GROW YOUR APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY PRACTICE WITH CERTIFICATION
Find the path that fits your purpose — explore the roles, capabilities, and certification programs designed to grow your strengths and deepen your impact with Appreciative Inquiry.
The Center for Appreciative Inquiry (CAI) offers a comprehensive certification pathway designed to support and recognize the growth of practitioners at every stage of their Appreciative Inquiry (AI) journey. From foundational learning to advanced practice, our certification levels help individuals and organizations deepen their knowledge, expand their impact, and join a global community of strength-based change agents.
Below is an overview of the various AI certification programs we offer. Each program leads to a distinct certification based on the role and focus of the training. This overview includes prerequisites, program goals, training hours, and certification type to help you identify the best path for your professional development.
APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY ROLES & CERTIFICATION LEVELS
To better understand the pathways and certification levels offered by the Center for Appreciative Inquiry, it’s helpful to explore the four key roles individuals may serve in the field of Appreciative Inquiry: Facilitator, Coach, Practitioner, and Trainer. Each role is supported by a specific training program and set of key capabilities that participants must demonstrate to earn certification for that role.
APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY FACILITATOR
Appreciative Inquiry facilitators guide groups, teams, and organizations through generative conversations and collaborative change processes rooted in the Principles and the 5-D Cycle of Appreciative Inquiry.
KEY FACILITATOR CAPABILITIES:
To guide meaningful change in diverse settings, AI Facilitators must be grounded in the AI methodology to successfully design and lead inclusive, impactful, and transformative Appreciative Inquiry engagements. Listed below are essential skill sets that contribute to success in this role:
- Designs and facilitates AI-based engagements tailored to client needs and organizational goals.
- Applies the full AI 5-D Cycle to lead individuals and groups through strengths-based inquiry.
- Creates inclusive spaces that foster trust, engagement, and generative dialogue.
- Uses AI Principles to structure agendas, frame conversations, and navigate challenges.
- Evaluates and reflects on facilitation practice for ongoing growth and improvement.
Certification Course:
Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT)
AIFT Pre-Requisite:
None
Training Hours Earned:
26
APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY COACH
Appreciative Inquiry coaches work alongside individuals to explore strengths, clarify goals, and cultivate transformative growth using one-on-one Appreciative Inquiry practices.
KEY COACH CAPABILITIES:
To support meaningful transformation in one-on-one contexts, AI Coaches must create trusting, generative spaces where individuals can recognize their strengths, articulate their aspirations, and move toward purposeful action. The following skills are foundational to coaching with Appreciative Inquiry:
- Integrates Appreciative Inquiry with established coaching frameworks and approaches.
- Builds safe, trusting, and empowering relationships for deep personal exploration.
- Uses generative questions and positive framing to help clients envision and move toward desired futures.
- Applies the AI 5-D Cycle to personal and professional growth conversations.
- Supports clients in recognizing and leveraging their strengths, values, and past successes.
- Encourages accountability and sustainable change through reflection and co-created strategies.
Certification Course:
Appreciative Inquiry Coach Training (AICT)
AICT Pre-Requisite:
AIFT (or equivalent course) or hold ICF Credentials & completed the Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry self-directed course.
Training Hours Earned:
33
APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY PRACTITIONER
Appreciative Inquiry practitioners apply Appreciative Inquiry strategically across systems, often leading complex engagements, innovating new applications, and mentoring others in the field.
KEY PRACTITIONER CAPABILITIES:
To lead strategic change using AI principles, AI Practitioners must be able to apply Appreciative Inquiry across systems, design complex engagements, and contribute to the growth of the field. These capabilities reflect the knowledge and leadership required for advanced practice.
- Leads AI-based consulting, strategic planning, and system-level change initiatives.
- Designs and facilitates advanced and custom Appreciative Inquiry engagements.
- Guides organizations and communities through sustained, multi-phase AI work.
- Mentors and supports new facilitators and trainers in developing their AI practice.
- Creates new applications, models, or tools that extend Appreciative Inquiry’s reach.
- Contributes to the field of AI through writing, research, program development, or community leadership.
Certification Course:
Appreciative Inquiry Practitioner Training (AIPT)
AIPT Pre-Requisite:
AIFT (or equivalent course) or holds current CAI certification, & completed a minimum of four AI engagements.
Training Hours Earned:
33
APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY (CAI) TRAINER
Appreciative Inquiry Trainers are certified to deliver the Center for Appreciative Inquiry’s signature certification programs (AIFT, AICT, AIPT, and AI TtT) publicly, privately for closed groups and organizations, and in partnership with CAI. Certified AI Trainers design and facilitate foundational and advanced AI learning engagements, equipping others with the knowledge and skills to apply Appreciative Inquiry in various settings.
Each CAI certification program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to succeed in the role for which they are training—Facilitator, Coach, or Practitioner. Participants demonstrate these capabilities by meeting the specific certification requirements for their course, which include experiential learning, applied practice, and successful practicum submission.
CAI maintains the integrity and high standards of its instructional content and learning experience by requiring all applicants to the CAI Train-the-Trainer (TtT) program to first complete the relevant certification course as a participant, earn certification, and hold current certification status. This process ensures CAI Trainers have firsthand experience as learners, applied Appreciative Inquiry in real-world settings, and possess a deep understanding of the course content they will teach. It also reinforces their responsibility to uphold CAI’s values, standards, and best practices.
KEY TRAINER CAPABILITIES:
- Designs and delivers AI learning experiences that are interactive, reflective, and transformative.
- Applies adult learning principles and strength-based facilitation in training environments.
- Adapts established curricula to suit diverse audiences and learning styles.
- Demonstrates the practical relevance of AI through real-world examples and applications.
- Supports learners in applying AI concepts confidently within their contexts.
- Models AI principles in instructional design, facilitation style, and engagement practices.
- Embodies CAI’s mission and values in their training engagements and interactions with learners.
- Grounds training in the principles and methodology of Appreciative Inquiry, weaving them throughout the learning experience.
Certification Course:
Appreciative Inquiry Train-the-Trainer (AI TtT)
AI TtT Pre-Requisite:
Successfully completed a CAI Certification Program (AIFT, AICT, or AIPT), earned & maintains current certification, and possesses instructional design or teaching/training experience.
Training Hours Earned:
Hours vary based on the CAI program the participant is seeking to deliver and may require additional time for design, delivery, and feedback.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
We’re here to help you navigate your certification journey. If you’re unsure where to begin, want to discuss your eligibility, or need help selecting the right training, we invite you to connect with us.
