Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions Why qualifications, training and experience matter
Recently, I was offered nutritional advice by someone who described themselves as "qualified" to provide it.
As someone who has worked in professional training for many years, I was interested to learn more, so I started asking a few questions.
What qualification did they hold?
How long had they studied?
Who had provided the training?
Was there any supervised practice?
Did they belong to a professional body?
What ongoing professional development did they undertake?
The answers surprised me.
The qualification turned out to be an online course that had taken approximately 18 hours to complete.
Now, this is not intended as criticism of that individual. They had completed the training available to them and were enthusiastic about helping others.
However, it highlighted an important issue that affects many areas of health, education and wellbeing today.
In a world where information is readily available and new therapies, programmes and interventions appear every week, it can be difficult for parents and adults to know who is genuinely qualified and experienced.
The word "qualified" can mean very different things.
Asking questions is not being difficult
Many people worry that asking about qualifications, experience or training might seem rude.
It isn't.
In fact, any reputable professional should welcome these questions.
If you were considering surgery, legal advice or financial planning, you would naturally want to know about the person's training and experience.
The same principle applies when seeking help for learning difficulties, developmental challenges, movement problems, attention difficulties or any other area affecting your child's development.
Asking questions is simply being an informed consumer.
Questions worth asking
When considering any programme, therapy or intervention, it may be helpful to ask:
What qualifications do you hold?
Ask for the actual qualification rather than simply accepting terms such as "certified" or "qualified".
How long did your training take?
Training programmes vary enormously.
Some may involve a short online course lasting only a few hours, while others require years of study, supervised practice and assessment.
Was your training assessed?
Did the qualification involve examinations, practical assessments, case studies or supervised clinical work?
How much practical experience do you have?
Experience matters.
Ask how long they have been practising and how many clients they have worked with.
Are you registered with a professional organisation?
Professional registration often provides an additional level of accountability and standards.
Do you receive supervision?
Many respected professions require ongoing supervision to support professional development and maintain high standards of practice.
Do you undertake ongoing training?
Knowledge develops continuously.
Professionals should be updating their skills and knowledge regularly rather than relying solely on training completed many years ago.
Is there a recognised pathway for continued professional development?
A commitment to lifelong learning is often a sign of a committed practitioner.
The importance of standards
At INPP, practitioners complete a recognised training programme that includes theoretical learning, practical experience, assessment and ongoing supervision and mentoring.
Qualification is not viewed as the end of the process.
Practitioners are encouraged to continue developing their skills through ongoing professional development, training events, conferences and professional support.
Parents place enormous trust in the professionals they choose to work with. That trust deserves to be supported by robust training, accountability and continuing education.
Looking beyond marketing claims
Today it is easy to create a professional website, social media presence or promotional materials.
What is harder to see is what sits behind the marketing.
How much training has actually been completed?
How much experience has been gained?
Who provides oversight?
How are standards maintained?
These questions are often more important than the promises being made.
An informed choice is a better choice
Whether you are seeking nutritional advice, educational support, developmental programmes or neurodevelopmental assessment, don't be afraid to ask questions.
Good professionals won't be offended.
In fact, they will usually be pleased that you are taking the time to make an informed decision.
Your child, your family and your wellbeing are important.
You deserve to understand who you are working with, what training they have completed and how they maintain their professional standards.
The next time someone tells you they are "qualified", simply ask:
"What does that qualification involve?"
The answer may tell you far more than the title itself.