Certified ToP Facilitator (CTF)
The recognized credential for ToP practitioners — issued by ICA USA and supported by the ToP Network. Earn it through a defined sequence of courses, practice, and application.
The credential that says you know how to facilitate.
The Certified ToP Facilitator (CTF) credential is the recognized mark of competency in Technology of Participation methods. It signals to employers, clients, and communities that you have not just taken ToP courses — you have practiced the methods in real settings and met the standards set by ICA USA.
Unlike many certifications that are just course completions, the CTF requires documented facilitation practice alongside coursework. That's what makes it meaningful.
The credential is managed through the ToP Network — the peer community of ToP practitioners. You'll need to join the ToP Network as part of your CTF process.
CTF applications, credential tracking, and practitioner community are all managed through the ToP Network.
top-network.org →Four tiers. One credential.
The CTF is earned in sequence. Complete each tier before moving to the next.
Complete Both Core Courses
These two courses are mandatory for the CTF credential. They must both be completed. There is no substitute for either course.
- ToP Facilitation Methods (TFM) — 2 or 3-Day
- ToP Strategic Planning (TSP)
Accumulate Elective Hours
Choose from 8+ CTF Elective courses to meet the required contact hours. Select courses that match your practice area, sector, and learning goals.
- Environmental Scanning
- Making Data Dance
- Facilitation for Innovation
- Radical Collaboration
- Facilitation Graphics
- Designing for Change
- Social Process Triangles
- Meetings That Work
Document Facilitation Hours
Demonstrate your ToP facilitation practice in real-world settings. Document the number of sessions, contexts, participants, and methods used across your field work.
- Track facilitation sessions using ToP methods
- Document participant counts and contexts
- Reflect on method application and outcomes
- Gather feedback from groups you've facilitated
Apply Through the ToP Network
Submit your CTF application through the ToP Network. The application includes course completion records, facilitation hour documentation, and a review process managed by ICA USA.
- Join the ToP Network (membership required)
- Compile course completion documentation
- Submit facilitation hour records
- Complete the CTF application form
- Await review and credential issuance
Both of these are required for CTF.
ToP Facilitation Methods
The foundational 2-day course covering Focused Conversation, Consensus Workshop, and Action Planning. 95% of ToP practitioners and all CTF candidates begin here. Available in 2-Day, 3-Day Leadership Edition, and Virtual Intensive formats.
ToP Strategic Planning
Lead a full participatory strategic planning process — from environmental scanning through implementation action planning. Learn to design and facilitate vision-building, contradiction analysis, strategic directions, and commitment sessions.
The CTF credential lives in the ToP Network.
The ToP Network (top-network.org) is where CTF applications are submitted, credentials are tracked, and practitioners connect. Joining is a required step in the CTF process — and a valuable professional community in its own right.
ToP Network
The practitioner community for ToP facilitators. CTF applications, credential records, peer connection, and resources — all in one place.