TWI Certification

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• How do I know if someone is a certified TWI Trainer?
• What organization is responsible for certifying TWI Trainers?

              Currently, there is no single organization in the United States that certifies TWI Trainers or Institute Conductors (Master Trainers). A group of people with a strong interest in TWI assembled in September 2006 to discuss this point and could not quickly reach agreement on how to create a certifying body.  A committee was formed and they have not reported back to the original group.  Therefore, at this time the word “certified,” appearing before “TWI Trainer” has no meaning in the US.

              All of the original TWI material is in the public domain and available at the National Archives in Virginia.  The TWI Report and Training Manuals are generally available in libraries in major cities and universities.  Articles and books based on those materials are also available.  An intriguing part of TWI is that merely reading the manual will not make you a competent trainer.  People really must be shown how to deliver the material.

• How do I find a certified trainer and is it required that the trainer be certified?

              There are only a few external TWI Trainers in the US at this time.  Most of the TWI Trainers are internal trainers in that they only train employees in their own companies.  The best way to find a trainer is to ask, using the same methods you did to find this article.  Since there is no official certifying body, being “certified” has no meaning.  Therefore, the operative phrase is “let the buyer beware.”  Find out from the trainer’s previous clients the answers to questions such as:

1. Are your employees using the “J” program now?  How are you using it? (All employees who were trained should be fully committed to using the program.  )
2. Did the trainer train any employees to be coaches so the program could continue after he left? (Once the trainer leaves, participants will require additional coaching.) 
3. Did the trainer guide you to a follow-up plan? (A plan should be in place when the trainer leaves that will ensure the program continues.)
4. Are you benefiting from the training or can you see when you will?
5. Is upper management fully in favor of the program?
6. Were you generally satisfied with the trainer?  Did you have any complaints?

• How can I become a TWI Trainer?
• Does it make a difference if I’m an independent trainer or train only within my own company?

The requirements for becoming a TWI trainer will vary among those offering the service.  At Round Pond Consulting Services, the following is required to become a TWI Trainer:

1. Attend an initial 10-hour Training Program for the program in which you are interested.
2. Observe at least two additional sessions for that program (20 hours).
3. Study the manual and practice the delivery on your own until you think you are competent to deliver it.
4. Attend a 40-hour Train the Trainer session.
5. Deliver at least one 10-hour program under the observation of the person who delivered the TTT session.

              Note that it does not make a difference whether you are an external or an internal trainer.  The disadvantage of being an external trainer is that you must find an organization where you can find people to train for your training.

• How can I become an Institute Conductor (Master Trainer)?

              The process to become an Institute Conductor follows from that of becoming a trainer.  I would expect a trainer to have delivered at least 6-12 sessions before attempting to become an Institute Conductor.  An experienced trainer would then participate in at least two TTT sessions, assisting the Institute Conductor.  After that, the candidate would deliver a TTT session under the observation of the Institute Conductor.  The Institute Conductor will decide when the candidate is competent to proceed on his own. 

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