Participation in the School of Applied Functional Medicine (SAFM) programs can qualify you to seek a certification in Applied Functional Medicine for Coaching (AFMC). This certification distinguishes a practitioner from his or her peers, acknowledging their advanced training in foundational functional medicine principles and their detailed, practical application in client work.
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
RECERTIFICATION
If you are a current Core 101 or Advanced 202 semester participant, the cost of one respective certification exam window is included in your semester fee, as long as the examination is completed within 18 months of the Semester start date. You must notify the SAFM Admin of your intent to sit for the desired certification exam by the deadline for that window (details for exam windows below). Individuals wishing to complete their examination at a later date may do so with Ad hoc registration and fee.
Individuals who have already completed either or both semesters are eligible to complete the associated certification processes at any point in the future for a $300 examination fee (per exam, which includes an exam review course). Again, you must notify the SAFM Admin of your intent to sit for the desired certification exam by the deadline for that window (details for exam windows below), as late registrations cannot be accommodated. There is no charge for re-certification if completed either during the examination window prior to or immediately after the certification anniversary date (exact timing may vary per individual).
All three Levels of initial Certification and Recertification are offered every four months, and they are set for (February 15th to February 24th), (June 30th to July 9th), and (September 28th to October 7th) every year.
Approximately two months before each 10-day exam window, registration will open. Students who are currently enrolled in the Core 101 and Advanced 202 semesters will automatically receive an invitation to register and participate in the appropriate certification exam once the registration window has opened. Please note that all required courses and self-tests must be completed prior to the registration commencing for an examination window.
Each time the certification window opens, you must complete the Online Exam / Case Study submission within the stated ten-day period. You may only attempt one certification level per open exam window. Each Level of certification must be completed before progressing to the next.
Registration for any of the three AFMC certification levels includes:
Again, please note that all required courses and self-tests must be completed before you will be able to register to attempt the next Certification level.
The Level 1 and Level 2 certification and follow-on Recertification exams are:
Please note: thorough preparation and study are important. While you are indeed welcome to use reference material during the exam, you will not have time to “go and find” answers to a large number of questions within the allotted exam time.
Successful completion of a certification or recertification exam requires a minimum passing grade of 85% on that single exam. Pass/Fail Determination will be communicated to each student via email within 48 business hours of exam completion.
If a passing grade is not achieved on the first two-hour attempt, each exam may be taken one additional time during the then-current examination window plus five calendar days (no extension exceptions are available, so please be sure to plan accordingly). If a passing grade is not earned on the second attempt, further attempts must be delayed until the following examination window (approximately four months later) to allow for additional study, and a separate certification exam registration and fee will be required.
This certification exam process and content is overseen and accredited by our SAFM Scientific Review Board.
Beyond successful completion of both examinations, the AFMC certification also requires you to demonstrate competence in using the knowledge you have learned by the submission and approval of an actual case study (from the practitioner’s own client or patient population). Competence must be demonstrated in the functional medicine principles from the eight included semester courses as well as other key areas relevant to the chosen case. The case must also demonstrate sound and thorough identification of interconnected dynamics in the person’s aggregate system (e.g. health history, life experiences, diet, behavioral choices, mindset/perspective, symptoms, medications, lab work, and supplements) and effective execution of recommendations, bringing resolution to the client’s primary issue/goal.
Students learn more about the specific requirements for satisfactory completion of the Competency Case Study during their SAFM experience, so that they may choose carefully when to pursue this final level of the AFMC Certification process.
All chosen case documentation must be submitted in the required formats prior to the end of the respective examination window.
This credential demonstrates your rich education in functional medicine science and your demonstrated knowledge and competency in using this science in clinical practice. Along with the professional credibility, pride and satisfaction that accompany this achievement, we are pleased to offer AFMC Certified practitioners some additional benefits:
Registration for either the Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 certification exam includes:
Again – the exam must be taken within the examination window (no exceptions for earlier or later dates), so please ensure you can meet this requirement and all other examination stipulations above prior to registration. Register directly via the email invitation you received ** if you are indeed eligible. (firm deadlines – no exceptions).
** We are delighted to announce that SAFM’s Semester programs (both Core 101 and Advanced 202) meet the rigorous standards to be accredited for continuing medical education credits. This means our licensed practitioner students who complete the Core 101 Semester or the Advanced 202 Semester and also pass the associated AFMC certification Level 1 or Level 2 Exam (starting with the February 2020 AFMC Exam Window) will qualify to claim AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. We encourage you to click this link for a personal message from Tracy, full details of this very important milestone, and frequently asked questions.
From the registration deadline date forward, we begin to engage the certification class with a study plan to guide your preparation. Certification exam review courses will also be available to support your study.
All required self-tests and All Level Open Coaching Call credits must be submitted prior to your Exam Registration. Note: Your Registration will NOT go through if the system doesn’t find all required self-tests and Open Coaching Call credits. Please plan accordingly.
Certification cancellations and refunds will not be available after the posted registration deadline.
All cancellations of existing registrations must be placed via phone to the SAFM office prior to the registration deadline (508-944-1407).