The guidelines for becoming an MBTI® Certified Practitioner are based on those of the American Psychological Association (APA) concerning the distribution of psychological instruments. This means materials necessary to administer these instruments are restricted, and in order to purchase and use them, you must meet one of the following basic requirements:

1. successful completion of a recognized certification program (which provides training in the theory and use of the MBTI instrument) and passing the common exams. OR
2. educational eligibility: having a master’s degree or higher in psychology, counseling, organizational development, or a related field.

Please note that if you meet the Educational Eligibility requirement, you will be able to purchase and administer instruments but you will not be considered a certified practitioner. Only those practitioners who attend and successfully complete a certification program for an instrument will be granted the Certified Practitioner designation for that instrument.

Individual or group feedback is an important part of administering the Indicator. The MBTI results are delivered as part of an explanation and dialogue facilitated by a trained practitioner. The certification program covers information about type theory and terminology, type dynamics and development, guidelines for administration and interpretation, the ethical guidelines, and hands-on delivery information. This training enhances a professional’s ability to do the following:

• Provide in-depth perspective on the theory of psychological type and correct misunderstanding of terms and meanings.
• Help a respondent assess whether the results are accurate in his or her eyes and clear up this ambiguity to help a respondent reach a best-fit type.
• Tailor the explanation of type to the unique situation of the individual or group, helping people see how type plays out in their lives and workplace and how it may be best used (and not used) in specific circumstances.
• Interpret the four-letter type code using type dynamics to explain the overall patterns rather than just presenting a list of preferences.

The MBTI instrument is unique in many ways and is difficult to interpret effectively based only on experience with other instruments. We therefore urge even those who qualify by virtue of their education to attend an certification program. Many professionals find the in-depth exploration of the Indicator applications and interpretations a stimulating and enriching enhancement to their knowledge base.

For a list of providers of the MBTI® Certification Program authorized by CPP, Inc., publisher of the Indicator go to www.cpp.com