So, I’m getting certified, which may come as a surprise to those who thought I already was. No, not in that way. Yes, as in certified aromatherapist. And I couldn’t be more excited to share the 411 with you.
Why Get Certified?
I’m going to give you my reasons for wanting to be certified in aromatherapy:
It’s a personal goal. I want to be a certified aromatherapist. I want that piece of paper. I am passionate about essential oils and want to learn all I can about them.
I like structured learning. I’ve been using essential oils for 2 years now and have learned a lot through experience and research, but feel I’ve only touched the tip of the proverbial iceberg. An aromatherapy certification program offers a structured way to learn about essential oils, from the basics to more advanced study, all in one place, and with an end goal, whether it’s completing a course or a certification.
Certification will increase my credibility. I am incredibly humbled when friends and family ask me questions about essential oils. They trust that I will provide them with well-researched answers. I believe a certification increases that credibility with them and myself. In addition to having a certification, with the school I’ve chosen, I can call myself a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist (CCA), Certified Aromatherapy Practitioner (CAP), or Certified Holistic Aromatherapy Practitioner (CHAP)and be eligible for a National Association of for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) membership.
How Do I Get Certified?
If you’ve been thinking about getting certified in aromatherapy, I’d recommend starting with a search of aromatherapy schools. You can expect to pay around $2,000 for the coursework to achieve certification. Look for schools that have affiliations or are approved by NAHA and/or Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA). You may also choose to take courses onsite or online.
I am currently a student at The School for Aromatic Studies. The School was one of the first aromatherapy schools in the United States, established in 1990, and is approved by NAHA. I am taking my courses online and have been most impressed by how responsive the School’s founder and current NAHA Past President Jade Shutes has been to my questions. Jade is also the school’s Director of Education and an instructor.
Below is the recommended coursework for aromatherapy certification through The School for Aromatic Studies:
Foundations of Aromatherapy Certification Program: This entry-level class covers essential oil safety, blending, application, quality, chemistry and more, including in-depth study of 24 essential oils. Upon completing the 5 modules of the course, 5 case studies and a final exam, students receive a certificate for Foundations of Aromatherapy and can join NAHA as an aromatherapy advocate. This course is a prerequisite for:
Aromatic Scholars: Aromatherapy Certification Program: This course builds upon the Foundations course, with advanced study of botany, aromatherapy chemistry, essential oil monographs, over 60 essential oils and more. To become certified, students must complete the course modules, 14 case studies, a paper of their choice and a final exam.Upon certification, graduates are eligible for a professional or business membership with NAHA.
The School is currently offering a $200 discount on both courses when purchased together: Foundations and Aromatic Scholars Program: Special Offer.
The School also offers a French Aromatherapy Certification Course as an advanced course that one can take after completing the Foundations of Aromatherapy Certification Program. French aromatherapy employs the internal use of essential oils; whereas, Anglo-Saxon aromatherapy features topical and diffusing methods of essential oil applications. Upon the completion of the 10 modules of the course, 12 case studies or a paper and a final exam, students are certified in French aromatherapy. The School is currently offering a $125 discount on this course.
The School is offering a $125 discount on both courses when purchased together: Foundations of Aromatherapy + French Aromatherapy
Next Steps
If you’re interested in becoming a certified aromatherapist and would like to join me on this journey, let me know. If there’s enough interest, I’ll create a private Facebook group for anyone enrolled in any of the above courses, where we can motivate and support each other, share experiences and information, and ask questions and get answers. Contact or message me.
Until next time, Don’t Stop Believin’.
Oils & Spoils 
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