A solid train the trainer course outline moves from adult learning and needs analysis, through design (objectives, ADDIE, activities), to facilitation, difficult situations, virtual delivery and evaluation, with practice deliveries woven throughout. A 1-day version suits subject experts; a 2-day version adds design and a practice round; a 4-day certification adds repeated practice, virtual delivery and an assessed final delivery.
Learning objectives for any TTT
By the end, participants should be able to: explain how adults learn; analyse a training need; write measurable objectives; design a session with varied activities; deliver it with confident platform skills; handle difficult participants; adapt it for virtual delivery; and evaluate its impact.
1-day agenda: train the trainer for subject experts
| Time | Module |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | How adults learn: andragogy and the experiential cycle |
| 10:15 | From expert to trainer: the curse of knowledge and chunking content |
| 11:30 | Writing objectives and structuring a 20-minute session |
| 13:30 | Facilitation basics: questions, pace, voice and engagement |
| 14:45 | Practice round: 10-minute teach-backs with peer feedback |
| 16:30 | Handling questions and checking understanding; action plan |
2-day agenda: core train the trainer
Day 1, design: adult learning; training needs analysis; objectives with Bloom's taxonomy; the ADDIE model; choosing activities (case, role play, game, discussion); building a session plan.
Day 2, delivery: platform skills; questioning and debriefing; managing group dynamics and difficult participants; practice deliveries of 15 minutes with structured feedback; evaluation with Kirkpatrick Levels 1–3; personal development plan.
4-day agenda: full train the trainer certification
This mirrors the structure of Bodhih's certification program, which is 80% practice:
- Day 1, the learner and the need: baseline delivery, adult learning, TNA, objectives.
- Day 2, design: ADDIE, activity design, session flow, materials; redesign the baseline session.
- Day 3, facilitation: platform skills, debriefing, difficult participants, virtual delivery; second practice delivery.
- Day 4, evaluation and certification: Kirkpatrick, learning transfer, final assessed certification delivery, feedback and development plan.
See the full Bodhih 4-day curriculum for module-level detail.
Practice delivery observation checklist
- Opening: purpose and objectives clear within the first 2 minutes.
- Structure: logical chunks, signposted transitions.
- Engagement: learners do something at least every 7–10 minutes.
- Questioning: open questions, wait time, builds on answers.
- Platform skills: voice, eye contact, movement, no reading from slides.
- Handling challenges: stays calm, redirects, keeps the group on track.
- Checking learning: verifies understanding against the objective.
- Close: summary, application and next step.
Score each item 1–4 and give one "keep" and one "change" per delivery. Rate the same items on every practice round so progress is visible.
Want it delivered for you?
Bodhih, named by Technavio among the top 7 global train-the-trainer vendors, runs this as a certified 4-day program, open or in-house. See fees and batches.
Frequently asked questions
What should a train the trainer course include?
Adult learning, needs analysis, objectives, instructional design such as ADDIE, activity design, facilitation skills, handling difficult participants, virtual delivery and evaluation, with practice deliveries and feedback throughout.
How long should a train the trainer course be?
A 1-day workshop can prepare subject experts to teach short sessions. Building real facilitation skill usually takes 3–5 days with repeated practice. Bodhih's certification is 4 days and 32+ hours.
Can I use this outline for my own program?
Yes. Adapt the agendas and checklist freely for internal use; a link back to this page is appreciated.