Professional training and certification
Teach the skills that change lives.
Whether you're a coach, counselor, chaplain, educator or community leader, becoming a certified PAIRS facilitator equips you to deliver research-validated, experiential relationship education in your community, and to join a network built over decades.
Why become a PAIRS coach
A comprehensive approach that makes you a confident coach.
Certification signals to clients and organizations that you are a trusted expert in relationship skills education, backed by rigorous ethical and accreditation standards.
Impact lives with proven strategies
Research-validated, experiential techniques for emotional literacy, empathy, communication and conflict resolution.
Work with a recognized leader
PAIRS programs have been developed and refined over decades, inspired by pioneers in family therapy and relationship education.
Tailored learning for diverse needs
From brief workshops to semester-long courses, for individuals, couples, youth and workplaces.
Professional growth and credibility
PAIRS coaches are sought after for their expertise in facilitating healthy, thriving relationships.
Comprehensive resources
The Daily Temperature Reading, Emotional Jug and frameworks for every stage of relationship development.
Part of a global mission
Your work supports families in creating resilient bonds that ripple outward to schools, workplaces and beyond.
Steps to become a PAIRS Trainer (Level One)
Ten steps to a lasting impact.
A PAIRS Trainer has completed Level One training with a PAIRS Master Trainer, been recommended for licensure and entered into a licensing agreement with PAIRS Foundation. Pathway updated June 2025.
Complete PAIRS Essentials with a Master Trainer
Experience the course firsthand in a workshop led by a certified PAIRS Master Trainer. Pay the $1,250 certification fee.
Watch the PAIRS Essentials training videos online
Access the official PAIRS video library for facilitator training and gain insight into delivering key tools and exercises with confidence.
Review the curriculum guide
Familiarize yourself with the session-by-session structure, learning objectives and delivery strategies for PAIRS Essentials or Warrior to Soul Mate.
Review the presentation deck
Study the visual teaching aids that support participant learning and guide your presentation of core PAIRS concepts.
Teach back to a PAIRS Master Trainer
Demonstrate your facilitation skills by teaching a segment of the curriculum to a Master Trainer for feedback and approval.
Teach PAIRS workshops in your community
Begin delivering PAIRS Essentials or Warrior to Soul Mate workshops to individuals, couples or groups.
Submit participant feedback forms
Send completed participant evaluations to PAIRS Foundation. A Master Trainer reviews them and follows up to support your development.
Continue teaching
Expand your impact by leading additional workshops and integrating PAIRS tools into your work with families, veterans, students and more.
Submit an annual report
Each year, provide a brief one-page summary of your facilitation activities to remain in good standing.
Consider advanced training
Deepen your knowledge and expand your credentials through PAIRS Advanced Training, including Mastery, Passion or certification to train others.
Advancing to PAIRS Master Trainer
Train the trainers.
Once a facilitator has gained significant experience, with positive written evaluations from at least 100 course participants reviewed by PAIRS Foundation, they may advance to Master Trainer. This certification enables you to train new facilitators, lead train-the-trainer programs and recommend people for licensure.
Tuition and licensing
$2,500 advanced certification tuition includes all training materials and resources. The $250 annual licensing fee maintains Master Trainer certification and is waived for VA staff teaching exclusively within VA facilities.
Eligibility
A proven track record of effectively facilitating PAIRS Essentials or other PAIRS programs.
Self-paced learning: 20 hours
Online learning covering material from the full PAIRS Mastery Program, deepening curriculum knowledge.
Virtual facilitator-led training: 12 hours
Experiential training with a National PAIRS Trainer to refine facilitation and training skills.
Assessment
A follow-up knowledge assessment requires a minimum score of 80% to qualify.
Certification as PAIRS Master Trainer
Deliver PAIRS programs, train new facilitators and recommend people for licensure by PAIRS Foundation.
Bringing PAIRS to your organization?
PAIRS Foundation customizes courses for agencies, faith communities, VA facilities, universities and employers, and offers organizational licenses so your staff can teach PAIRS locally. Let's talk about your goals.