Certified Professional Facilitator - Bathurst
A Special Invitation to Members in Australia and New Zealand
We invite you to take part in the Second IAF Certification Process to be held in Bathurst, Australia on 24-25 November 2008. Register today to start your CPF journey: Contact
to register. [Note registrations for this MUST be made/completed by close of business Friday Sept 20th]
The First CPF event in ANZ was held in Sydney in January 2008 when 12 IAF Members successfully completed the Certified Professional Facilitator™ process. At the moment we have some 16 CPF’s in Australasia.
So WHY should you consider taking part in the IAF Facilitator Certification program? This is a very personal decision so I’ll tell you what prompted me to proceed. In addition, the IAF website has pages of very useful information so I won’t repeat what is printed there.
Why did I do the CPF program? I was curious to see how my facilitation skills measured up against what I thought were a very comprehensive and decent set of competencies and for the chance to be assessed by my peers in the process. Another benefit which I was not really aware of at the time was the chance to network with 11 other quality candidates from all round the world and see, at first hand, how they facilitated workshops.
I often receive requests from clients in the USA and UK for recommendations of facilitators on international assignments and if I’m unable to do the work myself, I nominate another IAF member who has completed the CPF program.
In May of this year, the Getty Institute in Los Angeles, USA asked me to facilitate a week long Workshop in Chang Mai Thailand; I was already committed elsewhere so a colleague of mine who is hoping to complete his CPF program in Bathurst was Facilitator #1; they asked for a “local” who really understood Asian cultures so we asked a Bangkok based CPF to be Facilitator #2, which he gladly agreed to do.
Keith Ryall (Singapore, 2004)
Here are some testimonials from recent CPF “Graduates”
From a person who did the CPF Program in Kuching, Malaysia two weeks ago.
“I must say that I truly enjoyed the CPF process especially on the Assessment Day where I was given the opportunity to learn from my fellow facilitators as well as share my facilitation experience and support my teammates in every way I could. I liked the way you handled the two interviews as both of you were pleasant and professional and it came across like you were trying to find out more details from me with the good intention of passing me.”
As an assessor, it’s worth restating that the #1 aim of the assessors is to find evidence that the candidate has demonstrated the competencies and is therefore worthy of a “Pass”.
“I wanted to send a special note to tell you that last Monday, I facilitated my first formal full day since my assessment and I approached it quite differently due to your feedback and what I learned from my fellow candidates.
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Rahayu Kamarudin (RK) from Malaysia. Kuching August 2008.
Vinay Sirsi India being congratulated by Assessor Keith Ryall, Australia. Kuching August 2008.
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Jill Chivers (middle) Brisbane, Australia being congratulated by Assessors Lindsay Wilson (UK) and Keith Ryall (Australia).
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I presented a detailed process outline to the sponsor in advance (and, of course, subsequently changed it, with her approval and guidance), my preparation was far more thorough (with more contingencies that were better thought through) and my group accomplished significantly more in each 30-45 minute increment then I would ever have been brave enough to attempt pre-CPF experience. And, it only ran over in one part (which was due to the group agreeing to side-track, so at least they agreed to run it over).
Anyway, thank you for making me a better facilitator!” Wishing you well,
Michelle Golden (Sept 2008). |
"There is no doubt that the facilitation work I have done since the certification is better for the experience. I learned much from my peers and am applying those learnings each and every time I step up to a new challenge. I am also hungrier for knowledge and Amazon.com loves me even more than they did before.
I am conscious of the confidence that the certification is giving new clients - particularly when they come to select a facilitator. Their expectation that I can do the job comes back to me in spades as I relax more into the role of facilitator."
Lynn Walsh (Jan 2007 Sydney)
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CPF workshop process - Kuching 2008
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Quick overview of the Assessment Process:
What are the Competencies?
- Create collaborative client relationships
- Plan appropriate group processes
- Create and sustain a participatory environment
- Guide group to appropriate and useful outcomes
- Build and maintain professional knowledge
- Model positive professional attitude
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It is the job of the assessors to review initial documentation to see if you have displayed evidence of these core competencies, at least on paper, and then invite you to take part in a full Assessment Day when you will have two 30 minute Interviews and a 30 minute “real-life” workshop to provide further opportunity for further testing and demonstration of your skills against these core competencies.
Sooooo – if this lights a fire under you – and this is a journey for you – then .....
start your CPF journey NOW:
Contact
to register.
For more information – please contact
Keith Ryall:
tel +61-3-9439-5007 SKYPE keith.ryall Tom Schwarz :
tel +61 2 9363 4963 SKYPE tom-kinnogene |
CPF - Bathurst
Bathurst, New South Wales, 24-25 November 2008
We'd love to have you with us! Early application and an early start on
document preparation is highly recommended! Contact to register.
The rate the Adelaide certification programme is US$1200.
A portion of this fee, US$250, is payable at the time of
application. The remaining US$950 is due upon receipt of an
invitation to attend the Assessment Day. Current IAF membership
is required for certification. Candidates are expected to
cover the cost of transport to the event location, and any
lodging/food for overnight stays. We provide light breakfast
and lunch for all candidates on the event day.
Click here
to read about Sydney-based facilitator Tom Schwarz's journey to
attained his CPF in Arizona, USA (33kb pdf).
About the CPF Programme
The assessment process is based on rigorous peer review of knowledge,
experience and demonstration of skills. The IAF Certified™
Professional Facilitator designation indicates attainment of these
foundational competencies. The professional facilitator designation
offers clients an assurance that those who are certified are qualified
to design and provide basic group facilitation services. Click
here for the IAF-CPF Certification Process Overview (93kb pdf).
Frequently
Asked Questions
How long does it take to certify?
The
certification process begins when you download your IAF Facilitator
Certification Application/Information packet. This packet can be
acquired by contacting the Program Administrator -
. You will find that the application packet contains
complete certification information including a Process
Overview, which takes you step by step through the certification
process. This process generally spans several months due to the
necessity of allowing time for candidates to book plane reservations
to travel to the Assessment Center. Once at the Center, the process
takes one full day. Candidates typically arrive the day prior to
the assessment, and depart in the evening following the assessment.
How
much experience do I need to certify?
You
will be asked to provide an overview of seven sessions you've facilitated
(as lead facilitator) within the past three years and you will be
expected to provide examples of how you apply the core competencies
in your work. The certification process is meant to assess competency
in a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge required to successfully
facilitate a variety of basic sessions and display the basic set
of skills, knowledge, and behaviors that facilitators must have
in order to be successful facilitating in a wide variety of environments.
For more information on facilitator competencies, please see Foundational
Facilitator Competencies © IAF™ 2003, available in the
certification Application/Information packet.
Is
training part of the certificate process?
Certification
is not a "training" process, but an event at which experienced
facilitators display the basic set of skills, knowledge and behaviors
outlined in the Foundational Facilitator Competencies. We assume
that candidates for certification have adequate training and/or
experience prior to application.
Who
do I contact regarding certification? Where do I send my Application?
Please
contact the Program Administrator -
for certification information. The application/information materials
are available immediately via email. If you decide to apply, your
application materials will be returned as an email attachment at
the same email address.
When
must I submit my application and still make my desired event?
Applications
are typically closed two months prior to a specific event. Deadlines
for application are frequently posted on the IAF website, but if
not, contact the Program Administrator -
for an exact deadline date.
Resources from the IAF-World website:
For
additional information about becoming an IAF Certified Professional
Facilitator, please contact the Program Administrator at:
Stories
from those who have undertaken the CPF journey
My
CPF journey - Helen Campbell CPF Jan 2007
Well
it starts with a casual glance through the list of competencies.
“Do I do that?” “Do I do it consistently?”
“Am I being objective?” A browse through the
application packs and your pulse quickens. “Can I provide
all the evidence they need?”
After a sensible dose of fear and humility (all perfectly normal),
you decide to hear from those that have taken the journey before
you. I read Tom Schwartz’ account of his journey. It warned
of lots of time consuming work and how hard the process would be
… (more fear) but how rewarding too (ahhhh). He was right.
So now you know the story has a happy ending – is it for you?
I’m an independent contractor and don’t often get detailed
feedback on my performance. Accreditation against a recognized benchmark
is not only reassuring for my clients but provides feedback for
me about my strengths and development needs.
Nothing worthwhile was ever accomplished without hard work. The
accreditation sets a standard which is not easy to attain …
and that’s why it is so valuable. Think of it as a development
opportunity not an application form. For me it was a rare chance
to look back on my work, reflect on how my style and skills have
adapted over time and remind myself of some old tools and techniques.
As part of the application, you’re asked to provide an outline
of several events you’ve run. I went back through my work
and found myself on a lovely trip through some great (and not so
great!) workshops. The case study takes a lot of time. Firstly,
you have to chose the right workshop. I started out considering
a couple of options until I found the one that could demonstrate
the richest blend of IAF competencies. This reflection and refinement,
plus the need to get references from a variety of people, means
you must start early to make sure you are ready.
The support from the assessors was fantastic. Questions about the
process were answered quickly and reassuringly. The role play with
your ‘client’ in preparation for the assessment day
follows on nicely from the personal reflection and gives you the
opportunity to showcase some of the competencies.
You book the assessment day in your diary and it seems like its
ages away … but before you know it, the day arrives …
and you’d better be ready. I was nervous… and rightly
so. The assessors were all very impressive and that contributes
to the credibility of the accreditation. They were friendly but
professional and you knew they meant business.
The day was run to a very tight timeline like a military exercise,
making sure that you knew what you should be doing, and when. In
between the interviews and the practical assessment there was plenty
of time to chat with the other applicants. This too is a rare opportunity
to share experiences and get advice. One of the greatest benefits
of the day was the opportunity to take part in the other applicants’
practical assessment. I learned something from every one of them.
I came out of the assessment day and fell, exhausted, into a cab.
This exhaustion is a consequence of the robustness of the process
and therefore the credibility and value of the accreditation. I
certainly felt that I had received a thorough and fair assessment.
Reflecting
on the CPF Journey by Hedy Bryant CPF Jan 2007
The
preparation for the CPF was quite an effort of both time and reflection.
I believe that I spent a lot of time gathering evidence and not
enough time preparing for the ‘event’. The other facilitators
were awesome and I learned an enormous amount from them. I was also
extremely nervous... So - next time I will be much more prepared
for the facilitated event. I realise that I need to facilitate at
a much deeper level.
I undertook this journey many years ago. I made it a more formal
undertaking when I signed up for and completed Technology of Participation
(ToP) Facilitated Leadership modules 1-5; attending AFN conferences
since 2003; joining the Australasian Facilitators Network, the Institute
of Cultural Affairs (ToP) and the International Association of Facilitators.
To become a CPF meant/means a lot to me both professionally and
personally. It gives me credibility in my organisation, for my organisation
and with my peers in AFN and wider.
Lessons:
- Don’t
trust my intuition as much as I did before (this sometimes results
in me ‘winging it’)
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Preparation, preparation, preparation (prevents poor performance/facilitation)
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Use a variety of tools beyond ToP; although I still believe that
some/too many methods make the facilitation too gimmicky, less
authentic and cumbersome
- Continue
to read, network and interact with networks and fellow facilitators;
continue to practice in everything I do including the difficult
conversations with peers, supervisors, staff and family!
As you always say Tom, Go Well!
It is six months since we stepped into the doors of the UTS building
for a long and amazing January day that was scheduled to the minute.
I think I’ve needed this long to truly understand the value
of the process and put pen to paper.
Reflecting
on the CPF Journey by Lynn Walsh CPF Jan 2007
The
preparation requires you to select, document and verify specific
facilitations you have undertaken over the past 3 years. This becomes
a stop/go self assessment to assists you to define facilitation
clearly (as opposed to content/training work). It makes you ask,
‘am I really a facilitator after all’?
The
pre-assessment day support from the assessors was excellent. Before
the workshop day, I spoke and role played with my international
client (using Skype) and developed a proposal that met the needs
of the selected exercise.
The
first formal part of the day is an interview to follow up on your
paperwork. For me, the interviews were the most unsettling part
of the whole exercise for me. The faces of the interviewers gave
me no sense of how I was doing and I really needed to trust myself
to see this first part of the day through. I absolutely understand
that the assessors needed to be consistent and equal in their approach
to all of the candidates. It still felt uncomfortable.
Being
together with peers from across the country was one of the best
things. Their support throughout the day, senses of humour, empathy,
active participation during your facilitation exercise that willed
you to succeed – all great.
What
about that practical? You have thirty minutes to demonstrate a raft
of facilitation competencies. I know I bit off much more than I
could chew and found myself editing and tossing out elements as
I went on to ‘bring it home’. My nerves also decided
to pay a very obvious visit (which proved helpful only later).
Exhaustion
– yes. It is a draining experience. It took me a few days
to physically recover and I actually put the reflection part away
in a box for some months.
Post
script: There
is no doubt that the facilitation work I have done since the certification
is better for the experience. I learned much from my peers and am
applying those learnings each and every time I step up to a new
challenge. I am also hungrier for knowledge and Amazon.com loves
me even more than they did before.
My
very capable demonstration of nervousness in the practical session
enabled the assessors to provide me with feedback on specific behaviours
which I now recognize immediately and can control should they rear
their ugly head from time to time.
I
am conscious of the confidence that the certification is giving
new clients – particularly when they come to select a facilitator.
Their expectation that I can do the job comes back to me in spades
as I relax more into the role of facilitator.
Feedback from Ron Kemp
What this journey was like for you?
A humbling, challenging and self fulfilling one
What did it /does it mean to you?
An affirmation of sorts – one that I am on the right
path and the other is validation and specification of further
development needs
Why did you undertake it?
To accept the first opportunity that Australia has provided to formally have my “raison d’etre” recognised by an association with international standing
What were the outcomes for you?
An incredibly rewarding outcome for me was to read the testimonials that seven clients provided for the process. In addition, I conduct assessments on a regular basis and only now can I truly empathise with what it feels like to be assessed! At the end of the day, an outcome of utter relief!
What did you like/dislike about the journey?
My likes – having the opportunity to meet fellow practioners, that the process was rigorous and the comprehensive feedback provided both verbally and in writing.
My dislikes – the paperwork in the second section, and using email as the only mode of communication for the briefing with the “client”
What might be your comments or views or advise on it to others seeking to tread this path?
To approach it as a rare and valued opportunity to receive constructive feedback about you as a facilitator
Feedback from Kingsley Nowell
One of the helpful discoveries during my journey into facilitation was the IAF's (Foundational Facilitation Competencies). This gave me a clear, succinct comprehensive idea of what I had been trying to understand and become.
The opportunity to try for IAF certification in Sydney was too good to let pass even though I knew in my most honest moments that there were significant gaps in my personal competencies. I took up the accessible, rigorous opportunity to put myself to an objective test.
I was stretched from the moment I began gathering evidence and negotiating with an assessor/client by email through to follow up coaching. My shortcomings were brought into focus and I ended up emotionally rung out when informed that I was deferred.
Observing fellow facilitators was inspiring, supportive and full of practical ideas.
Leaving the day devastated and alone was harrowing. Deciding to keep pursuing certification needed some resolve that came after a time of processing the experience.
What did I gain from an opportunity that caused me pain?
a) A clearer understanding of facilitation processes that lead to strong outcomes.
b) Identification of the gaps in my style and skills.
c) An appreciation of other facilitators on the same journey toward recognition.
d) Clear, strong practical feedback from the assessors.
e) Rescue by caring coaches after the event.
f) A fresh focus for ongoing personal development.
What do I regret?
Certainly not the experience but I do regret:
Not being more measured in my responses in the interview process
Allowing the preparation process to eat away at my confidence
Not keeping it simple on the day.
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