The study of transactional analysis (TA) begins with the TA101, a 12 hour course, usually run over two days, taught by internationally accredited TA trainers.
The TA101 course is approved by the International Transaction Analysis Association (ITAA) [insert hyperlink to page on this], and is the official introduction to TA, successful completion of which is a prerequisite of further and advanced training in TA. Its purpose is to provide consistent and accurate information about TA concepts.
For forthcoming TA101s being taught in this country, see [insert link to page on this]
Transactional analysis offers theory and techniques that can be applied to all fields of application for working with individuals, couples, groups including families, and organisations.
Following the TA101 [insert link to page], courses leading to certification as a transactional analyst are generally offered on a part-time basis and take between three to five years to complete. These are offered both live in person and online. The precise curriculum of such courses is designed by the trainer(s) leading the course but must meet the standards of the Certification and Examinations Handbook published by the International Board of Certification of the International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA) [insert link to page].
This Handbook also details the requirements for the written and oral examinations to become a Certified Transactional Analyst - and also to become a Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (TSTA).
TA examinations organised by the ITAA are held twice yearly online, while in-person exams are held in venues around the world mainly in conjunction with conferences and other training events. After CTA exams, there are Training Endorsement Workshops (TEW) for certified transactional analysts to progress to becoming Provisional Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst, a status which enables the practioner to teach and supervise TA trainees/students and practitioners under supervision.
A further set of exams is needed to be accredited as a TSTA, a process that usually takes between five to seven years to complete.