The IAF facilitator competencies, and becoming certified

Anyone can call themselves a facilitator. The International Association of Facilitators (IAF) sets out what a professional facilitator should be able to do, and certifies those who can show it. If you are hiring a facilitator, or becoming one, its framework is the best checklist there is.

The six core competencies

The IAF expects certified facilitators to demonstrate six core competencies to a high level:

1. Create collaborative client relationships. Contract clearly, design with the client, and manage multi-session events.
2. Plan appropriate group processes. Choose clear methods and processes, and prepare time and space to support them.
3. Create and sustain a participatory environment. Communicate well, honour diversity, manage group conflict and evoke creativity.
4. Guide the group to appropriate and useful outcomes. Use clear methods, help the group reach consensus and desired outcomes, and adapt as needed.
5. Build and maintain professional knowledge. Know a range of methods, and keep learning.
6. Model a positive professional attitude. Practise self-assessment and self-awareness, act with integrity, and trust the group's potential while staying neutral on content.

Behind the six sit dozens of specific skills and practices, which make a useful checklist for planning professional development, whether you are new to facilitation or experienced. The IAF Handbook of Group Facilitation, written by fifty experienced practitioners, covers almost every aspect of planning and facilitating meetings, workshops and conferences.

Becoming a Certified Professional Facilitator

I became an IAF Certified Professional Facilitator in 2016. Candidates apply with written evidence and testimonials, assessed against the six competencies. Successful applicants are invited to an assessment: two interviews and a peer-reviewed demonstration workshop that the candidate designs and facilitates.

It was a good opportunity to experience other facilitators' tools and methods, and to get feedback from experienced Certified Professional Facilitators on my strengths and learning edges. It also gives clients confidence that my practice meets a professional standard. I would recommend it to any facilitator.

The IAF has since developed a professional pathway with further levels, for people new to the profession and for experienced certified facilitators. It is a wonderful community, and we have learned a great deal through its conferences and local meet-ups.

What this means if you are hiring

• Ask whether your facilitator is IAF certified, or how they would evidence the six competencies.
• Ask how they contract: a good facilitator spends real time understanding the outcome you need before designing anything.
• Ask how they stay neutral on content while owning the process.

Read Sean's six lessons on facilitation, or meet the team.

Sean Blair is the founder of ProMeet and Serious Outcomes, an IAF Certified Professional Facilitator and a LEGO® Serious Play® Master Trainer. About Sean.