FAQ:

How long does AFMC certification take?

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 add a time-bound element to your experience to ensure your learning is rich and retained. Plus 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. The three AFMC certification level exams are offered three times a year.

The typical student completes all AFMC certification requirements to earn certification within 2 -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.