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Program Overview

Established in September 2020, the program offers a valuable opportunity for guideline development group members to receive comprehensive, evidence-based, and up-to-date training and certification. This initiative is the result of a collaborative partnership between the Guidelines International Network (GIN) and McMaster University in Canada. GIN, boasting over 110 organizational members and numerous individual members worldwide, brings together a diverse community dedicated to promoting high-quality guidelines. McMaster University, renowned as the birthplace of evidence-based medicine, brings its expertise and knowledge to this program, ensuring participants receive top-notch training aligned with the latest advancements in the field.

Successive levels of the International Guideline Credentialing & Certification Program

Successive levels of the International Guideline Credentialing & Certification Program
a The hours of online coursework shown are estimates only. The actual time it takes an individual learner to complete the online course may differ.
b Differences in the number of hours of in-person versus online coursework is based on advice received from instructional designers who suggest that 2 to 4 hours of in-person coursework translates to 1 hour of online coursework. We have chosen to apply a conservative 2:1 ratio where appropriate.
Level 1: Guideline Group or Panel MemberLevel 2:
Guideline Methodologist		Level 3: Master Guideline Developer and ChairLevel 4: Guideline Development Credentialing Instructor
PrerequisitesNo prerequisite training requiredLevel 1: Guideline Panel Member CertificationLevel 2: Guideline Methodologist CertificationLevel 3: Master Guideline Developer and Chair Certification
Course overviewIntroductory guideline development methods (covering select domains of the GIN-McMaster checklist)Specialized guideline training (covering each domain of the GIN-McMaster Checklist)Training specific to guideline chair responsibilities Specialized training focusing on the teaching of developed guideline credentialing course material
DeliveryOnline or In-person training Online, Blended, or In-person training Online or In-person training In-person training
Coursework
  • Online Course a: 4 hours of online self-paced coursework
    OR
  • In-person Course b: 4 hours in-person coursework delivered via a half-day workshop
  • Online Course a: 6 hours of self-paced coursework + 12 hours instructor-led live online webinars
    OR
  • Blended Course a,b: 6 hours of self-paced coursework + 12 hours instructor-led in-person workshop via a 1.5 day workshop
  • Online Course a: 12 hours instructor-led live online webinars
    OR
  • In-person Course b: hours of self-paced coursework + 12 hours instructor-led in-person workshop via a 1.5 day workshop
  • Online Course a: 12 hours instructor-led live online webinars
    OR
  • In-person Course b: hours of self-paced coursework + 12 hours instructor-led in-person workshop via a 1.5 day workshop
    • Certification requirements
  • Completion of online modules and quizzes
  • Completion of Methodologist coursework, quizzes and webinar/workshop session
  • Participation in 3 guideline panels as methodologist
  • Completion of Master Guideline Developer and Chair webinar/workshop session
  • Participation in 3 guideline panels as a chair trainee
  • Completion of specialized teaching coursework and Master Guideline Developer webinar/workshop session
  • Participation on 3 occasions as facilitator and co-instructor
    • Guideline panel responsibilities May participate in the production of PGs as a panel member with no additional specialized responsibilitiesMay participate in the production of PGs as an expert methodologist, but is not a leading member (i.e., chair or co-chair) Participate in a clinical practice guideline as a panel chair or co-chair May offer training to prospective panel members, guideline methodologists or master guideline developers and chairs