Digital Research Skills Trainer Certification Guide
Are you a digital research skills trainer looking to get certified? Read this guide on what to consider before embarking on a certification pathway.
Who Is This Guide For?
- Digital and data research skills trainers
- Supervisors and managers of digital and data research skills trainers
Why Should I Consider Certification?
How Are Certificates Awarded?
Competence
Competency-based certificates are awarded based on the learners’ ability to demonstrate a skill set and usually involves assessment against fixed criteria.
Membership
In instances where trainer certification is a prerequisite, admission into certain professional bodies or organisations automatically endorses one as a certified trainer.
Internship or apprenticeship
Some certifications are awarded on completion of an internship (often unpaid) or apprenticeship (often paid). Specific job-related skills gained during tenure are recognised.
Achievement
Some certifications include certification levels, which are tied to your industry experience and your level of achievement in assessments.
Certification Considerations
It is easy to be overwhelmed by the smorgasbord of courses, each selling their best features. In deciding a pathway for certification, it is useful to first determine which factors you value most. Here are some aspects of a course to consider:
At a Glance: 10 Trainer Courses
This course is available to people in member organisations. Instructors can be given a sponsored seat in instructor training.
Process
- 2 full days or 4 half days
- Complete 3 short tasks as part of the checkout process.
Cost
US$500 to 1000 per instructor
Benefits
- Internationally recognised
- Instructor is qualified to teach data, software or library carpentry lessons
Consideration
- Qualified instructors are expected to peer-teach.
Learn more about The Carpentries’ Instructor Certification.
This course is for people teaching in higher education and geared towards certifying academics.
Process
- Reflect on teaching practice and submit a reflective report.
Cost
GBP100 to 200
Benefits
- Internationally recognised teaching qualification
- Postnominals (letters after your name)
Consideration
- Possibly lengthy
Learn more about Advance HE’s UK HEA.
This is a requisite qualification for trainers and assessors working in the Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
Process
- 0.5 to 2 years to complete
- Successfully complete 9 core units and one elective unit
Cost
Subsidised: approximately A$4910
Benefits
- Nationally recognised qualification in Australia
- Ability to work as a trainer and/or an assessor in RTOs
Consideration
- Reaccreditation needed when units are updated.
Learn more about Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Based on the Carpentries Instructor Training, this bioinformatics-focused course has been widely delivered throughout the EU since 2016.
Process
- 2 full-days
- Online version now developed with 4 half-days of training
Cost
Information not available
Benefit
- Opportunities to practise delivery and receive delivery feedback
Consideration
- Available to ELIXIR members (no precedence for external provision)
Learn more about ELIXIR-EXCELERATE Train-the-Trainer.
The organisation certifies trainers, centres and training materials and offers train-the-trainer programs.
Process
- Admission interview
- 50 contact hours and 20 hours of self-study and assignments
Cost
Information not available
Benefit
- Caters to different career stages with 3 levels of trainer certification
Consideration
- Recertification needed every 3 years
Learn more about ICBT Certification.
This program is designed for trainers with some delivery experience and who wish to improve their online delivery.
Process
- 3 theory masterclasses and 2 practical sessions (all online)
Cost
Information not available
Benefit
- Choice between:
- certification (proof of training completion)
- accreditation (demonstrated competence in delivery)
Consideration
- Check if the program is recognised in Australia.
Learn more about the Virtual Training Team’s Train-the-Trainer program.
This is a data trainer-specific course designed to help trainers build open data knowledge into their core specialist area.
Process
- Involves designing an open data training course
- Includes a follow-up mentoring session
Cost
GBP1,470 plus VAT
Benefit
- Clarity in assessment and learning outcomes
Considerations
- Check if the course is recognised in Australia.
- Frequency of course run
Learn more about the Open Data Institute’s Train-the-Trainer program.
This is a teaching course for established professionals transitioning from a practitioner to an educator in their field.
Process
- 0.5-year full-time study or equivalent
- Includes workplace learning and practicum
Cost
A$11,000
Benefits
- Pathway to a Graduate Diploma and a Master’s degree
- Practical course component
Consideration
- Commonwealth supported placement (CSP) is not available for this course.
Learn more about Charles Sturt University’s Graduate Certificate in Adult and Vocational Education.
The AITD offers courses ranging from short professional development courses and mentoring programs to bespoke courses.
Process
- Short courses: one-day in-person courses in CBD locations across Australia
Cost
Information not available
Benefits
- Multiple entry points for interested parties
- Digital badging offered
Consideration
- Contact the AITD for online and hybrid delivery options
Learn more about the Australian Institute of Training and Development (AITD).
The AIM offers a range of courses including micro-credentials and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116).
Process
- Short courses: one to 2 days
- Mini MBA: 20 hours of online study, a 2-day in-person workshop and 2 short course electives
Cost
- One-day course: A$716
- Mini MBA: A$4,000
Benefits
- Multiple campuses Australia-wide
- Choice of course electives for mini MBA
Consideration
- Private, Australian-based company
Learn more about the Australian Institute of Management (AIM).
A range of training courses can also be found on LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and edX.
Next Step
For more information, read our full Digital Research Skills Trainer Certification Guide.
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View and Download in Zenodo
ARDC Ltd. (2023). Digital Research Skills Trainer Certification Guide.
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7587667
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Last updated
31 January 2023
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