The Association Montessori Internationale accredits training centres throughout the world. These centres offer AMI diploma courses which are internationally recognised for their high standard and authenticity. Training centres accredited by AMI remain under the constant supervision of AMI, are staffed by AMI Teacher Trainers and each course is examined by an external examiner appointed by AMI.

The training is essentially the same in each centre. Courses are full-time and are offered over an academic year or several summers. The programme includes lectures, seminars and demonstrations on Montessori philosophy, child development and the Montessori materials. Students prepare an album which detail the purpose, use and presentation of each piece of material. Each course includes significant components of supervised practice with the materials, material making, observation and practice teaching.

Montessori training is a process of re-orientation where the students begin to discover for themselves the profound truths underlying the Montessori approach.

The preparation of the adult about to undertake work with young children demands a high degree of self-discipline and commitment, and a professional attitude. This preparation can only be achieved through immersion in the Montessori theory under the supervision of experienced lecturers. Furthermore, the special materials to be used with the children in a Montessori class require individual training and supervised practice - as each piece of apparatus has a function in the total scheme of the Montessori Prepared Environment.

These fundamental aspects cannot be covered in sufficient depth by distance learning.

AMI diploma courses prepare adults to work with children at three age levels:

Assistants to Infancy (0-3)	Casa dei Bambini (3-6)	Elementary (6-12)