About EfM Mentor Training and Accreditation

There are two levels of training for EfM mentors: 

  • the basic “Foundations of Seminar Life,” required of everyone seeking accreditation as an EfM mentor, and 
  • advanced “Formation” trainings on a variety of topics available to experienced mentors. 

Please be sure you have met the requirements for the level of training for which you are registering.

The EfM Inclusiveness Policy applies to all training events and group seminars.

While in-person local training is suspended, online Zoom-based training is available. Training Calendar [jump to calendar below]

Requirements for EfM Mentor Accreditation

  • Foundations of Seminar Life is the basic training required of all EfM mentors. Persons seeking to be a mentor or co-mentor in a seminar group must attend and be accredited in a Foundations of Seminar Life training.

  • Accreditation is given only if a trainee demonstrates competent mentor skills. If two mentors work together as co-mentors, both must be fully accredited by EfM.

  • Advanced level Formation training is available for active, experienced mentors. To qualify for a Formation training, a mentor must have attended and been accredited in at least two consecutive Foundations of Seminar Life training and been recommended by the trainer to advance to the Formation level.

  • To remain accredited experienced mentors must return for in-service review to Foundations of Seminar Life training after attending three consecutive non-Foundations trainings (Formation or Alternate training).

  • A trainer has the option to return a mentor to Foundations of Seminar Life training at any time; the trainer must discuss with the mentor the basis for his/her decision.

  • To be eligible for Alternate training, a mentor must:

    • Be an active mentor;

    • Have completed 3 consecutive trainings, all within 4 ½ years prior to the application for Alternate training;

    • Have the training proposal approved by the EfM associate director for training. 

  • The above policies assume continual active status as a mentor. If a mentor is inactive for more than 18 months, he/she must attend a Foundations of Seminar Life event before attending Formation or Alternate training.