Turn Your Passion for Health Into a Career You Love

Flexible self-PACED training for professional accreditation

Become a behavior change expert. Inspire lasting health and vitality. Make a living doing what you love.

Study Online

Learn on your own time from the convenience of your computer, smartphone, or tablet—anytime, anywhere.

Lifetime Access

We're always adding new material to stay up to date with science. You get lifetime access to the program and to our Business Resource Center.

Community Support

Join PHCI faculty and thousands of fellow students and grads on our worldwide mission to change the health of the world one person at a time.

What You'll Receive

The Primal Health Coach Certification Program is the most in-depth and up-to-date ancestral health education in the world. We don’t just create health experts. We certify health coaches that are true catalysts for behavior change. And we make sure they have the business knowledge and marketing resources to go out in the world and change lives. 
  • Online course made up of 23 chapters of multimedia educational resources
  • We cater to all different learning styles with 49 videos, 82 audio files, 145 text lessons, and 22 downloads, including webinars and supplemental eBooks.
  • College-level fitness and nutrition education
  • We teach people how to get back to the basics—how to eat well, move more, play more, rest up, and connect often.
  • Business building tasks and development projects
  • We help you shape your business story, name, and niche, develop your product, and set up a payment system all before graduation.
  • Craft your coaching practice
  • You’ll gain practical coaching experience, craft your signature coaching program, establish a 90-day marketing strategy, and architect your very own sales and enrollment script.
  • Scope of practice guidance
  • We cover liability issues to keep your business secure and show you how to tailor your language and services while remaining within safe legal waters.
  • Coaching skills training and practicums
  • We built peer-to-peer training into the course so you can put on your coach’s cap, work through case studies, and practice coaching with your PHCI peers.
  • Access to a private Primal Health Coach Facebook community
  • You’ll have the support of the Primal Health Coach team and your peers in our private Facebook community and build a robust network of committed wellness leaders.
  • Lifetime subscription to our Business Resource Center
  • This exclusive portal provides postgraduate support to help you launch your business and scale for maximum profit and impact.
  • EDUCATION

  • INSTRUCTORS

  • CERTIFICATION

  • PRICING

  • WHO IT'S FOR

  • DETAILS

What You'll Learn

Reprogram genes to direct optimal cellular function. Coach clients toward healthy lifestyle, fitness, and dietary choices. Strengthen the coach-client bond with the art of listening, the science of asking questions, the craft of intuition, the skill of collaboration, and the inspiration of a mentor. And get the tools you need to launch your health business.
  • Professional accredited online program
  • Qualifies you to become a certified health coach
  • A variety of learning modalities
  • No prerequisites and open to all
  • Plug-and-play marketing and business templates
  • Live monthly webinars
  • Optional live events and masterclasses

Welcome!

Welcome from Mark Sisson and Erin Power

Course Overview

Downloading Files Within the Course

Meet Your Faculty and Staff

Legal & Support

Important: Legal Matters

Disclaimer and Copyright Notice

Support

Announcements

Introduction

Announcements

Upcoming Webinars

Educational Resources

Introduction

Ebooks

Audiobooks

Archived Webinars

Peer and Faculty Support & Connection via Facebook

Why Primal?

Introduction Video

Why PHCI?

Why Ancestral Health?

Chapter 1 - Yes, You Really Can Reprogram Your Genes

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Genes 101

Gene Expression, Epigenetics, and Genetic Adaptation

Chronic/Systemic Inflammation

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 1 Curriculum Audio

Familial Genes - Audio Supplement

Genetic Diversity - Audio Supplement

Changing Habits - Audio Supplement

Chapter 1 Exam

Chapter 2 - The Clues to Optimal Gene Expression Are Found in Evolution

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

The Primal Laws

Evolutionary Health

Primal Humans; Modern Humans; and Aging

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 2 Curriculum Audio

Primal Blueprint Laws - Audio Supplement

Neanderthal - Audio Supplement

Chapter 2  Exam

Chapter 3 - Your Body Prefers Burning Fat Over Carbohydrates

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

The Standard American Diet

Metabolic Flexibility

Fuel Partitioning

Glucose

Fat

Ketones

Recommended Macronutrient Intake Levels

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 3 Curriculum Audio

High Carb Consumption - Audio Supplement

Quality Over Quantity - Audio Supplement

Macronutrient Calculations - Audio Supplement

Chapter 3 Exam

Chapter 4 - 80 Percent of Your Body Composition Is Determined by How You Eat

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Energy Balance Determines Body Composition

Hormones

Enzymes

Gut Health

Intermittent Fasting

The Carbohydrate Curve

The "Other Twenty Percent"

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 4 Curriculum Audio

Calories In, Calories Out - Audio Supplement

Hormone Optimization - Audio Supplement

Insulin Sensitivity - Audio Supplement

Alcohol - Audio Supplement

Intermittent Fasting - Audio Supplement

Fasting and Exercise - Audio Supplement

Carb Refueling - Audio Supplement

Diet Is the Gateway - Audio Supplement

Chapter 4 Exam

Chapter 5 - Grains Are Totally Unnecessary

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Antinutrients

Predominant Dietary Sources of Antinutrients

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 5 Curriculum - Audio

Viewing Health Matters in Isolation - Audio Supplement

Chapter 5 Exam

Chapter 6 - Fat and Cholesterol Are Not Your Enemy

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

The Lipid Hypothesis

Heart Disease

Blood Testing

Statins

The Fat, Cholesterol, and Heart Disease Myth

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 6 Curriculum - Audio

Chronic Stress - Audio Supplement

Opposing Beliefs - Audio Supplement

Chapter 6 Exam

Chapter 7 - Fitness is Built on a Foundation of Frequent, Low-Intensity Movement

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Dangers of Sedentary Modern Life

Fitness Mythbusting: Chronic Cardio, Caloric Compensation, and Metabolic Rate

Aerobic Exercise

Heart Rate Zones

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 7 Curriculum - Audio

Sedentary Patterns - Audio Supplement

Exercise Mentality - Audio Supplement

Chronic Cardio - Audio Supplement

HRV Monitoring - Audio Supplement

Chapter 7 Exam

Chapter 8 - Maximum Fitness Gains Can Be Made in Minimal Time

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Functional Fitness

High-Intensity Fitness

Nutritional Considerations for Exercise

Exercise and Longevity

Play

Recovery

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 8 Curriculum - Audio

Resistance Training - Core Curriculum Audio Supplement

Focus on Quality - Core Curriculum Audio Supplement

Fasting and Exercise - Core Curriculum Audio Supplement

Chapter 8 Exam

Chapter 9 - Eliminate SAD Foods

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Pantry Purge Priorities

Fats and Oils

Sweets

Grains

Legumes

Hyper-processed Foods

Condiments

Beverages

Dairy Products

Fish and Seafood

Meat

Potatoes

Conducting Your Pantry Purge

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 9 Curriculum - Audio

Chapter 9 Exam

Chapter 10 - Choose (The Best) Primal Foods

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Kitchen Restock

Shopping for Produce

Herbs and Spices

Meat and Poultry

Seafood

Eggs

Nuts, Seeds, and Derivative Butters

Healthy Fats and Oils

Beverages

Dairy 

Dark Chocolate

Alcohol

Supplements

Chapter Summary and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 10 Curriculum - Audio

Chapter 10 Exam

Chapter 11 - Shop, Cook, and Dine Primally

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Practical Considerations for Eating Primally

Strategies for Buying Food

Strategies for Cooking, and Eating (and Drinking) at Home

Strategies for Dining Out

Cultivating a Successful Approach

Chapter Summary 

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 11 Curriculum - Audio

Chapter 11 Exam

Chapter 12 - Exercise Primally: Move, Lift, and Sprint!

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Primal Fitness

Move Frequently

Lift Heavy Things

Sprint

Chapter Summary 

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 12 Curriculum - Audio

Chapter 12 Exam

Chapter 13 - Primal Lifestyle

Introduction Video

Chapter Overview

Quick Facts

Diet

Exercise

Work

Sleep

Social Connections

Play

Nature

Sunlight

Slow Life Down

Chapter Summary  and References

Coaching Your Clients

Chapter 13 Curriculum - Audio

Chapter 13 Exam

Chapter 14 - Programming Primal Health

Chapter Overview

Coaching Formats

Recommendation: Begin with One-on-One Coaching

CASE STUDY: Beginning with One-on-One, then Scaling to Group Coaching

Use Short-Duration Challenges to Leverage Your Individual Program

CASE STUDY: Using a Short-Duration Challenge to Convert One-on-One Clients

The 12-Week Primal Health Coaching Program Flow

On-Boarding Your New One-on-One Client

Intake

After Intake: Session One

Bi-Weekly Education Sessions

Weekly Check-In

Coaching Conversations

Additional Coaching Tools

Tracking Progress: Successes and Struggles

Common Client Concerns

Get Ready to Graduate Your Client

Program Completion

DEMO: A 12-Week Primal Health Coaching Relationship

PROGRAMMING SUPPORT MATERIALS: The 12-Week Primal Health Coaching Program

PROGRAMMING SUPPORT MATERIALS: 21-Day Primal Challenge

Chapter 14 Exam

Chapter 15 - Scope of Practice

Disclaimer

Introduction Video

Defining Your Value as a Health Coach

Scope of Practice

What Can Health Coaches Say and Do

How to Operate as a Health Coach Without Giving Individualized Nutrition Advice

Consult with a Lawyer

Curriculum Supplement: Health Coaches and Lab Testing

Chapter 15 Curriculum Audio

Chapter 15 Exam

Coaching Practicum #1: Understanding Your Scope

Regional Regulations

WORKSHEET: Scope of Practice

Chapter 16 - Coaching Foundations

What Is Health Coaching?

The Primal Health Coach Model

Your Secret Sauce: What Kind of Coach Are You?

WORKSHEET: Discover Your Secret Sauce

Code of Ethics

Professional Conduct

The Illness-Wellness Continuum

Chapter Summary

Chapter 16 Curriculum Audio

Chapter 16 Exam

Coaching Practicum #2: Reframing Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome

Reframing

Practicum: Reframing Imposter Syndrome

Chapter 17 - The Art & Science of Health Coaching

The Client-Centered Coaching Relationship

Coaching Relationship Framework

Overview of the Client-Centered Coaching Session

Letting the Client Lead: Coaching in Action

The Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change)

Self-Determination Theory

Social Cognitive Theory

Motivational Interviewing

Active Listening and Reflection

Goal-Setting

Accountability and Compliance

Goal-Setting Summary: Assess Client Confidence and Identify Barriers

Chapter Summary

Chapter 17 Curriculum Audio

Chapter 17 Exam

Coaching Practicum #3: Coaching Role-Play

The Three-Way Coaching Role-Play

Peer-to-Peer Practicum: Coaching Role-Play

Chapter 18 - Advanced Coaching Layers

Chapter Overview

Introduction

Introduction - Audio Supplement

Coaching Best Practices

Coaching Best Practices

Coaching Best Practices - Audio Supplement

The Emotional Layer

Working with Clients on an Emotional Level

Working with Clients on an Emotional Level - Audio Supplement

The Behavioral Layer

Working with Clients on a Behavioral Level

Working with Clients on a Behavioral Level - Audio Supplement

The Mental Layer

Working with Clients on a Mental Level

Working with Clients on a Mental Level - Audio Supplement

The Spiritual Layer

Working with Clients on a Spiritual Level

Working with Clients on a Spiritual Level - Audio Supplement

The Relationship Layer

Working with Clients on Their Relationships

Working with Clients on Their Relationships - Audio Supplement

Chapter 18 Curriculum - Audio

COACHING DEMO(s): Primal Health Coaching Conversations

Chapter 18 Exam

Coaching Practicum #4: Case Studies

Introduction

Case Study #1: Sarah

Case Study #1: Heather

Case Study #1: David

Case Study #1: Diana

Practicum: Case Studies

Business-Building Introduction: Building Your Coaching Business

Skills for Building a Successful Business

You Don't HAVE to Build a Business if You Don't Want To

Chapter 19 - What Problem Do You Solve for Whom?

Who Are You, Who Do You Help, Why, and How?

Who Are You?

EXERCISE: Write Your Story

Who Do You Help?

EXERCISE: Discover Your Ideal Client

What Is Your Unique Value Proposition?

EXERCISE: Create Your Unique Value Proposition

Chapter 19 Curriculum Audio

Chapter 19 Exam

Business Development Project #1: Write Your One-Page

Write Your One-Page

Chapter 20 - Programming - Create a Health Coaching Product

Create a Signature Health Coaching Product

Coaching Formats

Recommendation: Begin with One-on-One Coaching

CASE STUDY: Beginning with One-on-One, then Scaling to Group Coaching

The Short-Duration Challenge

CASE STUDY: Using a Short-Duration Challenge to Convert One-on-One Clients

The 12-Week Primal Health Coaching Program Flow

Enrolling Your Client

Intake

The Onboarding Session

Weekly Check-In

Additional Coaching Tools

Client Successes and Struggles

Graduate Your Client

Program Completion: Celebrate Success

DEMO: A 12-Week Primal Health Coaching Relationship

PROGRAMMING SUPPORT MATERIALS: The 12-Week Primal Health Coaching Program

PROGRAMMING SUPPORT MATERIALS: 21-Day Primal Challenge

PrimalPro™

Chapter 20 Curriculum Audio

Chapter 20 Exam

Business Development Project #2: Product Ideation and Creation

Build It and Get Ready To Sell It. Yes: Right Now!

Product Ideation

Determine Your Pricing

Name Your Product

Sell Your Product

Create Online Forms

Audit the Customer Experience

Chapter 21 - Liability and Protecting Yourself

Protect Yourself from Liability

Create a Disclaimer

Publish your Terms and Conditions

Privacy

Have a Coach-Client Agreement

The #1 Way to Protect Yourself...

Liability Insurance

Hire a Lawyer

Chapter 21 Curriculum Audio

Chapter 21 Exam

BONUS: Legal Help for Health Coaches, from Cory Sterling

What Business Type is Best?

EXERCISE: Write your Disclaimer, Terms and Conditions, and Privacy Policy

EXERCISE: Write Your Client Agreement

Chapter 22 - Marketing

Introduction to Small Business Marketing

Build Your Marketing Plan

Client Generation Blueprint

Inbound Marketing: Help Clients Find YOU

ATTRACT: Content Marketing

CONVERT: Turn Traffic into Leads

CONVERT: Nurture Leads with Automated Email

CLOSE: Email Examples

CLOSE: Making the Sale

DELIGHT: Impress Your Clients and Earn Referral Business

How, When, and What to Outsource

Marketing Glossary

Chapter Summary

Chapter 22 Curriculum - Audio

Chapter 22 Exam

Business Development Project #4: Put Yourself "Out There"

Search for a Web Domain and Social Media Handles

Build a Website

TUTORIAL: How to Build a Website and Blog in WordPress

Connect Your Website to Your Domain

Connect Your Email Address to Your Website

TUTORIAL: Create a PDF eBook as a Lead Magnet

TUTORIAL: Set Up an Autoresponder Sequence with MailChimp

TUTORIAL: Set Up an Autoresponder Sequence with Keap

EXERCISE: Create and Post Content

EXERCISE: Business Analysis

Chapter 23 - Sales & Enrollment

Sales = Enrollment

Build Your Marketing Plan

Sales and Your Money Mindset

Authentic Engagement

You Only Need One Client

Video Supplement: Sales Is Just a Conversation

Discovery: Securing Clients

Mindset: The Key to Enrollment

Pricing: What to Charge?

A NO Is Usually a MAYBE

It's a YES: Now You're a Coach

Chapter 23 Curriculum Audio

Chapter 23 Exam

Business Development Project #5: Create an Enrollment Framework

EXERCISE: Build Your Framework for the Discovery Call

FINAL EXAM

Primal Health Coach Certification Final Exam

What Our Grads Say

Completing the Primal Health Coach Program has proven to be an invaluable asset to my coaching practice. I'm so much more prepared to explain the benefits of a primal lifestyle to my clients and coach them as they take their health, fitness, and performance to a higher level than they ever thought possible.

James Arthur

Certified Primal Health Coach

The Primal Health Coach Program expanded my access to and credibility with people who embrace primal principles but who may not have considered holistic medicine, enhancing my practice and extending my professional reach. 

Dr. Dana Leigh Lyons

Certified Primal Health Coach

The knowledge I learned from the Primal Health Coach Program allowed me to skillfully integrate for my patients the healing power of Periodontal Laser Therapy with the healing power of primal lifestyle and diet. 

Alvin H. Danenberg, DDS

Certified Primal Health Coach

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I earn my certification from the Primal Health Coach Institute?

Becoming a health coach requires more than just a health education. You’ll also need to sharpen your coaching skills and learn how to get a business off the ground and keep it thriving. The Primal Health Coach Certification Program is a well-rounded education in all three. We also make sure our graduates can start making money as soon as they have their certification in hand by providing a wealth of resources, done-for-you templates, and even a ready-made coaching program. We balance out the learnings with live webinars, optional events and masterclasses, and have a tight-knit community of coaches to support one another on our mission to change the health of the world. And we do it all at a significantly lower price point.

How long will it take for me to complete the course and earn my certification?

This is a self-paced course. This means you can progress through the course chapters sequentially at your own speed. There is a lot of material to cover and digest, and the exams are rigorous. It’s conceivable that a real all-star could breeze through the material, succeed on the tests, and be done with the course work in as little as 12 weeks. However, we recommend a slower pace for most students, and many take approximately 6 months to complete the course. There is no rush to pass in haste and potentially compromise your educational enjoyment, but you have the freedom to progress at a pace that is natural to you and that aligns with your personal and professional aspirations. 

Students of this course have one year to complete the course. If the course is not completed within one year, access to the course will be revoked. Three-month extensions can be purchased for students that need additional time. Upon graduating the course, students have lifetime access to the course and its contents.

How difficult is the online course and exams, and what if I have trouble passing?

This course material is on a par with an upper-division college course in the health sciences, but the material is presented in a simple, straightforward manner that’s easy for even the most non-technical reader to understand.

The 24 exams are made up of multiple choice and true/false questions that have been carefully scrutinized by an elite team of beta-testers to ensure fairness and relevance to the written and video content course material. A score of 75 percent correct or better represents a passing grade. If you score below 75 percent, you can return to the material for review and then attempt the exam again and as many times as you need to pass it.

If you struggle on the exams, our staff is here to help you with one-on-one support to ensure that your experience is positive. On occasion, it becomes evident early on that a student is not a good fit for this rigorous course. If so, we will suggest that you discontinue your studies and accept a full refund provided it’s within the initial 30 days of your course, or you are otherwise early on in your progress and at our discretion.

I’ve taken other online courses in the past and they didn’t live up to my expectations. How is this course different?

This course is more comprehensive than any other health coach certification you will find in the world! Not only do you receive an in-depth education in the areas of nutrition and exercise science, sun exposure, sleep, stress management and other healthy lifestyle behaviors, but you are trained to become an effective and proficient coach. And we don't stop there. Without business know-how your coaching practice will never get off the ground, and so we provide pre- and post-graduation business development education and resources, including done-for-you programming materials. Mastery of these three pillars (health/nutrition, the art and science of coaching, the business of coaching) are required for certification and prepare you to be a successful health coach. 

When you enroll in the certification course you immediately become part of our community, and we’ll do everything in our power to make sure you reach your personal health and career goals. We’re so confident that the program and our organization will exceed your expectations that we offer a 30-day, no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee. You’ll get a full refund if the course isn’t to your liking, or if life circumstances shift your focus and you decide that health coaching is no longer your preferred career path. We also pride ourselves on going above and beyond with course offerings, as well as bonus resources that make it as easy as possible to turn your career dreams into real-life earnings.

Are you approved for CEU credits with other organizations/schools?

Yes. View all the organizations that grant continuing education units for completion of our health coaching certification course here.

What public recognition do Certified Primal Health Coaches receive?

We publish a Find a Coach Directory at PrimalHealthCoach.com where you can build a profile and attract new clients. If you are not interested in public recognition or wish to reveal less than the template information, you may opt out or limit the information you share.

What are the business opportunities available to Primal Health Coaches?

When you pass this course, you are granted a license to use the trademarked Primal Health Coach logo on your business cards, advertising, social media, and other promotions, such as print flyers for your live events. 

When you pass the certification course, you’re qualified for a wholesale account at PrimalBlueprint.com. You’ll enjoy great savings on quantity orders of Primal Blueprint supplements, books, educational products, apparel, Primal Kitchen food products, and promo items. If you want to purchase Primal Blueprint or Primal Kitchen products for personal use at below wholesale minimum quantities, we offer a generous “friends & family” discount.

There is no shortage of business opportunities awaiting Primal Health Coaches. You can start your own coaching practice and fill your roster with individual and group coaching clients. You can develop online courses for a passive income stream, coach clients in your own app, or join a medical practice, corporation, insurance company, or wellness center as a resident health coach.

Invest in a Purposeful Career

The Primal Health Coach Certification is a one-stop shop that provides a comprehensive nutrition and health education, complementary coaching training, business-building guidance, and a built-in infrastructure for the operation of your practice. We aren’t just in the business of training health coaches. We’re in the business of changing lives.
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