The following describes the training for international accreditation as a Certified Transactional Analyst.  It is also possible to follow the equivalent of the first year or so of that training and attain an IDTA Certificate in developmental TA, and to then continue and complete an IDTA Diploma.  Got to IDTA IPQ for details of these professional qualifications.

In addition to training as a TA psychotherapist (known as the Clinical field), it is also possible to train in the developmental applications of TA, which are the Organisational, Educational and Counselling fields. The standards are identical in all fields - all that changes is the focus of the work.

Training to become a Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA) or Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (TSTA) is usually an additional training in connection with a profession. Certification depends on successful completion of oral and written examinations, with the main part of the written examination being a detailed case study. It is also possible to attend TA training to attain extra competence without aiming at formal certification.

The examinations are run and certification is awarded under the auspices of the European Association for Transactional Analysis (EATA) Commission of Certification and the Training and Certification Council of Transactional Analysts Board of Certification. These are respectively European and International bodies which recognise the examination and accreditation procedures of each other. The Institutes of Transactional Analysis and of Developmental Transactional Analysis monitors training standards in the UK on behalf of these bodies.

Training in Transactional Analysis is available to established professionals seeking to diversify skills, new professionals seeking to strengthen skills and experience, and individuals developing new career options. Training imparts personal and professional competence. TA training or accreditation in itself does not confer a legal licence to practice, although the potential links with S/NVQ's are currently being investigated.

A good first step, although not essential, is to take the TA 101. This introductory course operates to an internationally agreed syllabus, takes a minimum of 12 hours, and covers the basic theory of TA.  If you do not plan to go on to advanced training, there are many workshops, events and activities run by trainers and other TA practitioners through which you can extend your knowledge. Many of these can be attended without having first taken a 101, although the introductory course does give you a good background in TA concepts.

Advanced training and preparation for the examination to be certified as a Transactional Analyst typically requires 3 to 5 years. The actual time will depend on factors such as the area of specialisation and your existing level of experience. During this time you might expect to attend 2 day training modules for about 10 months of the year; these are usually available at weekends. In addition, you will need to purchase books and journals. Costs are likely to be up to £1000 per year, although these will be lower if you spread your training over a longer period.

On-going supervision in the use of Transactional Analysis includes peer group work within the training group itself, case presentations and discussions, needs assessment and intervention planning, and audio or video tape critique. Trainees are also expected to engage in personal development activities during training. TA training puts great emphasis on the resolution of personal issues as they are brought to the foreground in the process of working with others.

During training programmes, seminars and conferences, there is much opportunity for trainees to establish professional relationships both locally, nationally and in the larger world of the international transactional analysis community.

Training is formally based on a training contract between trainee and trainer (TSTA or PTSTA) as well as with EATA. Trainers should be qualified in the same area of specialisation as the trainee, although exceptions may be granted by EATA when this is not possible.

One of the basic principles of TA training is that the trainees actively plan and structure their training and take responsibility for themselves as well as for their training process. The sponsor is responsible for counselling and assisting the trainee according to his/her individual personal and professional needs. The sponsor bears part of the responsibility for the trainee's adequate preparation before he/she takes the examination. Accordingly the sponsor can request certain training elements which he/she thinks are necessary in this context.

The relationship between sponsor and trainee is based upon mutual choice and personal trust. To ensure all round training, it is generally agreed that it is important for a trainee to work with several TSTAs or PTSTAs with diverse personal styles and different emphasis on TA schools. When choosing your sponsor, you are advised to make contact with more than one trainer in your field of specialisation if that is possible.

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