Where to learn NLP? Considerations and criteria for choosing a recommended NLP course

How do you choose where to learn NLP?

If you are interested in NLP and asking yourself where it is worth taking an NLP course, you are not the only one weighing the decision.

Entering the world of NLP is a significant step, one with the potential to shape your personal and professional life. That is why the choice of a learning framework matters so much. In recent years, the number of organizations and institutions offering NLP training in Israel has grown considerably. With so many options, it can be hard to tell which program truly fits your personal and professional needs.
Learning frameworks can differ in their training approach, in the amount and quality of practice, in the level of certification, in the learning atmosphere, and in tuition as well. That is why the search for a recommended NLP course has become a relevant question for many people.

To help you make a well-founded, informed decision, we have created a comprehensive guide to choosing an NLP training institution or NLP course
In this guide we review the key characteristics of NLP learning methods and of leading learning frameworks, and present considerations that will help you choose where to learn NLP in Israel. Further down the page you will find answers to the main questions that will help you understand which learning framework suits you.

Here are the 10 most important criteria for choosing a recommended NLP course:

1. Certification and professional reputation:

When choosing a learning method or an NLP training institution, it is advisable to take into account its certification and the reputation it has built over the years. Recognition by local and international professional bodies, together with a stable reputation in the NLP community, can indicate the level of the training and a clear professional standard, and can raise your chances of receiving high-quality training and certification that carry real weight in the NLP community. In addition, leading institutions will usually have plenty of positive reviews.

2. Approach and training method:

Every learning framework has a different pedagogical philosophy: some focus on teaching practical techniques and tools, while others emphasize a deep understanding of NLP principles and of the processes of change. It is important to find out whether the program offers a clear, well-ordered study structure or a more experiential and flexible framework, and to match that to your personal learning style.
In addition, check whether the training combines complementary fields such as guided imagery, coaching, emotional work or other therapeutic methods, and what the professional value of that combination is.

3. Course length, format and intensity:

The amount of time devoted to your studies directly affects how well the material is absorbed and practiced. Some programs offer a short NLP course, while others are longer tracks spread over several months, allowing a more gradual and thorough learning process.
As for format, you can choose between in-person NLP courses, an online NLP course, or recorded courses that include no live interaction.
In-person studies allow for group dynamics and meaningful practice, while NLP courses on Zoom offer convenience and logistical flexibility.
The nature of the training should match your personal pace, your daily routine and your preferred learning style.

4. Practical application and hands-on practice:

Acquiring NLP skills requires consistent practice and professional guidance. Beyond theoretical learning, it is advisable to choose a program that includes structured practice, live demonstrations, work in pairs and professional support. Ongoing feedback and the examination of case studies make it possible to turn theoretical knowledge into applied ability at a professional level. This is how you can make sure you will be able to apply NLP techniques effectively and at a proper professional standard.
In other words, when comparing learning frameworks, check how much practice there really is and what level of guidance comes with it.

5. Instructors' experience and expertise:

How long the institution and/or the study program has been operating is an important criterion, one from which you can draw conclusions about the professional level, the resources, the value for money and the way the course is likely to be run. The expertise, experience and skills of the instructors can also greatly affect the learning experience. It is worth researching the background, certifications and experience of the instructors at each school. Finding schools with extensive hands-on experience and a solid track record of delivering high-level NLP training will raise your chances of a positive learning experience and of acquiring professional tools.

6. Professional support and additional resources:

Is there an option for ongoing guidance and support, for a personal NLP process, or for opportunities to practice within a community?
Are there supplementary materials, such as books, online resources or discussion groups, to support your learning beyond the training program?
It is worth examining the level of support and the additional resources each school can provide. The level of support can significantly affect the learning experience and your professional development after the course ends.

7. Graduates' success stories and recommendations:

Testimonials from graduates and case stories give an indication of the quality of the NLP training program and of its real-world impact.
It is worth looking not only at satisfaction, but also at how graduates' careers have continued and how they apply the tools they learned in the NLP course.

8. Cost and value for money:

An important question is: how much does an NLP course cost? While cost should not be the only deciding factor, it is important to consider the value you will receive relative to your investment. It is also worth comparing the pricing structure, the payment options, and what the study program includes (for example, whether additional enrichment workshops, written materials or supervision sessions are provided).
At times, in-depth and comprehensive training is also reflected in pricing that matches its level.

9. Specialization options and continued professional development:

If you intend to go deeper in the future or to build a career in the field, it is important to check whether the institution offers follow-up tracks, specialization courses or advanced training. A professional training sequence under one roof can ensure depth and continuity in your development.

10. Personal fit and professional judgment:

After weighing the objective criteria, there is also room for personal judgment.
A direct impression from an introductory meeting, a conversation with the teaching staff, or attending a trial lesson can help you decide.
Choosing a learning framework should combine clear professional standards with a sense of personal fit with your values, your learning style and your goals.

And now, the bottom line – here is a comparison table of the different study options, following the criteria above:

* The information in the table is based on what was published online at the time this guide was written (July 2023) – changes and inaccuracies are possible as the information on the various colleges' websites is updated.

Comparison table of NLP institutions and courses by professional criteria:

CriterionRetterNLP-ilYozmotMatarotThe Open University (Merav)Self-study – books, articles, the webNLP-ISRAEL
PrerequisitesPersonal suitability interviewNo informationPersonal suitability interview✗12 years of schooling✗✗
Duration28 weekly sessions of 4.5 hours each
or 14 weekly sessions of 9 hours each
(168 study hours + 60 practice hours)
18 sessions of 5 hours (90 hours)
about 6 months
22 sessions (90 hours) + independent study (30 hours)
about 6 months
26 weekly sessions of 5 hours each24 sessions (128 academic hours)
about 7 months
Up to you22 lessons
In person / online / pre-recordedIn person –
nationwide, across 12 branches, or online
In person –
5 branches around the country
or online.
(A shortened, lower-cost course without a certificate is also available)
In person –
nationwide, across 14 branches
or online or recorded
In person – Kfar SabaIn person only
Nationwide
In person / onlineRecorded
Practice✓
Every lesson and every technique taught is practiced directly and immediately for optimal absorption
No information✓
The courses include hands-on experience
✓
The courses include practice sessions
✓
The courses include a personal hands-on experience
✗Independent
Internship / practicum✓
Two treatment series of 12 sessions each
No information✓
10 intervention processes with different people + a guided imagery process
✓
8 sessions (not necessarily as a continuous process with one client)
✓
Two treatment series of 12 sessions each
✗Optional
Certification requirements90% attendance, meeting the internship requirements, a final examNo information80% attendance, a final theoretical and practical exam, completing the practicum, completing and submitting assignments90% attendance, practicing the techniques, submitting reports and a final exam80% attendance, a passing grade on the exam, and completing the internship✗A comprehensive exam, an internship and submission of reports, a personal interview
Number of techniques / topics taught20 NLP techniques
+ a variety of relaxation methods
About 14About 14About 24About 10✗About 20
Written materials✓
Books and booklets – original, high-level content
✓
For an additional fee
✓
Study booklet
✓
Course book
✓
Presentations and information are sent by email and documented in a hard-copy booklet
✓✗
(presentations and files are available for digital download)
Integration of other methods✓
Guided imagery
✗✓
Guided imagery
(a single lesson)
✗✓
Guided imagery
–✗
Years in operation30 yearsNo informationAbout 5 yearsAbout 15 yearsOver 10 years–8 years
Recognized certificationABNLP, the Israeli NLP ChamberHNLPThe Israeli Coaches Chamber, ABNLP, the Israeli NLP ChamberIN – NLP, the Israeli NLP Chamber✗✗✗
University academic supportYes (Haifa and Ariel)✗✗✗✗✗✗
Personal guidance✓
Support throughout the entire course by a personal assistant
No information✓
Personal support throughout the course
✓
Personal support throughout the course
Supervision during the internship✗✗
Resource libraries and recordings✓
All lessons are recorded and available for viewing. Free access to a huge database of professional articles, guided imageries, case stories and more
✓
For an additional fee
✓
Study and enrichment materials
✓
Lesson presentations and recordings of past lessons
✗✗✓
One year of access to the course recordings, a variety of downloadable files
Make-up options✓
Make-ups can be completed in person at any of the college branches or in an online session
No information✓
Digital make-up
✓
In-person make-up in another run of the course
✗–Not applicable
Enrichment workshops✓
TLT, NLP New Code
+ monthly enrichment lessons on Zoom on changing topics
✓
For an additional fee
✗
(free lectures as part of community evenings)
✓
Monthly enrichment workshop
✗✗✗
Personal therapy process✓
Entitlement to a series of sessions with a college graduate – free of charge
✗✗✗✗✗✗
Follow-up programs and specializations✓
Master Practitioner, Trainer, specializations in children and teens, weight loss, trauma, couples therapy, treating cancer survivors
✓
Master Practitioner, Trainer, NLP coaching
✓
Master Practitioner, Trainer, specializations and workshops
✓
Master Practitioner, Trainer,
coaching, children and teens, weight loss, medical, addictions.
Continuing education on a variety of topics
✓
Master Practitioner (stage 2)
✗Master Practitioner, imagery and metaphor
Price₪11,950–13,950₪4,000–10,000₪5,900₪7,200–8,000₪6,688–7,040Free to a few hundred shekels₪2,574
CriterionMNLPNLP-PLUSTotzaotNLP-PROBar-Ilan University (Birad)Shachar Cohen
Prerequisites✗✗✗✗12 years of schooling
Duration24 sessions of 4.5 hours + a preliminary virtual session17 sessions of 5 hours15 sessions of 4 hours, over 4.5 months20 sessions of 4 hours (106 academic hours + 54 practicum hours)23 sessions – 175 academic hours (of which 50 hours are practice and report submission)16 sessions
In person / digital / pre-recordedIn person – Ness ZionaIn person – Tel Aviv, Givat Shmuel, Jerusalem, Haifa, Rehovot
(Practitioner)
In person – Tel Aviv, Rishon LeZion, Haifa, Jerusalem
or digital
In person – Tel AvivIn person – SavyonIn person – Ramat Gan
or recorded
Practice✓
Every lesson has a theoretical part and a practical part
✓✓
+ practice evenings on Zoom
✓✓
Within the course hours + practice beyond the course hours
✓
Internship / practicumOccasional practice and report submission (not as a consistent process with one client)✗ (only in the Master Practitioner course)✗✓
5 sessions with two clients
✗✗
Certification requirements80% attendance, theoretical and practical exams, submission of 10 practice reports100% attendance in lessons and practice sessions80% attendance, end-of-course exams (theoretical and practical), submission of a paper on modeling80% attendance, a theoretical and practical exam, practice and submission of internship reports85% attendance, a theoretical and practical exam, and submission of a final project (a collection of practice reports + additional questions)Completing workbooks
Number of techniques / topics taughtAbout 15About 10About 15About 18About 15About 12
Written materials✓
Course book
✓
Presentation booklet and a booklet of techniques for practice
✓
The course book – includes examples, exercises and enrichment material
✓
Course book
✓
Course book
Technique scripts
Integration of other methods✓
Mindfulness
✗✗✓
Meditation / guided imagery
✓
Guided imagery
Meditative techniques – as a practice and an experience, not as training
Years in operation (institution / program)8 years20 yearsAbout 7 years11 yearsAbout 10 yearsAbout 10 years
Recognized certificationIANLP, the Israeli NLP ChamberNLPUIANLP, HNLPHNLPThe Israeli NLP Chamber, Richard Bandler, Society of NLPIANLP, HNLP
University academic support✗✗✗✗✗✗
Personal guidance✓
Support by assistants
✓
Support by assistants
✓
Support by a personal mentor, weekly live Q&A sessions, a monthly enrichment session
✓
A team of practice facilitators
✓Group support
Resource libraries and recordingsVirtual lecturesContent summaries and lesson recordingsLesson recordings for one yearLesson recordings and enrichment lecturesShared folder – lesson materials (presentations, videos)Lesson recordings
Make-up optionsRecorded lessonIn-person make-up at another timeIn-person make-up in a course at another time / digitalStudents can make up lessons – at their own responsibility (in person, or digitally from recordings)In-person make-up in a course at another timeDigital recorded
Enrichment workshops✗✗Trance seminarConversational influence and body language seminar, a course on how to fill your clinicGuided imagery and metaphorical writing workshop, an advanced parts work workshopA course on developing persistence and willpower, working with addictions, mindfulness and meditation facilitators, a sales workshop, an NSP course
Personal therapy process✗✗A preliminary coaching conversation before the course is provided✗✗✗ (a preliminary coaching conversation before the course)
Follow-up programs and specializationsMaster Practitioner, Trainer, anxiety treatment, a beneficial dialogue with the body, an in-depth processes courseMaster Practitioner, trauma, guided imagery, Time Line TherapyMaster Practitioner, Trainer, clinical expertMaster Practitioner, Trainer, clinical expert, family therapist, parent guidance, sleep consulting and toilet trainingMaster PractitionerMaster Practitioner, Trainer, Transformation, Creating Reality, practical psychology
Price₪7,500₪5,900₪5,620–7,320₪5,400–6,400₪8,700₪7,920

Fit by study goal or by the need that sparks your interest:

Study goalRetterNLP-ilYozmotMatarotThe Open UniversityMNLPNLP-PLUSSelf-studyTotzaotNLP-PROBar-IlanShachar CohenNLP-ISRAEL
Personal development, improved quality of life and health✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✗✓✓✓✓✓
Improving interpersonal communication and relationships and/or couplehood✓✓✓✓✓✓✓Possible to some extent✓✓✓✓
Acquiring new tools for a current therapeutic/educational practice✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✗✓✓✓✓✓
Improving skills and performance in marketing/sales✓✓✓✓Possible to some extent✓
Growth out of a period of crisis✓✓✗
Career change – aspiring to practice NLP as a primary profession✓✓✗✓✓✓✓✓
A secondary profession that brings reward and fulfillment✓✓✓✓✓✗✓✓✓✓
Love of people and a desire to give to loved ones and those around you✓✓✓✗
Achieving a specific goal in life✓✓✓✓✓✓✗✓✓✓✓✓
Enrichment – general interest✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓

In summary

Choosing the right learning framework for NLP is a significant decision, one that affects both the quality of your training and your personal and professional development down the road. A systematic review of the criteria presented here, together with your own personal judgment, will help you make an informed decision that allows for deep learning, the acquisition of applied skills and real growth.

Instead of relying only on general search results, it is advisable to use clear parameters: the level of the training, the instructors' experience, the amount of hands-on practice, follow-up options and the personal fit with the institution.
Attending an introductory meeting, an open lesson or a conversation with the teaching staff can give you a direct impression that completes the picture.

In the end, a quality learning framework is one that combines clear professional standards with a sense of personal fit with your values, your goals and your learning style. Take the time to examine, compare and choose with awareness and good judgment.

Note:
In addition to the criteria presented, it is advisable to also look at graduate recommendations and reviews documented by reliable sources, in order to get a broad and consistent picture of the quality of the training over time.

Still undecided? Maybe you will find the answers to your questions here:
What is a recommended NLP course for beginners?

A recommended course combines a high theoretical level with plenty of hands-on practice (ideally including supervision as well), and awards an international certificate recognized by associations such as ABNLP.

How long does a professional NLP course take?

A certification track at the Practitioner level usually includes about 120–150 academic study hours, spread over several months to allow the material to sink in deeply.

Can I learn NLP online and receive a certificate?

Yes, you can study online, but make sure the course is taught live (for example, on Zoom) and includes practice in small groups, since the NLP Chamber generally does not recognize recorded-only courses for professional certification.

How can you tell whether a school is truly professional in the field of NLP?

A professional institution can be identified by a combination of several objective indicators: years of operation and accumulated experience, the professionalism of the instructors, the amount of hands-on practice, follow-up tracks, graduate activity in the field and consistent reviews. The more proven indicators there are, rather than marketing claims alone, the more likely it is that the school is a high-quality training framework.

Can I work with NLP after completing the course?

Yes, provided the training includes hands-on practice and preparation for professional application. Graduates of comprehensive programs usually use NLP tools in a private clinic, by integrating them into an existing occupation, or by working with teams and organizations. It is important to stress that the ability to work in the field depends mainly on the level of the training, and not only on receiving the certificate itself.

What does integrating guided imagery into the curriculum add?

Integrating guided imagery deepens the work with the subconscious mind and broadens the range of application of NLP techniques. Guided imagery offers an experiential way into the world of emotion and memories, so combining the methods contributes to creating more comprehensive and better-grounded change processes.