How to Become Certified in Orton Gillingham

OGA & ALTA Explained by Someone Who Completed Both

If you have ever searched “How do I become certified in Orton Gillingham?” you probably realized very quickly that the answer is not simple.

That is because Orton Gillingham is not a boxed curriculum or one specific program. It is an approach to teaching reading, spelling, and writing grounded in the science of reading and designed to meet the needs of struggling readers and students with dyslexia through individualized, explicit, diagnostic instruction.

Because Orton Gillingham is an approach, there are different organizations, training centers, certification pathways, and levels of training.

And honestly? That can feel overwhelming.

I know because I was once the classroom teacher Googling the exact same thing.

As a classroom teacher, I desperately wanted to help my struggling readers. But my college education courses had not truly prepared me to remediate reading difficulties. I remember watching several of my students leave my classroom each day for Orton Gillingham tutoring. I became fascinated by what they were doing and even more fascinated by the growth they were making.

That summer, I enrolled in my first Orton Gillingham training.

Twenty years later, I am still learning.

As of today, I:

• completed certification through both Orton Gillingham Academy (OGA) and Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA)
• tutored over 100 students
• serve as a Fellow in Training through Key Learning Center helping train future Orton Gillingham practitioners.

In this post, I want to simplify the process and explain the two certification pathways I can personally speak to: OGA and ALTA.

Please note: These are not the only Orton Gillingham training pathways available. However, they are two highly respected certifications within the dyslexia and Structured Literacy community and the ones I personally completed.

What Is Orton Gillingham Certification?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that there is one universal “Orton Gillingham certification.”

There is not.

Instead, educators complete training through accredited training centers and may pursue certification through organizations such as:

• Orton Gillingham Academy
• Academic Language Therapy Association

The training itself is often what matters most.

In fact, one of the biggest lessons I learned through my own journey is this:

It is not simply about the certification letters after your name. The real gold is in the quality of the training, mentorship, practicum, and supervised teaching experience.

A strong Orton Gillingham training program teaches educators how to:

• isolate student needs
• individualize instruction
• understand the structure of the English language
• plan lessons that are based on the Orton Gillingham principles
• remediate reading difficulties through explicit, systematic instruction

My First Step: Associate-Level Training Through OGA

My first formal training was Associate-Level training through the Orton Gillingham Academy.

At the time, I was a classroom teacher searching for answers for my struggling readers. That two-week training completely changed the trajectory of my career.

The coursework itself was eye-opening, but the practicum was where everything truly came to life.

During my practicum year after my two-week OG training/coursework, my Fellow observed me teaching students one-on-one and mentored me through lesson planning, diagnostic teaching, error correction, pacing, and instructional decisions. That mentorship was invaluable.

What Is the Associate-Level Training Designed For?

OGA Associate-Level training (70 hours) is generally intended for educators who want to work:

• one-on-one with students
• in very small groups (typically 3 students or fewer)
• in Tier 2 or Tier 3 intervention settings

After completing the required training, practicum, and student portfolio, educators may earn the title: Certified Member of the Orton Gillingham Academy at the Associate Level

Understanding the ALTA Certification Path

Another highly respected certification pathway is through the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA).

One important thing to understand is that ALTA recognizes several accredited Structured Literacy training pathways, while the Orton Gillingham Academy certification specifically requires Orton Gillingham Academy training completed under a Fellow.

ALTA accepts qualifying training completed through accredited programs such as:

• Orton Gillingham Academy trainings that are accredited by IMSLEC
• Children’s Dyslexia Centers
• Take Flight
• Scottish Rite for Children training pathways
• and other approved programs

For educators pursuing certification through ALTA, the Practitioner-Level training under an ICALP or CALT-QI is a common pathway. (These are ALTA titles for highly trained teacher trainers.)

This Practitioner-level of training is very similar in scope and intensity to Associate-Level training through OGA and is intended for educators who want to work:

• one-on-one with students
• in very small intervention groups (3 or less students)
• using diagnostic, explicit, Structured Literacy instruction

Like OGA training, ALTA-approved training programs generally include:

• intensive coursework
• supervised practicum experience
• individualized lesson planning
• diagnostic teaching
• and ongoing mentorship and observation

After completing the required training, practicum, and certification exam, educators may earn the credential: Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP)

No matter which pathway an educator chooses, the heart of the training remains the same: learning how to deeply understand language and provide individualized instruction that changes the lives of struggling readers.

OGA vs. ALTA Certification: What Is the Difference?

This is probably the question I get asked most often.

And honestly? There is a great deal of overlap between the two pathways.

Both OGA and ALTA certification pathways:

• require extensive training
• include supervised practicum experiences
• emphasize diagnostic and individualized instruction
• prepare educators to work with struggling readers and students with dyslexia
• and are highly respected within the Structured Literacy community

While there is great overlap, there are important differences in:

• certification requirements
• application processes
• exams
• timelines
• and accepted training pathways

Because those details can quickly become overwhelming, I created a free guide that walks you through the differences step-by-step in a much clearer and more detailed way.

Grab the free guide here:

OGA vs. ALTA: A Beginner’s Guide to Orton Gillingham Certification

Inside the guide, I break down all the details to help you make an informed decision about which certification path is best for you!

NEW ALTA Certification Pathway for Eligible OGA Members

Since first writing this blog post, ALTA announced to its members on July 10, 2026 that, “credentialed members of the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA) are now invited to pursue certification with ALTA.”

WHAT THAT MEANS: If you are a member of the Orton Gillingham Academy at the Associate or Clinical level, you can apply for membership to ALTA at the same credentialing level. In addition to the application, you will need to pass the ALTA competency exam before earning certification.

Final Thoughts on Becoming Certified in Orton Gillingham

If you are considering Orton Gillingham training of any kind, my biggest encouragement is this:

Take the time to research different training programs, mentorship models, certification pathways, and practicum expectations before choosing a program.

Whether you pursue certification through Orton Gillingham Academy or the Academic Language Therapy Association, the goal is the same: helping students become confident, capable readers.

If you want to explore Orton Gillingham training options further, I highly encourage you to browse:

• the training and certification pathways through the Orton Gillingham Academy
• and the accredited training pathways recognized through Academic Language Therapy Association

You can also train directly with me through Key Learning Center, where I serve as a Fellow in Training. Our Associate-Level training is rooted in the Orton Gillingham principles and is accredited through both OGA and IMSLEC (which partners with ALTA). Because of this, trainees in our program may be eligible to pursue both certification pathways depending on their goals.

One of my favorite parts of my work now is helping educators walk through the same journey that once transformed me as a classroom teacher. Watching teachers grow in confidence as they begin changing the lives of struggling readers is incredibly rewarding.

Twenty years later, I can honestly say that pursuing Orton Gillingham training was one of the most impactful decisions of my career.

And I am still learning every day.

Until everyone can read, 💛

Pryor