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As you approach choosing an NLP training provider, you know your time constraints, budget, work and domestic circumstances. However, you may not be aware of the range of variables on offer within the NLP training community.

This page offers you information about the types of provision currently available, to help to inform your decision making process.

PS. Trust your waters as well!

NLP Training Credentials

• Find out when the trainer(s) first started on their NLP training. Who did they learn from? Who certificated the Trainers? What training have they been currently undergoing themselves? What research or study are they doing? What have they published?
• And find out also what their policy is regarding the selection and use of Course Assistants. What is the level of their NLP experience? What support and management is given to them? What will be their involvement in the learning process?
• Ideally the best trainer is the one who:
  • has learnt directly from the major original developers of NLP
  • has a history of being a trainer
  • continues to be involved in his or her specialist area - eg health, education etc
  • keeps abreast of new developments
  • updates own knowledge and skills
  • revisits past learning

Structure

The Professional Guild of NLP requires its members to provide 120 hours trainer contact. Since NLP is primarily about developing skill in using the methods and techniques of NLP, the more direct training contact hours you can get for your money, the better.

Some providers reduce that time by providing audio and visual materials. These programmes may work for those people who are comfortable about learning on their own.

These 120 hours can be packaged in a variety of ways, each with their own additional cost considerations (see costs):

10 x 2 day weekends
5 x 4 day 'weekends'
3-4 week residential blocks

The longer the programme, the more time you have to absorb and apply your learning. At the same time, condensed exposure can intensify your awareness and intake level. Giving up weekends over a long period of time may become frustrating and restricting as you try to balance conflicting demands on your time and presence.

Group Size

Some groups can be over 100, others as few as 4. Both extremes suffer from their disadvantages. If the group size is large - make sure you find out what the ratio of course assistant : participant is. Ideally it should be no more than 1: 6.

You need to consider:

• How much contact will you get directly with the trainers themselves? The larger the group the less direct contact you will get. You will have greater reliance on the assistants for your coaching and receiving of constructive feedback on your progress.
• How comfortable do you feel amongst small or large groups? Large groups may intimidate or give you a sense of security in anonymity. Smaller groups can be more intimate and generate a more immediate sense of community.
• How much do you want to stretch yourself? In a large group, there will be a wider selection of people you find easy to work with. Small groups give you more opportunity to test your developing skill levels, since it becomes harder to body swerve people you find challenging.
• How much do you want to feel that your skills and knowledge have been rigorously monitored and assessed? Again the larger the group, the greater the likelihood that limited performance can slip through the net.

Resources

• What materials are provided with the programme package? What has been the source of these materials?
• What additional learning resources are also included?
• How will the training be offered? What variety will be available?
• What unique features does the training include? Different schools place emphasis in different areas.
• Some may include, for example: the use of video, outdoor activity, use of models of excellence, guest speakers and trainers

Costs

Generally speaking, NLP training is not cheap. The prices for Practitioner Training can vary from the throw-away offer of £900 through to £2500. Out of London providers tend to offer lower rates.

What are they offering for the course fee? At an absolute minimum, you would expect to receive a training manual. You would expect to receive light refreshments to suit all tastes - decaffeinated teas and coffees, soft drinks, possibly fruit as well as biscuits. Check out if anything else is on offer (see Resources)

You need also to take into consideration your travelling and accommodation costs. Sometimes you may find that it is cheaper to attend an international residential, than a London provider.

You may want to check out if your employer would support your learning through meeting the fees partially or wholly.