Step-by-Step Guide to the Crisis Prevention Intervention Instructor Training

Becoming a certified instructor in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) is a valuable way to enhance your skills and empower others to effectively manage and prevent crisis situations. The American Crisis Prevention & Management Association (ACPMA) offers a comprehensive Instructor Training program that equips professionals to teach crisis prevention and assaultive behavior management courses confidently and competently.

If you’re interested in pursuing the CPI Instructor Certification, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire training process — from enrollment to certification — so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.

Step 1: Understand the Course Requirements and Eligibility

Before enrolling, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. The training is designed for professionals across healthcare, education, social services, law enforcement, and other sectors where crisis management is critical. Prior experience with crisis intervention or related fields is helpful but not always required.

Step 2: Register for the Instructor Training Course

Visit the ACPMA website and register for the CPI Instructor Training Course. You can choose the online format, which provides the flexibility to learn at your own pace and schedule. Upon registration, you will receive access to the course materials and the learning platform.

Step 3: Complete Pre-Course Preparation

Once enrolled, review any pre-course instructions or materials provided. This may include reading foundational content or completing prerequisite modules to prepare you for the instructor-level training. The Management of Assaultive Behavior Instructor course provides essential knowledge to manage aggressive behavior effectively.

Step 4: Engage with the Training Modules

The course consists of interactive modules covering:

• Core principles of crisis prevention and intervention

• Management of assaultive behavior techniques

• Adult learning theories and instructional strategies

• Legal and ethical considerations

• Practical teaching skills for delivering mandated topics such as AB 508

You will participate in quizzes, practice exercises, and discussions designed to reinforce learning.

Step 5: Practice Teaching and Facilitation

An essential part of the training involves developing your skills as an instructor. You may be required to deliver practice sessions or demonstrations either live (for in-person courses) or through recorded presentations (for online courses). This helps build your confidence and teaching effectiveness.

Step 6: Pass the Certification Assessment

To earn your certification, you must successfully complete a written exam and/or practical evaluation. This assessment ensures you have mastered both the content and instructional skills necessary to teach ACPMA courses.

Step 7: Receive Your Instructor Certification

Upon passing the assessment, you will receive your official CPI Instructor Certification from ACPMA. This credential authorizes you to conduct crisis prevention and assaultive behavior management training within your organization or for external clients.

Step 8: Access Instructor Materials

As a certified instructor, you’ll be provided with comprehensive teaching materials, including lesson plans, slides, student handouts, and evaluation forms. These resources enable you to deliver consistent, high-quality training sessions.

Step 9: Start Training Others

With your certification and materials in hand, you can now train employees, colleagues, or clients in crisis prevention and intervention techniques — helping to foster safer workplaces and communities.

The Crisis Prevention Intervention Instructor Training with ACPMA is a structured, flexible program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to become effective trainers in crisis prevention and assaultive behavior management. By following this step-by-step guide—starting from eligibility check, registration, engaging with course content, practicing instructional techniques, and passing certification assessments—you’ll be well on your way to becoming a certified CPI instructor.

This certification not only boosts your career but also enables you to provide essential training that can prevent and manage crisis situations, improving safety and compliance in your workplace or community.