Teacher Certification Review

Certification in MBSR is the recognition of your in-depth understanding and skillful use of the MBSR curriculum and competencies in the classroom at a level deemed satisfactory according to standards developed by the CFM. The Review process is extensive and iterative.

Following Certification Review, you may be asked to refine your teaching by attending CFM training programs or receiving supervision.

Applying for Certification Review does not guarantee that you will receive certification.

The Teacher Certification Review application consists of two parts – a portfolio that demonstrates the quality of your teaching and a review of your portfolio by your Certification Review Leader (a senior CFM teacher) and a team of senior MBSR teachers, in dialogue with you.

Prerequisites

Completion of the following Oasis professional training programs*:

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Mind-Body Medicine
• Practicum in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
• Teacher Development Intensive
• Supervision
• Ongoing daily meditation and body-centered awareness practice and commitment to the integration of mindfulness into everyday life
• Professional experience and graduate degree or equivalent in the fields of health care, education, and/or social change
• Experience teaching a minimum of four eight-week MBSR courses
• Regular participation in 5-10 day silent, teacher-led mindfulness meditation retreats.

*We expect that MBSR teachers who apply for Certification Review will have completed the listed training programs. However, you may make a case for the equivalency of other trainings, retreats, and long-term MBSR teaching experience. 

Portfolio

Your portfolio should consist of the following elements:

• Three copies of a video of a class that includes examples of you leading meditation practice, engaging in group dialogue and inquiry, and making a didactic presentation.
• Three copies of your supporting instructional materials, including course curricula, home practice audio tapes or CDs, and workbooks, and other teaching resources.
• Letters of recommendation from:
  • A mentor or teacher who is personally familiar with your meditation background
  • Two professional colleagues who have experienced your MBSR teaching through participating in your classes and/or who have referred participants to your MBSR courses.
• Evaluations from six of your students.
• A description of the number, setting, location, and dates of all your MBSR classes.

Certification fees 

Application fee: $200, payable to the CFM

Review fee: $700, payable to the CFM

How to apply

Click here for instructions on submitting an application.