College Reading and Learning Association

Certification of Tutoring Center

The tutoring program offered by the Centers for Learning, Advising & Student Success (CLASS) is certified through the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA), which is a nationally accredited program formed in 1989. The partnership between CRLA and UMass Lowell was created to ensure that the peer tutors at UMass Lowell are exposed to the highest standards of training available, with two goals in mind. First, the Centers for Learning (CLASS) is dedicated to the para-professional development of student staff. Further, CLASS is committed to providing the undergraduates at UMass Lowell with the highest quality of peer tutoring possible.

Under CRLA guidelines, peer tutors at UMass-Lowell undergo three distinct levels of training.

  1. Level I or Certified: Tutors are required to attend 10 hours of intensive interactive training. Highlights of areas that are covered include: Active Listening, Ethics, Best Practices, Communication Skills and Handling Difficult Situations. In addition, peer tutors are required to work with undergraduates for a minimum of 25 hours.
  2. Level II or Advanced-Certified: Requires more in-depth training. Highlights of this programming include: Cross Cultural Communication, Working with Students with Disabilities, Advanced Learning Theory and Emotional Intelligence. To reach Level II, peer tutors must undergo an additional 10 hours of training and an additional 25 of working with students.
  3. Level III or Master-Certified: is the highest level of training provided at the University. To reach this level, peer tutors receive an additional 10 hours of in-depth training for a cumulative total of 30 hours of training and an additional 25 hours of tutoring, for a cumulative total of 75 hours of tutoring.

In developing training for peer tutors, thoughtful, interactive programs have been developed in collaboration with diverse campus specialists including faculty, other campus training programs, engagement with seasoned tutors in the development of new tutors, and elevate the position of tutor to that of a campus leader.

Tutor Training Levels

“The purpose of the International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) program is twofold. First, it provides recognition and positive reinforcement for tutors' successful work from an international organization, CRLA. Second, CRLA's tutor training program certification process sets an internationally accepted standard of skills and training for tutors. The College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) International Tutor Training Program Certification offers numerous benefits for individual tutors, tutorial coordinators, and programs.” (Downloaded from International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) page on the College Reading & Learning Association website on October 1, 2017).

For further information on the Centers for Learning 2023 recertification process, please contact:

  • Todd Borchers, Assistant Director: Centers for Learning, Advising & Student Success - South Campus
  • Christopher Onyx, Coordinator of Tutoring Services and Special Programs - North Campus