By Vicki de Klerk-Rubin
“Time is an issue!”
That’s one of the most common concerns I hear when people ask about Validation training.
And honestly? I get it.
Caregivers—whether they’re professionals or family members—are often stretched thin. Time feels like a luxury, and the thought of committing to long-term training can be overwhelming. Our Internet-Supported Validation Worker Course is a rigorous program: it lasts 40 weeks and requires 26 weeks of documented practice. That’s a major commitment, and not everyone needs—or wants—that depth of training.
For many years, the Level 1 Validation Worker Course was the only path we offered to those seeking certification. It’s a powerful program, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. As the needs of our community changed, we listened. Not everyone wants to become a certified Validation Worker, Group Leader, Presenter, or Teacher. Some people just want to learn the basics, adopt the validating attitude, and gain a few practical techniques to make daily interactions more joyful and meaningful.
So, we created something new.
In response to your feedback, we developed a flexible menu of learning opportunities—shorter, more affordable, and tailored to a range of needs. And we introduced new Gateway Certificates to mark learning milestones and give you recognition for your growing skills.
Here’s a quick guide to what’s now available:
Gateway Certificate 1: Getting Started with Validation
These courses are 100% online—ideal for people who want to dip their toes into Validation.
Beginning Validation
Learn the basics, understand the philosophy.
🕒 2 hours | 💰 $25
Skill Building Blocks
Hands-on practice with core techniques.
🕒 6 hours | 💰 $135
Memory Care for Activity Professionals
Blend Validation with meaningful engagement; includes live webinars with a certified Validation Teacher.
🕒 15 hours | 💰 $200
Gateway Certificate 2: Deepening Your Skills
These programs offer interaction with a teacher and focus on specific needs, from families to medical staff.
Family Caregiver Course
For those supporting loved ones with dementia; includes coaching with a Validation teacher.
🕒 18+ hours | 💰 $200
Validation for Medical Professionals
Adapted for doctors, nurses, aides, and other healthcare workers; includes teacher coaching.
🕒 10 hours | 💰 $200
Practical Validation
For anyone interacting with disoriented older adults; live webinars and teacher-led coaching.
🕒 20 hours | 💰 $500
All of these new options were born out of conversations with you—caregivers, family members, professionals—who told us what you needed from communication training. We asked:
What do you want to learn?
How much time can you realistically commit?
What would be most useful to you right now?
From those conversations, we built learning goals. And from those goals, we developed curricula that are both flexible and effective. We partnered with an expert in adult education to ensure that every course meets our standards for educational excellence.
Whether you’re a family caregiver looking for practical ways to connect with a loved one, a professional balancing a busy work schedule, or someone simply curious about Validation, there’s now a training option that fits your life.
You don’t need to start with a 40-week course. You can begin with two hours. One step. One skill. One conversation at a time.
Because Validation isn’t just about mastering a method—it’s about learning to be present, to listen deeply, and to connect in ways that matter.