What is required for aromatherapy certification?
Educational Requirements
* Diploma in aromatherapy: This is the most common type of aromatherapy certification, and it typically requires 250-500 hours of coursework. Diploma programs typically cover topics such as:
* The history of aromatherapy
* Essential oil chemistry
* Aromatherapy safety
* Practical applications of aromatherapy
* Business and marketing for aromatherapists
* Advanced diploma in aromatherapy: This is a more advanced level of aromatherapy certification that typically requires 500-1,000 hours of coursework. Advanced diploma programs typically cover topics such as:
* Clinical aromatherapy
* Research methods in aromatherapy
* Teaching aromatherapy
* Professional development for aromatherapists
Experience Requirements
In addition to educational requirements, most aromatherapy certification programs also require applicants to have some experience working with essential oils. This experience can be gained through:
* Working in an aromatherapy clinic or spa
* Volunteering with an aromatherapy organization
* Shadowing a professional aromatherapist
* Taking an aromatherapy apprenticeship
Certification Exams
Once you have completed the required educational and experience requirements, you will need to pass a certification exam. Certification exams typically cover topics such as:
* Essential oil chemistry
* Aromatherapy safety
* Practical applications of aromatherapy
* Business and marketing for aromatherapists
Maintaining Certification
Most aromatherapy certifications require aromatherapists to maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses. Continuing education courses typically cover topics such as:
* New essential oils and their uses
* Advances in aromatherapy research
* New methods of aromatherapy practice
* Business and marketing strategies for aromatherapists
By meeting the educational, experience, and certification requirements, you can become a certified aromatherapist and start your own practice.