---
title: "History of our Certification Process - Center for Nonviolent Communication"
description: ""
url: "https://www.cnvc.org/certification/certification-history"
date: "2026-10-22T21:20:54+00:00"
language: "en-US"
---
# History of our Certification Process
---
The Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) has long held a commitment to ensuring that its Certification Process reflects the values of empathy, integrity, and collaboration at the heart of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). Over the decades, CNVC’s approach to certification has grown from an informal, relational process led by [Dr. Marshall Rosenberg](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/deceased/marshall-rosenberg) into a globally coordinated system supported by structured leadership and community feedback.
This page outlines the major phases, structural changes, and guiding values that have shaped the certification journey from its beginnings in the 1980s to its current form. Whether you're a Certification Candidate, Assessor, Certified Trainer, or simply curious about how our organization ensures quality and coherence in its teaching community, this timeline offers insight into how our Certification Process has matured over time, while staying true to its core intentions.
#### Acknowledgments
This content is based on contributions from multiple Certified Trainers, Assessors, and historical documents, including:
- History of CNVC Certification by[ Jim Manske](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/deceased/jim-manske)
- Governance Structure of CNVC Educational Services and Certification Team (2015)
- Assessors Coordinating Circle (ACC) Framework (2021)
We are deeply grateful for the efforts of those who have contributed to shaping and documenting the certification journey of CNVC. **Click the headings below ↓ for more details.**
Certification 1.0: Founding Era (1985–2001) In 1985, [Marshall Rosenberg](https://www.cnvc.org/about/founder) founded the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) as a nonprofit organization, aiming to share Nonviolent Communication as a tool for social transformation and peace building.
#### Early Certification: A Personal, Relational Process
During this time, certification was informal and relational. There were no official guidelines or documents; instead, the process was based on personal trust, mentorship, and proximity to Marshall, who once described his method simply, *"I criticize them and see if they respond with empathy."*
While perhaps lighthearted, this quote reflects the spirit of the time — prioritizing embodiment of NVC consciousness over formal qualifications. Candidates typically:
- Participated in [International Intensive Trainings](https://www.cnvc.org/learn/intensive-trainings) (IITs) or other advanced workshops with Marshall
- Developed a close working relationship with him or his immediate circle
- Demonstrated a deep integration of NVC principles in their lives and facilitation
#### Purpose of Certification in This Phase
Marshall saw certification as a way to:
- Recognize and empower partners who could help carry the vision of NVC worldwide
- Enable access to opportunities such as teaching in school systems or community organizations
- Protect the integrity of NVC by ensuring those teaching it were living the principles
This period laid the philosophical and relational groundwork for future certification models — emphasizing integrity, community, and spiritual depth over rigid structure.
Certification 2.0: Structuring the Process (2001–07) As CNVC expanded internationally in the early 2000s, the need for a more consistent and transparent Certification Process became clear. This led to the development of Certification 2.0, with [Rita Herzog](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/deceased/rita-herzog), who took on a key leadership role in shaping this next phase.
#### Formalization Under Rita Herzog
Rita led efforts to standardize the certification process while preserving the values and spirit of NVC. Key elements introduced during this time included:
- A structured [Certification Process](https://www.cnvc.org/certification/cpp) with guidelines for candidates’ development
- Designated Assessors who would mentor and evaluate candidates
- Pre-assessments and final assessments that focused on both NVC competency and community involvement
Increased emphasis on written feedback, mutual learning, and self-reflection as part of the candidate journey. The process aimed to reflect the values of mutual respect, co-creation, and empathy, avoiding a top-down evaluative dynamic.
#### Governance Experiments Begin
In 2006, Marshall and the [Board of Directors](https://www.cnvc.org/about/board) explored new governance structures inspired by Sociocracy, aiming to decentralize decision-making. This led to the formation of the:
- Leadership Team (LT) — a central coordination group that existed from approximately 2005 to 2010
- Global Community Circle (GCC) — a wider, worldwide advisory group made up of CNVC stakeholders
However, by 2007, Marshall expressed concern that the Certification Process was drifting from its original intentions — especially regarding the integration of spirituality and social change into the curriculum. As a result, Marshall (supported by the LT) paused certification, marking the end of this formative era.
The Pause & Feedback Period (2007–10) In 2007, a major shift occurred when Marshall Rosenberg, concerned about the direction and integrity of the certification process, paused the certification process. The decision was supported by the CNVC Leadership Team, and marked a time of deep reflection and reassessment.
#### Why the Pause?
Marshall’s concerns centered around:
- The risk of diluting the core essence of Nonviolent Communication
- A desire to reintegrate spirituality and social change more explicitly into trainer preparation
- The need for greater alignment between the assessment process and the values of empathy, authenticity, and mutual learning
#### Community Feedback and Evaluation
CNVC used this time to engage the global trainer community. [Jim Manske](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/deceased/jim-manske) and [Rita Herzog](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/deceased/rita-herzog) coordinated a feedback initiative that invited input from approximately 100 Certified Trainers worldwide. The goal was to explore:
- What was working in the certification process
- What challenges or misalignments existed
- How the process could better reflect NVC values
A report was complied with recommendations, which was presented to the Board of Directors and the Leadership Team. The effort emphasized transparency, inclusion, and shared ownership of the certification journey.
#### Foundations for a New Model
Although the pause delayed new certifications, it sparked several lasting developments:
- A revised [Certification Process](https://www.cnvc.org/certification/certification-preparation-packet) emerged from the feedback.
- Stronger emphasis was placed on relational mentoring, rather than evaluation alone
- Calls grew louder for a more globally inclusive and collaborative governance model, planting the seeds for the future CCC (Certification Coordination Council)
#### Reopening and Renewal
The pause lasted two and a half years. While it slowed momentum and created uncertainty, it also led to renewed clarity and intentionality in how CNVC approached trainer certification.
In 2008, CNVC reopened the Certification Process with clearer structures and a deeper alignment with NVC principles. As part of this reopening, Marshall Rosenberg hosted an in-person gathering in Albuquerque, United States, to mentor a group of prospective Assessors. This event was a pivotal moment, offering direct guidance from Marshall and helping to shape the next generation of NVC leadership. Some attendees later became Assessors, while others chose not to continue in that path — but the gathering laid groundwork for a more relational, values-based assessment approach that would influence the evolving structure.
Certification 3.0: Collaborative Governance (2011–16) Following the feedback and lessons of the pause, CNVC entered a new era of shared leadership and collaboration in certification. In 2015, as long-time Certification Coordinator [Rita Herzog](https://www.cnvc.org/trainers/deceased/rita-herzog) retired, CNVC transitioned from a single-leader model to a collaborative team structure. This shift marked the start of Certification 3.0 — a decentralized, community-based governance model.
#### The Role of Educational Services
During this period, the Educational Services Team played a central role in supporting and guiding CNVC’s certification and training efforts. Initially led by Marshall Rosenberg as the Educational Services Coordinator, the team was responsible for strategic leadership across both the Certification Department and the International Intensive Training (IIT) Department. Educational Services:
- Provided daily guidance to Assessors and Certified Trainers
- Developed certification standards and strategies
- Made final decisions about IIT participation and trainer development
- Ensured the integrity and consistency of NVC education across regions
This team’s structure provided the framework within which the Certification Coordination Council (CCC) would emerge and operate.
#### Formation of the Certification Coordination Council (CCC)
The Certification Coordination Council was created to replace Rita’s role and bring global representation and sustainability to the Certification Process. Members were selected using the [Sociocracy selection process](https://www.sociocracyforall.org/selection-process/) from the community of Certified Trainers and Assessors and served rotating terms (1–2 years). Responsibilities of the CCC included:
- Oversight of certification policies and Assessor development
- Mediation between Certification Candidates and their Assessors
- Coordinating twice-monthly meetings and informal Assessor gatherings
- Managing updates to the [Certification Preparation Packet](https://www.cnvc.org/certification/cpp)
- Supporting administrative integration and alignment with CNVC’s vision
- Hosting the first in-person meeting of Assessors in Mallorca, Spain in 2016
The CCC modeled Nonviolent Communication in governance: decisions emerged from connection, not agendas; meetings prioritized mutual support and collaborative decision-making. Certification 3.0 laid the foundation for CNVC’s current approach: decentralized, value-driven, and globally inclusive.
Current Period (2016–Present) Since 2016, CNVC’s certification system has continued to evolve through collaborative leadership, improved organizational structure, and a deepening commitment to the core values of Nonviolent Communication. This period has been characterized by the expansion of the Assessor community, the refinement of support systems, and the establishment of more sustainable and inclusive governance models.
In response, the [Assessors Coordinating Circle](https://www.cnvc.org/about/governance) (ACC) was formed to carry forward and expand upon the responsibilities of the CCC. Officially established in December 2021, with the consent of both the Assessor community and the Board of Directors, the ACC was created to provide ongoing coordination, decision-making, and communication support for assessment-related matters.
- The ACC’s primary roles include:
- Supporting Assessors in their work and development
- Enhancing the quality and integrity of the assessment process
- Acting as a liaison between Assessors and other CNVC stakeholder
Promoting transparency, collaboration, and restorative approaches within the certification system.
#### Certification Preparation Packet Update
On 26-Jul-2024, the [Certification Preparation Packet](https://www.cnvc.org/certification/cpp) (CPP) was reviewed and refined by members of the ACC in collaboration with CNVC staff. This update focused on enhancing clarity and accessibility for both Certification Candidates and Assessors. Importantly, no changes were made to the certification process itself, ensuring continuity while improving usability.
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