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. Only individuals – not organizations – can receive Instructor certification.

If you are interested in applying for a teen MHFA Instructor training, your school or youth-serving organization must first apply to become a teen Implementing Site. Individual Instructor candidates are not eligible to apply apart from an approved school or youth-serving organization. Visit this page for more information.

What You Learn

The training teaches you how to:

• Teach the Mental Health First Aid course, including the 5-step ALGEE 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.
• Module specific courses include population-focused information.

Dual Certification in the Adult and Youth Curriculum

If you want to teach both Youth and Adult courses, you must first be a certified Instructor for either Youth or Adult training and teach at least one course in your core curriculum. You can then apply to become certified in the second curriculum. Once accepted, you can attend the first 2.5 days of the in-person 5-day or 3-day training or participate in a virtual Instructor training.

Training Cost

Please review this table for Instructor training course pricing.

Is your organization a member of the National Council? As part of your membership we offer discounted pricing. Interested in becoming a member? Learn more.

*Existing Instructor course attendees must be certified in one MHFA curriculum type and seeking dual certification in the other (Adult/Youth).

Tuition includes:

• Instructor-led training presented by our National Trainers
• Training materials
• Access to learning management system for pre and post work (virtual trainings only)
• Lunch during the training (in-person trainings only)
• Full suite of Instructor support
  • Access to exclusive webinars and online learning
  • ALGEE concierge
  • Technical assistance once certified
  • Professional development opportunities

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

In-person 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 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.

Virtual Training Format

• Participants will complete approximately 8 hours of pre-work before the first day of training. Pre-work includes an online course that guides you through a series of MHFA modeling videos. This is a self-paced assignment that you can complete at your leisure prior to the course. You will receive it one week before your first day, with more instructions once you have confirmed your registration.
• Participants will order necessary materials for the course once registration has been confirmed. There will be no additional charges for course materials.
• The online course will last 3 days, with 6-8 hours of content each day. This is a live, interactive course taught by MHFA National Trainers. A full agenda will be provided once your registration is confirmed.
• Participants will complete approximately 2 hours of post-work 2-3 weeks after the live training. Post-work includes information on using the LMS and access to the self-paced portion of the First Aider course.

Virtual Training IT Requirements

• Computer: Windows, Apple desktop or laptop computer OR Mobile Device/Tablet/Surface: iOS, Android, Windows
• Computer microphone and speakers
  • For the best experience, join the course from a tablet, laptop or desktop computer. Phones are best used as audio backup only.
  • If your computer does not have a microphone and speakers, you can use the dial-in option from your phone for audio.
• Internal or external HD webcam
• Internet Connection
  • We recommend an internet connection speed of at least 5 mbps (upload and download). You can test your internet speed at https://www.speedtest.net/

*The course will be hosted through Zoom. We will provide a how-to guide for those unfamiliar with the platform.

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 MHFAApplications@TheNationalCouncil.org.