Some advice for you as a candidate writing and putting your portfolio together.
To be read along with the Certification Preparation Packet.


This advice has been created by the English Speaking Assessor Team after years of reading many portfolios. The intention is to provide a guide for clarity and ease for candidate, assessor and co-reader about some questions we often hear about “how to do it”.


It is based on our assessor team’s common experience of reading and then working together with the co-reader to give the most valuable feedback we can.


We estimate that the assessor spends altogether a minimum of two days reading a portfolio. 

Often we read in smaller chunks and take time to digest in between, since it is a very focused job.

The co reader is a bit briefer, taking around one day.

Then the two talk, taking one to two hours.


So read these recommendations with a large PLEASE in front of every sentence!!





We prefer hard copies for each reader and will give you postal addresses and how best to send/ which system works best.

Use the same font unless you make clear why you are putting some parts in another font.

Use new paragraphs to provide clarity when you shift from one aspect of NVC to another, especially when writing about Key Differentiations.

Use underlining as well to create clarity.





Create an index with references to which page the different parts start.

Make sure the pages are in the right order when you post them.

Make sure that the two copies, one for the assessor and one for the co-reader, have the same layout. Please keep the original for yourself and bring it to your pre-assessment.

Number all the pages.




Make different lists of trainings followed by Certified Trainers and non certified trainers. Mark clearly which trainings were online and the total percentage of online training.

Also make a separate list of training you have offered. Note: only include trainings that are pure NVC trainings. i.e, if you include a bit of NVC within another programme, this does not count.

Then add the total number of days for each.




We would like about 10 -15 entries over a period of 9-12 months. So roughly 10 – 15 pages in total.


If you choose to present more, highlight the ones that you consider most significant in illustrating your development.


Avoid long stories as a background. Imagine yourself being the assessor and ask yourself “Which information about context is necessary for the assessor to understand the situation?”


If you include old examples, (more than a year old) look at them now and add some reflections about your learning.


Add a short (1 or 2 page) summary about how you see your NVC awareness has developed.

There are more ideas for journalling here.



Describe it as the CPP requires. As a guide, think about it as if you are introducing a total beginner. Short and clear, you can include a short example, but separate it from the description.



Explain the differences in a crisp and clear way.

Separate examples from the explanation of the particular key diff you write about.

Refrain from comparing NVC values that are reflected in the Key diffs to other psychological concepts.



Link the feedback forms to the Training log either by presenting the feedback forms after each Training Log or referring clearly to them. 

If you have received handwritten feedback, make sure it is easily readable for your assessors. Otherwise add a printed copy of what is written and translate it into English.



Create a video maximum 40 minutes. This can be uploaded to Youtube with settings set to private- so we can easily share and watch. Or make a different agreement with your assessor.



It is surprising how many times candidates miss out sections which are asked for in the CPP. Please check you have included everything and if in doubt ask another candidate.

Here is the list of items to include:

1. Statement of intent, updated.

2. List of trainings attended with CT’s and other trainers, showing a clear total of the number of days with CT’s.

3. List of trainings you have offered.

4. At least 10 general feedback forms, including 3 from CT’s

5. Journal.

6. Training logs for each training you have offered, referring to comments in participant feedback forms that you have learned from.

7. At least 10 participant feedback forms attached to relevant training logs.

8. Key differentiations and NVC processes and models – your own description of Ai: 1 - 3, Aii:1 – 12, Aiii: 1-25.

9. Your feedback on your video, if requested, referring to timings that the assessor can see when watching. 

10.  list of your learning edges.


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