Ryan M. Niemiec, Psy.D. is a leading figure in the education, research, and practice of character strengths that are found in all human beings. He is creator of Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP), an evidence-based program that integrates the science and practice of mindfulness and character strengths. It is the first, and one of the only mindfulness programs in the world to offer an alternative to the deficit-based approach, by targeting what’s best in people rather than targeting problems.
Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice Certification
Live Course
Experience exclusive training to lead others in MBSP with this program from the practice's creator. Final day to register is May 7th.
$3,999.00 USD
Flexible Payment Options Available
- Live ExperienceThe MBSP Course, MBSP: Advanced Practice Course and personalized training sessions are delivered live for maximum engagement
- Exclusive Benefits Access to official MBSP materials, retreats and discussions
- 2 Personalized Reports Included (PDF Download) Explore all your strengths with the Total 24 Report, and your mindfulness skills in the Mindfulness Report
- Practice with an Expert Experience group and one-on-one sessions with a master-trainer in mindfulness and character strengths
- 9-Month Timeline Certification takes approximately 7-9 months to complete
- 3-Year Certification Certified for 3 years with option for renewal
- Language English offered (closed captioning available)
About MBSP Certification
MBSP Certification shows you are approved by the VIA Institute to deliver the Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice program (MBSP) to groups or individuals.
MBSP is the first evidenced-based program to bring the best of the science of character strengths and mindfulness together. Research shows MBSP boosts well-being, work productivity, purpose, engagement, meaning, stress management, problem management, and positive relationships.
Fast Track your Certification at $3,499 - Sign in to Register
MBSP graduates from 2021 to 2025 are eligible to enroll in the MBSP 2025 Certification through our Fast Track option for $3,499. If you completed MBSP prior to 2021, please reach out to info@viacharacter.org for next steps.
Please Note: The final day to register for the April 21st MBSP Certification cohort is May 7th. While you’ll miss the first two live sessions, you’ll still receive full access to the recordings and course materials so you can catch up and stay on track with the rest of the program.
What Will You Gain From Becoming MBSP Certified by the VIA Institute?
This exclusive Certification program will:
Prepare you to deliver the MBSP program to your groups, providing guidance and resources to make you feel comfortable, confident, and competent.
Establish you as one of the pioneers at the bridge of science and practice with both mindfulness and character strengths.
Provide evidence-based, transformative activities for your clients, students, & employees.
Teach you how to help your clients build well-being and overcome adversities in life.
Distinguish you in the rapidly growing strengths community, mindfulness community, and positive psychology/well-being community.
Enhance your credentials as a helping professional.
Provide you with the most authentic, comprehensive MBSP training from the top mindfulness and character strengths leader in the world Dr. Ryan Niemiec.
Who Should Become MBSP Certified?
Anyone interested in leading Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) with groups or individuals in a variety of settings—counseling, coaching, education, healthcare or business.
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Register,Submit Payment and Purchase Book All MBSP Certification components listed below are included in registration and payment. Be sure to purchase your book (required): Mindfulness and Character Strengths: A Practitioner's Guide to MBSP. Order from the publisher, Hogrefe, to receive a 20% discount or on Amazon. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commission from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
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MBSP Program Attend and experience all sessions of the 8-week program, including the MBSP Retreat. 2021-2025 graduates of VIA's MBSP Program may be eligible to fast-track their certification. To learn more, sign in to your account. If prior to 2021-2023 please contact Customer Service at info@viacharacter.org.
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Engage in MBSP Practice It is important to develop, deepen, and maintain a personal practice with mindfulness and character strengths. The MBSP program provides a large number of practices that you can continue with long after the eighth week.
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MBSP: Advanced Practice Course Attend and experience all sessions of the 6-week course.
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MBSP Community Builder Course Attend, experience, and build community in your cohort in these sessions that immediately precede Sessions 2 through 6 of the MBSP Advanced Practice Course.
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MBSP Project Complete the MBSP project (discussed during MBSP: Advanced Practice Course).
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Mindfulness and Character Strengths Report Review the Mindfulness and Character Strengths Report exploring your top character strengths and the five key areas of mindfulness.
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Lead MBSP in Full at Least 2 Times Lead MBSP in your community, with clients, with patients, with students, or with employees. It is also acceptable to lead the full program with peers or family members to become more comfortable and confident. You might also lead MBSP with a one-on-one client, however, it is strongly recommended that you lead MBSP at least one time with a group. This criterion of leading the 8-week MBSP program, in full, on two occasions can be done at any time, but it must be completed prior to beginning the personalized one-on-one training sessions.
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Personalized Training Sessions, including Total 24 Report Complete 3, one-on-one (remote) personalized training sessions with a master-trainer in mindfulness and character strengths. Sessions will review your strengths from your personalized Total 24 Report.
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Sign and return MBSP Certification Agreement Congratulations, your certification is valid for 3 years and eligible for renewal.
MBSP Graduates - Enroll in the MBSP 2024-2025 Certification using Fast Track $3,499. Please sign in to your account.
Fast track eligibility: 2021-2025 MBSP Program graduate. If prior to 2021-2025, please contact Christina Jenkins at info@viacharacter.org. To receive notifications for future sessions, sign-up for our email newsletter.
MBSP 2025 Certification Track
MBSP: ADVANCED PRACTICE COURSE 2025 SESSIONS
April 23 - May 28, 2025 - Wednesdays, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Eastern
MBSP: COMMUNITY BUILDER 2025 SESSIONS
Note: This course occurs one-hour, immediately prior to Sessions 2-6 of the MBSP Advanced Practice Course.
April 30 - May 28, 2025 - Wednesday, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Eastern
MBSP 2026 Certification Track - dates available soon!
Contact info@viacharacter.org to learn more or get started now by enrolling in MBSP Summer or Fall 2025 course.
Exclusive Benefits of MBSP Certification
Official MBSP session-by-session, PowerPoint slides for online or in-person delivery of MBSP.
Access to recorded MBSP sessions to maintain awareness and develop skill.
MBSP Leader Resource Manual, filled with user-friendly materials to support MBSP leaders.
Complimentary access to MBSP Roundtables. These discussions available only to those certified, and focused on trending topics, discussion of group processes, case example and Q & A on MBSP, mindfulness, character strengths and positive psychology.
Complimentary access to one MBSP 1/2 Day Retreat within 12 months of completing your certification
Certificate denoting your MBSP Certification.
Special pricing on the Mindfulness and Character Strengths Report, helpful for those integrating this into their MBSP groups.
Connection with a growing network of MBSP leaders.
Use of VIA’s MBSP certification badge for your website, marketing materials, and signature line.
One-on-one training with a master-trainer in mindfulness and character strengths.
Complimentary VIA Total 24 Report and Mindfulness and Character Strengths Report.
Course Faculty
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the steps to become certified to teach Mindfulness Based Strengths Practice?
To earn certification, you’ll complete two courses: the 8-Week Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) Course and the Advanced Practice Course. You will lead two MBSP cohorts, complete the final project, participate in three personalized training sessions with a master trainer, and sign the MBSP Certification Agreement.
- How long does it take to become Mindfulness certified?
Most participants complete all required steps for certification within 9–24 months.
- Are payment plans available for the MBSP Certification?
Flexible payment plans are available. Full payment is required before beginning Personalized Training Sessions with a Master Trainer. Please contact us at info@viacharacter.org for more information.
- Can I use the MBSP Certification logo or designation on my website and email signature?
Yes! After completing certification, you may use the MBSP-Certified designation and VIA-provided logos on your professional materials, website, and email signature.
Some commonly used phrases to indicate certification: MBSP-Certified, Certified in MBSP, Certified MBSP Facilitator, Certified by the VIA Institute in MBSP, or Achieved MBSP Certification.
- Can I receive a discount on MBSP Certification if I’ve already taken MBSP or MBSP-2?
If you’ve completed MBSP or MBSP-2: Learning to Lead with the VIA Institute, you may be eligible for custom pricing on certification. Please sign in to your VIA account to view your pricing options or reach out to info@viacharacter.org to learn more.
- Are MBSP materials available in languages other than English?
VIA Certification materials are provided in the language of the program you enroll in (e.g., English, German, Spanish, Vietnamese). Some translated handouts may be available upon request.
The VIA Institute partners with international organizations to offer MBSP Certification programs in various languages, including German, Spanish, and Vietnamese—with more in development. When someone enrolls in a non-English certification, all program materials (slides, handouts, etc.) are provided in that language. These materials are part of a formal co-branded translation partnership and are not interchangeable with the English version.
Some general handouts—like the MBSP Overview (Handout 1.1) and the Character Strengths 360 tool—are available in multiple languages and can be shared broadly. If you need additional handouts translated, reach out to info@viacharacter.org and we’ll do our best to help.
- What happens after I enroll in MBSP Certification?
After enrolling, you’ll receive a welcome email from our team and gain access to everything you need to get started including live session details, key tasks to complete, and how to get started.
Just enrolled and still have questions? We’re here to help with answers to the most common questions new MBSP Certification participants have.
- What if I’m not satisfied with my purchase?
We’re confident you’ll find value in VIA’s programs and resources. However, if you’re not satisfied, you may request a refund. Refunds are issued based on the specific product purchased. Please see our Refund Policy and Terms of Service for full details.