Science of People Presents

Become a Certified People Coach

Empower others. Transform organizations. Elevate your career.

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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 But too often, it's taught with fluff, intuition, and outdated advice.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 18 years testing, researching, and proving these frameworks. Now, I’m handing them to you.

Vanessa Van Edwards
Vanessa Van Edwards Bestselling Author & Founder

Who This Is For

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 recognition) that set you apart in your career and have your resume stand out.
  • Use our communication tools as a manager to coach your team to more effective communication.
  • Get noticed by leadership as 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.

Vanessa Van Edwards Engaging Audience

Why Learn From Me?

I’ve spent the last 18 years testing, researching, and teaching the hidden science of communication. I’ve helped millions of students master their people skills, now I want to share my method with you. My work has been featured in Forbes, CNN, BBC, Entrepreneur, and Inc., and many more. My bestselling books Captivate and Cues have reached readers around the world and been translated into over 18 languages.

But my proudest work isn’t just writing about communication — it’s proving what actually works in the real world. I’ve tested my frameworks with:

  • Fortune 500 executives and global organizations
  • Educators and therapists guiding the next generation
  • Entrepreneurs, coaches, and professionals building their dream careers

What I’ve discovered is this: when you unlock the right communication tools, everything changes — confidence grows, relationships deepen, opportunities open. I’ve watched this change lives and I want to empower more people.

Are you the right fit?

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. This program will take work - we have advanced tools and teaching methods waiting for you. 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. Get ready to digest lots of information that you can recall for clients in the moment as you help them achieve their goals.

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

What This Program 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.

You’ll learn:

  • 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

What This Program 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. Our goal is for you to use these tools in your existing organization, practice 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.

The Transformation

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 in minutes.

You’ll know how to help a client walk into a meeting with confidence.

You’ll be the person others introduce as: “the one who makes communication easy.”

This is more than a credential. It’s a calling.

What Makes This Certification Different

Skill-Based, Self-Paced Program

Designed for busy professionals. Start anytime, go at your own pace, finish in as little as 6 weeks.

Live Coaching Calls

Direct access to me and your fellow certified coaches for ongoing support and development.

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.

Private Community

A network of other ambitious coaches, facilitators, and trainers to learn, collaborate, and grow with.

Three Flagship Workshop Kits

60/90/120-minute variants for each workshop, giving you flexibility to adapt to any time constraint or audience need.

Micro-Modules Library

5–15 minute activities to assemble custom agendas on unique aspects of communication. Mix and match to create the perfect session.

Client Communications Pack

Pre-work emails, day-of reminders, post-session recap templates, sample client intake forms, and attendee surveys—all ready to customize.

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.

Core Frameworks That Work

Ready to teach and apply immediately.

  • Advanced Soft Skills Assessment: Use our science backed assessment with your groups to get them learning and talking.
  • Core Curriculum Slides: Done for you slides for presenting & coaching
  • Masterful Workbooks: Downloadable workbooks for clients and audience members
  • 200+page Facilitators Workbook
  • 50+ page student workbook
  • AI Tools: Get access to our suite of AI tools for you and your students
  • Practical Teaching Tools: Access our proven frameworks, exercises and approaches to helping anyone be a master communicator.
Course Materials

Final Exam + Assessment

So you (and your future clients or company) know you’ve truly mastered the method.

Next Cohort

Coming July 2026

We are currently finishing our current cohort. Join the waitlist to be the first to know when applications open for our July 2026 session.

Join the Waitlist

We are currently full for our current cohort. Join the waitlist to get notified when spots open up.

This is your invitation to:

  • Step into the role of a certified Communication Coach, Facilitator, and Trainer.
  • Empower clients, colleagues, and communities.
  • Elevate your career with the credibility of a Science of People certification.

The Investment

This certification is a serious commitment — to yourself, your career, and the people you will serve.

Pricing and enrollment details will be shared when applications reopen.

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.
  • Raise your coaching rates 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.

And the best part: communication skills are universal. Whether you’re a business coach, high-performance coach, therapist, teacher, or even a romance coach — these frameworks flex to every area of human interaction. Everyone needs better communication. So as your career grows and goals change, the certification can always be used as a tool.

Your enrollment includes:

  • Access to All Core Modules — the full certification curriculum
  • Live Teaching Sessions with Vanessa — Vanessa will offer 6 live teaching sessions as you go through your cohort
  • 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

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.

Payment Options

We know this is a significant investment — and that’s intentional. The seriousness of the tuition reflects the seriousness of the work. But we also want it to be accessible for the right people. That’s why we offer a monthly payment plan in addition to the one-time tuition.

Note from Vanessa

"I built this program for people who want to make a difference. People who know communication is the lever that moves everything — careers, relationships, teams, and organizations.

If that’s you, I can’t wait to see your application."

Vanessa

Frequently Asked Questions

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 live teaching sessions during the 3 months, so we encourage you to watch each module before the live sessions 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.

Need help getting sponsored?

Download this resource to share with your employer:

Is there a payment plan available?

Yes. We offer a monthly payment plan in addition to the one-time tuition. You’ll see the options during the application process.

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, charge higher rates, 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 tends to pay for itself 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.