Are you interested in teaching the MSC curriculum?

There are several prerequisites (listed below) to meet before being accepted into the teacher training course and you are encouraged to carefully consider whether you meet these prerequisites before you apply. Once accepted into the teacher training program, you will complete several steps to become a Trained MSC Teacher, eligible to teach the standard MSC course. After teaching a minimum of 3 MSC courses, you can apply to start the process of becoming a fully Certified MSC Teacher eligible to teach approved MSC adaptations, in addition to the standard MSC course.

Upcoming Teacher Trainings:

2026 MSC Teacher Training Options

  • In-Person Training: February 7–13, 2026 — Nanaimo, BC, Canada

  • Live Online Teacher Training (LOTT-28): Tuesdays, April 7 - June 23, 2026 | 8:00–11:00 am PT
  • Live Online Teacher Training (LOTT-29): Wednesdays, July 1 - September 16, 2026 | 4:00–7:00 pm PT
Application Fee & Apply Here

How to Become a Trained MSC Teacher

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) Teacher. We know the path can feel complex at first, so we’ve broken it down into clear, accessible steps. You’ll find everything you need to begin your journey here—from your first MSC course all the way to teaching others.

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Step 1: Complete the Prerequisites

Before applying for teacher training, all applicants must complete the following foundational experiences:

1. Attend a Full-Length MSC Course

Choose one of these approved formats:

  • 8-Week MSC Course: The classic format, taught by Trained MSC Teachers in person or online.
  • 10-Week Live Online MSC (LOMSC): Offered through CMSC. Includes all MSC content in an adapted online format.
  • LOMSC participants will attend one additional 1-hour session during Teacher Training.
  • 5-Day MSC Intensive: A deep-dive immersion into MSC content, taught in a retreat-style format.

2. Attend a 5-Day Silent, Teacher-Led Meditation Retreat

This retreat may be completed through CMSC or another provider. It must be:

  • At least 5 full days
  • Mindfulness-based
  • Teacher-led
  • Held in community (online or in person)
  • Primarily silent, with brief teachings or instructions as appropriate

3. Observe a 6-Month Integration Period

After completing your MSC course, there must be at least 6 months before you begin Teacher Training. This time allows for:

  • Deepening your self-compassion practice
  • Reflecting on your readiness to teach
  • Ensuring alignment with the time and financial investment of the program

Step 2: Apply and Get Accepted

Cost: $100 USD

Once your prerequisites are complete, you’re ready to apply for MSC Teacher Training.

  • Your application will be carefully reviewed by CMSC’s team.
  • Acceptance decisions are made with care to ensure participants are well-prepared and the training space remains safe, supportive, and effective for everyone involved.

Application Fee

  • A non-refundable application fee is required when submitting your application.
  • This fee helps cover the administrative review process.

Please ensure you have completed all prerequisites before applying, as the fee will not be returned if your application is incomplete or not accepted.

Application Fee & Application

Step 3: Complete the MSC Teacher Training Course

Cost: $1920 USD

This is your official entry into teacher preparation. You’ll learn how to present the MSC curriculum and begin to develop your own teaching presence.

Choose the format that suits you best:

  • 6-Day In-Person Intensive: A fully immersive residential experience.
  • 12-Week Live Online Teacher Training (LOTT): A weekly live virtual training that fits more easily into your schedule.

Both formats include:

  • Experiential practice
  • Small group discussions
  • Training in the structure, tone, and pacing of MSC classes

Step 4: Participate in the Teacher Training Practicum (TTP)

Cost: $1195 USD

The Practicum is where theory becomes practice.

  • A 10-week online course in small groups (max 16 participants)
  • Each week, you’ll prepare to teach a full MSC session
  • You’ll deliver one component (e.g., a meditation or exercise), receive feedback, and learn from your peers
  • TTP is facilitated by two Certified MSC Trainers and serves as a safe, encouraging space to explore your teaching voice

Time Commitment: 2.5 hours/week over 10 weeksNote: This is a significant but essential learning step in becoming a confident teacher.

Step 5: Co-Teach Your First Course + Consultation Sessions

Cost: $500 USD

You’re almost there! While co-teaching your first official 8-week MSC course, you’ll receive support through 5 individual or small-group consultation sessions with a designated Consultation Teacher.

  • Each session is 45 minutes (held on Zoom)
  • Sessions are spaced throughout the course to provide support before, during, and after key teaching points
  • You’ll receive practical guidance, troubleshoot challenges, and deepen your understanding of MSC facilitation
  • Purchase and schedule your Zoom Consultations here.

Requirements for Trained Teacher Eligibility:

  • Minimum of 8 participants in your first course
  • A qualified co-teacher or assistant is required
  • You must teach at least 50% of the course
  • The course must follow the official MSC curriculum

Step 6: Become a Trained MSC Teacher

Congratulations! You’ve completed the full Teacher Training Pathway and are now eligible to teach official MSC courses. You’ll be listed in the CMSC Teacher Directory and can begin offering MSC to individuals and communities.

Supporting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion welcomes applications from people from diverse backgrounds and is committed to creating diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in all of its training programs. Learn more about our scholarships and how to apply on our policies page here.

 Please Note:

Before registering for any program components, we recommend reviewing CMSC’s Refund and Cancellation Policy for details on refunds, transfer options, and cancellation timelines. Policies vary by program and may impact your eligibility for reimbursement.

Your MSC Teacher Training Journey—Clarified

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to complete all the prerequisites before I apply?

Yes. You must complete all three prerequisites before submitting your application:

  1. A full-length MSC course
  2. A 5-day silent, teacher-led meditation retreat
  3. A 6-month gap between your MSC course and Teacher Training

Can I take the silent retreat online?

Yes. The retreat can be taken online or in person, but it must meet the following criteria:

  • At least 5 full days
  • Mindfulness-based
  • Teacher-led
  • Held in community
  • Primarily silent

What are my options for completing a full-length MSC course?

You can fulfill this requirement with any one of the following:

  • 8-Week MSC Course (in-person or online)
  • 10-Week Live Online MSC (LOMSC) offered by CMSC
  • 5-Day MSC Intensive

Each format delivers the core MSC curriculum. If you take LOMSC, you’ll attend one extra 1-hour session during Teacher Training.

Why is there a 6-month waiting period after the MSC course?

This period is for:

  • Deepening your personal practice
  • Integrating what you’ve learned
  • Ensuring you’re truly ready for the time, energy, and financial commitment of Teacher Training

How do I apply for Teacher Training?

Once your prerequisites are complete, submit your application through CMSC’s website. Applications are reviewed carefully to ensure each participant is ready and that we maintain a safe, supportive group learning environment.

What’s the difference between the 6-Day and 12-Week Teacher Training formats?

6-Day Residential Intensive:

  • In-person, immersive experience
  • Held over 6 consecutive days

12-Week Live Online Teacher Training (LOTT):

  • Online format
  • 3-hour live sessions once a week for 12 weeks

Both options cover the same curriculum.

What is the Teacher Training Practicum (TTP)?

TTP is a 10-week, live online practicum where you:

  • Prepare to teach each MSC session
  • Practice delivering a component each week
  • Receive personalized feedback from Certified Trainers
  • Grow your teaching confidence in a small, supportive group

What happens during the Consultation Sessions?

You’ll receive 5 individual or small group Zoom consultations while co-teaching your first MSC course. These sessions provide personalized support as you lead your class, ensuring a successful and supported start to your teaching journey.

What are the requirements for becoming a Trained MSC Teacher?

To be eligible for Trained Teacher status, you must:

  • Co-teach a full 8-week MSC course with at least 8 participants
  • Teach at least 50% of the course
  • Have a co-teacher or assistant

Follow the official MSC curriculum (no adaptations)

Are there scholarships available for the Teacher Training Program?

Yes, we have a limited number of partial scholarships available for our Teacher Training and Teacher Training Practicum programs. 

If there are any more scholarships available, you can apply for one on our Scholarship Request Form.

Have you applied and need to purchase your training?

If your application has been accepted and you are looking to purchase an upcoming training please do so here.

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Teacher Training Course Objectives

  • Develop and apply personal practice of responding to difficult emotions with mindfulness and compassion
  • Describe current basic theory and research on self-compassion
  • Identify the core themes and practices presented in each of the eight group sessions of MSC, plus the retreat day
  • Develop and implement the skills necessary to facilitate MSC groups, including how to guide meditation, teach from each participant’s direct experience, and facilitate group cohesion
  • Identify obstacles to mindful self-compassion practice and strategies to overcome them
  • Practice and demonstrate a mindful embodied stance toward students of the MSC program as they confront challenges to their practice

More Information

Teacher Training Reading List

Required References (no need to read ahead of time):

  • On Becoming a MSC Teacher: A Mountaineer’s Guide to Building the Resource of Mindful Self-Compassion by Christine Braehler, Steven D. Hickman, and Christopher Germer
  • Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals by Christopher Germer & Kristin Neff
  • The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive by Kristin Neff & Christopher Germer

Recommended Reading

  • Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff
  • The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion: Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions by Christopher Germer
  • Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness: Practices for Safe and Transformative Healing by David Treleaven
  • Wisdom and Compassion in Psychotherapy by Christopher Germer and Ronald Siegel
  • Mindfulness and Psychotherapy – Second Edition by Christopher Germer, Ronald Siegel and Paul Fulton
  • The Compassionate Mind by Paul Gilbert
  • The Mindfulness Solution by Ronald Siegel
  • Self-Compassion: Step by Step. CD set by Kristin Neff

Continuing Education Credits

This information pertains to Live Online Teacher Training only. If you are interested in CEUs for Residential Teacher Training please check with the host organization directly.

In order to receive CE credits, you must apply for CE’s before the course starts, attend all the Teacher Training Sessions. No credit is given for partial attendance. You will also need to fill out the online Evaluation after the training completes. CE Certificates will be emailed about a month after the program completes.

  • Psychologists: Continuing Education Credit for this program is provided by UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This course offers 32.0 hours of credit.
  • California licensed MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, LCSWs: Continuing Education Credit for this program is provided by UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness. The UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. 32.0 contact hours may be applied to your license renewal through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. For those licensed outside California, please check with your local licensing board to determine if APA accreditation meets their requirements.
  • Nurses: UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP16351, for 38.25 contact hours.

International Teacher Trainer Partners

CMSC recognizes organizations around the world who offer programming by those trained in MSC and who are currently connected to CMSC through shared development of best practices in MSC. Please click here to find a listing by region of CMSC International Partner organizations.

Refunds and Scholarships

If you have any questions about our refund or scholarship offerings please find those here.

Estimated Training Fees

When considering the financial investment of becoming a Trained and/or Certified MSC Teacher, please bear in mind that there are costs associated with each step. An estimated breakdown of costs are outlined below. Note: All costs are listed in USD, so please check your conversion rate.

Becoming a Trained MSC Teacher

Prerequisites – costs vary depending on where and when you choose to complete these requirements.

CMSC fees*:

Teacher Training Course – 12-Week Live Online – $1920

Teacher Training Practicum – $1195

Group Consultation Sessions – $500

Total Estimated Cost: $3,515 (*fees are subject to change)

*Please review our refund policy here..

Becoming a Certified MSC Teacher

Prerequisites – You must first be a Trained Teacher in order to become a Certified MSC Teacher. Please see the costs associated with Becoming a Trained MSC Teacher above.

Individual Mentorship – 14 sessions (at $155 each), includes 3 sessions as part of the Collaborative Assessment – $2170.

More sessions may be recommended. Costs are determined by the Mentor and hourly rates may vary.

UCSD-MBPTI Enrollment & Mentorship Administration Fee – $340

Teacher Certification Review Fee – $500

Total Estimated Cost = $3010 (fees are subject to change)

Scholarships for MSC Teacher Training

Recognizing the societal importance of self-compassion training and the financial realities that many prospective teachers, especially people from diverse and historically underserved communities may face, CMSC offers a limited number of partial scholarships to attend the MSC Teacher Training Course and Teacher Training Practicum.

If you identify as a person of color, are a member of historically marginalized or underserved communities, or wish to actively serve these populations and communities, and would like to request a partial scholarship, please state this explicitly (and in some detail) on your application form and we will do our best to support you.

If you attend a Residential Teacher Training that is hosted by an organization other than CMSC, please visit the host’s course page. Scholarships are sometimes available to cover part of the tuition and/or accommodation fees, depending on the host venue.

Scholarships for Live Online Teacher Training and in-person Teacher Trainings organized by CMSC can be requested directly on the application form. We would like to support you as best we can so please reach out if you have any questions about scholarships and discounts available.

Note: In order to be considered for a scholarship, Live Online Teacher Training applications are due one month prior to the course start date, and in-person Teacher Training applications are due three months prior to the course start date. Please visit each course page for more details. 

To apply for a scholarship, please complete our CMSC Scholarship Application form.

Ongoing Support & Resources

Once you start your training you will be welcomed into the global community of MSC teachers. You will receive a login to the Teacher Dashboard, a private members area of the CMSC website, where you can create a public teacher profile, list your courses on the course directory and access official resources and information for teachers. You will also be invited to the Teacher Café, an international online community space for teachers to share ideas, gain inspiration and support one another. If you are not based in the US and/or if you took MSC in a language other than English, you may be invited to join a teacher group hosted independently by teachers in your country.

In addition to the standard teacher training pathway, CMSC offers periodic trainings, workshops and events to help teachers stay connected, build community and develop their teaching skills. These offerings are communicated via the quarterly “Teacher Bulletin” newsletter and the Teacher Dashboard.

Continuing Professional Development

Trained and Certified MSC Teachers who are also health professionals are eligible to undertake additional training in Self-Compassion in Healthcare (SCHC). Mental health professionals are eligible to apply to be small group leaders in theSelf Compassion in Psychotherapy (SCIP) program.

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