CERTIFICATION TRAINING

PAIRS Professional Training

Updated December 2024

This structured pathway for licensing and advancement ensures that PAIRS facilitators and coaches are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Steps to Become a PAIRS Licensed Professional

1. Complete the PAIRS Essentials Class: Begin by successfully completing the PAIRS Essentials program, led by a certified PAIRS Trainer. This foundational course introduces the essential skills for strengthening relationships.
2. Review Essentials Summary Videos: Watch and familiarize yourself with the summary videos that reinforce the core principles and methodologies of PAIRS Essentials.
3. Study the Curriculum Guide: Deepen your understanding by thoroughly reviewing the PAIRS Essentials Curriculum Guide, including its exercises, tools, and facilitation techniques.
4. Pass the PAIRS Essentials Knowledge Assessment: Successfully complete the knowledge assessment with a score of 80% or better, demonstrating your mastery of the material.
5. Teach-Back Session: Schedule and conduct a 15–20 minute teach-back session, where you present a segment of the curriculum to a certified PAIRS Trainer. This step demonstrates your ability to effectively deliver the content.
6. Execute Ethical Standards and Licensing Agreements: Finalize your commitment to the PAIRS ethical guidelines and licensing agreements, ensuring alignment with PAIRS professional standards.

To Maintain Your PAIRS License:

• Submit your annual report, renewal form, and annual licensing fee to PAIRS by September 30th of each year.

Advancing to PAIRS Master Teacher

Once a facilitator has gained significant experience delivering PAIRS programs, they may wish to advance their credentialing to become a PAIRS Master Teacher. This advanced certification enables facilitators to expand their roles and responsibilities, including the ability to train new facilitators and lead train-the-trainer program

Advanced Certification Process:

1. Eligibility:
2. Candidates must have a proven track record of effectively facilitating PAIRS Essentials or other PAIRS programs.
   
3. Advanced Training:
4. Self-Paced Learning: 20 hours of online learning that covers material from the full PAIRS Mastery Program, deepening curriculum knowledge.
5. Virtual Facilitator-Led Training: 12 hours of training with a National PAIRS Trainer for experiential learning, and to refine facilitation and training skills.
   
6. Assessment:
7. A follow-up knowledge assessment requires a minimum score of 80% to qualify for the advanced certification.
   
8. Certification as PAIRS Master Teacher:
9. Once certified, PAIRS Master Teachers can deliver PAIRS programs in their communities, train new facilitators, and recommend them for licensure by the PAIRS Foundation.
   
10. Tuition and Licensing Fee:
11. Advanced Certification Tuition: $2,500, which includes all training materials and resources necessary for the course.
12. Annual Licensing Fee: $250 per year to maintain PAIRS Master Teacher certification. This fee is waived for VA staff teaching exclusively within VA facilities.

Alternative Certification: PAIRS Leaders

For facilitators who may not yet meet the experience requirement for Master Teacher certification, PAIRS offers an alternative certification as PAIRS Leaders:

• PAIRS Leaders: An advanced certification beyond PAIRS Essentials or W2SM facilitator that represents a deep knowledge of the full PAIRS curriculum. While not authorized to train other facilitators, PAIRS Leaders are qualified to deliver PAIRS programs within their communities.