The competence to teach and certify others, independent of methodology, defined across three levels: Associate Trainer, Trainer and Master Trainer.
Purpose
This standard defines the competencies required to train, assess and develop others, independent of methodology. It sits alongside the methodology standards: a practitioner demonstrates competence in a methodology; a trainer demonstrates competence in teaching and assessing it.
Scope
It applies to members who train and certify others, and to accredited Train-the-Trainer programs. The training ladder has three levels: Associate Trainer, Trainer and Master Trainer.
The three-level structure
The progression at a glance.
AT
Associate Trainer
Co-delivers
TR
Trainer
Designs & certifies
MTR
Master Trainer
Trains trainers
Level standards
What competence looks like at each level.
AT
Associate Trainer
Co-delivers and supports training under the direction of a Trainer.
Entry
A practitioner credential in the methodology to be trained.
Indicative training
60 hours, with co-delivery
Supervised practice
Supervised co-delivery
Assessment
Supervised co-delivery of a program, evaluated by a Trainer or Master Trainer.
Competencies
Apply adult-learning principles
Deliver prepared content with confidence
Give clear, developmental feedback
Co-deliver under the direction of a Trainer
Design sessions and exercises to clear objectives
Manage a learning group and its energy
Assess straightforward learner demonstrations
Underpinning knowledge
Adult learning and learning objectives
Safety, inclusion and group care
Basic assessment
TR
Trainer
Independently designs, delivers, assesses and certifies practitioner-level training.
Entry
Associate Trainer, or equivalent co-delivery experience.
Indicative training
120 hours, plus 15 hours supervision and independent delivery
Supervised practice
Independent delivery
Assessment
Independently assessed delivery of a full program against training criteria.
Competencies
Design full curricula with objectives and assessment
Demonstrate and model skills to a high standard
Assess learners fairly against criteria
Certify learners at practitioner levels within their methodology
Deliver with strong platform and facilitation skills
Manage group dynamics and learner states
Design for accessibility and reasonable adjustment
Underpinning knowledge
Instructional design
The trainer's ethical and legal duties
Assessment validity and fairness
MTR
Master Trainer
Trains, assesses and certifies Trainers and quality-assures programmes.
Entry
A Trainer credential with a documented training record.
Indicative training
5+ years as a Trainer; delivered programs; trained trainers
Supervised practice
Documented record
Assessment
Board and peer review of training record, moderation and contribution.
Competencies
Design and deliver Train-the-Trainer programs
Author and quality-assure curricula
Moderate assessment across trainers for consistency
Contribute to the field
Assess and certify Trainers
Mentor and supervise trainers
Uphold and develop the training standard
Underpinning knowledge
Standards governance
Programme accreditation criteria
Trainer assessment and moderation
Indicative requirements for guidance. Exact requirements are confirmed by the certifying institute and the IAPCCT Standards Framework.
Ethics & scope
Practised within the Principles.
Trainers hold a duty of care to learners, design for accessibility and inclusion, assess fairly against defined criteria, and represent their own and their learners’ qualifications accurately.
Last updated on March 31, 2026
Become a trainer.
Train the Trainer sits alongside every methodology standard.
