CERTIFICATION TRAINING

PAIRS Professional Training

Updated June 2025

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.

Key definitions:

PAIRS Trainer: Individual who has completed PAIRS Level One training or equivilent with a PAIRS Master Trainer, been recommended by that Master Trainer for licensure, and has entered into a licensing agreement with PAIRS Foundation.

PAIRS Master Trainer: Individual who has met the requirements for PAIRS Trainer AND has received positive feedback from at least 100 PAIRS course participants which have been reviewed by PAIRS Foundation, completed 20 hours of self-paced learning of advanced PAIRS concepts and materials, completed 12 hours of advanced training with a PAIRS Master Trainer, received a recommendation from that Master Trainer for licensure as a Master Trainer, and entered into a licensing agreement with PAIRS Foundation.

Steps to Become a PAIRS Trainer (Level One)



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.
7. Tuition and Licensing Fee:
8. Certification Tuition: $2,500, which includes all training materials and resources necessary for the course.
9. Annual Licensing Fee: $100 per year to maintain PAIRS Trainer certification. This fee is waived for VA staff teaching exclusively within VA facilities.

To Maintain Your PAIRS License:

Submit your annual report, renewal form, and annual licensing fee. to PAIRS by September 30th of each year. Licensing fees are waived for VA staff teaching exclusively within VA facilities.

Advancing to PAIRS Master Trainer

Once a facilitator has gained significant experience delivering PAIRS programs (positive written evaluations from at least 100 course participants reviewed by PAIRS Foundation), they may wish to advance their credentialing to become a PAIRS Master Trainer. 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 Trainers can deliver PAIRS programs in their communities, train new facilitators, and recommend people 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 Trainer certification. This fee is waived for VA staff teaching exclusively within VA facilities.