The Certification Process
Step 1: Apply and become accepted to the SAFM Semester program.
Step 2: Complete the Core 101 semester requirements (approximately 320 hours).
Step 3: Receive a passing grade on Level 1 AFMC certification exam.
Step 4: Complete the Advanced 202 semester (approximately 320 hours).
Step 5: Receive a passing grade on Level 2 AFMC certification exam.
Step 6: Submit an original patient/client Case Study and Assessment.
Step 7: Receive a passing grade on Level 3 Competency Case Study.
Step 8: Re-certify every 3 years, in accordance with continuing competency requirements, to retain active status of certification.
Scientific rigor, third-party review
All content is based on professional and evidence-based sources, with progressive recommendations for exploring further published research.
Our program content and AFMC certification exams are third-party reviewed and approved by our scientific advisory board. Board members are well-known in their medical communities for both their intellectual expertise and progressive practices. The advisory board engages with SAFM regularly to share their expertise and insights and provide an annual review of the AFMC certification content.
CMEs available
The School of Applied Functional Medicine’s semester programs and exams meet the rigorous accreditation standards required for continuing medical education credits. Thus, medical professionals can earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ as they complete the certification process. Practitioners in many other modalities are able to petition to receive credit from their respective professional boards as well.
In-depth curriculum
AFMC practitioners are challenged to master a wide variety of concepts in functional etiology, physiology, and biochemistry with hands-on skills to apply this knowledge.
Examples include:
Immersive and intensive study
Practitioners engage in foundational courses, case review classes, regular peer-to-peer think tanks and research discussion, open coaching and Q&A engagement, independent case study analysis, experiential lab work learning opportunities, guest expert training, and other enrichment activities.
Substantial application through patient/client case studies
Beyond mastering concepts and scientific theory, AFMC certification requires practitioners to display their competency and knowledge through extensive hands-on practice with their own patients and formal submission of real-patient Case Studies for certification.
Each Case Study requires a complex patient/client case presentation and assesses the practitioner’s abilities in several arenas:
These Case Studies are reviewed by our certification team to thoroughly vet the credibility, safety, and effectiveness of the practitioner’s skills as demonstrated in the case. A passing grade is required to complete the AFMC Certification process.
Click here to learn more about The School of Applied Functional Medicine’s programs.