Being a Mahjong Instructor: You Don’t Need Certification to Teach
Mahjong has experienced a vibrant resurgence in recent years. From community centers to private homes, from retirees to young professionals, more people are discovering the joy of the tiles. With that growth comes a common question:
Do you need to be certified to teach mahjong?
The short answer is: No.
In fact, the primary governing body for American-style mahjong, the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL), does not certify instructors. That surprises many people—but it’s important to understand why.
The Myth of Mahjong Certification
In many industries—yoga, fitness, tutoring, even cooking—certifications are common. It’s easy to assume mahjong must work the same way.
But mahjong is different.
The National Mah Jongg League:
Publishes the official annual American mahjong card
Standardizes rules for tournament and league play
Provides guidance on gameplay and etiquette
What it does not do is:
Certify teachers
License instructors
Approve or endorse mahjong classes
That means there is no official teaching credential required to become a mahjong instructor.
So What Does Make Someone Qualified to Teach?
While certification isn’t required, competence absolutely is. A good mahjong instructor typically has:
1. Strong Rules Knowledge
You should confidently understand:
Charleston procedures
Joker usage
Exposure rules
Wall building and dealing
Scoring basics
2. Practical Playing Experience
You don’t need 20 years under your belt—but you should have enough table experience to:
Anticipate beginner mistakes
Explain strategy in simple terms
Troubleshoot common confusion
3. Teaching Skills
Being a good player and being a good teacher are not the same. Clear explanations, patience, and structure matter more than flashy strategy.
Why There Is No Certification
Mahjong—especially American mahjong—is community-driven. The game has historically been passed down:
Through family
Within social groups
In community centers
In informal leagues
Because of that tradition, authority comes from experience and reputation, not a governing board issuing licenses.
The National Mah Jongg League focuses on rules and standardization, not professional credentialing.
Building Credibility Without Certification
If you’re teaching mahjong, here’s how you build trust:
✔️ Be Transparent
Let students know your experience level. You don’t need to claim to be an “expert.” Confidence and honesty go a long way.
✔️ Use the Official Card
Teach directly from the current NMJL card so students learn standardized hands.
✔️ Offer Structured Lessons
Create a clear progression:
Tiles and setup
The Charleston
Building hands
Calling and exposure
Game flow
Structure reassures beginners.
✔️ Encourage Practice Games
Hands-on learning cements confidence faster than lectures.
What About People Claiming to Be “Certified”?
Since no official certification exists through the National Mah Jongg League, any “certification” you see:
Is private or self-created
Is part of a specific training program
Does not represent a governing authority
That doesn’t mean those programs are bad—it just means they are optional educational tools, not required credentials.
The Beauty of Mahjong Teaching
One of the wonderful things about teaching mahjong is that it is deeply relational. You’re not just teaching a ruleset—you’re helping people:
Build community
Exercise their minds
Continue a cultural tradition
Gain confidence in social play
And you can do all of that without a formal license.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering becoming a mahjong instructor, don’t let the absence of certification intimidate you. There is no official credential required because the National Mah Jongg League does not certify teachers.
Your qualification comes from:
Knowledge
Experience
Clarity
Integrity
Mahjong has always been a game shared across tables, not issued from a podium.
If you can confidently guide others through their first Charleston and help them fall in love with the tiles, you’re already doing the job.
Thanks for stopping by Splash of Color Co. I am by no means even an expert in the game, however what I do offer here is an array of mahjong mats, tile totes, and fun accessories to help elevate your game. Tablescapes are all the rage right now and it sure is a fun way to express your personality along with the beautiful tiles that are offered by many creative brands today. Enjoy!
Deidra