Australian Association for Psychological Type Inc
Expanding knowledge – Sharing experience – Enriching networks

In 2009 an AusAPT Member survey indicated that 99% of our members are accredited in MBTI^® Step I and 48% in Step II. The survey also revealed that members are accredited in several other instruments including Majors PTI^™ and Interstrength^®. This article provides some information about each of these psychological Type tools, how to become accredited in them and where to purchase materials.

What are the key differences between these three psychological Type tools?

The MBTI^® (Myers Briggs Type Indicator) and the Majors PTI^™ (Majors Personality Type Inventory) are psychological instruments. Interstrength^® is a method or a practice that helps individuals find their best-fit type with or without assessments.

The MBTI instrument is based on Briggs and Myers' interpretations of Jung's theory. Majors PTI is based on Jung's theory. Linda Berens' Interstrength method is founded on a multiple lens or model approach that is based in systems theory, ancient temperament theory and the roots of social style theory as well as Jungian concepts.

Majors PTI is similar in outcome to the MBTI in providing the four letter code resulting from preferences between four sets of dichotomies, although it differs in questions and rating scale used. The Majors PTI represents the work of Mark Majors who was a key researcher for the MBTI.

The Interstrength multi-model program teaches Interaction Styles, Temperament and Cognitive Processes. Each model can be used independently or combined to identify the 16 types.

How do I become accredited in the psychological Type tools?

MBTI^®
In Australia, CPP-AP is the only organisation licensed to run accreditation training programs and distribute the Myers Briggs Type Indicator^®, an instrument owned and distributed by CPP. The MBTI instrument is available online and a self-scorable version is available.

Majors PTI^™
ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) is the accrediting body in Australia for Majors PTI and provides an online or self-scorable instrument. Accrediting training programs for Majors PTI are conducted by Mary McGuiness (Institute for Type Development) and Peter Geyer.

If you are accredited in MBTI, your accreditation is recognised for the Majors PTI and you are able to purchase Majors PTI materials from ACER.

Interstrength^®
In Australia, Dr Anne Russell and Dan Foster (Interstrength Associates) work together to teach Linda Berens' Interstrength certification program. Starting in September this year Interstrength graduates will be licensed to purchase Interstrength^® CogBooks^™ which is an interactive, web-based self-discovery tool to use with clients to introduce them to Interaction Styles and Temperaments. You are also able to use proprietary animated PowerPoint slides and facilitator materials for all the models.

Register of psychological Type practitioners

We are currently updating our AusAPT Register of qualified psychological Type practitioners to include MBTI, Majors PTI and Interstrength and any other relevant psychological Type tool. Members will be able to list the various psychological tools as well as a short biography and a photograph.

If you would like to be included in the Register, please send a copy of your accreditation certificate or relevant certification details (date and accreditor), to Ivana Crestani, Vice-President National Committee on vicepresident@ausapt.org.au