Aromatherapy Certification
Taught With Skill, Safety, and Spirit
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
Student Feedback
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 2In 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
Student Feedback
"Level III Aromatherapy was an amazing experience and definitely exceeded my expectations. Completing this training via Zoom allowed me to be comfortable and fully engaged in my own space. Everything needed for the course was provided—including sample-sized essential oils! The course was interactive, and the instructors did a phenomenal job teaching the content and answering all of my questions. Level III exceeded my expectations—thank you!" — Keturah Beckham
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 3In 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).
Student Feedback
"Thanks again for presenting your wonderful program. I feel confident this will assist me in going forward to share essential oils. Learning about the different classifications of oils will encourage me to blend oils for myself and others. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time with like-minded individuals. Although I do energetic bodywork, the work we learned will be a nice addition to what I already do. The work can be so profound with just a few drops of oil—it reminds us of how important prayer and intention are." — Helene Ludwig, RPP
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.
In Every Certification Level, Expect
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24-hour hands-on training
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Required reading
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Online lessons and assignments
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Case studies
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Written final exam
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Certificate upon successful completion
Please Note: Two Ways to Join
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Certification Track – Includes all assignments, quizzes, and practice requirements. Leads to certification upon successful completion.
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Education-Only (Audit) – Attend for learning only. No homework, tests, or required documentation. Does not include certification.
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
Certification Track vs. Education-Only (Audit)
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?
Do you offer scholarships?
Student Feedback
“After 11 years, I thought I knew a lot about aromatherapy. Boy, was I surprised when I took this course! Linda Smith makes the history of aromatherapy come alive, and she makes the chemistry fun. Her teaching is enlightening, playful, and interesting.I loved the required books to read. Even though the course has Christian roots, all spiritual paths are honored in this program. I also loved learning how to use the pendulum to test oils. I see this program forwarding the French model of aromatherapy in this country. I recommend this course to everyone.” — Ursula Szypryt
Choose Your Level. Get Clear. Get Trained.
Enroll in Level 1Student Feedback
"ISHA and its staff have created a stimulating program that teaches the art, science, and chemistry of aromatherapy—covering both British and French modalities—equipping students with credible knowledge to pursue this journey of wellness and sharing. The program integrates energy techniques with therapeutic-grade essential oils, bringing students together in the true spirit of love and healing. I recommend this program to anyone interested in a holistic awareness of health and well-being, along with the inspiring spiritual growth that accompanies this practice."— Lisa Nowak
