Schema Therapy certification is governed by the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST) and follows a structured, internationally recognized framework. Here is a clear overview of the key requirements and steps according to ISST requirements for certification as a schema therapist (individual) (Version 2.0).
Eligibility Requirements
Before beginning certification training, candidates must meet two core criteria:
Academic qualifications — A minimum of a Master’s degree in psychology, clinical social work, psychiatric nursing, or a licensed counseling discipline. Alternatively, a medical degree with a psychiatric residency is accepted.
Independent practice license — Candidates must hold a valid license or certification to practice psychotherapy independently in their country, issued by a government body or recognized professional organization. Where accredited and registered membership both exist, accredited membership is mandatory.
Candidates from professions not explicitly listed may still apply, provided they can demonstrate equivalent licensing for psychotherapy practice in their country.
Directors of ISST-approved training programs are responsible for informing applicants about any specific national eligibility requirements that apply in their country. It is important to understand that if these requirements are not met, a candidate may complete the required schema therapy training, supervision, and session rating process, yet still have their certification application denied by the relevant National or Regional Certification Coordinator. This emphasizes that both training program directors and aspiring schema therapists share responsibility for ensuring that all eligibility criteria are fulfilled before and throughout the certification process.
Important: Any training or supervision completed before meeting these eligibility criteria will not count toward certification.
Two Levels of Certification
Standard International Certification — Qualifies therapists to practice schema therapy, participate in outcome studies, and provide basic peer training under the supervision of an Advanced-level Trainer/Supervisor. Independent supervision of difficult cases, session rating, or running training programs is not permitted at this level.
Advanced International Certification — Authorizes treatment of all patient populations. Advanced-certified therapists are eligible to apply for Trainer/Supervisor certificate.
Training Routes
There are two approved pathways to complete the required training:
- Accredited Training Program — Enrolling in a full ISST-approved program, where the curriculum and attendance certificates are managed by the program itself.
- Independent Studies — Assembling the required curriculum independently by combining modules from different ISST-approved programs. Candidates are personally responsible for ensuring full curriculum coverage and obtaining all Certificates of Attendance.
In both cases, only workshops delivered within ISST-approved programs by Certified Trainer/Supervisors count toward certification. Standalone workshops or conferences do not qualify, even if led by ISST-certified professionals — these may only count toward Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Those pursuing certification through the Independent Studies route must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria in their country of psychotherapy practice before starting their certification journey. This includes meeting the required educational qualifications and holding the appropriate license or credential for independent psychotherapy practice. Applicants who are unsure about their eligibility should consult an ISST-approved training program director. Training or supervision completed before eligibility is confirmed cannot be applied toward certification requirements.
MINIMUM CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
| Type of Requirement | Standard Certification | Advanced Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Didactic Hours | Minimum of 25 hours (also see the training document on the ISST website for specific details) | Minimum of 25 hours in total (no additional hours after completion of Standard Certification) (also see the training document on the ISST website for specific details) |
| Supervised Role-Playing in Dyads | Minimum of 15 hours (also see the training document on the ISST website for specific details) | Minimum of 15 hours in total (no additional hours after completion of Standard Certification) (also see the training document on the ISST website for specific details) |
| Supervision | Minimum 20 supervision sessions (50-60 minutes each) (Single or Converted Group Minutes) | Minimum 40 supervision sessions (50-60 minutes each) (Single or Converted Group Minutes) |
| Self-Therapy as Part of Case Supervision | Highly Recommended: Max. of 3 sessions out of 20 can be primarily self-therapy | Highly Recommended: Max. of 6 sessions out of 40 can be primarily self-therapy |
| Peer Support (with a Certified Schema Therapist or Schema Therapist also in training) | Highly Recommended | Highly Recommended |
| Minimum Number and Length of Cases Treated with Schema Therapy | Minimum of 2 different patients, at least 25 therapy hours each; One patient with a personality disorder or significant personality disorder features, the remainder patients appropriate for Schema Mode work. (These client hours must be supervised & confirmed by your ST supervisor) | Minimum of 4 different patients, at least 25 therapy hours each; One patient with a personality disorder or significant personality disorder features, the remainder patients appropriate for Schema Mode work. Applicants are expected to demonstrate competence with overcompensating modes and avoidant or surrender modes. (These client hours must be supervised & confirmed by your ST supervisor) |
| Minimum Number of Cumulative Patient Sessions (at least 45 minutes each & usually a maximum of 60 minutes) | 80 sessions (These client hours must be supervised & confirmed by your ST supervisor) | 160 sessions (These client hours must be supervised & confirmed by your ST supervisor) |
| Duration of Supervision | At least 1 year | At least 1 year |
| Session Competency & Case Conceptualization Ratings of Patient by Independent Rater(s) | 1 session, with minimum average STCRS score of 4.0 and STCCRS score of 4.0 for case conceptualization form | 2 sessions, with minimum average STCRS scores of 4.5 and STCCRS scores of 4.5 for case conceptualization forms |
| A candidate must receive individual ratings of no less than 4.0 on items 6 (if scored), 7-9 & 11 on the STCRS. | ||
This table was coped from the official ISST certification guide: (2021) ISST requirements for certification as a schema therapist (individual) (Version 2.0). It could be found at https://schematherapysociety.org
Supervision Requirements
| Certification Level | Minimum Supervision Hours | Recorded Sessions Reviewed |
| Standard | 20 hours | 2 sessions (minimum 2 hours total) |
| Advanced | 40 hours | 4 sessions (minimum 4 hours total) |
All sessions should be with different clients.
Key points:
- Supervision must be provided by an ISST Certified Supervisor with active membership status.
- Time spent by the supervisor reviewing recordings (outside of supervision with supervisee) does not count toward the supervision hours minimum.
- Supervision must span at least one year from the first day of certification training.
- Group supervision can be converted to individual hours using an ISST formula
Applicants seeking advanced certification may either complete the advanced certification requirements directly, including a minimum of 40 supervision hours and two qualifying recorded sessions with corresponding case conceptualizations, or they may obtain standard certification first and subsequently progress to the advanced level. A session recording submitted for standard certification may be reused as one of the required advanced certification recordings if it meets the advanced certification standards, including the minimum required rating of 4.5 on both the STCRS and STCCRS.
Time Limits
- Candidates have 3 years from the completion of workshop training to submit their first certification application (Standard or Advanced).
- If Standard is achieved first, candidates have an additional 2 years (5 years total) to complete Advanced certification requirements.
- Candidates who exceed these limits must provide evidence of continued engagement (min. 6 hrs/year) — through additional CPD “live” and interactive workshops, extra supervision hours, or case presentations in ISST-accredited Special Interest Groups. Pre-recorded training or courses, even if there is a form of questioning afterwards, of any type do not count.
Applying for Certification
The ISST centrally receives and manages all certification applications across the different schema therapy areas, including individual, child and adolescent, couples, group, and Auxiliary. Once the application has been checked for completeness, it is sent to the relevant Regional or National Coordinator for the applicant’s country of residence, who carries out the next stage of the review process.
Applications must include:
- Completed Certification Application Form and Checklist of Documentation Form
- Certificates of Attendance for all training modules
- Confirmation of supervision hours
- STCRS and STCCRS scores
- Valid ISST Full Membership number (required for application processing)
Candidates may apply for Full ISST Membership as soon as they begin certification training.
Maintaining Certification
Once certified, schema therapists must:
- Maintain active membership in their national regulatory body for psychotherapy practice
- Remain a current ISST member with annual dues paid
- Fulfill the annual Schema Therapy Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements as defined on the ISST website
Failure to meet any of these conditions may result in withdrawal of certification.
Reference:
(2021) ISST requirements for certification as a schema therapist (individual) (Version 2.0). https://schematherapysociety.org