The IFA diploma training in professional aromatherapy fully complies with national occupational standards and open college network standards

Standards are set and achieved through our approved schools and tutors. IFA training establishments have to abide by our syllabus which has been very carefully formulated, based on many years of experience in training practitioners to work as professional therapists. The course criteria cover all aspects of holistic health, client protocol, body massage, essential and carrier oil theory, pathology, anatomy and physiology, emergency first aid and business development.   The methods of teaching and the number of training and study hours required by our syllabus are laid down with a view to producing aromatherapists who are confident, caring, competent and enthusiastic about their chosen profession.  

Standards are imposed through our exam system. Our registered schools in the UK and Overseas may hold internal exams if they wish, but it is an absolute requirement of their membership of the IFA that they hold external exams in the presence of one of our independent examiners.  Students are examined on the theory and practice of Anatomy and Physiology, Body Massage, Aromatherapy Theory and Aromatherapy Massage and then marked and assessed by our examiner in order to qualify as a Professional Aromatherapist.   Schools applying for registration are accepted only if the IFA standards for tutors, equipment and venues are met.  These principles maintain aromatherapy as a profession and they safeguard the practitioner and their clients.

IFA STANDARDS IN PRACTICE

IFA Registered Practitioners are not just people who give massage using essential oils. They are a special kind of therapist. Their confidence and experience comes from their thorough training. Their knowledge of the effective use of therapeutic aromatic oils combined with application techniques ensures maximum benefit for their clients.   The IFA requires its Full Members to maintain their standards and increase their experience by completing at least 12 hours of Continual Professional Development each year.

Download information on the IFA syllabus and exam standards. (The IFA has exacting standards for its Full Member Practitioners, which are achieved by our tutor-student contact, home study and external examinations requirements.   Test yourself with some of our typical exam questions!)