Training and assessment standards

1. Programme structure

The Association recognises three levels of training in NLP and Applied Psychology: the Practitioner level (eight modules), the Master Practitioner level (nine modules) and the Trainer level, which runs on its own schedule. Each level is enrolled in and completed separately.

• Modules. A module takes two consecutive days of six hours each. Two breaks are mandatory: 20 minutes after the first block and 40 minutes for lunch after the second. A further short break may be added.
• Pace. The recommended pace is one module a month. A trainer who wishes to run a programme faster or slower submits the planned dates to the Association for approval before the programme starts.
• Practice sessions. Between modules, participants attend a two-hour practice session, usually half-way between two modules. The trainer prepares activities for each session, and participants may raise questions from the previous module.
• Attendance. Modules are attended in person. Practice sessions may be followed online if the participant registers at least 24 hours in advance.
• Missed modules. A missed module is made up free of charge with a following group. A participant may instead arrange a make-up session with an assistant trainer at an earlier date. Practice sessions are not made up.

2. Curriculum and materials

The Association sets a minimum content for each level and leaves trainers free to adapt the way it is taught to their group. The minimum content of the Practitioner level is published on the Credentials page.

• Trainers may add content of their own choosing, provided it serves the aims of the programme and stays within the scope of practice below.
• On joining, each trainer receives a proposed schedule of topics by module, together with the Association’s complete script and materials for the Practitioner level.
• A trainer who changes the schedule, adds content or writes their own script submits it to the Association before the programme begins, receives feedback and starts only after approval. Trainers who use the Association’s script and materials need no further approval.
• Scripts and materials are confidential. They may be shared only with participants who have signed a training agreement, and the right to use them ends when a trainer leaves the Association.

3. Scope of practice

Association programmes are grounded in NLP and classical psychology. To protect participants and the integrity of the credential, the following may not be added to any level of training:

• spiritual content involving energy or religious methods, including elements of reiki, meditation, transcendence, bioenergy, regression therapy, theta healing and similar approaches;
• content designed to adapt the training to network marketing or multi-level marketing systems.

The same limits apply to authored programmes submitted for approval.

4. Certification and assessment

Certification is the final module of each level and lasts two days.

Eligibility

A candidate may sit certification if they have no more than two days of unmade-up absence, have settled all obligations towards the programme organiser, and have completed any further requirements set by the trainer, such as reports or assignments.

Day one: written examination

A comprehensive three-hour written test covering the topics of every module, marked by the trainer. Results fall into four bands:

Result	Share of available points
Re-sit required	0–60%
Low pass	61–70%
Pass	71–90%
High pass	91–100%

Day two: practical case analysis

1. At least ten days before certification, the group sends the lead trainer a chronological list of the situations it considers most important from the course.
2. The lead trainer assigns one situation to each candidate, with guidance on how to analyse it.
3. Candidates present their analyses in chronological order. After each presentation the whole group contributes its view, and the lead trainer and assistant trainers give theirs.

The practical part is not graded, but active participation is required.

Pass requirements and signatures

A candidate passes with at least 61% in the written examination and active participation in the practical part. A second trainer who is an active member of the Association attends every certification and co-signs each certificate issued, confirming that the certification met the Association’s standard. Every certificate receives a unique number and is entered in the public registry.

5. Trainers and assistant trainers

• A certified trainer may deliver the Practitioner level immediately after certification.
• The Master level may be delivered after the trainer has certified five Practitioner groups of at least six participants, assisted on a Master programme and completed a short mentoring programme.
• Trainers do not run the certification programmes of other associations in the same field.
• Authored programmes outside the standard curriculum require the Association’s approval. The trainer submits the plan, programme and materials and receives an answer within 15 days.
• Standard programmes are delivered only in cooperation with other members of the Association. Non-members may take part in approved authored programmes once the Association has been informed about them.

Assistant trainers

Assistant trainers support the lead trainer in running the group. Each follows four participants through the programme and writes a structured report on each after every module, keeps attendance, leads the practice sessions and answers participants’ questions about the material. Assistant trainers keep strict confidentiality, maintain professional boundaries with participants and do not enter private relationships with them for the duration of the programme.

6. Quality assurance and complaints

Participants and members of the public can raise a concern about a trainer’s work through the contact form, selecting Ethics concern or complaint.

• Every complaint is considered by the Board of Directors, which may also act on irregularities identified without a complaint.
• The Board may invite the trainer concerned to provide further information.
• Depending on its findings, the Board may issue a warning, require additional training, or suspend or exclude the trainer from the Association, temporarily or permanently.
• In any incident that threatens the health or safety of a participant, the trainer immediately contacts the relevant emergency services and informs the Association.

These standards summarise the rules adopted by the Association’s governing bodies. They sit alongside the Code of Ethics, which binds every member.