What are the eligibility requirements for IFS Certification?

Applicants must qualify for one of the two Certification designations and complete all five certification requirements outlined below.

For the full Certification Policy, including detailed procedures and forms, please review the official policy page: IFS™ Certification Policy.

Professional Credential Requirements

Applicants must qualify as either an:

IFS Certified Therapist

Applicants must attest that they:

• Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a human services or appropriate mental health field as defined by their country of practice

• Are licensed, registered, and/or certified for clinical practice in their country of residence

IFS Certified Practitioner

Applicants must attest that they:

• Are registered or certified in their own professional field of practice

• Practice within the scope defined by their professional background prior to IFS Certification

IFS Certification does not expand professional scope of practice.

General Certification Requirements

All applicants must complete the following five requirements:

1. Training Completion

Successful completion of either:

• One (1) IFS Level 1 and one (1) IFS Level 2 Training

  
  OR

• One (1) IFS Level 1 Training and one (1) Level 1 completed as a Program Assistant

Completion is defined as earning the applicable Certificate(s) of Completion.

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2. Post–Level 1 Practice Experience

• A minimum of 2 years and 200 hours of regular IFS application in the applicant’s professional field

• Hours must be post–Level 1 completion

• Documentation must be reviewed and signed off by an IFS Approved Clinical Consultant

Two years and 200 hours represent minimum requirements.

3. Continuing Education and Consultation

• 15 hours of IFS Continuing Education credits

• 15 hours of IFS Clinical Consultation with an IFS Approved Clinical Consultant

  • At least 7 hours must be individual consultation

  • Group consultation may not exceed 6 participants

4. Approved Clinical Consultant Recommendation

Applicants must arrange for their IFS Approved Clinical Consultant to:

• Verify direct practice hours

• Confirm completion of required consultation

• Observe the applicant in live or recorded session, demonstration, or role play

• Complete required forms and provide a recommendation for Certification

5. Recorded or Live Session Review

Applicants must submit either:

• A 45–60 minute recorded IFS session

  
  OR

• Schedule a live session observation with a Certification Reviewer

Session reviews are conducted by active IFS Trainers who serve as Certification Reviewers.

Applicants must also submit:

• A one-page session summary

• A one-page self-evaluation

The Certification Reviewer evaluates competency according to established standards. If competencies are not met, additional review may be required.

A flat fee of $200 is paid directly to the Certification Reviewer for review of a session up to 60 minutes.

Important Notes

• Applicants may not use their Consultant as their Certification Reviewer.

• All Certification Reviewer decisions are final.

• A new session must be submitted for each review attempt.

For full review procedures, competency criteria, and policy details, refer to the official Certification Policy page.