Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has become an established imaging modality requiring the definition of standards for data acquisition, reporting and training, recently addressed by a position statement of the Working Group on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Taking into account the particular difficulties related to CMR implementation in our country, the Working Group on CMR of the Italian Society of Cardiology and the Working Group on Cardiovascular Imaging of the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists have prepared this document with the aim to address the logistic, cultural and training problems inhibiting CMR dissemination. The present paper provides recommendations for the inclusion in the School of Cardiology training curriculum of CMR training as suggested by the ESC training curriculum as well as recommendations concerning cardiovascular and radiological training for certification in CMR. The proposal for the institutional accreditation is discussed, including recommendations for case-load, case-mix, structured training programs, and safety of CMR studies.