How do I maintain or renew my SAFM certification (the AFMC credential)?
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.
What does the AFMC certification qualify me to do?
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.
Does the AFMC credential make it legal for me to practice functional medicine?
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.
Will I receive a physical certificate for achieving the AFMC certification ?
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/.
What designation does this program award me? Does it change my title as a healthcare professional?
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.
