Exploring Buddhism FAQ

What are the requirements for receiving an Exploring Buddhism certification?

To earn an FPMT Completion Certificate for Exploring Buddhism, students must complete all eight Exploring Buddhism (EB) modules. Each module requires the following:


  1. Attendance
    • Students must attend all teaching sessions for each module.
    • A minimum of 80% of the sessions should be attended live (in-person or online). For example, students should attend at least 10 out of 12 sessions for the module Exploring the Mind live.
    • Missed sessions must be made up by watching the provided video recordings.
  2. Practice
    • Participation in all practice sessions, and study group sessions (in-person or online) is required.
  3. Assessment
    • Students must complete the end-of-module assessments provided by Geshe Legtsok. These assessments are based on the materials covered in class.

At the conclusion of each module, the Spiritual Program Coordinator (SPC) will issue a digital letter of completion indicating that the module has been completed to the satisfaction of Geshe Legtsok.

To obtain the FPMT Completion Certificate for Exploring Buddhism, students must collect all eight letters of completion and submit them to the FPMT Education Services Coordinator.

Am I required to take the certification path to attend the Exploring Buddhism program?

We warmly encourage students to consider the certification path if it suits their circumstances, as many find its structured approach to be a valuable support for their study and spiritual growth. However, we understand that committing to the full three-year program may not be feasible for everyone. To accommodate diverse needs, registration is available on a module-by-module basis, offering flexibility and accessibility.

What is the Open House for?

The first class, scheduled for June 16, will also serve as an Open House and will be held online-only. This session is free and provides an opportunity for anyone interested to preview the course before committing to the full module.

If you register for the entire module, you will receive a separate Zoom link for the Open House. We encourage early registration if you’re confident about participating, as this helps us organize study groups more effectively. Please note that study group placements may be limited after the course begins.

What time will my study group meet?

Before the module begins, the Spiritual Program Coordinator (SPC) will send out a questionnaire where you can rank your preferred study group meeting times.

Study group sessions are led by volunteer Teaching Assistants (TAs), and we will do our best to accommodate your top preferences. By selecting a study group, you agree to attend all review sessions for the module, fostering continuity and group engagement.

Have more questions?

If you have additional questions about the program, please submit them here. We will update this FAQ page with clarifications.