Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) empowers our intelligence to assess, amend and capitalise on complex thought processes and behaviours. Read on to discover how long it takes to become an NLP practitioner and what’s involved.
NLP is an innovative subject proving to be an effective method for supplying personal and professional development. The essence of NLP is founded on defining and identifying thought patterns and behaviours in successful individuals. These qualities are then taught to others.
First developed in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, NLP involves applying conscious, behavioural, and interactive techniques to enable people to adapt their mentality and behaviour.
NLP is a dynamic speciality, helping people suffering from various disorders such as phobias and anxieties. It can also be applied to improving individual performances in the workplace and overall personal happiness.
In this article, we explore the journey involved in becoming an NLP practitioner and how long the process takes.
How to Become a Certified NLP Practitioner?
Qualifying as an NLP Practitioner demands a thorough and rigorous study process through an NLP practitioner training course. There are many NLP courses available online from different psychological institutions, offering various levels of qualification. Typically, these qualifications include:
- Introductory level
- Diploma/Foundation
- Practitioner
- Master Practitioner
- Trainer
- Master Trainer
There are many benefits involved in NLP study, from personal development to professional career progression. Learning and teaching NLP can hugely benefit you and those around you.
The Benefits of NLP
- Clear direction, purpose, and principles
- Counteract doubt/reinstalling belief
- Managing difficult situations/people
- Becoming a better leader and coach
- Developing problem-solving solutions
- Improving confidence, opportunities, and freedom of choice
- Breaking bad habits
- Enhancing communication skills
- Reducing stress and tiredness with energy and happiness
All these advantages can be applied on a personal and professional level. Learnt, and then taught.
What is an NLP Practitioner Course?
There are a few stages before you become a qualified NLP practitioner. Like with all things worthwhile, it takes time, effort, and endeavour. As they say, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
Introduction
Firstly, to establish a clear sense and comprehension of NLP, you’ll need to begin with a comprehensive introductory course. This will teach you the NLP basics, covering the development of the subject and offering an overview of the most important models and concepts.
A solid introduction will help you clearly understand how human beings function and the methods we can apply to encourage positive changes. If you wish to empower your mentality, behaviour, and emotions to create better choices, then an introduction to NLP is the place to start.
Discover how NLP can improve your communication and relationships alongside developing fresh capabilities in your thinking.
Foundation Diploma
After establishing a clear understanding of NLP, you’ll know for sure if you want to continue in the discipline. This next step normally involves people with ambitions to become personal/life/career coaches. Reaching this next stage involves completing a foundation diploma.
Unlike the introductory course, the NLP foundation diploma is a practical course, requiring students to display a range of NLP methods and techniques.
You’ll discover the NLP communication model, revealing how subconscious language choices shape people’s reality. This fascinating feature comes before how we ‘code’ our experiences and establish a philosophy for success.
The second stage of the NLP qualification will provide you with the ideal set of tools to become a practising life coach.
NLP Practitioner
The third and final stage in becoming an NLP practitioner involves completing the NLP Practitioner course. This seal of excellence will reward you with a professional coaching qualification. Depending on the programme you study, the NLP Practitioner qualification will involve varying assessment requirements.
These assessments will include written and practical skills such as case studies, written knowledge, and practical demonstrations.
On completion, you’ll gain an internationally recognised professional qualification and become a highly resourceful coach. You can then begin to apply your expert NLP knowledge to help others. If you wish to become a life coach, then this qualification is essential for gaining trust and authority in the industry.
NLP Master Practitioner
If you want to enhance, evolve, and expand your capabilities in NLP even further, then an NLP Master Practitioner course is the final step to becoming completely certified.
Typically, as with any master’s qualification, the emphasis moves away from simply following procedures. Instead, it’s a case of designing your own purposeful action and innovative ways of working. This independence should be inspired by your specialist experience from previous NLP learning. To be a master, you must take the wheel and prove why you’re an expert in the field.
A key part of the NLP Master Practitioner courses is the expert understanding and application of Meta programmes. Meta programmes help us understand people more efficiently in how we guide, manage and direct experiences. Examples of Meta programmes include Psychometric profiling, frame of reference, self or other, match or mismatch etc.
How Long Does It Take to Become an NLP Practitioner?
The average time it takes to become a professional NLP practitioner is around 20-30 days of training. Although, these sessions will take place over an extended period, with thorough research and practice in between. Either way, you’ll have to demonstrate written and practical levels of credibility which takes time and preparation.
For the NLP practitioner course, you’re looking at 2 weeks’ worth of training days. This is after your foundation diploma and introductory course, so you’re looking at 6 – 9 months minimum.
If you’re to include the NLP Master qualification, then the process will expand over a one to two-year time frame. It’s best to make the most of each course and not rush through. Think tortoise, not hare with this one.
Find the Right Neuro-Linguistic Programming Courses for You
With so many different NLP course providers online, it’s not always easy to know which ones to trust. Firstly, you should guarantee your course is approved by a governing body. It’s also important to assess reviews or ask former students about their experience.
Lastly, clearly define your goals. What are you wanting from this NLP course? Are you curious? Or are you serious about a career in life coaching? These are important details to consider before committing to an NLP course.
The UK College of Personal Development provides each stage of NLP Practitioner courses and training with specific life coaching courses and qualifications attached.
Our NLP courses are award-winning, CPD accredited, along with the Association for Coaching (AC) and Association for NLP (ANLP). Both institutions are professional bodies for coaching NLP in the UK.
Our NLP courses include:
NLP: An Introduction – A Self Study Online Course
This course includes a comprehensive course introduction, five main modules and bonus material. If you’re ready to begin your NLP journey, this is the programme for you.
Foundation Diploma in NLP & Life Coaching – Live Online
This neuro-linguistic programming course includes a mix of both live and recorded training with a dynamic course structure. Learn the essential NLP knowledge along with personal coaching skills. All students who complete the course become members of the UK College of Personal Development (Level 3 professional qualification).
NLP Practitioner & Coach Certification – Live – Interactive – Online
This unique NLP Practitioner & Coaching Certification training programme is fully accredited by the Association for NLP and the Association for Coaching. Once registered, all graduates will receive one year’s Membership of the Association For NLP, and Student Membership of the Association for Coaching.
On successful completion of the course, each graduate will have gained professional qualification as an NLP practitioner, with superior knowledge of personal coaching. Those who are serious about developing their NLP expertise into a career will be invited to join our “Be Inspired Group“.
NLP Master Practitioner & Coaching Diploma
Become exposed to world-class training, introducing you to the latest trends in NLP. Gain access to innovative applications in coaching as well as profound personal and professional development methods and models.
Completing the course assessments will give graduates the “Diploma in Business Performance & Life Coaching“, along with the NLP Master Practitioner certification. This programme of studies includes the “ADCT” coaching qualification, one of the most senior Coaching Qualifications available from the UK Professional Coaching Body, the AFC.
A note for prerequisites:
Anyone wishing to register for this programme will have completed a recognised NLP Practitioner training. For the Coaching Diploma ADCT, you must have as a minimum, ACCT or equivalent qualification.
So, what are you waiting for? Fulfil your life coaching career goals by discovering the power of NLP today.
For more information on how to become an NLP practitioner, get in touch with UKCPD.
