Tutor Certification

Tutors, and tutoring programs, can be certified. Certification means that the individual or the program has met certain educational level requirements, training requirements, and experience requirements. Having certification does not necessarily guarantee that a particular tutor or program are appropriate for a given individual. It does, however, say something about the dedication and professionalism of the individual or the program.

Some question the value of certification of tutors. This belief appears to be inconsistent with the degree of effort that must take place for a program or an individual to become certified. In addition, many states, counties, school systems, and colleges require that their tutors obtain some level of certification. Some states even offer certification for tutors.

Certification is typically voluntary. This means that a tutoring program or an individual must go to the effort of documenting education levels attained, additional training received, tutoring experience, as well as incurring the expense of obtaining the certification. Most certifications have requirements for re-certification or maintaining certification. For individual tutors, this typically means that they must complete some minimum amount of continuing education activity.

When you encounter an individual or a program who has gone to the trouble of becoming certified, you know that they at least meet certain minimum standards, and that they are serious and professional about their trade. This does not necessarily make them the right fit for your situation. You will still need to do your other due diligence (e.g., interview the tutor, check references etc.) to determine if the individual or program are the right fit.

Certification Programs

College Reading and Learning Association International Tutor Program Certification

The College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) runs International Tutor Program Certification (ITPC). ITPC certifies tutor programs, not individuals. ITPC certified programs can then grant certification to individuals. There are three ITPC certification levels:

• Regular
• Advanced
• Master

Each level requires additional training and experience. CRLA is endorsed by many organization, including the Association of Tutoring Professionals and the National Tutoring Association.

National Tutoring Association Certification

The National Tutoring Association (NTA) recognizes CRLA required training components. The NTA offers individual certification as a:

• Peer Tutor
• Paraprofessional Tutor
• Professional Tutor
• Tutor Administrator/Director

The NTA also offers certification at three levels, Basic, Advanced, and Master. Each level has different minimum education requirements (for example, a Master Tutor must have a Master's Degree or be enrolled in a Master's Degree program). In addition, each level has minimum experience requirements and training requirements that become more rigorous at the higher levels of certification. The NTA also offers discipline endorsements in writing, reading, science, math, and languages.

Individuals may also seek academic coach certification at three levels: Peer Student Coach, Professional Coach, and Master Professional Coach. Tutor trainer certification is also available for individuals.

The NTA also certifies tutoring programs based on three key areas: administration, tutor training, and evaluation.

Association for the Tutoring Profession Certification

The Association for the Tutoring Profession (ATP) also offers certification for tutors and tutor trainers. Similar to the other programs, individual tutor certification is available at three levels:

• Associate Tutor
• Advanced Tutor
• Master Tutor

Each level has increasingly more stringent requirements for certification.

There are other certification programs for tutors. When evaluating a tutor you should look into the certification criteria of these other programs to determine if you think they are of value.