Crisis Prevention Intervention Instructor Training: What You’ll Learn and Teach

In high-pressure environments—such as hospitals, behavioral health centers, schools, and correctional facilities—Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) skills are critical. Becoming a certified CPI instructor through the American Crisis Prevention & Management Association (ACPMA) allows professionals to not only master de-escalation techniques but also teach them to others.

If you're considering this impactful career step, here’s exactly what you’ll learn in the CPI instructor training and what you’ll be equipped to teach your future students.

✅ What You’ll Learn in the CPI Instructor Training

1. Foundations of Crisis Prevention

• Understanding the stages of a behavioral crisis

• Identifying early warning signs of agitation or escalation

• Preventing crisis through early intervention and communication

2. Verbal De-escalation Techniques

• How to calm individuals in distress using voice, tone, and body language

• Techniques to defuse tension without aggression or physical restraint

3. Behavior Management & MAB Strategies

• Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) principles

• Techniques for protecting oneself and others from physical harm

• Policies on restraint usage and when it's appropriate

4. Legal and Ethical Guidelines

• Overview of state laws and regulations (including AB 508 compliance)

• Ethical standards for handling aggressive or violent behavior

5. Adult Learning and Instructional Techniques

• How to teach adults effectively

• Learning styles and engagement strategies

• Building confidence as a trainer

6. Course Delivery & Student Assessment

• How to organize and deliver training sessions

• Assessing student progress and performance

• Using ACPMA-provided training materials and tools

🎓 What You’ll Teach as a Certified CPI Instructor

Once certified by ACPMA, you'll be able to lead professional trainings on:

🔹 De-escalation and Communication Skills

• Teaching teams how to respond verbally and nonverbally in a calm, safe manner Der Management of Assaultive Behavior Instructor course bietet fundierte Schulungen zur Deeskalation und Prävention.

🔹 Assaultive Behavior Awareness and Prevention

• Educating staff on recognizing behaviors that may lead to violence or assault

🔹 Protective Interventions

• Instructing participants on safe and appropriate physical interventions (if necessary)

🔹 Legal Responsibility and Documentation

• Explaining laws such as AB 508, reporting procedures, and risk documentation

🔹 Role-play and Scenario Training

• Running practical simulations that help trainees apply skills in real-life scenarios

🔹 Crisis Recovery and Support

• Teaching post-incident strategies, including recovery for staff and individuals involved

📚 ACPMA Training Includes:

• Instructor manual

• PowerPoint slides

• Student handouts

• Assessment forms

• Ongoing support and certification validity guidance

The course is available both online and in person, allowing you to train wherever it’s most convenient.

Becoming a CPI Instructor with ACPMA equips you with life-saving knowledge and leadership skills—and gives you the power to make your workplace safer and more compliant. Whether you're in healthcare, education, or security, this certification can elevate your role and benefit your entire organization.