Do I Really Need a Train-the-Trainer Qualification? And What “Recognised” Actually Means)

Frances Gallagher Author

Jan 13, 2026 |

Already training others? Learn what a recognised Train-the-Trainer qualification really means and when a QQI Level 6 course makes sense.

Do I Really Need a Train-the-Trainer Qualification? 
(And what does “recognised” actually mean?)

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking:

• “I train people all the time already.”
• “Sure I’ve been doing this for years.”
• “Isn’t training just common sense?”

First of all — you’re not wrong.
And secondly — you’re definitely not alone.

Most people who ask about a Train-the-Trainer qualification are already doing the work. They’re mentoring staff, showing new hires the ropes, delivering workshops, or supporting teams in very real, practical ways.

So the real question usually isn’t can you train — it’s:

Do I actually need formal recognition for it? (link)

Let’s unpack that (without turning it into a lecture — nobody needs that) 😄

Being Good at Your Job ≠ Being Trained to Teach It

Here’s a simple truth that often gets overlooked:

Being good at something doesn’t automatically mean you’re trained to teach it.

If it did:

• Every great driver would be a perfect driving instructor
• Every expert would be a natural trainer
• And every parent would breeze through homework time without breaking into a sweat

(We all know how that last one usually goes.)

Training isn’t about knowing what to do — it’s about knowing how people learn, and how to support them properly while they’re learning it.

That’s where professional training skills come in.

So… What Does “Recognised” Actually Mean?

This is the part that really matters.

A recognised Train-the-Trainer qualification isn’t just a course you complete — it’s a qualification that:

• Meets national education standards
• Is quality assured
• Is externally validated
• Is understood and respected by employers

In Ireland, that means a QQI Level 6 award.

Recognition isn’t about prestige — it’s about professional credibility.

It tells employers and organisations that your training isn’t accidental, informal, or improvised — it’s grounded in best practice.

What a Recognised Qualification Actually Confirms

A recognised Train-the-Trainer qualification shows that you understand:

• How adults learn (spoiler: it’s not like school)
• How to design training based on real needs
• How to deliver sessions that engage, not exhaust
• How to evaluate learning properly (not just “everyone seemed happy”)
• Your responsibilities around inclusion, equality, and professional standards

In short, it confirms that your training is intentional.

And intention matters.

“But I’ve Been Training People for Years…”

That experience absolutely counts — and it should.

A good Train-the-Trainer programme doesn’t ignore your experience. It builds on it.

Many learners tell us:

“I didn’t realise how much I was already doing right — I just didn’t have the structure or language for it.”

That’s a powerful moment.

Because confidence grows when you understand why something works — not just that it does.

Who Is This Qualification Actually For?

You don’t need to stand at the top of a classroom with a flipchart (unless that’s your thing).

A recognised Train-the-Trainer qualification is particularly relevant if you:

• Train or onboard staff
• Deliver workplace inductions
• Mentor or supervise others
• Run workshops or information sessions
• Are moving into Learning & Development
• Are self-employed and train as part of your service

If training is part of your role, professional recognition matters.

6S3372 Training and Development Award (2 modules)
- 6N3326 Training Delivery & Evaluation (1 module)
- 6N3325 Training Needs Identification and Design (1 module) 

Why Level 6 Makes a Difference

Level 6 reflects professional-level thinking.

It’s about:

• Applying theory to real situations
• Making informed decisions
• Reflecting on practice
• Improving how you train over time

This isn’t about academic waffle or unnecessary jargon.

It’s about being able to say:

“This is why I train this way — and this is how I know it works.”

That’s what employers respect.

And No — It’s Not About Guarantees

Let’s be clear and honest.

A qualification does not:

• Guarantee a job
• Instantly make someone a brilliant trainer
• Replace experience

What it does give you is:

• Professional credibility
• Structure and clarity
• Confidence in your approach
• Recognised certification

And that’s a solid foundation.

Final Thought

If you’re already training others, the real question isn’t:

“Do I need a Train-the-Trainer qualification?”

It’s:

“Do I want recognised professional standing for the work I’m already doing?”

If the answer is yes, then a recognised QQI Level 6 pathway isn’t an extra — it’s progression.

And progression, as we know, rarely happens by accident.

If you’re already training, mentoring, or supporting others — and you’re unsure what the right next step looks like — you don’t have to decide anything today.

At Lir, we start with conversation, not pressure.

You’re welcome to:

• explore whether a recognised Train-the-Trainer qualification fits your role
• understand how Level 6 builds on what you already do
• get clear guidance before committing to anything

No hype.
No obligation.
Just supportive, professional advice.

Because confidence grows best when learning is supported, not rushed.

Categories: : Level 6, Training