Training & Certification for Leaders/Trainers

To ensure the highest level of program fidelity and facilitator confidence, Active Parenting offers comprehensive training for all parent educators. Attending a Leader Training Workshop (LTW) provides you with an in-depth understanding of the curriculum, interactive facilitation techniques, and the professional credentials necessary to be recognized as a Certified Active Parenting Leader. The next step to expand your reach is to become a Certified Active Parenting Trainer, qualified to teach our Leader Training Workshops to next generation of Leaders. Whether you are a solo practitioner or part of a large agency, our training paths are designed to equip you with the tools to lead with authority and achieve measurable results.

Choosing Your Path: Leader or Trainer

Choose a Leader Training Workshop (LTW) if: Your primary goal is to work directly with parents and you are just beginning your journey with Active Parenting. The LTW is a prerequisite for the TOT. You must choose which program you would like to get certified to teach.
Choose the Training of Trainers (TOT) if: You are part of a large agency (like a school district or Head Start) that needs to train many staff members efficiently, maintain an in-house expert, and are already a Certified Leader.

The following chart clarifies the distinct outcomes and requirements for our two primary training tracks.

Comparison: Leader Training (LTW) vs. Trainer of Trainers (TOT)

Feature	Leader Training Workshop (LTW)	Training of Trainers (TOT)
Primary Goal	To facilitate parenting classes directly for parents and families.	To train other professionals (Leaders) to facilitate Active Parenting programs.
Target Audience	Social workers, teachers, counselors, and community volunteers.	Experienced Certified Leaders who want to build internal capacity for their agency.
Prerequisites	None; this is the entry-point for all facilitators.	LTW completion.
Certification Awarded	Certified Leader (for the specific program attended).	Certified Trainer (authorized to conduct LTWs for their organization).
Scope of Authority	Authorized to lead parent groups using Active Parenting curricula.	Authorized to train and onboard new Leaders both within and outside their organization. Trainers are permitted to charge fees for these external workshops.
Training Duration	Online - Part 1 only = 3 hours; FFY = 14 hours; AP4 = 30 hours.	Multi-day intensive session (offered in-person annually each July in Atlanta, or virtually via Zoom each fall).
CEUs Included	Yes (1 CE per hour of training).	Yes (1 CE per hour of training).

The Path to Leader Certification

Certification is the gold standard for Active Parenting facilitators. It validates your expertise to your organization, your funding source, your community, and the families you serve.

Step 1: Training – Complete a Leader Training Workshop via live webinar, private workshop, or our self-paced online course.
Step 2: Implementation – Facilitate a full parenting class using the official program kit and providing each participant with a Parent’s Guide.
Step 3: Validation – Submit your Leader Summary, Self-Evaluation, and Parent Evaluation forms to our Training Department for review.

Important Certification Policies:

Completion Timeline: Certification paperwork must be submitted within one year of your workshop attendance. Requests submitted after this period require a $49 reactivation fee.
Program-Specific Credential: Because each developmental stage requires unique expertise, certification is awarded for the specific program you were trained in (e.g., Active Parenting 4th Edition). Separate training is required for each curriculum.

Leader Training Workshop (LTW) Options

Choose the format that best fits your schedule and learning style. Both options provide the prerequisite hours needed for certification.

Comparison: Webinar Leader Training Workshop (WLTW) vs Online Leader Training Workshop (OLTW)

Feature	Webinar Leader Training Workshop (WLTW)	Online Leader Training Workshop/ Self-paced Study (OLTW)
Format	Live, internet-based class (Zoom) via your own computer	Comprehensive self-study class (video, reading, discussion)
Pace	Live, interactive, discussion	Self-paced (60-day access)
Trainer	Opportunity to interact with the trainer during the webinar	Guidance from Active Parenting staff; Discussion forum
Interaction	Opportunity to interact with the trainer during the webinar	Guidance from Active Parenting staff; Discussion forum
Duration	5-7 hours of instruction, depending on program	Part 1: 3 hours; Part 2 (AP4): 30 hours; Part 2 (FFY): 14 hours
Clock Hours	5-7 clock hours from NBCC; depending on program	Part 1: 3 clock hours; Part 2 (AP4): 30 clock hours; Part 2 (FFY): 14 clock hours
Access	Specific webinar time; usually starts at 10:00am EST	24/7 access to class for 60 days
Included Materials	Free Parent’s Guide or Teen’s Guide, Free Leader’s Guide	Digital Leader’s & Parent’s Guides (60 days), Digital Workbook (AP4 only, 60 days), Interactive Leader’s Guide eBook
Program Kits	Not included, sold separately. Registration includes 15% discount	Not included, sold separately. Registration includes 15% discount
Certification Packet	Yes. Sent after the webinar and evaluation submission.	Yes. Participant requests after workshop completion.
Registration	Register by website or phone	Two options: Part 1 & 2 together, or Part 1 alone; register by website or phone
Cost	$169 - $279 depending on program. Register 3, Get the 4th FREE	Option A (Part 1 & 2): $189.00; Option B (Part 1 only): $49.95. Register 3, Get the 4th FREE
Guarantee	Money-back guarantee. Check website for details	Money-back guarantee. Check website for details

What’s Included with Your Registration?

Professional Instruction: Expert guidance on facilitating group dynamics and masterfully using the video-based materials.
Continuing Education: Active Parenting is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP™). You earn 1 CE for every hour of training.
Curriculum Discount: Workshop participants are eligible for a 15% discount on the corresponding Program Kit (Streaming or Flash Drive) if purchased during registration.

Specialized Training Notices

Christian Active Parenting (CAP): Leaders interested in this faith-based program should attend the Active Parenting 4th Edition training. Once trained in the core 4th Edition principles, you can use the CAP-specific materials for your certification.
Active Parenting of Teens Revision: We are currently updating this program. While legacy training remains valid, we will offer Update Webinars at a 50% discount for previous attendees to cover new research and materials once the revision is complete.

Advanced Training: Training of Trainers (TOT)

For agencies looking to build sustainable in-house expertise, the Trainer of Trainers path certifies you to train other Leaders within your own organization.

Custom Workshops: We can bring a National Trainer directly to your location for a private, customized workshop tailored to your team's specific needs and schedule.
Training Guarantee: We stand behind the quality of our instruction with a money-back guarantee—check our website for full terms and conditions.

Training Guarantee, Policies, & Support

Training Guarantee We are confident in the quality of our professional development programs. If you are not satisfied for any reason, let us know and we’ll refund your fee. See below for terms of this guarantee:

LTW / Webinar LTW / TOT (Live classes, including webinars): If you are not satisfied for any reason, let us know within 3 business days of your training date and we’ll refund your registration fee. Books, materials, and certificate must be returned in clean, resalable condition, or $44.90 ($75 for TOT) will be deducted from your refund.
Online training: If you are not satisfied for any reason, let us know within 3 business days of your initial log-in date and before printing your Certificate of Completion for a full refund of your registration fee.

Training Cancellation Policy We understand that schedules can change. If you need to cancel or reschedule your attendance, please observe the following guidelines:

Webinar LTW: If you cancel at least 3 business days prior to the LTW, all but $25 will be refunded. Otherwise, a credit will be issued for future Active Parenting training or materials (less a $25 cancellation fee). Books must be returned in clean, resalable condition, or $44.90 will be deducted from your refund. Dates and times are subject to change.
Online Leader Training Workshop: If you must cancel, let us know within 3 business days of your initial log-in date and before printing your Certificate of Completion for a full refund of your registration fee.
TOT: If you cancel at least 15 days prior to the TOT, all but $100 will be refunded. Otherwise, a credit will be issued for future Active Parenting training or materials (less a $100 cancellation fee). Dates and locations are subject to change.

Need more time for your OLTW? You will have 60 days to complete your Online Leader Training class. If you need more time, a reactivation fee of $49 will grant you another 60 days.

Need an OLTW refresher? Once you have completed an Online Leader Training class, you may take the same Online Training class again at any time for $49.

Questions about training? Contact Training Coordinator Micole Mason at 1-800-825-0060 x120 or training@activeparenting.com.

Custom & Private Workshops For agencies looking to train a large group of staff at once, Active Parenting can bring a National Trainer directly to your location.

Flexibility: You select the curriculum, the date, and the number of participants.
Cost-Effectiveness: Private workshops are often the most economical way to get a full team certified simultaneously.
Language Options: Custom workshops can be conducted in Spanish upon request through the Training Department.