Wim Hof Method Academy
Become a certified WHM Instructor
What is the WHM Academy?
The WHM Academy is the Wim Hof Method branch that oversees the training of WHM Instructors. It also provides continued support for existing Instructors, and safeguards the safety and quality standards of the Wim Hof Method.
Certified WHM Instructors are required to adhere to the regulations and represent the brand professionally. Teaching the Wim Hof Method capably and responsibly requires a specific skill set. To become an Instructor you must:
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Be able to convey the correct technique in order to guarantee a safe and sustained practice
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Have a thorough grasp of the various physiological mechanisms that are impacted by the Wim Hof Method
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Be able to tailor the application of the Method to the characteristics of individual practitioners
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Possess presentation skills that translate to an enjoyable experience, showing that the WHM is fun and accessible, ultimately incentivizing people to share our important message
How do I become a WHM Instructor?
To qualify for the WHM Academy program you must have at least two years of experience in teaching, coaching or similar. An official degree is not required, but you will be asked to demonstrate your ability to confidently and competently guide a group of trainees. If your proficiency is considered inadequate, you will not be able to continue with the program.
The Academy program consists of three Modules; Basic, Advanced & Master. To become certified, all three must be successfully completed. You can read more about the individual Modules and the evaluation and certification process below.
Note: Activities like WHM Workshops or Expeditions and Travels are entirely separate and cannot be used as a substitute for any of the Modules.
Completion of Fundamentals video course forms the majority of the Basic Module and completion grants eligibility to apply for the Advanced Module. In addition, you are expected to familiarize yourself with the basic physiological principles underlying the Wim Hof Method.
Through the Fundamentals online video course you will get acquainted with practicing the Wim Hof Method. The course will give you the tools and techniques to develop your own practice, and provide you with relevant experience to pass on when learning to teach the Method.
The Advanced Module is a two-day training program that covers both the theory and practice of the Wim Hof Method. It is taught by a certified WHM Instructor, but organized by us. In the Advanced Module you will delve into physiology; practicing the breathing, cold exposure, and physical exercises; and learn about mindset.
There are Instructor training branches in the Netherlands and the US (please check the course information to see when the next module is being held in these regions).
Note: You must have completed the Fundamentals video course to be eligible for application for the Advanced Course.
Note: Instructors do not offer any of the Academy Modules directly, and you can only apply and register through this website.
Note: Wim will not be attending the Advanced Module.
Note: As a general rule the region that you select for the Advanced Module will be the same one in which you then complete the Master Module. Completing the two Modules in different regions is possible in some cases, but if you apply in this manner, we cannot guarantee you a spot, and your certification may be delayed by a full year. Please consider this carefully when applying.
Note: In 2019, for the first time, we are opening up the Advanced Module to people who want to deepen their understanding of the WHM, but not necessarily become an Instructor. You can find out more about this on the course information page.
In this final leg you will be tested on what you have been taught during the Advanced Module, as well as on your ability to teach prospective participants. Both the theory and practice of the Wim Hof Method will be explored further during a 5-day training program.
This part of the training is once again led by a certified WHM Instructor. Wim may be present, but this is not guaranteed.
Note: You must have successfully completed the Advanced Module in order to qualify for, and be invited to the Master Module.
Upon completion of the Master Module you will be evaluated across five knowledge and skill areas, which you must master in order to become a Wim Hof Method Certified Instructor. These areas include:
> WHM practice
> WHM theory
> Presentation and instructional skills
> Knowledge and comfort of WHM skills
> Ability to teach WHM skills
The evaluations will be performed through a combination of a multiple-choice test, a one-on-one evaluation, a presentation to the group and WHM exercises throughout the course.
Certification
If you have completed the entire trajectory and successfully passed the evaluation, you will receive an official WHM certificate, accrediting you to provide WHM services for one year.
This also means you then represent the Wim Hof Method brand and image, and must take care to always present yourself and your services accordingly. When the year is up, you must renew your certification by participating in a mandatory refresher course to keep your knowledge and skills up-to-date.
Innerfire support
After certification you get access to our Instructors Library where you will find protocols, scripts and material to help you teach the Wim Hof Method. We also provide marketing materials and guidelines.
To register your interest for the next WHM Academy intake, complete this registration form
For additional questions please contact academy@wimhofmethod.com
Note: The Module content, Evaluation and Certification criteria and Instructor Guide are examples only and we reserve the right to make amendments to the Academy Program as necessary.