What the Course Entails and Exam Details

This outcomes-based course concentrates on the application of foundational instructor skills, validated by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (ibstpi) competencies. Your journey will begin with a required Phase I self-study block, completed via the Army Learning Management System (ALMS), which focuses on the theoretical fundamentals of adult learning. The resident Phase II portion is a small-group, immersive classroom environment that emphasizes application. Core topics include:

• Army Instructor Roles and Responsibilities

• Teaching and Learning Models (including the Experiential Learning Model)

• Professional and Ethical Requirements

• Building Lesson Plans and Learning Objectives

• Characteristics of Effective Communication and Classroom Management

• Methods for Providing Feedback and Conducting Assessments

What to Expect in the Final Exam

The certification process culminates in two distinct summative assessments that you must pass to graduate. This dual-assessment approach ensures you possess both the required knowledge and the practical skill to lead a classroom. First, you will face the Instructor Fundamentals Exam (IFE), which is a standardized, knowledge-based test administered during the course, typically by Day 8, using a digital platform like Blackboard or ALMS. The format is designed to test your understanding of the theoretical principles covered in both phases. You must achieve a minimum score of 80% on this exam.

Second, the ultimate performance test is the Final Summative Practicum Exercise. This requires you to stand before your peers and instructors to present a 30- to 50-minute individual lesson, teaching a block of instruction from a course you will facilitate in your future role. You are graded using a comprehensive rubric based on Army Learning Areas. This is not a passive exam; it is a direct demonstration of your ability to apply everything you have learned. You must also achieve a minimum passing score of 80% on this practical application. Failure to pass either the written IFE or the summative practicum will prevent graduation from the course.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Preparation for the CFD-IC is rigorous, and utilizing multiple study methods is crucial. Your first line of defense is a thorough review of the CFD-IC Student Book and the materials provided during Phase I. Practice is paramount. You should rehearse your practicum lesson presentation multiple times, incorporating the Experiential Learning Model and the characteristics of effective communication you are taught. Seeking constructive feedback from peers or mentors during formative practicums will identify weaknesses before the final evaluation. Additionally, taking a CFD-IC practice exam is a vital strategy. A well-constructed practice exam will help you familiarize yourself with the type of multiple-choice and knowledge-based questions you will face on the Instructor Fundamentals Exam (IFE), allowing you to identify your knowledge gaps.

Regarding testing centers, CFD-IC is typically taken as a resident course. This means you will complete both the course and its final exams at specific authorized physical locations. These primarily include Army Regional Training Institutes (RTIs) situated across various states, the Army University at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, or authorized proponent schools house locations. Enrollment and reservation for these courses are handled through the Army Training Requirements and Resources System (ATRRS). Students enrolled in the resident Phase II must typically also receive a reservation for Phase I on ALMS to complete prerequisites.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Graduation from the Common Faculty Development – Instructor Course opens numerous doors within the military educational landscape. This qualification is a standard requirement for personnel seeking official instructor positions, ensuring you are capable of delivering standardized, effective training across the military. Completing this course frequently leads to the following specialized job titles:

• Qualified Army Instructor

• Noncommissioned Officer Academy (NCOA) Instructor

• Course Facilitator

• Regional Training Institute (RTI) Instructor

• Unit Trainer / Training Specialist

• Proponent School Instructor

• Curriculum Developer (First Step Toward Advanced Qualifications)

• Training Manager / Writer