Instituto CRIAP
Instituto CRIAP is a privately held Portuguese professional training institution, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Porto, that delivers OPP- and IPDJ-accredited advanced postgraduate specializations, courses, and workshops in psychology, healthcare, HR, sports, and forensic sciences to licensed professionals across Portugal and internationally via e-learning.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2007
- HeadquartersPorto, Portugal
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Instituto CRIAP does
Instituto CRIAP (legal name: Instituto CRIAP-Psicologia e Formação Avançada, Lda) is a privately held Portuguese professional training institution founded in 2007 and headquartered in Porto, with a delegation in Lisbon and on-site training operations across Coimbra, Braga, Faro, Madeira, and the Azores. It specializes in advanced postgraduate and continuing-education programs primarily in mental health and psychology, while also serving adjacent verticals including nursing, healthcare, HR and management, education, sports, and forensic sciences. The institute describes itself as the largest non-state mental health training body in Portugal by number of students, scientific programs, and PhD-holding faculty, with the Scientific Direction led by founder Professor J. Pinto da Costa.
The core product is delivered through a Moodle-based learning management system (Moodle CRIAP) supporting e-learning, live streaming, b-learning, and in-person modalities, combined with a Student Portal (Portal do Aluno) for enrollment and contract management. The training catalog spans 80+ psychology courses plus hundreds of advanced specializations across 14–15 subject areas, with notable accreditations from the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP) and the Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude (IPDJ). A three-subsidiary ecosystem surrounds the core training business: CRIAP Edições (publishing), CRIAP Business (corporate training and room rental), and CRIAP Saúde (clinical services).
The business model is primarily direct-to-consumer course fee revenue under a one-time/perpetual license pricing structure, with installment payment plans, scholarships (Bolsa de Estudo and Bolsa de Mérito), promotional discounts of up to 30%, and the Cheque Formação + Digital government subsidy (up to €750) reducing barriers to enrollment. Go-to-market combines sales-led enrollment (online, phone, in-person) with event-driven demand generation through webinars, conferences, and podcasts, supplemented by institutional referral partnerships with scientific societies, student associations, and corporate partners such as Adecco. The institute employs 101–250 staff, with no disclosed external funding, parent company, or ownership changes.
Instituto CRIAP firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Instituto CRIAP
- Legal name
- Instituto CRIAP-Psicologia e Formação Avançada, Lda
- Website
- https://institutocriap.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2007
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Instituto CRIAP is a privately held Portuguese professional training institution, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Porto, that delivers OPP- and IPDJ-accredited advanced postgraduate specializations, courses, and workshops in psychology, healthcare, HR, sports, and forensic sciences to licensed professionals across Portugal and internationally via e-learning.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Instituto CRIAP industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Training and Continuing Education
- NAICS
- Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Behavioral Health & Counseling (Social Work, Psychology, Substance Use CE) (EDAAALAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Project, Quality & Operations (PMP PDUs, Six Sigma, Quality CE) (EDAAALAM), Project, Process & Quality Certification Prep (PMP, PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma, ITIL) (EDANAIAE)
Keywords
Where Instituto CRIAP is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Porto
- HQ country
- Portugal
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices7 records
Markets served
Instituto CRIAP business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Professional training course fees: Instituto CRIAP generates revenue through the sale of professional training courses, including specializations, postgraduate programs, courses, workshops, and webinars. Enrollment is paid either in full upfront or in installments. The training is treated as an indivisible service — once enrolled, the full price is owed regardless of attendance.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Training courses with promotional discounts of up to 30% |
| Other | Monthly | Scholarships for simultaneous advanced specializations (Bolsa de Estudo) |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Merit-based scholarship funded through a knowledge test |
| Subscription | Monthly | Installment payment plans |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Full upfront payment (default payment modality) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Instituto CRIAP product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Instituto CRIAP is a private professional training institution that sells advanced postgraduate specializations, specialized courses, workshops, and webinars in psychology, neuropsychology, health sciences, forensic sciences, HR, education, and sports, delivered via e-learning, live streaming, and in-person modalities. Training products are accredited by the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP) and IPDJ, with subsidiary services in clinical supervision, publishing (CRIAP Edições), corporate training (CRIAP Business), and health consultations (CRIAP Saúde).
Product overview
Instituto CRIAP is a professional training institution specializing in advanced postgraduate education primarily in Psychology and Health Sciences. The core offering is delivered through its Moodle-based learning platform (Moodle CRIAP) with training products organized across advanced specializations, courses, workshops, and webinars in 14+ areas including Psychology, Neuropsychology, Nursing, Forensic Sciences, Social Work, and Management. Training is delivered via multiple modalities (e-learning, live streaming, b-learning, in-person) across three main service lines: (1) Training products including the Accredited OPP training and IPDJ-accredited sports programs; (2) Professional services including Clinical Supervision, CRIAP Edições publishing, CRIAP Business (corporate training and room rental), and CRIAP Saúde (health consultations); and (3) Student support services including scholarships (Bolsa de Estudo, Bolsa de Mérito), special payment plans, and internship placements. The institution operates from Porto (headquarters) and Lisbon (delegation) with presence in Coimbra, Braga, Faro, Madeira, and Azores.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CRIAP Edições: Publishing division of Instituto CRIAP
- CRIAP Business
- CRIAP Saúde
Products and services
- Advanced Specializations (Especializações Avançadas) Postgraduate specialization programs across Psychology, Neuropsychology, Forensic Sciences, Nursing, Social Work, Health, and other areas, delivered via e-learning, live streaming, b-learning, and in-person modalities for licensed professionals.
- Specialized Courses (Cursos de Especialização) Targeted professional training courses across 14 areas including Psychology, Nursing, IT, Education, and Management, available online and in-person.
- Workshops Short-duration practical workshops available in online and in-person formats for working professionals seeking rapid skill upgrades.
- Webinars (Webinários) Live online seminar events featuring national and international speakers on specialized topics in mental health, health sciences, HR, and related disciplines.
- OPP-Accredited Training (Formação Acreditada OPP) Dedicated catalog of psychology training courses accredited by the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses, enabling psychologists to fulfill mandatory continuing education requirements and earn recognized professional credits.
- IPDJ-Accredited Sports Training Sports training programs accredited by the Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude, awarding formal IPDJ credits recognized toward professional sports instructor and coach licensing.
- Clinical Supervision (Supervisão Clínica) Professional clinical supervision services for practicing psychologists and health professionals supporting ongoing professional development and case review.
- CRIAP Business (Corporate Training and Services) Custom corporate training programs (Formação à Medida) and room/multimedia studio rental for events, targeted at companies seeking workforce development through CRIAP's institutional channel.
- CRIAP Edições (Publishing) Publishing division producing educational and scientific content related to the institute's training areas in psychology, health, and social sciences.
- CRIAP Saúde (Health Services) Health-related clinical services delivered through CRIAP Saúde, complementing the institute's training offerings with practical healthcare provision.
- Internships (Estágios) Internship placement services connecting students with professional practice opportunities through institutional partners for hands-on clinical experience.
Quantifiable outcome
- 80+ psychology courses available to students
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Instituto CRIAP
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Instituto CRIAP technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Instituto CRIAP partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- A Cores – Associação de Apoio a Crianças e Jovens em RiscominorA non-profit association founded in May 2009 by a team of clinical psychologists to support children and youth at risk, particularly children of drug users. A Cores develops multidisciplinary activities and services promoting mental health. The partnership provides referral pathways and collaborative training opportunities for students.
- A.A.F.P. – Associação Agentes Funerários de PortugalminorAssociation of Portuguese funeral agents. The institute offers specialized training in funeral services, thanatology, and embalming (e.g., Curso de Agente Funerário, Especialização Avançada em Responsável Técnico de Serviços Funerários), and AAFP members benefit from preferred access to these programs.
- AAISCPSI – Associação Académica do ISCPSIminorStudent association of the Instituto Superior de Ciências Policiais e Segurança Interna. Represents and advocates for students, promotes integration, and collaborates with the institute on training for police and security sciences students.
- ABESML – Associação Bem Estar de Santa Maria de LamasminorA Private Institution of Social Solidarity (IPSS) providing daycare, elderly care (nursing home), childcare, and community support services. The partnership likely facilitates practical training placements and student referrals for social work and gerontology programs.
- AdeccominorA global HR services company oriented toward integrated human resources solutions. Adecco likely refers employees or clients to the institute's HR and management training programs, or collaborates on corporate training solutions.
- AEPM – Associação Equiterapêutica do Porto e MatosinhosminorFounded in 2010 in partnership with the Porto/Matosinhos Equestrian School, AEPM provides horse-assisted therapy accessible to individuals with special needs. The institute offers animal-assisted therapy specializations (e.g., Especialização Avançada em Terapia Assistida por Animais: Cães e Cavalos), and AEPM serves as a practicum partner.
- AEFPIE-IL – Associação de Estudantes da FPCE-ULminorStudent association of the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences at the University of Lisbon. Refers psychology students to the institute's advanced specializations and continuing education programs.
- AEMC – Agrupamento de Escolas de Miranda do CorvominorSchool grouping of approximately 14 schools in the Miranda do Corvo area. Partners with the institute on educational training programs and refers teachers and staff to continuing education courses.
- aecBABO – Associação Emília Conceição BabominorA Private Institution of Social Solidarity (IPSS) providing daycare, nursing home, and home care services. Supports the institute's gerontology, elderly care, and social service training programs through practical placement opportunities.
- OPP – Ordem dos Psicólogos PortuguesescoreThe Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses is the official professional body for psychologists in Portugal. Instituto CRIAP offers a dedicated section of training courses accredited by OPP, enabling psychologists to fulfill their mandatory continuing education requirements and earn recognized professional credits.
- IPDJ – Instituto Português do Desporto e JuventudecoreIPDJ is the Portuguese government body responsible for sports and youth policy. Instituto CRIAP is an IPDJ-accredited training entity, offering courses that award IPDJ credits recognized toward professional sports instructor and coach licensing. Examples include the Especialização Avançada em Psicologia do Desporto (17 IPDJ credits) and Especialização Avançada em Fisiologia do Exercício no Desporto de Alta Performance (17.4 IPDJ credits).
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Instituto CRIAP competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Universidade Europeia (Laureate International Universities): Universidade Europeia is a large private Portuguese university offering postgraduate programs in psychology, health, and management. A broad incumbent that competes for postgraduate specialization students but is not specialized in mental health CE like CRIAP.
- Universidade Lusíada: Lusíada is a Portuguese private university with postgraduate and continuing education offerings in psychology and health sciences. Broad incumbent with university-degree credentials that competes for CRIAP's psychology specialization audience.
- Instituto Piaget: Instituto Piaget is a Portuguese private higher education institution offering degrees and postgraduate programs across health, education, and social sciences. Broad incumbent comparable to CRIAP's health and psychology specialization catalog.
- Universidade Aberta (UAb): Universidade Aberta is Portugal's public distance-learning university offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees online. Broad incumbent in Portuguese online professional education that competes for CRIAP's e-learning student segment.
- ISPA - Instituto Universitário: ISPA is a Portuguese university institute specialized in psychology that offers postgraduate and continuing education programs. Broad incumbent with strong psychology credentials that competes directly with CRIAP's psychology specializations.
Direct peers
- ATAM - Associação dos Trabalhadores da Administração Local: ATAM is a Portuguese training provider for public sector and HR professionals, offering accredited continuing education programs. Directly comparable for the HR/management training segment and CE/CPE accreditation model.
- Cognos Formação: Cognos is a Portuguese private training provider offering postgraduate and continuing education across psychology, education, and management with similar e-learning + in-person delivery. Directly comparable as a same-country competitor for advanced specializations and CE/CPE hours.
- Formação Profissional CESAE: CESAE is a Portuguese professional training center offering continuing education across multiple disciplines with public funding mechanisms. Comparable in the continuing education and professional certification space, particularly for HR and management.
Regional players
- Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian - Formação Avançada: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian offers advanced training programs for professionals in Portugal, including health and education. Comparable as a Portugal-based continuing education provider but operates with a foundation/mission-driven model rather than for-profit.
Emerging players
- EDIT. - Disruptive Digital Education: EDIT. is a Portuguese edtech offering intensive bootcamps and professional certifications in technology, data, and digital skills. Emerging player in the Portuguese CE market that targets career-focused professionals, overlapping with CRIAP's adult professional learner segment.
Market position
Strengths1 record
Weaknesses1 record
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Instituto CRIAP social profiles
Digital presenceInstituto CRIAP compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Instituto CRIAP financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Instituto CRIAP leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Instituto CRIAP subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Instituto CRIAP funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Instituto CRIAP M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Instituto CRIAP
What does Instituto CRIAP do?
Instituto CRIAP is a private professional training institution that sells advanced postgraduate specializations, specialized courses, workshops, and webinars in psychology, neuropsychology, health sciences, forensic sciences, HR, education, and sports, delivered via e-learning, live streaming, and in-person modalities. Training products are accredited by the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP) and IPDJ, with subsidiary services in clinical supervision, publishing (CRIAP Edições), corporate training (CRIAP Business), and health consultations (CRIAP Saúde).
Is Instituto CRIAP a public or private company?
Instituto CRIAP is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Instituto CRIAP founded?
Instituto CRIAP was founded in 2007. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Instituto CRIAP based?
Instituto CRIAP is headquartered in Porto, Portugal, in the Europe region.
How does Instituto CRIAP make money?
One revenue line is on record: professional training course fees.
Who are Instituto CRIAP's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Universidade Europeia (Laureate International Universities), Universidade Lusíada, Instituto Piaget, Universidade Aberta (UAb) and ISPA - Instituto Universitário. Direct peers are ATAM - Associação dos Trabalhadores da Administração Local, Cognos Formação and Formação Profissional CESAE. Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian - Formação Avançada is listed as a regional player. EDIT. - Disruptive Digital Education is listed as an emerging player.
Does Instituto CRIAP have an API?
No public API is recorded for Instituto CRIAP.
What industry is Instituto CRIAP in?
Instituto CRIAP's product category is Professional Training and Continuing Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAALAD, Behavioral Health & Counseling (Social Work, Psychology, Substance Use CE), with a secondary code of EDAAALAM, Project, Quality & Operations (PMP PDUs, Six Sigma, Quality CE). Its NAICS code is 611430 and its SIC code is 8200.