Since my introduction to NLP in the 1990s, one of the most commonly asked questions from seminar delegates and on newsgroups, has been about how to choose NLP certificated training. I deliberately confine this article to certificated NLP practitioner and Master Practitioner trainings, rather than general introductions to the field of NLP. I have listed below some of the questions most asked by members of the public in respect to certificated trainings.

The 7 questions you need to ask before attending any NLP Training and how to avoid

Q Why attend a certificated NLP training and what should I expect?

A If your primary reason for attending a 7-day seminar or 20-day seminar is that the subsequent learning’s will immediately equip you to become a skilled therapist, my advice is to think again! A good friend once told me that at the start of one NLP Prac seminar the presenters made the point that the NLP Prac certificate was not a psychological qualification to practice medicine and a noticeable sigh echoed from a large section of the audience…NLP trainings attract people from a wide spectrum of society, which is one of the reasons why seminars can be so interesting! My personal experience was that the Practitioner seminar gave me access to a whole range of different tools that helped in all areas of life. It’s also worth talking to people who have already attended the seminar you may be interested in. NLP Newsgroups used to offer a wealth of information and feedback on NLP but have become more focussed on selling courses, so I no longer recommend them as a good source of information on the field

Q How do I choose whom to train with?

A If possible, see if you can attend an introductory event by the trainer who will be running the certificated seminar. If this is not possible then video or audio footage will give you some indication of the training style you can expect. Ideally talk to or even better meet te trainers bebore parting with any money. Also be mindful of really exaggerated claims for attending events and be aware that certificated courses are not the best places to seek “therapeutic help” but rather places to learn NLP skills.

Q Can a seven-day NLP practitioner training provide the same quality for delegates as a twenty-day practitioner training?

A In the 1970s, the NLP practitioner trainings had to conform to a 120-hour or 20-day stipulation, to be considered valid by the relevant authorities. In recent times there are opportunities to attend 7 day accelerated trainings and Dr. Bandler has consistently taught in this format for a number of years.

When some trainers insist that an NLP practitioner seminar cannot be taught in less than 20 days, I suggest that what they are stating is that; “they personally do not believe that they can teach an NLP Practitioner seminar in this timeframe” However both a 7 day and 20 day event are only really introductions to NLP and “certifications” should not in my view be confused with “qualifications” Any “certification” is only recognised by those who issued it and be mindful of signing any licence agreements which may limit your ability to use these skills in some contexts.

The quality of the training inevitably depends upon the skill of the trainer and the awareness of the delegate. My own view is that a skilled presenter can deliver an NLP Prac seminar successfully and comprehensively in seven days. However its essential that having completed the intensive training, the delegate then has sufficient “fly time” in practising these newly acquired skills! There are also companies now offering a modular approach to certificated trainings, so delegates can have a greater degree of flexibility in planning their training options. I have never found learning and understanding capability to be solely a time-based phenomenon! Inevitably, there will be excellent and poor quality trainings regardless of the format. Similarly, I have encountered some delegates who have NLP training certificates who in my opinion are devoid of demonstrable skills, while I have also met NLP Practitioners who have great insight and vision when working with others! Some people collect certificates like stamps, while for others even the briefest exposure to the NLP toolbox provides them with the skill and motivation to achieve what they never previously considered possible!

Q Does the size of the seminar directly affect the quality of the training delivered?

A In recent times some certificated trainings have had groups of up to 600 delegates at any one time! With these larger seminars, a great deal depends on not only the skill of the main trainers, but also crucially the quality and experience of the assisting team. Over the years, I have seen seminars with large numbers of delegates run perfectly well, providing the correct organisation is in place. I have also had the misfortune to attend other events where the assistants were not particularly skilled and the organisational side was not properly in place, causing all manner of problems and complaints from seminar delegates! After witnessing countless seminars up close as well as teaching certificated events in NLP my personal view is that workshops that keep the group size to 30 or less are the best learning environments for exploring the world of NLP.

Q Is a training certificate a certificate determining a skill level or merely an acknowledgement of attending the seminar?

A Different training companies take different views on this! Over the years, I have come across a range of people, who could boast all manner of qualifications, but could not use the tools in live situations with clients. Of course, this presupposes that delegates attending the seminars want to use the skills when working with others! My personal view is that if the certificate presented to the delegate at the end of the training is one suggesting competence to “practice NLP”, then the NLP practitioner should be able to demonstrate what they have learned prior to receiving the award. If the certificate is simply one of attendance, then it should state this, to avoid any misunderstanding.

Q What should I expect to pay for a practitioner or master practitioner certificated training?

A Typically, an NLP Practitioner seminar in the UK can cost anything from £900 and Master Practitioner seminar can anything cost from £1300. Remember to check if the price quoted includes the actual certificate, or this is an additional cost…

Other useful considerations

Before you choose a seminar check which trainers will be presenting the event and what proportion of the training, they will personally be involved in delivering.

Consider the location of the training and the additional cost involved in accommodation. For example, extended periods of staying in some cities can prove to be quite expensive. Remember that the suitability of the venue can also make a massive difference to the delegate’s experience of the seminar. If the seminar room is too small or poorly ventilated, this will adversely affect the learning experience.

What additional support does the training company offer, once the seminar has concluded? ie web based interactions, practise group opportunities, regular newsletters, discounts on products.

How well do those promoting the training demonstrate their own awareness of NLP in their communications? I heard of one company that once lost a booking for a number of places on a seminar worth thousands of pounds, simply because the office dealing with the administration consistently failed to respond to enquiries!

Watch out for training companies that do not openly reveal pricing up front, but instead seek to gather marketing information from enquirers!