NLP Training Curriculum Standards and Certification Boards. Whose in CHARGE around here, anyway?
From time to time questions come my way about NLP and various organizations that promote NLP training standards, curriculum and certification requirements. In response, here are my NLP training standards FAQ.
Is your NLP certification good anywhere?
Yes. For people who wish to get continuing education, our program is often accepted for CEU purposes. For those who wish to practice as a life coach or NLP coach, the iNLP certification is an excellent credential. No NLP certification in the world is regulated by any government body, however, so be sure to comply with your state’s laws for operating as a consultant, therapist or life coach – or in any capacity for that matter.
For those who wish to continue to the NLP Master Practitioner level of certification, the iNLP Practitioner Certification is a great place to begin and should be accepted by any organization world-wide. You may also continue your iNLP training by moving on to our own NLP Master Practitioner and NLP Trainer courses. These courses are customized to your unique goals and are simply the best NLP training in the world.
Who owns NLP?
No one person in the world owns the rights to NLP. NLP is an unregulated specialty field. Think of NLP like the field of “business”. The name “business” and the field of business are in the public domain. Anyone can enter the field, get training and call herself a businessperson.
No certifying body has control over the field of business. No government authority has requirements that stop anyone from calling herself a practitioner of business. NLP is the same way. No one owns the field of NLP and anyone can call herself a practitioner with or without formal NLP training.
What about the various training standards organizations?
There are dozens of training standards organizations and certification boards that have attempted to establish their authority over the field of NLP. The prospective NLP student should understand that all of these organizations are private (usually for profit) organizations. Typically, they are founded by NLP trainers who want to promote their NLP training curriculum and desire to appear more credible.
Is the term NLP Practitioner legitimate?
Yes. It is a legitimate title insofar as the field of NLP has been well established and branded as a viable personal development model. However, becoming an NLP practitioner does not grant anyone the legal right to perform any particular services.
Why get certified?
For one reason: To learn skills. This is what NLP is all about. NLP skills will greatly advance your efforts in your career- no matter which career you are pursuing. This is the blessing of the lack of regulation. NLP training doesn’t offer legal authority, college diplomas or government license. What you get from NLP training is growth and skill… pure and simple. It’s beautiful!
Are NLP trainers who are affiliated with certification boards better?
No. An NLP trainer is only as good as his NLP skill and experience. You should evaluate his merit based on your experience of the trainer, not his “credentials”.
Are NLP standards organizations scams?
Some are, in my opinion. If I, as an NLP trainer, start a training standards organization that happens to endorse my own training and that of a few affiliates (who pay me), then I have a business, not an independent, credible regulatory body.
Many NLP standards organizations are not scams. They are simply attempting to supply standards to an unregulated field. This regulation, however, misses the point. It may guarantee that certain curriculum requirements are met (however, no real oversight ever takes place), but it cannot guarantee the quality of NLP training, which is a direct reflection of the commitment of the student and mastery of the trainer.
How do I choose an NLP training?
Interview the trainer and take some introductory courses from him or her. There is simply no substitute for this. The trainer will either demonstrate his skill and impress you, or not. Don’t think there is magic in NLP techniques and curriculum or more prestige in affiliating with one NLP organization over another. NLP is a set of skills. If you master the skills, you will have huge advantages in life. You get the skills through your learning relationship with the NLP trainer.
What are YOUR credentials, Mike?
Certified NLP Practitioner (1991)
Western States Training in Salt Lake City
Certifying Trainers: Tim Hallbom, Suzi Smith and Michael Grinder
Certified NLP Master Practitioner (1993)
NLP Santa Fe
Certifying Trainers: Jake Eagle and Nelson Zink
Certified NLP Trainer (1994)
NLP Santa Fe
Certifying Trainer: Jake Eagle
INA Fellow Trainer (2008)
International Association of NLP
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Retired)
#1402
New Mexico, USA