The Registered level of certification is for instructors who can teach basic equestrian lessons. Instructors can either complete a NARHA-approved training course, or a multi-step educational process that includes online courses, an open book exam, 25 hours of teaching therapeutic classes and other on-site work.
The Advanced level of certification requires not only enrolling in a NARHA-approved training course, but also in at least one workshop, which comprises a number of lessons. Certification is completed with a multi-part evaluation exam.
The Master level is the highest NARHA instructor certification available. Instructors who complete this certification are qualified to train other instructors. Instructors must be at least 25 years old, with at least 400 hours of teaching equine-assisted activities, and at least two years of documented service to NARHA before they can apply for Master certification.
A relatively new certification, the NARHA Interactive Vaulting Certification was established to train instructors to teach a combination of gymnastic exercises.
Therapeutic riding instructors must have at least one level of NARHA Instructor Certification. Each level teaches five core skills, including Disabilities, Equine Management, Horsemanship, Instruction and Teaching Methodology.