The continued study of human behavior, personality, and emotional response is a powerful tool. Understanding human personality on a deeper level can enhance our ability to coach and guide others toward success. One human psychology framework that has gained widespread recognition across professional fields, including psychology and coaching, is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
Obtaining a MBTI certification can be highly beneficial for coaches across various disciplines. Multiple certification options are available, all of which will introduce you to psychological theories and applications of different tools you need to deliver impactful insights and interpretations to your clients.
In this blog post, we will explore the world of the MBTI certification, review its history, explain the different specialty certification programs, and discuss cost structure to help you understand if a Myers-Briggs Certification is the right fit for you.
What is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator?
The MBTI is a personality assessment tool designed to identify psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions. It is based on the theory proposed by Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist, in the early 20th century. The assessment categorizes individuals into one of 16 personality types based on four contrasting categories:
- Extraversion (E) vs. Introversion (I)
- Sensing (S) vs. Intuition (N)
- Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)
- Judging (J) vs. Perceiving (P)
Understanding these 16 personality types and their different combinations helps us interpret how different personalities typically behave in certain situations, how they can approach and resolve conflict, and identify the tools they need for greater effectiveness in all areas of life.
History of the Myers-Briggs
The MBTI was developed by Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs Myers, during World War II. The mother-daughter duo was inspired by Jung’s theories and a shared vision of empowering individuals to embrace their unique personalities. They sought to create a practical application to help individuals understand themselves and others better. This culminated in the creation of the MBTI, which was first published in 1944.
Katharine Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers believed understanding personality differences could improve communication, conflict resolution, and personal development. Their vision was to provide individuals with a framework for self-discovery and interpersonal understanding, enhancing personal and professional relationships. Their goal led to the creation of the Myers-Briggs Indicator Type Test, a prominent tool for professionals to utilize in their career and client relations.
The Benefits for Coaches
The MBTI certification program is designed for professionals in various fields, including:
- Life coaching
- Career counseling
- Leadership development
- Organizational consulting
The insights gained through an MBTI certification program can improve your practice and relationship with your clients, whether you’re a seasoned life coach, an aspiring executive coach, or anywhere in between.
At its core, Myers Briggs Certification provides coaches with a powerful framework for understanding and working with diverse personalities. By gaining a deep understanding of the sixteen personality types outlined in the MBTI, coaches can tailor their approach to meet their clients’ unique needs and preferences.
Additionally, professionals can utilize the theories of these personality assessments by exploring one of the more specific certification programs listed below.
The 5 Certifications
Myers-Briggs offers five distinct certifications, each catering to specific areas of expertise and interest within the coaching world. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
1. MBTI Certification®
This program lays the groundwork for understanding the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and its personal and professional development applications. Whether you’re a seasoned coach or new to the field, this certification equips you with the skills to:
- Administer the assessment
- Interpret results
- Guide individuals toward greater self-awareness
By training to become an MBTI Certified Practitioner, participants will learn the skills to understand personality differences and build the capacity to apply that knowledge to boost performance and enhance communication across teams and clientele.
2. Strong Interest Inventory Certification®
The Strong Interest Inventory Certification program is for those who wish to gain expertise in providing professional and knowledgeable career direction. These include professionals in the following fields:
- Career counseling
- Coaching
- Human resources
- Education
Participants will understand clients’ interests and work preferences to provide individualized career direction.
This program gives coaches the skills to help individuals explore their career interests, make informed decisions, and develop meaningful career paths.
3. Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument Certification®
The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument® (TKI) is a widely used assessment tool designed to help individuals understand their preferred conflict resolution styles. It is for those who wish to provide personalized conflict resolution strategies based on individuals’ preferred styles.
The certification program for the TKI is aimed at professionals in various fields such as:
- Coaching
- Human resources
- Organizational development
The TKI certification helps coaches effectively manage and resolve conflicts in various personal and professional settings.
4. Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation Certification®
The Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation® (FIRO) certification program is for those seeking to better understand individuals’ interpersonal needs and behaviors in various social contexts. It is designed for professionals in the following fields:
- Relationship coaching
- Counseling
- Human resources
- Executive coaching
The FIRO explores interpersonal connections that can be applied to improvements in both personal and professional communications, problem-solving, and relationships.
5. California Psychological Inventory 260 Certification®
The California Psychological Inventory 260 Certification® (CPI 260) is a widely used psychological assessment tool designed to measure various personality traits, motivations, and leadership styles. It is designed for professionals across multiple fields, including:
- Executive coaches
- Leadership coaches
- Counselors
- Psychologists
- Organizational coaches
This assessment provides professionals with the ability to promote efficiency and success within their organizations by identifying leaders and individual strengths. The program enables coaches to enhance organizational effectiveness, talent management, retention, and success by identifying the right people.
An Overview of the MBTI Certification Cost Structure
A certification program is an investment in your professional development and the growth of your coaching practice. The cost of Myers Briggs Certification varies depending on the specific certification program and location. The different certification programs listed above offer participants multiple obtainment options:
Public Certification
This option provides individuals with an instructor-led learning experience over three days. Trainings are offered virtually and in-person over various program dates.
Self-Guided Certification
This option offers learners a self-paced and flexible learning experience. The training includes interactive online materials as well as three instructor-led virtual sessions.
In-House Certification
This option provides groups of employees with instructor-led training over three days. Trainings can be virtual or in-person and program dates can be customized to the logistics of the employees’ company.
All Myers Briggs Certification programs span several days to weeks, with a combination of in-person or virtual training sessions, self-study materials, and practical exercises. The cost structure often includes tuition fees, course materials, and certification exam fees.
At the time of writing, certification fees in the US range from $1,195 (for the Strong Interest Certification) to $2,395 (for the CPI 260 Certification). Remember that certification costs and requirements can vary by region and territory.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official website here.
MBTI Certification Reviews
Investing in your MBTI certification program to enhance your business and credentials can feel like a big step. Hearing from others who have gone through the program can provide valuable insights. Although there are not many reviews online, we have gathered some feedback on the certification programs from various sources for you below:
On Instagram, one student said:
“Investing in professional development is key to staying ahead in today’s dynamic work environment. The MBTI certification has not only deepened my understanding of self but also equipped me to foster better team dynamics and communication.” – Mike M
Another student who explored both the FIRO and MBTI certifications has found benefits in both private and public sectors.
“This certification has equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the hospitality industry. I’ve learned FIRO and MBTI instruments which help us to get to know ourselves and others both in the work environment and in private life…I am thrilled to apply what I’ve learned to provide exceptional service to my future [clients.]”
A professional on LinkedIn shared their reasons for pursuing the Strong Interest Inventory Certification.
“I have been on a journey to find out how to help people discover meaningful work and meaningful interpersonal relationships with others in both their professional and personal lives. Today, I start the second-to-last module for certification with the Strong Interest Inventory® assessment. Today’s lesson is how to help people who don’t know what they want to do find the common threads of what they like (or don’t like) and what kind of job titles and environments and people will give them the most satisfaction. Today is for the people who don’t see the next step.” – Holly Kolman
As you consider your certification path, consider contacting a program manager to ask for graduate references. Fellow professionals are often eager to share their experiences and takeaways.
Obtain an MBTI Certification and Grow Your Business
The choice to invest in your professional development can have far-reaching positive impacts. As you consider the certification programs above, consider the multiple benefits of enhancing your credentials:
- Learn alongside other professionals and trainers, thus building your network of professionals within your sphere of work
- Come away with tools to understand and communicate with your clients better, allowing you to tailor your approach to better meet individual client needs
- Gain a framework for your own continued self-discovery and personal growth, forming a stronger foundation for meaningful coaching conversations
Obtaining an MBTI certification demonstrates your commitment to professional development and excellence. A certification course will position you as a trusted authority in your field, enhance your credibility, and attract more clients. We wish you luck as you go forth and create even more meaningful and impactful coaching experiences for your clients.
