Level 3 Certificate Positive Psychology Practice (Train the Trainer)
Positive Psychology is a rapidly evolving field of research and practice.
Led by Martin Seligman during his presidency at the American Psychological Association in 1998, it is now known for establishing a scientific approach to the understanding of subjective human experiences such as hope, gratitude, and wellbeing. It has since evolved into a multi-disciplinary movement with applications in psychology, education, organisations, health, coaching, and sport.
You may well be familiar with research findings that promote the positive impact of integrating a gratitude practice or cultivating hope in your daily life. This course will provide you with the knowledge to understand why interventions such as these can have such a powerful effect on people’s states of minds and quality of life, and tools to facilitate these shifts in other people.
Study the science and philosophy of Positive Psychology for personal and professional development…
As a graduate from our Level 3 Certificate Positive Psychology Practice (Train the Trainer), you will be equipped to introduce Positive Psychology and simple interventions to clients. If you wish, you may progress from here to our Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Fundamentals to deepen your knowledge base of Positive Psychology or continue to the Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Coaching Practice or Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Training Practice or Level 5 Diploma Positive Organisational Psychology courses to further your scope of practice.
PPG has a strong relationship with Bucks New University which runs one of the Positive Psychology Courses at Masters degree level in the UK. Our Level 5 Positive Psychology diplomas prepare students to engage in a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) MSc degree course. Should you wish to progress to a MAPP following certification, PPG will provide an academic reference on your behalf. Acceptance will be subject to the usual University checks.
1. Course Overview
Successful completion of this course will certify you as a Positive Psychology Trainer.
You will be introduced to the evolving landscape of Positive Psychology and trained to deliver introductory sessions on Character, Authenticity, Resilience, and Wellbeing for individuals and groups in line with the PPG Positive Psychology Practitioner Framework, which emphasises a strengths-based, hope-oriented, and person-centred/led approach to client engagement.
Following certification, you may integrate what you have learned into an existing professional role. You may also establish a private Positive Psychology training practice, however we recommend further training at Level 5 to strengthen your capacity to work with more complex areas within Positive Psychology and client engagement.
As a graduate, you may apply for Professional Membership with the Positive Psychology Guild, and become insured (UK only) and registered (Worldwide) to practice Positive Psychology using training as a mode of practice.
For further details on the course, please read on or contact: training@ppnetwork.org
Student Profiles
This course is designed for people who wish to gain a practical understanding of Positive Psychology while furthering their understanding of themselves and the world around them.
You will have already gained practical experience of working with individuals and/or groups in professional settings. This course will teach you how to integrate Positive Psychology psycho-education and interventions into your existing work.
The course welcomes qualified professionals such as:
- Organisational Consultants
- Business Leaders & HR Managers
- Learning & Development Specialists
- Educators, Teachers & Trainers
- Coaches, Counsellors & Psychologists
- Fitness Instructors & Personal Trainers
- Sport Coaches & Psychologists
Our Course Tutors & Trainers
This course is delivered by people who are passionate about Positive Psychology.
All of our tutors and trainers have either completed this course (or a similar one) and are practicing Positive Psychology. They are there to help empower you to learn and give you autonomy over your own learning process whilst supporting you through each stage of the process.
Our team is committed to safe and ethical practice. We follow the PPG Professional Guidelines for Positive Psychology Practitioners and Safe Practice Guidance (see here), and keep up to date with developments in research and best practice. We welcome student feedback and seek to create an optimal learning environment where students feel supported, included, and a sense of belonging.
We also take a strengths-based approach to learning that focuses on what a student can do, offering skills support where needed (e.g. on how to research), and practice learner differentiation. If you have and individual learning need or are new to online learning, and you feel comfortable to do so, please mention these in your application so that we can be aware of any learning adjustments you might need and can plan ahead accordingly.
Course Delivery & Timeline
This course is delivered online by the Positive Psychology Academy.
The Academy is a virtual learning environment where you will access your course materials and engage in a virtual study group led by your course tutor or trainer. Outside of live classes, you will participate in online discussion threads in the group and develop your assignments with peer support.
The course timeline is 6-9 months for completion, depending on your pace, and you may take a maximum of 12 months to complete the course.
Entry Criteria
This is a Level 3-ranked course.
Level 3 is equivalent to A-Levels in the UK. It is also a common level for vocational training courses for adult learners such as this one.
To apply, you should hold a Level 2 certificate or above, or the equivalent (e.g. relevant work experience and professional training), and be willing to engage in Level 3 studies that are delivered through a blend of online group learning (live) and self-directed studies outside of class.
You will need to have a keen interest in personal development and wellbeing, and be curious about how people think, feel, behave, and change.
You should also have prior experience of working with people in a professional capacity (e.g. as a coach, trainer, teacher, or manager) and relevant people engagement skills will be expected.
Due to the introspective nature of Positive Psychology and Positive Psychology Coaching, we recommend having a self-awareness practice and/or support network in place prior to application. This can look different from person to person, as needs and interests will vary.
Examples include:
- Activities that cultivate presence and mindfulness (e.g. gardening, walking, journaling, meditation, spiritual or creative practice)
- Activities that help you feel connected to yourself or others or nature (e.g. a hobby, physical activity, caring for family, caring for animals)
- Past or present engagement in a therapeutic or personal development process as appropriate to your needs (e.g. counselling, coaching)
The above are examples and not comprehensive. Every individual is unique and there are many ways to support ourselves in practice, as you will learn on this course.
Please consider the above information carefully before you apply and let us know if you have any questions about what to expect before committing to an application.rse.
For further information or to apply, please contact us at: training@ppnetwork.org
2. Course Outline
Level 3 Certificate Positive Psychology Practice (Train the Trainer)
On this course, you will be trained in Positive Psychology concepts and theories such as character strengths and virtues, authenticity, resilience, and wellbeing.
You will gain practical knowledge and tools that you may use and develop to integrate Positive Psychology into an existing area of professional practice with individuals and/or groups.
On successful completion of this course, you will receive a Level 3 Certificate Positive Psychology Practice (Strengths-Based Approaches) and be certified to practice within the subject area of strengths using psychoeducation, guided reflective practice, and positive intervention facilitation skills.
For further details, please read on or contact us at: training@ppnetwork.org
Course Delivery
Your course will begin with a course induction followed by an 8-week Group Training Cycle. During this time, you will attend weekly training sessions of 2 hours each before progressing to 4-6 months of self-paced learning with tutor guidance.
You will study and practice:
- Introduction to Positive Psychology
- Character Strengths & Virtues
- Activating the Authentic Self
- Building Pillars of Resilience
- Practitioner Ethics & Values
- Training Methods & Skills
Unit 1: Introduction to Positive Psychology
This session introduces learners to the landscape of Positive Psychology and how it has evolved since its inception in 1998. Topics covered include the science and philosophy of character, wellbeing, and flourishing.
Unit 2: Character Strengths & Virtues
This session introduces learners to Positive Psychology’s Character Strengths and Virtues Survey. Learners explore strengths associated with the following virtues: Wisdom, Humanity, Courage, Justice, Temperance, Transcendence.
Unit 3: Activating the Authentic Self
This session introduces learners to dimensions of the Authentic Self: Meaning, Purpose, Values, and Virtues. Obstacles and pathways to the authentic self are explored from the perspective of character, wellbeing and flourishing.
Unit 4: Building Pillars of Resilience
This session introduces learners to the 6 Pillars of Resilience: Authenticity, Mindfulness, Compassion, Acceptance, Positive Action, and Community. Obstacles and pathways to resilience are explored within the context of self and society.
Unit 5: Practitioner Ethics & Values
This session introduces learners to the ethical dimensions of Positive Psychology in Practice, safe and inclusive practice, professional guidelines, practitioner values, and current discussions on the regulation of professional practice.
Unit 6: Training Skills & Methods
This session introduces learners to individual and group training skills and methods suited to sharing an Introduction to Positive Psychology with adults in a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment.
For more details on the course content and its assessment, please click here.
3. Certification
This course is internally accredited by the Positive Psychology Guild (PPG) as continuing professional development (CPD). This accreditation allows the graduate to apply for Professional Membership with PPG which includes registration to practice as a Certified Positive Psychology Practitioner, insurance and liability coverage (UK) for Positive Psychology activities, and professional guidance.
On successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate stating that you hold a Level 3 Certificate Positive Psychology Practice (Train the Trainer). You may refer to yourself as a PPG Certified Positive Psychology Practitioner (Training) and/or PPG Certified Positive Psychology Trainer.
PPG is a Not for Profit Organisation and a government registered learning provider with a UK Provider Reference Number: 10067939. It provides Professional Membership to Certified Positive Psychology Practitioners and Strengths-Based Practitioners using a Positive Psychology-informed approach.
For more details on the organisation, please click here.
For more details on professional membership, please click here.
Course Endorsement
This course and/or training programme has been endorsed by the Quality Licence Scheme for its high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes. This course and/or training programme is not regulated by Ofqual and is not an accredited qualification. Your training provider will be able to advise you on any further recognition, for example progression routes into further and/or higher education. For further information please visit the Learner FAQs on the Quality Licence Scheme website.
Professional Membership
On successful completion of this qualification, you may apply to join the Positive Psychology Guild as a Professional Member and Registered Positive Psychology Practitioner.
For more information on membership services, please click here.
Course Progression
On certification, you may progress to one of the following courses:
- Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Practice & Coaching
- Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Practice & Training
- Level 5 Diploma Positive Organisational Psychology
For further details, please contact us at: training@ppnetwork.org
Further Learning
During enrolment, you will be given complimentary access to the PPG Community Library, which contains a range of live and recorded webinars on Positive Psychology by various speakers. You may also request complimentary access to PPG CPD training events run by the Positive Psychology Centre. These include recorded webinar series on Positive Health, Positive Education, and Positive Organisations.
4. Next Steps
The next enrolment date for this course is:
- Thursday 8th October 2026 (Application Deadline: 24th September 2026)
- Thursday 4th February 2027 (Application Deadline: 14th January 2027)
- Thursday 7th October 2027 (Application Deadline: 16th September 2027)
*Access to course learning materials is given on enrolment day. Induction session takes place via Zoom on enrolment day at 4-6pm (UK). Weekly group training sessions take place via Zoom at 4pm-6pm (UK) for 6 consecutive Thursdays. Self-paced learning and assignments with tutor guidance follow group training.
For further information, please contact: training@ppnetwork.org
Online Application Form
CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO THIS COURSE
Please see the application deadlines above. It may take up to two weeks to process your application.
To enquire about your application, please contact: training@ppnetwork.org
Course Fees
The course fee is £1450.
The fee includes:
- Access to the Positive Psychology Academy
- Access to self-paced interactive study material
- Group training, tutor guidance, and assessments
- Certification on successful completion of the course
Payment options include:
- Single payment during enrolment with a £100 discount (£1350)
- PPG Payment Plan 1 – deposit (£450) and 10 monthly instalments (£100 x 10)
- PPG Payment Plan 2 – deposit (£450) and 5 monthly instalments (£200 x 5)
Payment methods are:
- Bank transfer and online card payment (UK & Overseas)
- Direct debit for monthly instalments (UK only)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Positive Psychology Guild?
The Positive Psychology Guild is a Not for Profit Organisation (Company Number: 11015084) and a government registered learning provider (UK Provider Reference Number: 10067939). It is also a Quality License Scheme Training Provider (Provider Number: 01390). It trains, certifies, and insures Positive Psychology Practitioners and Strengths-Based Practitioners using Positive Psychology-informed approaches, and accredits Positive Psychology courses. For further information, please click here.
2. How many hours of studying a week should I expect?
We recommend setting aside 5-7 hours a week for studying (this includes group calls and reflective practice) with additional hours during assignment phases over a 6-12 month period. If a slower pace is needed, it is possible to request a second year for course completion. The maximum timeline for completion is 2 years after which course extension fees may apply.
3. What is the total completion time for this course?
The total completion time is set at 120 hours. This includes class time, participation in online Academy study group discussion threads, reading/watching the materials provided, further reading of your own initiative, engaging in peer practice, project delivery, practice supervision and observation, and completing written and oral assignments.
4. Which certification will I receive?
You will receive a Level 3 Certificate Positive Psychology Practice (Train the Trainer) on graduation. This will be accredited by the Positive Psychology Guild. You will also receive a certificate from the Quality License Scheme, which endorses this course.
5. Do graduates go on to practice professionally after this degree?
Yes. Our Level 3 graduates typically integrate what they have learned into an existing professional role at work (e.g. management, coaching, teaching) or in an existing private practice at an introductory level. We encourage ongoing studies in Positive Psychology Practice (e.g. at Level 5) to broaden and deepen their knowledge and understanding of Positive Psychology research and theory, and strengthen their capacity to work with further complexity of subject and client engagement.
6. Will this course teach me how to coach using Positive Psychology?
No. The course focuses on equipping students with the skills to apply an introductory knowledge of Positive Psychology in a training environment. It does not teach any coaching skills.
If you are already certified to coach, you may integrate what you have learned into your existing practice with professional guidance from an ethical coaching body (e.g. professional guidelines, code of conduct, CPD guidance).
Alternatively if you would like to coach individuals or small groups (up to 6 individuals) using Positive Psychology and are not yet certified, you could progress to the following course on completion of the Level 3 Certificate:
7. Will this course teach me how to diagnose clinical conditions or facilitate therapeutic processes?
No. The scope of this course is educational approaches to Positive Psychology using psychoeducation and training as modes of practice. It is not a clinical psychology course nor a therapy or counselling course. If you know you wish to practice in these areas, we recommend pursuing a university degree in Clinical Psychology or a diploma in Counselling from a reputable training provider.
8. Will I be insured to practice professionally after certification?
On certification, you may apply for Professional Membership with the Positive Psychology Guild (see here). The membership package includes liability and insurance coverage to practice Positive Psychology in the UK within the scope of your training and certification.
If you live or intend to practice outside of the UK, we recommend exploring any local insurance requirements prior to applying for this course.
For more information on membership, please contact: membership@ppnetwork.org
9. Will this course prepare me for a MAPP degree?
This course is set at Level 3. A Masters in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) is equivalent to Level 7.
We generally recommend completing one of the below Level 5 diplomas or an equivalent with another training or education provider before applying for a MAPP degree:
- Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Practice & Coaching
- Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Practice & Training
- Level 5 Diploma Positive Organisational Psychology
10. I want to apply to this course but I’m not academic – can I still apply?
Yes. We welcome both academic and practical learners onto this course. The course emphasis is on the practical aspects of applying Positive Psychology however understanding of research (e.g. how to read and make sense of journal articles and research studies) is important and will be taught.
11. I am interested in Positive Psychology research – what are my options?
On completion of a Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Practice, you may progress to the Level 7 Diploma in Applied Positive Psychology. This certificate is an exciting opportunity to explore practical questions you may have about the application of Positive Psychology and develop your own research contribution to the field.
Should you hold a Bachelors degree in a related field (e.g. Psychology, Philosophy, Sociology, Social Sciences), you may be able to apply directly to the Level 7 Diploma above following certification from the Level 3 Certificate Positive Psychology Practice (Train the Trainer). Please speak with your course trainer or a team member about this option: training@ppnetwork.org
12. I am neurodivergent – is it possible for me to apply?
Yes. The Positive Psychology Guild and its Academy welcome applications from neurodivergent individuals who are keen to engage in online learning.
Amongst our student base are individuals with autism, dyslexia, OCD, and ADHD. Some may need to be assessed differently (e.g. oral rather than written assignments) while others may need more one-to-one trainer support. Some may excel in independent learning and need no additional support.
13. I come from a non-dominant / minority culture – will my cultural differences be welcomed?
We welcome cultural diversity and believe it is essential to the growth of Positive Psychology research and practice today. We also recognise that it is a broad and subjective area that requires depth and sensitivity in understanding of that which is seen and unseen. We are open to learning and dialogue with our students to ensure our curriculum continually evolves to represent people of all cultures, and we periodically seek critical feedback from students on how we are doing here.
14. I struggle with my mental health – is this a barrier to applying or doing the course?
As Positive Psychology educators, we recognise that everyone’s mental health can fluctuate over time. To help reduce unnecessary pressure during your studies, we offer flexibility with assignment submission dates and pacing. Should you need to take a break from or extend your course learning time in order to care for your wellbeing, your course completion timeline can be adjusted.
Please be mindful that studying Positive Psychology or training to become a Positive Psychology Practitioner is not a substitute for getting the mental health support we might need from a qualified professional. Online studying can also require more self-motivation and self-direction than in-person courses, and these capacities can be impacted by a mental health condition.
If a mental health condition is being managed with professional support, then learning about Positive Psychology can become a meaningful and rewarding experience. This could be done initially with a qualified professional using a Positive Psychology-informed approach and later through formal studies.