Frequently Asked Questions

The Applied Functional Medicine Certification (i.e., AFMC) represents fulfillment of a set of rigorous requirements, defined by SAFM but guided by key functional medicine tenets, a demonstrated understanding of a unique body of knowledge, and competency in the application of that knowledge. The credential is intended to complement a practitioner’s existing licensure or certification. As such, achievement of the AFMC conveys the right for graduates, in good standing, to integrate SAFM’s teachings into their professional practice.  How each graduate chooses to implement is a professional decision that requires consideration of the individual’s scope of practice and their unique practice setting.

The SAFM community includes a variety of certifications, degrees, licenses, specialties, experience levels, geographic locations. We recommend that individuals seek qualified legal counsel and check with the governing body for their license/modality for further direction.

Note: There exists no functional medicine certifying body anywhere (in the U.S. or otherwise). For this reason, the AFMC credential, like those issued by similar educational programs, represents fulfillment of a set of rigorous requirements, defined by SAFM but guided by key functional medicine tenets, a demonstrated understanding of a unique body of knowledge, and competency in the application of that knowledge. The AFMC credential does not convey any additional modality, license, or title. Furthermore, these credentials are validated and awarded by a council of industry-leading health professionals who have demonstrated expert integration and application of functional medicine science and principles within their own unique area of licensure or certification and chosen to share their experience and passion for the purpose of developing other practitioners .

To review members of the SAFM Scientific Review Council, please visit our AFMC website.

The AFMC certification, once attained, is valid for three years. In order to maintain this credential, the recertification process requires 34 AFMC Learning Credits every three years.

These credits can be claimed via select AFMC learning opportunities (e.g. Open Coaching Calls and current, purchaseable Deep Dive Clinical Courses) anytime within each 3-year time period. Full access SAFM enrollment is required to access these educational opportunities that qualify for credits to enable recertification.

If a practitioner has not successfully submitted their recertification requirements by the 3-year recertification date, their AFMC certification status will be changed to “inactive”.*

If recertification has not been achieved within one year of the three-year AFMC certification date, the practitioner must complete required re-activation steps.* Visit the Recertification Overview page here to review more details about these opportunities and the recertification process.

* Effective March 2024 changes have been issued to SAFM’s recertification process. Be sure to reference and review the complete SAFM AFMC Practitioner Certification Terms and Conditions here.

Yes. Upon successful completion of all three levels of the AFMC credentialing process, you will be awarded an official certificate from SAFM, validated by SAFM’s Scientific Review Council. With the confirmation of your AFMC credential, you will also be granted access to an official seal you may use on your website for marketing purposes. Both the certificate and seal verify that you have met the rigorous requirements of the AFMC designation. You will also be listed in the AFMC Certified Practitioners directory: https://afmccertification.com/. 

SAFM’s Applied Functional Medicine Certification (i.e., AFMC) is designed to complement a practitioner’s existing licensure or certification. The AFMC credential conveys knowledge but does not at all grant or expand any additional scope of practice or specialty status.

While the word “practitioner” on its own is broad based in meaning/modality/scope, in the US, the phrase “medical practitioner” or “functional medicine practitioner” specifically refers to a licensed practitioner of medicine.

Note: SAFM does not provide guidance regarding scope of practice. There are innumerable scenarios depending on an individual’s country of practice, specific degrees/training, certification, license, and business/oversight models. We recommend that individuals seek qualified legal counsel and check with the governing body for their unique license/modality for further direction. 

SAFM is an advanced training program for health professionals who already hold a license or other certification in their field. Your professional title is a personal responsibility and decision that should align with what is accepted by the governing body for your specific modality in your geography of practice. For example, the majority of health coaches achieving the Applied Functional Medicine Certification (AFMC) credential use the title of ‘Functional Medicine Health Coach’; nurse practitioners typically call themselves “Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioners”. We encourage individuals to seek out professional legal support for guidance and clarity.

Note: There exists no formal, functional medicine certifying body anywhere (in the U.S. or otherwise). For this reason, the AFMC credential, like those issued by similar educational programs, represents fulfillment of a set of rigorous requirements, defined by SAFM but guided by key functional medicine tenets, demonstrated understanding of a unique body of knowledge, and competency in the application of that knowledge. The AFMC credential does not convey any additional modality, license, or title. Furthermore, these credentials are validated and awarded by a council of industry-leading health professionals who have demonstrated expert integration and application of functional medicine science and principles within their own unique area of licensure or certification and chosen to share their experience and passion for the purpose of developing other practitioners . 

To review members of the SAFM Scientific Review Council, please visit our AFMC website.

If you choose to seek continuing education credit for either the Level 1 or Level 2 program, a certificate of completion is available by request upon passing the associated exam. 

SAFM offers a variety of Continuing education (CE) credits opportunities to support active students, AFMC certified graduates, and even our online community.

Visit our Continuing Education web page to see if our list of accreditation partners extends to your modality’s governing organization.

*Active students may be eligible to claim CEs for SAFM’s internal retreat offering (“The Gathering”).

SAFM offers a full functional medicine training program (view syllabus here). We also offer separate clinical courses for purchase to active SAFM students and graduates.

If you are interested in just exploring SAFM, check out our one-day Advanced Practice Workshops here. They offer exposure to Tracy Harrison, our lead educator, the style of teaching, and the type of case practice you can expect with our program.

This is largely up to you, with some program components being fully self-paced and others being time-bound. Certification is an important milestone but just one of many in each practitioner’s overall journey to clinical mastery.

You have freedom to go at the pace you prefer in experiencing all of our courses – and modify it as needed for your unique work/life over time. Beyond courses, required case practice sessions in our Open Coaching Calls happen on a near-monthly basis, and the three AFMC certification level exams (offered three times a year) add a time-bound element to your experience to ensure your learning is rich and retained. We encourage you to galvanize your learning by applying it in your clinical practice as you progress through the programs.

The number of study hours required is highly dependent upon the individual student’s educational background, professional experience, study habits, and native language. On average, students devote 8-12 hrs/week to their SAFM studies. Some more, some less. Students who steadily progress at this pace can complete the AFMC certification typically complete all AFMC certification requirements to earn certification within 2 .5 – 3 years

• Level 1 curriculum and AFMC exam (minimum of 9-12 months).
• Level 2 curriculum and AFMC exam (minimum of 9-12 months)
• Level 3 (3-12 months preparation for and completion of AFMC Level 3 exam).

While you have the flexibility to progress through the curriculum content at your own pace, your individual time to completion of the AFMC certification will depend on several factors (e.g. your enrollment timing, availability and schedule of Live calls (eligible to claim credits for), timing of the AFMC exam windows, amount of time and pace you can commit to).

Full AFMC certification requires completion of the Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Medicine programs, one of the two tracts in the Ignite Your Clinical Practice program, and three levels of AFMC examinations. Programs are completed in succession, but it is not uncommon for students to take time to reinforce prior coursework before diving into the next AFMC exam or program. This can be helpful for locking in concepts before moving forward on your certification journey and/or to practice applying recent learning in your clinical work with patients/clients. 

SAFM’s Practitioner Activator program provides ongoing education and mentoring – even after AFMC certification – for career-long support in creating your greatest impact and career success.

SAFM curriculum has been thoughtfully developed and organized to ensure a deep understanding of the material rather than rote memorization. Content becomes available for access on your student dashboard in a sequential manner designed to build progressive knowledge and comprehension of increasingly complex concepts. Students are encouraged to develop a solid level of confidence in one course before taking on the next. Our top goal (and, we believe, yours too) is your durable knowledge and advanced capability, not moving through the material quickly. 

In the progression of SAFM programs, the entire Level 1 Functional Medicine program (and Level 1 AFMC exam) must be completed before beginning either of the Level 2 Functional Medicine or Ignite Your Clinical Practice programs.  Similarly, both of these latter programs (and the Level 2 AFMC exam) must be completed before beginning the Practitioner Activator program.

In the progression of coursework within the Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Medicine programs, course access unfolds sequentially, with the next course becoming available only after the prior one has been completed (including relevant Self-Test or Completion activity submission).

Having said this, each SAFM student always has freedom and autonomy to choose the pace at which you move through the coursework and progress through the programs, given your personal schedule and goals.  We recommend you learn quickly enough to keep yourself inspired yet slowly enough to make sure you retain what you learn from each course.

SAFM is a virtual program. Live case study calls, small group peer discussion sessions, and monthly live updates from Tracy Harrison are all part of the SAFM learning environment. But live participation is never required. We know students are busy, so we record and archive everything! Join us live when you can and listen to replays when you can’t or choose not to do so.  

Course content is delivered in a variety of formats in an effort to support a diverse learning styles. Video and audio files and slide decks are available for every course while a student is logged in to their account (slide decks and course documents may be downloaded).  

These clinical courses are not available for purchase by the public. However, Deep Dive Clinical Courses (DDCC) are available to purchase for active SAFM students (in the comprehensive functional medicine program) only.

SAFM accepts applications and enrollments during four enrollment periods each year: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Between cohorts, enrollment pauses as we transition between groups and prepare for the next intake of practitioners beginning their SAFM journey.

Please visit our program page for current enrollment window details.

Students in SAFM’s programs are active medical and wellness professionals who intend to develop capability in using applied functional medicine in their clinical practice. Questions included in the enrollment process ensure that all compatibility and eligibility requirements are met:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• An active license or certification in a medical or wellness healthcare modality.
  • If you are a licensed practitioner, then you must submit a copy of your active license (or similar documentation as required in your country of practice). If you are a practitioner in a non-licensed modality, then you must submit your completed modality certification.
• Relevant “active professional practice” experience working with patients or clients.* Our students are currently engaged in healthcare roles in many different types of practices and business models, so it does not need to be in a private practice or have a functional medicine focus. Note: Professional experience does not include any pro bono work or working with family members.
• An active, ongoing patient or client base with whom to apply your new learning from the program (or, if on a leave of absence, a clear plan for returning to clinical practice).
• Solid working knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry or willingess to pursue extracurricular foundational learning in these areas, as needed, to address knowledge gaps.
• Sufficient exposure to SAFM’s content (many resources are publicly available) to determine that our approach to functional medicine and teaching style will be a fit for your professional goals.
• A willingness to devote ongoing study to coursework (depending upon the pace you choose).

*Relevant “active professional practice” experience:

• May be either paid or unpaid.
• Must involve active, care- or consult-related interaction (not simply observation, shadowing, or administration).
• Serves to inform your decision to pursue functional medicine as a complement to or redirection of your healthcare career. 

Acceptable experiences may include but are not limited to full or part-time employment or private practice in your area of licensure or certification, clinical residency or rotation, or other supervised practicum.

Ready to Apply?

Before applying, we encourage you to take some time to explore SAFM’s educational philosophy, curriculum, and learning experience to determine whether our approach is aligned with your professional goals and the type of practitioner you aspire to become.

As part of your preparation, we recommend that you:

• Review our eligibility requirements to ensure you meet the qualifications for enrollment.
• Explore our program details and current tuition options.
• Familiarize yourself with SAFM’s educational content, teaching style, and practitioner-focused approach to learning.
• Have a copy of your professional credentials available, as these will be required during the application process.

When you’re ready, you will complete an application that helps us confirm eligibility and determine whether SAFM is the right fit for your background, goals, and professional aspirations. Many applicants receive an enrollment decision directly through the application process. In some cases, a brief conversation with an Enrollment Advisor may be requested to answer questions, clarify eligibility details, or ensure the program is the best fit before enrollment proceeds.

Approved applicants will receive instructions for completing enrollment during the current enrollment period.

Please note that applications are valid only for the enrollment cohort in which they are submitted and the following cohort.

For the most up-to-date information about AFMC certification and examination, please refer to the All About Certification page found under Student Support.

The Level 3 exam presents  a real patient/client case where  information including (health history forms, symptoms questionnaire, blood work, and other data pertinent to the case will be provided). You will submit answers to the questions based on the provided case details.

Active students or Practioner Incubator Program members should email admin@schoolafm.com and list which types of emails you would like to unsubscribe from (i.e., Monday morning emails, semester schedule reminders, etc.). Please keep in mind that SAFM is a virtual program and thus uses email as a primary method of communication with students. Unsubscribing from a list may prevent you from receiving information you need in a timely manner.

If you are not an active SAFM member, we’re sorry to see you go. Please use the UNSUBSCRIBE link at the bottom of any email you receive from SAFM. You can unsubscribe from ALL emails or from the specific categories of emails we send.

SAFM’s Level 1 and Level 2 functional medicine programs do not formally include business training (though a tremendous amount of clinical wisdom is covered to help ensure the success of your practice).

Tribe Mastermind sessions are designed to allow for professional exchange among students who may serve as a valuable professional network for these types of inquiries.

Custom Consultations (separate fee applies) are another option.  These 50-minute sessions include one hour with one of our senior practitioners who specifically work in a virtual practice.

The Ignite your Clinical Practice program gives students an opportunity to explore both the managed care and entrepreneurial care practice settings. You will learn from the wisdom of many successful practitioners (industry leaders and SAFM student colleagues) in this program. You gain access to this after passing the AFMC Level 1 exam.

The Practitioner Activator program directly supports students with education, resources, and mentoring about setting up and running a successful clinical practice and business (in both managed care and entrepreneurial care settings), including a virtual practice. This does include typical “business training” topics such as marketing, service offerings, legal considerations, social media, and financial planning. SAFM students  join Practitioner Activator* after completion of their AFMC Level 2 program. and exam.

* Separate fees may apply to students enrolled prior to June 2024.

Lab work is an integral part of the SAFM learning experience and one we want to ensure is applied, thoughtfully, like any other clinical tool.  We partner with preferred lab partners to provide students with targeted, experiential learning, lab work opportunities (both blood chemistry and functional medicine labs) specifically curated to complement each course. Prior to certification, student access to our lab partners and panels* is for personal, course-related use only. 

*State and/or international laws regarding lab work apply.

Absolutely! From regular engagement with your peer discussion groups to exchange on SAFM’s internal practitioner forum to live student case coaching and social media events with Tracy Harrison herself, we keep you connected.  Need more personalized attention? Our Student Experience Coaches, Custom Consult practitioners, and even our Customer Support Team are committed to helping you stay productive and successful.

At SAFM, we believe exceptional clinical education is built through interdisciplinary collaboration. Functional medicine itself draws upon expertise from multiple disciplines, and our educational philosophy reflects that.

Developing outstanding clinical education requires both clinical expertise and educational expertise. Clinical experts contribute their knowledge of patient care, scientific evidence, and clinical application, while educational specialists contribute expertise in curriculum development, instructional design, systems thinking, learning science, and the effective communication of complex concepts. Each contributes within their own area of professional expertise.

Our curriculum is developed through a structured, collaborative process involving clinicians, scientists, educators, and subject matter experts. Clinical content is developed, reviewed, and validated by appropriately qualified professionals with expertise in the relevant subject matter. Team members whose expertise lies in curriculum development, educational methodology, instructional design, or systems thinking contribute to how the material is organized, communicated, and continuously refined, while clinical standards and content are guided by appropriately qualified subject matter experts.

Our Scientific and Clinical Education Team reflects this collaborative philosophy and includes professionals from a broad range of healthcare and scientific disciplines, including physicians (MDs and DOs), PhD scientists and researchers, naturopathic doctors, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, nutrition professionals, and health coaches. We intentionally bring together diverse perspectives because we believe the integration of complementary expertise creates a richer and more rigorous educational experience than any single discipline alone.

Historically, much of SAFM’s curriculum has been delivered by founder Tracy Harrison. While Tracy serves as the primary educator for much of the program, the curriculum itself is the product of extensive collaboration. Behind every course is a team of clinicians, scientists, educators, and subject matter experts who contribute to the research, development, review, refinement, and ongoing evolution of the educational experience.

As SAFM continues to evolve, we are expanding to a multi-educator model. This allows students to learn directly from a broader range of experts while benefiting from diverse clinical perspectives, teaching styles, and areas of specialization. We believe this further strengthens the learning experience and more visibly reflects the collaborative approach that has long existed behind the scenes.

The quality and rigor of the program are further supported through multiple layers of oversight. AFMC Certification has earned continuing education accreditation through nationally recognized accrediting organizations, including ACCME, ANCC, ACPE, and NBHWC, supporting physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, health coaches, and other healthcare professionals in meeting their continuing education requirements.

In addition, the AFMC Certification process, examinations, and credential standards are overseen by SAFM’s Scientific Review Council., composed of experienced leaders in clinical practice, research, and functional medicine education. This oversight helps ensure the certification remains evidence-informed, clinically relevant, and aligned with the evolving standards of the field.

Rather than relying on the perspective of a single individual or profession, SAFM’s curriculum reflects the collective expertise of professionals across healthcare, science, and education. We believe this collaborative approach produces stronger educational experiences, more capable practitioners, and ultimately better outcomes for the patients and communities they serve.

The content and scientific validity and credibility of SAFM’s AFMC certification exams is overseen by the

SAFM tuition and enrollment options may change over time. For the most current tuition rates, program details, and enrollment information, please visit our program page. You’ll find a complete overview of available program options, what’s included in your enrollment, and the latest pricing information.

SAFM’s functional medicine training programs represent a meaningful investment in your professional development, clinical growth, and long-term success as a practitioner. We encourage prospective students to carefully review all program details, enrollment options, tuition commitments, and policies before enrolling so they can make an informed decision with confidence.

Because SAFM is designed as a structured, comprehensive educational experience, enrollment includes specific commitments and policies related to refunds, withdrawals, and ongoing access. The terms applicable to each student are governed by the Enrollment Agreement signed at the time of enrollment. Students should refer to their own signed agreement for the specific terms applicable to their enrollment.

Currently for newly enrolled students:

• Withdrawal within at least 8 calendar days of enrollment (program start date) is eligible for a full refund.
• All Withdrawals must be requested specifically using the Contact Support menu option (blue bar) via your student home page and completion of the withdrawal form provided, no later than this deadline in order to be valid. Request receipt timing is determined only by the submission of this form. 
  • Students who have withdrawn from SAFM will no longer have access to their dashboard, all coursework,  resources, materials, and community platforms. 
• Beyond the 8  day withdrawal window, newly enrolled students must fulfill the remaining 12 month minimum commitment to Full Access Enrollment.
• After the initial twelve-month minimum commitment, students may remain engaged with SAFM for as long as it supports their educational, clinical, and professional growth. While many practitioners choose to stay actively involved for years, we recognize that life circumstances can occasionally require a pause. After fulfilling the minimum commitment, students have the flexibility to step away if needed and return when they are ready to continue their SAFM journey.
• Withdrawals and all changes in Access must be made at least 24 hours prior to the next monthly tuition payment due date in order to take effect for the upcoming month. Any and all changes registered within or after this 48-hour window will not be reflected until the following month.