LIFELONG LEARNING TO SUPPORT TRANSFORMATION
As a certified Appreciative Inquiry (AI) professional, your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth is crucial for maintaining excellence in your practice. This page provides comprehensive information on the Continuing Appreciative Inquiry Development (CAID) hours required to renew each certification level, the various ways you can earn these hours, and the necessary documentation for each activity. Stay ahead in your field by understanding and fulfilling these requirements, ensuring your certification remains valid and you continue to thrive as a leader in the AI community.
The Center for Appreciative Inquiry (CAI) requires its certified AI members to invest in ongoing learning to continuously improve their professional skills and knowledge, providing the best value to their clients. All CAI certifications are valid for two years. To renew your certification, you must earn Continuing Appreciative Inquiry Development (CAID) hours by participating in ongoing learning opportunities. The specific number of hours required depends on the certification awarded to you. All CAID hours must be earned during each renewal cycle. Visit our Certification Renewal page for information about eligibility and application requirements.
AI CORE COMPETENCIES AND COMPREHENSIVE GROWTH HOURS
In order to maintain high standards and ensure continuous professional development, CAI certification renewal hours are divided into two essential categories:
Appreciative Inquiry Core Competencies and Comprehensive Growth.
APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY CORE COMPETENCIES
Developed by The Center for Appreciative Inquiry and grounded in the AI 5-D Cycle, the Appreciative Inquiry Core Competencies identify 14 foundational skills designed to deepen your understanding, enhance your skills, and strengthen your application of Appreciative Inquiry (AI). These competencies encompass both technical abilities and behavioral expectations, serving as benchmarks for success and guiding the certification process.
PRIMARY FOCUS: Appreciative Inquiry Core Competencies focus on developing AI skills through interactive and real-time learning opportunities, such as educational programs, learning courses, and other approved activities.
COMPREHENSIVE GROWTH
Comprehensive Growth encompasses a broader range of personal and professional development activities that contribute to your overall competency and effectiveness in the field of Appreciative Inquiry.
PRIMARY FOCUS: Comprehensive Growth focuses on enhancing a wide array of skills through diverse and holistic learning opportunities, such as personal growth activities, professional skills development, and participation in workshops, seminars, and conferences. These activities are designed to support your overall growth and effectiveness as an AI professional.
To learn more, visit our Appreciative Inquiry Core Competencies webpage or download the Appreciative Inquiry Core Competencies PDF to save and print.
HOURS REQUIRED FOR CERTIFICATION RENEWAL
The specific number of Continuing Appreciative Inquiry Development (CAID) hours required depends on the certification you hold. Below are the required hours to renew each AI certification offered by The Center for Appreciative Inquiry, including the breakdown of hours needed for Appreciative Inquiry Core Competencies and Comprehensive Growth. After completing the required hours, you can apply to renew your certification. For more details, visit our CAI Certification Renewal webpage.
BREAKDOWN OF RENEWAL HOURS PER CERTIFICATION:
APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY FACILITATOR CERTIFICATION
Number of CAID Hours Required: 26
- 16 hours – Appreciative Inquiry Core Competencies
- 10 hours – Comprehensive Growth
APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY COACH CERTIFICATION
Number of CAID Hours Required: 33
- 20 hours – Appreciative Inquiry Core Competencies
- 13 hours – Comprehensive Growth
APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATION
Number of CAID Hours Required: 33
- 20 hours – Appreciative Inquiry Core Competencies
- 13 hours – Comprehensive Growth
CAI TRAIN-THE-TRAINER CERTIFICATION
Number of CAID Hours Required: 40
- 24 hours – Appreciative Inquiry Core Competencies
- 16 hours – Comprehensive Growth
Please note that professional development hours cannot be applied to a certification you do not currently hold. If you wish to earn certification for a different program, you must complete the training for that certification, including submitting an initial practicum. For more details, visit our Appreciative Inquiry Certification Programs webpage.
EARNING CERTIFICATION RENEWAL HOURS
AI Certification renewal hours can be earned through a variety of learning opportunities designed to enhance your overall knowledge base and benefit your clients. This process focuses on developing a wide range of skills, knowledge, and practical applications to support your growth.
All professional development activities should be related to the field, practice, theory, or application of Appreciative Inquiry and can be completed virtually or in-person. Engaging in these activities ensures that you remain current with best practices and continue to provide exceptional value to your clients.
Discover the various ways you can earn your certification renewal hours and the required documentation. Click on each option below to view the details and ensure you meet all the certification renewal requirements.
ACCEPTED CERTIFICATION RENEWAL ACTIVITIES:
CAI CERTIFICATION COURSES
Complete another certification course offered by The Center for Appreciative Inquiry or retake the certification course you originally participated in as a refresher.
Required Documentation. The following documentation is required to confirm your participation and the hours earned:
• Completion certificates from the course taken, indicating the number of hours completed.
• What additional documentation is needed for this activity for renewal submission?
CONDUCT APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY ENGAGEMENTS
Design, facilitate, and lead Appreciative Inquiry sessions, projects, or engagements.
Required Documentation. The following documentation is required to confirm your participation and the hours earned:
• Engagement overview (i.e., intention, desired outcomes, etc.).
• Facilitator / Workshop Agenda
• Inquiry Guide and Summary Sheet.
• What additional documentation is needed for this activity for renewal submission?
CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS (CEU)
Participate in programs, workshops, and trainers from organizations and institutions that offer CEUs.
Required Documentation. The following documentation is required to confirm your participation and the hours earned:
• Certificates or transcripts from accredited educational programs showing the CEUs earned.
• What additional documentation is needed for this activity for renewal submission?
CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS
Attend or present at conferences on topics related to appreciative inquiry or other strength-based topics.
Required Documentation. The following documentation is required to confirm your participation and the hours earned:
• Confirmation of attendance or presentation details, including the number of hours attended.
• What additional documentation is needed for this activity for renewal submission?
MENTOR OR COACH
Serve as a mentor or coach or receive mentoring or coaching in appreciative inquiry practices.
Required Documentation. The following documentation is required to confirm your participation and the hours earned:
• Logs of mentoring or coaching sessions, including dates, duration, and topics covered.
• What additional documentation is needed for this activity for renewal submission?
RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION
Conduct research or publish articles related to appreciative inquiry.
Required Documentation. The following documentation is required to confirm your participation and the hours earned:
• Copies of published articles or research reports, indicating the contribution and time spent on the research.
• What additional documentation is needed for this activity for renewal submission?
RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION
Complete trainings and workshops that are relevant to the field and practice of Appreciative Inquiry.
Required Documentation. The following documentation is required to confirm your participation and the hours earned:
• Name of the course, organization that delivered the course, course objective, the number of course hours, the syllabus, and any additional training materials.
• Certificates of attendance or completion, including the number of hours participated.
• What additional documentation is needed for this activity for renewal submission?
