Aromatherapy Certification
Taught With Skill, Safety, and Soul
Three certification levels designed to take you from essential oil foundations to professional practice to clinical application—with hands-on training, required coursework, and clear next steps.
NAHA-aligned curriculum • California Board of Registered Nursing approved • NCBTMB Approved Provider (CE)
Aromatherapy Certification Levels
Not sure where to start? Most students begin with Level 1. If you’re building a professional aromatherapy practice, Level 2 expands your oils, chemistry, and assessment skills. If you’re a healthcare professional (or working in clinical settings), Level 3 prepares you for clinical integration and advanced safety.
LEVEL 1
Certified Aromatherapist
For essential oil enthusiasts + wellness practitioners who want a safe, confident foundation.
LEVEL 2
Certified Professional Aromatherapist
For students ready to practice professionally with stronger assessment, chemistry, and business.
LEVEL 3
Certified Clinical Aromatherapist
For health professionals + practitioners integrating aromatherapy into clinical settings/complex care.
LEVEL 1 — Certified Aromatherapist
Best for: Essential oil enthusiasts + wellness practitioners who want a safe, confident foundation.
Total program hours: 100 hours
Includes: 24-hour hands-on class + online homework + final exam + certification
Tuition: $800
Note: Required books purchased separately
Enroll in Level 1In this level, you’ll study:
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Aromatherapy foundations: history, traditions, and safe application
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Basic chemistry + contraindications for 31 essential oils
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Vibrational frequencies (intro)
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Anatomy & physiology: integumentary, musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine systems
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Blending by note + intake/interview basics
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Creating a blend for a specific purpose + integrating it into a healing treatment
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Legal/ethical/privacy basics + how to develop a case study
Jon Doe
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LEVEL 2 — Certified Professional Aromatherapist
Best for: Students ready to practice professionally with stronger foundations in assessment, chemistry, and business.
Total program hours: 150 hours
Includes: 24-hour hands-on class + online homework + final exam + certification
Prerequisite: Level 1 required
Tuition: $1,000
Note: Required books purchased separately
Enroll in Level 1In this level, you’ll study:
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Organic chemistry for 35 additional oils
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Safety, toxicity, botany + taxonomy
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Anatomy & physiology with oils that support: cardiovascular, lymphatic, immune, reproductive, urinary, respiratory, digestive systems (plus psychoneuroimmunology)
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Holistic application: physical, emotional, spiritual qualities of oils
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Intake, assessment, consultation + client education (professional development)
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Blending by classification + chemistry (with review of blending by note)
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Research paper + case study process + business development foundations
Jon Doe
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LEVEL 3 — Certified Clinical Aromatherapist
Best for: health professionals and practitioners integrating aromatherapy into clinical settings and complex care.
Total program hours: 150 hours
Includes: 24-hour hands-on class + online homework + final exam + certification
Prerequisite: Level 1 required + Level 2 required
Tuition: $1,200
Note: Required books purchased separately
Enroll in Level 1In this level, you’ll study:
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Advanced interviewing + assessment + therapeutic relationship skills
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Essential oil safety and toxicology (topical + internal), including medication considerations and wound care
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Safety for vulnerable populations: infants/children, pregnancy, the elderly, chronic conditions
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Profiles of 10 additional oils with clinical relevance
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10 case studies (at least two related to your area of research/clinical practice)
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Clinical focus areas: palliative/end-of-life, oncology, wound care, mental health, clinical use
ISHA’s clinical aromatherapy certification is an educational credential that supports eligibility to sit for the ARC exam to become a Registered Aromatherapist (RA).
These programs were designed for essential oil enthusiasts and practitioners who want a trustworthy, structured path. Professions that often benefit include: wellness advocates, massage therapists, hospice and medical nurses, herbalists, energy healers, chaplains, health practitioners, and more.
What's Included in Every Level
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24-hour hands-on class
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Required reading
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Online homework lessons
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Case studies
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Written final exam
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Certification upon completion
Level 2 & Level 3 include a research project/paper + business plan requirements.
By completing ISHA’s aromatherapy certification path, students can:
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Build a strong safety-first foundation in essential oils and contraindications
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Create balanced, custom blends for self and others
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Integrate aromatherapy into a holistic healing approach (physical, emotional, spiritual)
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Strengthen assessment and documentation skills appropriate for professional practice
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Contribute to aromatherapy knowledge through case study work and research
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Connect with other practitioners and expand professional network
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right level?
What are the prerequisites?
What is the required reading?
What’s the time commitment outside the 24-hour class?
Do I need prior anatomy & physiology?
What are the continuing education and approvals?
Do you offer an Aromatherapy Instructor program?
Jon Doe
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