membership
Become a Member
Why become an IFPA member?
Whether you are a practising aromatherapist or simply want to keep updated with industry happenings, as a global industry leader, the IFPA offers a selection of membership levels to suit every stage of your aromatherapy journey. All IFPA members are required to abide by our code of ethics and conduct.
A professional aromatherapist, with the letters mIFPA after their name, receives instant credibility in the healthcare world. The IFPA is constantly expanding into new countries, providing an incredible worldwide earning opportunity, regardless of where a member lives and works.
IFPA has been approved by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council to verify applications for registration in aromatherapy. All members who trained through one of IFPA’s accredited training providers are automatically eligible to register with the CNHC, who are the UK regulator for Complementary Healthcare Practitioners. General Medical Council (GMC) guidance confirms that doctors may refer patients to practitioners on such accredited registers. Please click here to download a CNHC registration form.
As a non-practicing aromatherapist, membership of the IFPA allows you to stay in touch with other aromatherapists and to stay up to speed with the latest industry news and advances.
the ifpa memberships
Membership Types and Joining Criteria
Full Member
Available to our fully qualified and practising members, who have passed an IFPA, * IFA or * NAHA aromatherapy diploma course or have upgraded to an equivalent standard, with one of our accredited training providers. For NAHA, the minimum requirement is a Level 3 course.
Full members may use the letters mIFPA after their name, are eligible to vote at the AGM, and appear on our ‘Find a therapist’ search pages, if required.
* THIS IS NOT AUTOMATIC AS IFPA FULL CRITERIA NEEDS TO BE MET
£88.00 per annum (UK) /
£80.00 per annum (International)
Associate Membership
Available to aromatherapy practitioners who hold an aromatherapy diploma from another training provider. Associate members are entitled to supplier benefits, may access the IFPA resource library and can join IFPA regional groups.
Associate members are required to upgrade to Full membership and MUST complete an IFPA upgrade course with one of our training providers, within TWO years of joining
£68.00 per annum (UK) /
£62.00 per annum (International)
Student Member
Students enrolled in an Aromatherapy Diploma course with one of our accredited training providers are expected to become student members. Some accredited training providers include the cost of Student membership in their tuition fees. Students should check with their chosen school first before applying for membership.
Student members are expected to qualify within three years. Any extension to this period is on a case-by-case basis and at the joint discretion of the school and IFPA.
£27.00 per annum (UK) /
£27.50 per annum (International)
Non-Practising Member
This category is for those who wish to be part of the community but who are not currently practising as professional aromatherapists. This may include Full members who are retired or on a career break, health workers in other fields, or those with no formal aromatherapy qualifications, but with an interest in the industry.
Non-practising members receive the journal ‘In Essence’, as well as industry updates and relevant news and may also join regional groups.
£45.00 per annum (UK) /
£42.00 per annum (International)
Become a member / Renew your membership?
Application for membership and membership renewal are both done online. To become a member, please click the link below and complete the online application form. Payment is also online, using a credit / debit card or PayPal.
A copy of your aromatherapy qualification will be required for those applying for Full or Associate membership.
Full and Associate members will also need to upload a copy of their current insurance certificate both for membership and renewal purposes. All practising therapists are required to hold public liability insurance, if required in the country in which they practise. Even if not a legal requirement, the IFPA strongly advises that insurance is a consideration.
Students and non-practising members are not required to provide supporting documentation.
work as a aromatherapist again
Return to Practice
Qualified aromatherapists who wish to return to professional practice after a period of non-practice may be required to complete IFPA’s Return to Practice requirements before becoming, or returning as, a Full Member.
The Return to Practice Policy applies to qualified aromatherapists who have not practised since qualifying or who are returning after an extended break from professional practice.
The requirements are based on the length of time the applicant has been out of practice and include:
- Completion of 12 IFPA CPD points for each completed year out of professional practice, up to a maximum of 60 IFPA CPD points.
- CPD must be directly relevant to professional aromatherapy practice.
- Where applicants intend to provide aromatherapy massage treatments, their CPD must also include appropriate practical massage refresher training.
- Evidence of completed CPD must be submitted with the application.
- The IFPA Education Committee may request additional evidence, practical training or an assessment where this is considered necessary to ensure safe and competent practice.
Every application is considered individually to ensure returning practitioners are able to practise safely, competently and in accordance with current IFPA professional standards.
For further information, please refer to the IFPA Return to Practice Policy or contact the IFPA Office for advice before applying.
Please click here to view the IFPA’s Return to Practice policy.
