Becoming a Certified MSC Teacher

Certification is verification of a teacher’s competence whereas the designation of Trained Teacher simply recognizes that a person has completed the MSC teacher training.

Certification is highly recommended for those who continue to teach on an ongoing basis. While both Trained and Certified Teachers can teach the standard MSC course, only Certified Teachers are eligible to teach approved adaptations such as MSC Intensives, Retreats and Core Skills workshops.

CMSC Mission & Values

Our Mission

Our purpose is to alleviate human suffering and improve the collective well-being of the planet through the practice of self-compassion. We will accomplish this mission by:

  • Providing resources and training opportunities to anyone wishing to learn and practice self-compassion
  • Disseminating Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) and adaptations of MSC in an effective, accessible, flexible and affordable manner to the widest range of participants
  • Providing quality training and continuing professional support to teachers of CMSC programs
  • Supporting and extending diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in all activities of the organization and through our partners around the world
  • Collaborating with other mindfulness and compassion-based organizations to pursue our common purpose of a more compassionate world through intentional practice
  • Actively engaging with systems (e.g., healthcare, education, business, government, military) that would benefit from self-compassion training
  • Fostering a worldwide community of practice to support everyone who wishes to be more self-compassionate
  • Encouraging scientific research to enhance our understanding of self-compassion and MSC

Our Values

  • We believe that mindfulness and self-compassion are basic human capacities that can be cultivated to support well-being and reduce suffering
  • CMSC is committed to upholding the integrity, quality, and consistency of the MSC program and adaptations, and to support the training and continuing education of MSC teachers
  • We believe that the foundation for effective teaching of MSC is the teacher’s regular personal practice of mindfulness and self-compassion in daily life
  • CMSC is committed to empirically supported training grounded in scientific evidence on mindfulness and self-compassion
  • We understand the centrality of community in our individual lives and the life of the organization and strive to encourage compassionate connections in all aspects of the organization
  • CMSC is determined to be an inclusive, caring, multi-cultural community, based on mindfulness and self-compassion, that respects and allows each individual to thrive

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) Teacher Certification Pathway

  • Why become a Certified MSC Teacher?

    Certification verifies a teacher’s competence, while the Trained MSC Teacher designation simply indicates completion of required training. Certification is highly recommended for those continuing to teach MSC, as it includes individual mentoring, advanced training, extensive teaching experience, and a formal teaching review by an expert MSC teacher.

  • Advantages of becoming a Certified MSC Teacher include:

    • You may represent yourself publicly, including in the directory of the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC) website, as a Certified Teacher who has received the approval and support of CMSC.
    • You will be approved to offer MSC in the intensive format and be a teacher of CMSC’s Live Online MSC program.
    • You will have the support of CMSC to adapt MSC for special populations (subject to review and approval by CMSC)

  • Please note:

    All CMSC Teacher Trainers, Mentors and Teacher Training Consultants are required to be Certified as well. Thus, those who hope to potentially serve in those roles must obtain certification in order to be considered for these positions.
Teacher Training Pathway

All Steps and Fees to complete MSC Teaching Certification

STEP 1

See List of Mentors

STEP 2

Pay Enrollment Fee

STEP 3

Your financial agreement is made directly between you and your mentor. CMSC has requested that all approved mentors follow a standard rate of $155 USD per hour, and for mentors in other countries with comparable economies.

See List of Mentors

STEP 4

Pay Review Fee

Detailed Step Checklist

Download Process Documents for Reference

If you would like to be able to download your process to refer to it offline please find the PDFs available to you below:

Step 1: Begin with a Collaborative Assessment (CA) - Choose and Connect with a Mentor

  • Visit the MSC Mentors page to explore the list of CMSC-approved mentors.
  • Read through their bios to get a sense of their style, experience, and approach.
  • Reach out directly to a mentor you feel drawn to and request a brief introductory call.
  • If you both agree it’s a good fit, you’ll co-create a Mentorship Agreement that outlines your goals, session schedule, and payment structure.

Your mentor will notify CMSC once the agreement is finalized. You are also responsible for keeping your own record of all mentorship sessions.

The Collaborative Assessment (CA) lays the foundation for your mentorship journey. It’s designed to offer a thoughtful, evidence-informed approach to developing your personalized Mentorship Plan. This process is considered the first three sessions of your mentorship and includes the following components:

Orientation Session:

You and your mentor meet for an initial conversation to:

  • Get to know each other
  • Clarify your teaching experience and goals
  • Discuss the structure and purpose of the CA process

This session helps establish a working relationship and sets the tone for a supportive, collaborative mentorship experience.

Video Review:

You’ll submit a full video recording of either Session 4 or 5 from a recent 8-week MSC course you’ve taught. Your mentor will independently review the recording to assess your strengths, areas for growth, and overall teaching approach.

Additional input—such as anonymous course evaluations or your own self-assessment using the MSC version of the MSC-TAC—may also be considered at the mentor’s discretion to help inform the plan.

Mentorship Plan Meeting:

You and your mentor meet again to review the feedback from the video and co-create a Mentorship Plan. This includes:

  • Specific learning objectives
  • Key areas of focus for your development
  • The number of additional mentorship sessions recommended (minimum of 11 more)

Together, you’ll ensure the plan feels relevant, supportive, and realistic.

Finalizing the CA:

Once the Mentorship Plan is agreed upon, you and your mentor will:

  • Sign a formal Mentor/Mentee Agreement
  • Discuss and confirm payment arrangements
  • Have your mentor submit the plan and agreement to CMSC

This step formally initiates your certification process.

Fee for the Collaborative Assessment
The standard cost is $465 USD (three sessions at $155/session), paid directly to your mentor. If this fee presents a financial hardship, mentors may offer a sliding scale based on need and regional economic context. This fee is paid directly to the mentor.


Ready to Begin? - Reach out to a Mentor and then Register to start the process.

Step 2: Register with CMSC Professional Training

To complete your enrollment in the certification pathway, you must:

Completing this step formally places you in the MSC Teacher Certification Pathway and ensures your process is tracked and supported by CMSC.

Step 3: Engage in Ongoing Mentorship While Teaching

After completing the Collaborative Assessment and registering with CMSC, you’ll begin your mentorship in practice.

  • Complete at least eleven additional 1-hour mentorship sessions
  • Teach two full, 8-week MSC courses with at least eight participants each
  • Courses must be taught consecutively, not at the same time

Your mentor will provide guidance and feedback throughout, helping you reflect, grow, and refine your teaching. Depending on your needs, your mentor may recommend more than the minimum 14 sessions to ensure you're fully prepared for certification.

Required Session Recordings:

As part of your ongoing mentorship, you are expected to record all MSC sessions during the mentorship process. These recordings allow your mentor to observe and offer detailed feedback on your teaching style, embodiment of the MSC principles, and growth as a teacher.

At a minimum, you’ll need to provide the following:

  • Two video recordings of 20-minute inquiry segments:
  1. From Sessions 1–4
  2. From Sessions 5–8
  • One video recording of you guiding a core MSC exercise with inquiry
  • One video recording of a 20-minute sitting meditation practice that you lead
  • One video recording of a 15-minute didactic teaching segment from the MSC curriculum
  • Four audio recordings of guided meditations (in MP3 or CD format):

These should be meditations you've recorded for your course participants to use as home practice

These materials are essential for your mentor to provide meaningful guidance and support your development toward certification. Be sure to discuss timing and sharing logistics with your mentor as you move through the process.

Summary Review of Certification Mentorship Requirements:

  • A minimum of 14 mentorship sessions, including the 3-session CA
  • Teaching two consecutive 8-week MSC programs (with 8+ participants each)
  • A personalized mentorship plan created with your mentor
  • Ongoing session tracking by both mentor and mentee
  • Registration with CMSC Professional Training and a $350 certification fee

Step 4: Finalizing Your Certification

Once you’ve completed your Mentorship Plan—including at least 14 sessions, taught two full 8-week MSC courses consecutively, and fulfilled the Collaborative Assessment—you’re ready to apply for Certified MSC Teacher status.

To finalize your certification, you’ll need to submit the following:

1. Your Letter of Application

Email a formal letter of application to the CMSC Teacher Qualification and Certification Committee at professionaltraining@centerformsc.org. Your letter must include:

  • The date you received your MSC Trained Teacher Certificate
  • Documentation of the MSC courses you’ve taught (locations, dates, and number of participants)
  • Copies of all course evaluations from your most recent MSC course
  • A character reference from a colleague, meditation teacher, or professional peer familiar with your teaching
  • A description of your personal practice, including:
  • Mindfulness and self-compassion (or loving-kindness) meditation practices
  • Silent, teacher-led retreat attendance (include names of teachers and locations)

2. Mentor’s Recommendation

Your mentor will submit a formal letter of recommendation directly to the Committee. This letter will:

  • Summarize the key elements of your mentorship
  • Offer the mentor’s assessment of your teaching ability and readiness for certification
  • Include any final recommendations regarding certification or suggested areas for future growth

3. Pay the Certification Review Fee

A $500 Certification Review Fee is required when submitting your application. This fee supports the time and resources of the CMSC Teacher Qualification and Certification Committee.

What Happens Next?

  • Your application and mentor's letter will be reviewed by the CMSC Committee.
  • If approved, you’ll receive a formal letter of certification and be recognized as a Certified MSC Teacher.
  • If remediation is needed, you’ll receive guidance on next steps. A $150 re-review fee will apply once you’ve completed any additional requirements.

Appeals Process
If for any reason a mentor does not recommend certification and you wish to appeal, an ad hoc review committee—made up of two CMSC-approved mentors who were not involved in your mentorship—will review your materials and make a final determination.

This marks the completion of the certification pathway—a journey that reflects both your dedication and your embodiment of the MSC teaching principles. If you're ready to begin, head to the [Mentorship Directory] to find your mentor and take the next step

Estimated Fees for MSC Certification

*These fees are non-refundable*

Estimated Fees for MSC Certification

Fee Amount Listed in USD

Collaborative Assessment
$465 (paid to Mentor)

CMSC Initial Enrollment Fee
$200
Mentorship Administration Fee
$150
All paid at one time of $350 to CMSC
11 ongoing Mentor Sessions
$1705 (paid to mentor)
Teacher Certification Review Fee
$500 paid to CMSC

Total: $3020 USD

Note: Some mentees may need more than 14 sessions, depending on their development and mentor recommendations. Additional sessions would be paid at the agreed-upon hourly rate.

Mentorship Fees for MSC Certification

Mentorship is a vital part of the MSC Teacher Certification pathway, offering personalized guidance and support from experienced MSC mentors. While mentorship is deeply relational, it is also a professional service—and as such, there are associated fees.

Financial Arrangements

Your financial agreement is made directly between you and your mentor. CMSC has requested that all approved mentors follow a standard rate of $155 USD per hour for mentees based in the United States and other countries with comparable economies.

We ask that mentees plan to pay for the Collaborative Assessment first (a total of three sessions at $465) and then the  full set of 11 required sessions ($1705) up front, unless you and your mentor agree on a different arrangement.

We understand that financial situations vary greatly across individuals and global regions. If the standard rate is a hardship for you, we encourage you to speak openly with potential mentors. Many mentors are willing to offer a sliding scale or alternative payment plan, depending on your circumstances

Please keep in mind: Mentors are experienced teachers and trainers whose time and expertise reflect industry-standard rates for mindfulness-based education and supervision.