conversation, Cues and Captivate, which have reached readers around the world and been translated into 18 languages.
- Fortune 500 executives and global organizations
- Educators and therapists guiding the next generation
- Entrepreneurs, coaches and professionals building their dream careers
Companies: let us know if you'd like a license for multiple trainers. Ask about a multi-trainer license →
Still deciding?
How long does it take to complete the program?
The certification is designed to be completed in 3 months, but it's self-paced — you can move faster or slower depending on your schedule. We will have bonus office hours during the 3 months, so we encourage you to watch each module before office hours so we can answer your questions.
What's the time commitment each week?
Expect to spend about 3–5 hours per week engaging with the modules, practicing and reflecting. Because it's self-paced, you can structure it around your life and work.
Are there pre-requisites?
There are no pre-requisites, however Vanessa's book Cues: The Secret Language of Charismatic Communication is required reading in the training and will be used extensively. The more you are familiar with the material the better, but absolutely not required ahead of time.
Do I need to be an experienced coach to apply?
No — but we are looking for folks with relevant experience. This program is for people who already lead, guide or teach others in some capacity: managers, HR leaders, coaches, therapists, teachers, facilitators and organizational trainers. If you're already helping people, this certification will give you the frameworks to help them more effectively.
Can I use this certification in my existing coaching or therapy practice?
Yes! That is our fondest wish. These tools are built to be flexible and can be applied across fields — from corporate training and leadership coaching to relationship coaching and therapy. Everyone needs communication, and you'll have a framework that adapts to your specialty.
Can I use this certification inside my company?
Absolutely. Many applicants are intrapreneurs — leaders inside organizations who want to run trainings, lead workshops or be the "in-house expert" on communication. This certification gives you the credibility and content to do exactly that. Let us know if your company would like to buy a license for multiple trainers. Download these resources to share with your employer: View Infographic · Investment Proposal
Does it count for continuing education?
Yes. People Coach is recognized by SHRM to offer 45 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) toward SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification.
Is there a payment plan available?
Yes. Pay $3,332 per month for 3 months, or $9,995 in full.
Why is there a $500 annual renewal?
The renewal ensures your certification stays current and respected. It covers updated materials and research, access to quarterly live office hours, membership in the private community and recertification checks to uphold standards. This way, when people see you hold this credential, they know it represents ongoing mastery, not a one-time course.
Will this guarantee me clients or higher income?
We cannot promise revenue — but we designed this program to give you tools you can immediately apply to grow your practice and lead trainings. Most importantly, it elevates your credibility and authority. What you do with that will be up to you — but we believe it will give you a powerful edge.
Can I customize the curriculum?
Yes! Our materials are designed to fit your branding, flavor and perspective if you wish. Our hope is for you to take our curriculum and fit it into your existing practice or teaching.
I'm interested, but nervous about the investment.
Totally fair. I always ask myself: 'What will this enable me to do that I can't do now?' If you see yourself using these tools to lead even a few workshops, improve your team or upgrade your existing coaching offers, it can pay off in both tangible and intangible ways — credibility, confidence and opportunities you can say yes to.
Can I do this if I'm introverted / not super charismatic?
Yes. Some of the best facilitators are thoughtful, calm, inner-focused folks. This isn't about becoming a rah-rah motivational speaker. It's about being structured, prepared and genuinely helpful with your own style.
Do I need a certain number of hours, degrees or certifications beforehand?
No. We care much more about your motivation to help others and your willingness to do the work than about your collection of letters after your name.
How do I apply?
Click the "Apply now" button and complete the application. If accepted, you'll receive your enrollment link and can begin immediately.
I built this program for people who want to make a difference. If that's you, I can't wait to see your application.
Ready to become a Certified People Coach?
Apply now for the next People Coach Certification cohort and take the first step toward bringing Science of People frameworks to your clients, team or community.
3 payments of $3,332 · or $9,995 paid in full · Applications are reviewed for fit