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What Do I Need to Be a Certified Reflexologist?

Reflexology is a holistic approach to health that uses certain pressure points on the body to positively influence other parts of the body. Holistic treatments incorporate the mind, body and spirit in treating medical conditions. Certified reflexologists practice reflexology in a therapeutic environment. If you are interested in reflexology as a career, you can become a certified reflexologist by following specific steps.

  1. Reflexology and Holistic Health

    • If you are interested in reflexology, it is important to have a firm understanding of the holistic approach to health. While medicine is sometimes used, relaxation techniques that help with stress management are more common. In reflexology, when pressure is applied in certain locations, positive energy flow is released in the body. This improves circulation and helps to relieve chronic pain. Reflexology can also help with digestive problems. Because of its natural approach, reflexology is considered a holistic practice.

    Becoming a Certified Reflexologist

    • To become a certified reflexologist, you must meet national standards for skill and knowledge in reflexology. To demonstrate this proficiency, you must pass the American Reflexology Certification Board's (ARCB) exam. The exam is given at different locations throughout the year. A study guide is available from the ARCB to help you prepare for the exam. However, before the ARCB will provide you with the study guide, you must complete the application and required course prerequisites.

      Because reflexology is a hands-on profession, a prerequisite to taking the ARCB exam is completing 110 hours of hands-on instruction. There are different ways to go about getting this hands-on course requirement. You can take a college course in anatomy and physiology along with weekend courses in reflexology until you fulfill the 110 hour requirement.

      Once you have completed your 110 hours of instruction through ARCB-approved coursework, you can apply to take the ARCB exam. The application and instruction verification forms are available on the ARCB website.

    Staying Current

    • According to the ARCB, you must obtain 12 hours of continued education every two years to remain current with your reflexologist certification. A percentage of all certificants are randomly selected each year to verify that they have cooperated with this requirement. You can obtain credits by completing ARCB-approved courses, gaining approval to complete a non-approved course or developing an independent study program. More information can be obtained by visiting the ARCB website.

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