What is Train the Trainer?
Whether as a professional trainer or as part of another role, training others requires a specific set of skills and knowledge.
Train the Trainer courses are designed to equip participants with the necessary skills, knowledge, and competencies to deliver training to others in a meaningful and effective way.
Further Reading:
Our article, “What is Train the Trainer?” answers this question in more detail.
Why is Train the Trainer important?
In order to achieve the goal of your training session – providing your trainees with the required information or skills – it’s important to understand the principles of delivering training.
If you want to train others as a professional trainer, it is essential that you gain a full understanding of the training cycle and best practices for designing and delivering training programmes.
Further Reading:
We have two articles that can support further learning here:
What can you use Train the Trainer for?
One of the reasons that Train the Trainer is so widely sought after is that it is useful in a variety of roles and situations.
If you work as, or would like to work as a professional trainer full time, achieving some form of Train the Trainer qualification is essential.
If you need to train others as part of another role, a Train the Trainer course and certification can support you well here.
For example, if you conduct health and safety or new-employee initiation within your workplace, a Train the Trainer course can give you best practices.
What does Train the Trainer qualify you to do?
Train the Trainer is focused on giving you the skills you need to be able to train others.
You combine Train the Trainer with another subject in which you have experience, knowledge, and often a qualification.
A qualification in the other subject is not always necessary if you are training others as part of your primary role in work (e.g., training colleagues in the use of software, company policies etc.).
On the NFQ:
If you are Train the Trainer certified at QQI Level 6, you can train other subjects on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in which you have achieved a qualification at level 5 and below.
What qualifications do you need to be a Trainer?
The answer to this question depends on what and where you want to deliver training.
The reason that our QQI Level 6 Train the Trainer Courses constantly book out weeks in advance is that this is the certification widely required and recognised by employers and potential clients.
Our Advice:
We always recommend that you do some research in the area that you want to deliver training. Find out what is required and what skills, training, and certification can help you out.
What is Train the Trainer called now?
The old FETAC Train the Trainer course (code: E30179) was deactivated at the end of 2014.
It was replaced by 3 new, more in-depth QQI-certified options for training trainers:
QQI Training Delivery & Evaluation – code: 6N3326
This is what’s most often simply called “Train the Trainer” or the “New Train the Trainer”. It is the closest in format and content to the old FETAC Train the Trainer course.
QQI Training Needs Identification & Design – code: 6N3325
This course covers the first two stages of the training cycle: identifying training needs and designing engaging training sessions.
We run this course regularly throughout the year. It’s hugely beneficial for anyone who wants to train professionally or works in a HR or leadership role.
What is a Train the Trainer “Special Purpose Award”?
The QQI Special Purpose Award in Training and Development is the third offering in our Train the Trainer suite of programmes.
This QQI Special Purpose Award (code: 6S3372) has been gaining steadily in popularity over the past 3 years.
Many of our students opt for the Special Purpose Award as it gives them a comprehensive knowledge of the training cycle (important for all trainers) and a more robust certification.
When you complete both QQI Training Delivery and Evaluation and QQI Training Needs Identification & Design successfully, you will automatically achieve the QQI Special Purpose Award.
What level is Train the Trainer Course?
Our Train the Trainer courses are all at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Level 6 is the most widely available Train the Trainer award.
There are higher levels of qualification available in training and development. As these are generally a longer and more intensive investment, many potential trainers opt for a Level 6 Train the Trainer.
Achieving a Level 6 Train the Trainer will support you in building a professional training career.
Certified Train the Trainer candidates often, but not always choose to progress to a Level 7 or more lengthy qualification in time as part of their ongoing professional development.
What is a QQI Level 6 award?
A QQI Level 6 award sits on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
The NFQ is “A framework for the development, recognition and award of qualifications in Ireland” (source)
It serves as a central, transparent reference for all awards within training and education in Ireland incorporating:
- Junior Certificate
- Leaving Certificate
- 3rd level diplomas, degrees, and doctorates
- Further education, professional qualifications
Which Train the Trainer course is right for me?
This is a great question and one everyone should ask when setting out to achieve Train the Trainer certification. The answer will vary depending on your circumstances and goals.
The majority of our students begin with QQI Training Delivery & Evaluation as it covers the training delivery skills you need to begin immediately.
If you’re serious about becoming a trainer, considering the Special Purpose Award from the start is a wise choice.
There is no right or wrong answer here. However, chatting with one of our Train the Trainer experts can help you find the perfect fit for your training and certification.
You can call us directly at Freephone 1800 910 810 or use the buttons below to get in touch online.
How long does Train the Trainer take?
Training length varies between different providers. Here is a look at our programme lengths:
- Training Delivery & Evaluation: 4 Days
- Training Needs Identification & Design: 3 Days
- Special Purpose Award: 7 Days
A Flexible Approach:
We offer a completely flexible approach to achieving the Special Purpose Award. You can complete the two modules in whichever order suits you best and take a break of several months between modules.
How much does Train the Trainer cost?
Again, costs will vary between providers, usually affected by the training delivery style.
Our Train the Trainer courses are currently discounted as follows:
- Training Delivery & Evaluation: €545 (was €645 = saving of €100)
- Training Needs Identification & Design: €449 (was €599 = saving of 25%)
- Special Purpose Award: €994 (was €1,199 = saving of 24%)
No hidden extras:
QQI certification costs are always included in our course prices.
How can I become a certified trainer?
Achieving our Train the Trainer certifications follows a simple, 3-step process:
Step 1: Attend Training
Complete any of our Train the Trainer courses.
Our courses are delivered in a live virtual classroom format. This means that you can get a face-to-face, real-time classroom experience when connecting online.
You can take part in group discussions and activities, ask questions, and gain advice and feedback from your trainer.
Step 2: Self-Directed Learning and Assessment Work
Following training, there is a period of self-directed learning and assessment work.
Self-directed learning encompasses further reading, study, and research. During the course, your trainer will guide you on the best ways to structure your self-directed learning.
To achieve your certification, you must successfully complete the required assessment work.
You will have 8 weeks from the last day of your course to complete this assessment work. This links in with, and is supported by your self-directed learning.
Getting a Head Start:
On Training Delivery & Evaluation, your assessment work begins with a skills demonstration (a short training session delivery) on the last day of training.
This means that you will already have completed 40% of your assessment work before you leave the training room.
Supporting your Success
We will provide you with a detailed assessment brief to support your assessment work.
In addition, your trainer will go through the brief with you during the course to offer guidance on setting yourself up for assessment success.
Step 3: Grading and Certification
Once you have submitted your assessment work, it will go through a grading and verification process. This incorporates a number of checks to ensure grading has been fair and consistent.
Once this process is complete, you will receive your results and we will submit your results to QQI for certification.
Train the Trainer for groups and teams
In addition to our public courses, which are available for anyone to attend, we offer all Train the Trainer programmes for group and in-company bookings.
With in-company training, we deliver training exclusively to a group of participants from your organisation.
You choose the training dates and style. We can come to your location for in-person delivery or provide a live, online course.
Uncertified Options:
If you would like to train a group of trainers, but aren’t looking for certification, we’ve got you covered.
Our uncertified, Train the Trainer Foundation Course is a practical, 2-day workshop focused on providing your team with a strong foundation in training skills.
Get Tailored Advice
We have covered a lot of information here, but we know that often, the most useful advice comes from a 1-to-1 conversation that takes your personal goals into account.
You can reach our consultants by calling us at Freephone 1800 910 810 or asking us a question online.
We are ready to offer advice on your first steps towards becoming a trainer.
