Certification Program

The Certification Program

Though any of our courses may be taken for personal enrichment, our Certification Program bundles eight of our courses together to provide an initial or additional credential for Christian educators and leaders – clergy, religious, and lay – who seek to teach TOB formally or informally in a parish, diocesan, and/or classroom setting.

The program consists of six core courses and two electives (see chart below) taught by a world-renowned faculty. Like our flagship course (TOB I), each course is taught in a 5-day immersive format to accommodate the lives of working adults who would be unable to relocate for full-time study. Courses are offered on a rotating basis allowing students to complete their coursework within two-three years, but that time can be extended based on one’s own needs.

In order to become fully certified, students must:

Course Exams

Pass an exam for each course.

TOB Text Immersion

Engage deeply with the entire text of John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.

Reflection Papers

Craft insightful reflection papers for each section of the TOB.

Teaching Practicum

Complete a self-designed teaching or integration practicum within one year of your final course and its exam.

Ask us anything

Need something cleared up? Here are our most frequently asked questions about courses and certification.

What is the refund policy?

In-person classes: A 90 day notice is needed for cancellation due to the retreat center policies. Within 90 days before the course, partial refunds may be available if spaces can be filled. There will be a $100.00 refund processing fee regardless of when the refund is given.

Online classes: A 5 day notice is needed for cancellation. There will be a $50.00 refund processing fee regardless of when the refund is given.

Are courses offered in parts of the country other than the Philadelphia area?

The TOB I course is occasionally offered in alternate locations around the U.S., but all other courses are offered in the Philadelphia area.

Will Sunday Mass be available at the courses?

Mass is offered at the start of the course to fulfill your Sunday obligation.

How many students attend each course?

Student numbers vary from course to course. Anywhere from 75 to 145 students per course can be expected.

Do you offer online courses? Do they count for certification?

Yes. While we believe nothing can substitute for the immersive in-person experience, we offer select courses online that fully count toward our Certification Program upon successful completion. Please visit our course schedule to see current offerings.

Do I have to be Catholic to attend a TOB Institute course?

No. We have had people from various Christian backgrounds and even some non-Christians benefit tremendously from our courses.

How should I book my flights for a TOB course?

Do not book your flight before you are officially registered for a course.

Arrival Flights: Flights to Philadelphia (or airport where the course is taking place) MUST arrive BEFORE 1:30 PM on Sunday of the start of the course. 

Departing Flights: Flights departing Philadelphia (or airport where the course is taking place) MUST be scheduled AFTER 5PM on Friday of the end of the course.

Is there a minimum age to attend?

All students must be at least 18 years old to attend a TOB Institute course.

How much does it cost to join the certification program?

There is a one-time fee of $350 to cover administrative costs.

Is there a price difference between taking a course for certification or auditing it?

The courses are the same price whether or not you are seeking certification.

How long does it take to complete the certification program?

Completion of the Certification Program takes as long as individuals need, depending on availability to take the courses at the time they are offered. Courses are arranged so that students could complete the Certification Program in three years. There is no deadline to complete the Certification Program.

How do I sign up for the certification program?

Please contact Vanessa Carrillo, Director of Programs. vanessa@tobinstitute.org

Do I need to take the right courses in any order?

Students must take TOB I before taking TOB II or TOB & the New Evangelization. Other than that, courses may be taken in any order.

When do I need to decide to enter the certification program?

You may enter the Certification Program at any time, even if you have already attended several courses.

Am I able to take the assessments online?

Core Courses

Elective Courses

Live Events

Programs

Channels

Books & Patron