This study reports initial results of a program designed to train California corrections staff (n = 576) in motivational interviewing (MI), a method of communication that is based on a client-centered, collaborative style. After three days of training, participants made significant gains in terms of knowledge of MI principles and reflective listening skills. Results also indicated that motivation to use MI at baseline was not related to higher scores on the other measures, suggesting that trainees do not have to be motivated toward MI to learn and demonstrate skill gain. Implications of these findings, and their limitations, are discussed. (Contains 6 tables and 1 figure.)