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What Is IFS Certification?

IFS Certification is a professional designation issued by the IFS Institute to individuals who have demonstrated competency in the practice of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model.

IFS Certification is not automatically granted upon completion of Level 1 Training. It is a separate, competency-based credential that requires additional consultation, practice, and video review.

For more information, see: Will I Be Certified After Completing an IFS Level 1 Training?

The purpose of Certification is to support consistency and quality in the application of the IFS model by recognizing individuals who have demonstrated advanced skill and adherence to the model.

 

Certification Designations

IFS Certification includes two professional designations:

IFS Certified Therapist

Awarded to individuals who:

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

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

IFS Certified Practitioner

Awarded to individuals who:

  • Are registered or credentialed as an allied health professional in an approved field of practice

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

Certification does not expand an individual’s professional scope of practice. Scope of practice is determined by the individual’s existing professional credentials.

Overview of the Certification Pathway

After completing Level 1 Training, eligible individuals may begin the Certification process.

The general pathway includes:

  1. Meeting eligibility requirements and purchasing the Certification packet

  2. Completing required consultation hours

  3. Completing required continuing education credits

  4. Accruing documented direct IFS practice hours

  5. Submitting a recorded session for video review

Specific hour requirements and timeframes are outlined in the Certification Requirements articles within this section.

Benefits of IFS Certification

Certified individuals are granted:

  • The right to use the designation “IFS Certified” in professional advertising

  • The right to use the official IFS Certified badge

  • Priority listing in the IFS Institute Directory

  • Eligibility to pursue Approved Clinical Consultant (ACC) designation (for Certified Therapists)

Certification is valid for a defined period and requires recertification to maintain the credential.

Recertification

IFS Certification must be renewed on a recurring basis. Recertification requires continuing education and a renewal fee.

Details regarding recertification requirements are provided in the Recertification section of this Help Center.