Certification Process

You must be certified by Mental Health First Aid USA to teach either the Adult or Youth Mental Health First Aid course. Certification is achieved through a 3-day or 5-day interactive training. Individuals, not organizations, can receive Instructor certification.

What You Learn

The training teaches you how to:

• Teach the Mental Health First Aid course, including the 5-step action plan, evidence-supported treatment and self-help strategies, and prevalence data.
• Present the program with fidelity to the tested, core model.
• Apply the program to a range of adult learning styles.
• Tailor presentations to diverse audiences and learning environments.

If you want to teach both Youth and Adult course types, you must first certify as an Instructor through a new Instructor training (for one course type). You then must teach at least one course in your core curriculum. Then you can apply to become certified in the second curriculum. Once accepted, you can attend either a shortened version of the 5-day training (2.5 days) or a 3-day training for the other course type you wish to teach.

Training Cost

National Council member price:
• 5-day training for new instructors: $1,850
• 5-day training for existing instructors who wish to be dual certified: Four spots are available in each class for $850
• 3-day training for new instructors: $1,850
• 3-day training for existing instructors who wish to be dual certified: Two spots are available in each class for $850

Non-member price:
• 5-day training for new instructors: $2,000
• 5-day training for existing instructors who wish to be dual certified: Four spots are available in each class for $950
• 3-day training for new instructors: $2,000
• 3-day training for existing instructors who wish to be dual certified: Two spots are available in each class for $950

Tuition includes:
• Lunch
• Training materials
• Ongoing technical assistance once certified, unless otherwise noted

Payment guidelines are provided when your application is accepted for a particular program (i.e., Youth or Adult). Payment is NOT required at the time of application, but IS required to reserve your spot in a training session.

Training Format

• Courses typically run from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day, ending at 12:30 p.m. on Friday. (Note: 3-day trainings end at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.)
• Each Instructor candidate will present and teach an assigned portion of the 8-hour course to the group.
• Each Instructor candidate will provide a peer review for their colleagues.
• National Trainers will conduct an individual evaluation of and provide feedback to each candidate.

Certification is not guaranteed for all participants. To become certified, participants must be present for the entire training, satisfactorily deliver the presentation and pass a written exam.

Apply for a Training

No specific academic or professional credentials are required for Instructor applicants. However, candidates should have knowledge of or experience with mental health problems (either personally, professionally or both), prior experience in training adult learners and a commitment and strategic plan to roll out Mental Health First Aid in the community.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and we recommend applying 6 to 8 weeks prior to your preferred course training date.

Individuals planning to conduct the course independently of an established organization must also submit one letter of reference. Please see our letter guidelines.

Questions about the certification process? Email MHFAinfo@TheNationalCouncil.org.