Certification

Functional Medicine Certified Professional — Medical (FMCP-M)™

Launching in 2026, the new certification program will assess functional medicine competencies across various scopes of licensure.

Coming in 2026

About the Functional Medicine Certified Professional — Medical (FMCP-M)™

The purpose of the FMCP-M credential is to certify licensed physicians (DOs, MDs, and NDs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs) who have demonstrated competency in functional medicine to improve the lives of patients.

Holders of the FMCP-M credential have degrees that grant them a broad scope of licensure, allowing them to perform comprehensive physical exams; order and interpret labs; diagnose and treat medical pathologies; prescribe pharmaceuticals, botanicals, and nutraceuticals, and manage a wide variety of acute and chronic health conditions.

Assessment of practitioners seeking to earn the FMCP-M credential is based on the FMCP-M competencies. 

Learn more about eligibility

More About FMCP-M

  • An individual who holds the FMCP-M credential has met defined eligibility requirements and passed a rigorous, psychometrically sound exam.
  • These practitioners identify personalized treatment options and offer ongoing management, with the capacity to coordinate all aspects of care. 
  • The Functional Medicine Certification Program™ is designed to help practitioners demonstrate their competence in applying functional medicine principles to improve patient care.  
  • Functional medicine certification is voluntary and does not grant any additional legal or specialty status, nor does it change or expand scope of professional licensure. Certified practitioners are expected and required to practice only within the scope of their professional licensure.

The Rollout

Pilot Program

Coming early 2026

The Functional Medicine Certification Program™, administered by IFM intends to launch a pilot exam in 2026. The purpose of pilot testing is to evaluate new exam questions by having them answered by actual credential candidates to gather data on item performance. Data gathered and analyzed during the pilot period is used to select the best exam questions and to eliminate questions that are vague, too difficult, or not useful in evaluating a candidate’s functional medicine knowledge.

Due to the rigorous analysis that happens after a pilot exam, candidates will not receive notification of their exam results for approximately 10-12 weeks after the pilot exam window has concluded.

In addition to developing a new exam based on the FMCP-M competencies, we are evaluating application processes and the technology necessary to support candidates through certification application and renewal to ensure they have a seamless experience throughout their credential lifecycle. As we evaluate and build a new online experience, the pilot program will enable us to get feedback from real applicants on the technology and application process to make any necessary improvements prior to program launch. 

Stay tuned for an announcement when applications for the pilot program and written exam testing dates will be available!

Those who are interested in testing as part of the pilot exam will need to meet all eligibility requirements at the time of application.

 

Program Launch

Coming 2026

The full Functional Medicine Certification Program™ will launch in 2026, after the conclusion of the pilot program. We look forward to sharing additional details as the program continues to develop. 

Candidate Handbook

The Candidate Handbook will be the key resource for candidates interested in certification. It will outline all of the program policies and requirements to apply for, earn, and maintain certification. The handbook is undergoing revision as the new program develops and will be your go-to resource for all things certification!
Coming Soon!

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Functional Medicine Certified Professional – Medical (FMCP-M)™ certification, candidates must meet minimum academic and licensure requirements, as well as complete functional medicine training. Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements below to submit an application.


The degree/licensure types eligible for FMCP-M certification include:

Eligible Degree / Licensure
Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
Medical Doctor (MD)
Naturopathic Doctor (ND)
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Physician Assistant (PA)

Eligibility for International Practitioners

International applicants will be evaluated for equivalence on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for more information.

Academic Requirement

FMCP-M applicants within the United States:

FMCP-M candidates must hold at least a master’s level degree in a health-related field from an accredited university, with a few exceptions:

  • Minimum education levels have changed for several healthcare fields, including, but not limited to physician assistants.
    • These applicants must hold at least  a bachelor’s level degree in their field as long as their education was completed prior  to the entry-level education change.

Applicants from outside the United States:

FMCP-M candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s or advanced diploma level degree in a health-related field from an accredited university.

  • International practitioners whose degrees may not have a US equivalent are also required to submit additional information about their degree, which may include but is not limited to the length of the program, curriculum, and clinical hours. 

Licensure

Certification candidates must hold an active healthcare license to practice by the appropriate authority in the state, federal district, province, or country of the applicant’s clinical practice. 

  • Licensure must be a permanent license. Student/residency/temporary licenses are not eligible.
  • International healthcare practitioners who are not government regulated may be eligible to meet the licensure requirement by submitting membership with a regulatory body and a copy of their indemnity insurance policy.
  • Functional medicine certification does not grant or expand any additional legal or specialty status. You must incorporate functional medicine into the scope of your existing licensure. 

Naturopathic Physicians (NDs) From the United States: 

The Functional Medicine Certification ProgramTM has determined that passing a licensing examination in one's primary discipline is an essential factor in assuring basic competence and public safety. Because it is possible for naturopathic physicians from the United States to obtain and maintain a license in one of the licensing states, we do require documentation of an active license or registration from any state recognizing the doctorate of natural or naturopathic medicine as a licensable degree. Because NDs are not licensable in all states or jurisdictions, it is acceptable to present a license or registration from a state that does recognize NDs, even if practicing in another state. 

Functional Medicine Training

Candidates for certification must complete a minimum of 100 hours of accredited functional medicine education and training that align with the FMCP-M competencies. At this time, IFM’s core curriculum is the only education teaching to the functional medicine competencies that is ACCME-accredited. We anticipate that, in the future, additional external providers will adopt the competencies and develop eligible education that may cover some or all of the competencies, which could then be applied toward the 100-hour minimum.

Accreditation of educational programs ensures that the program has met minimum standards and is an important marker of program rigor and quality. Approved accrediting bodies for external providers will be announced prior to program launch. 

Exam Details

The written exam is based on the FMCP-M competencies and is designed to assess practitioners’ knowledge and skill in applying functional medicine to improve patient care. It is being developed and validated by subject matter experts (SMEs) representing the diversity of functional medicine practitioners and constructed with psychometric expertise in test development under the guidance of testing industry accreditation standards and best practices to ensure the program delivers a fair and valid exam.

Competencies and Exam Blueprint  

The FMCP-M competencies were developed and validated as part of a formal job analysis process. The exam blueprint outlines the weight of each competency represented on the exam across the following domains: 

  • Patient Communication (15%)
  • Patient Evaluation (55%)
  • Therapeutic Intervention (30%) 
Review FMCP-M competencies

Exam Format 

You may be asking yourself: How many questions are on the exam? How long do I have to take it? These details are in development. The exam will consist of multiple-choice questions, as well as more detailed case-based test questions based on reading patient scenarios to assess the application of clinical skills.

DETAILS COMING SOON!

 

Exam Delivery

The written exam is administered by Prometric via computer-based testing (CBT) with two options for test delivery:

In-person at a Prometric Testing Center. Prometric has testing centers throughout the United States, in US territories, and in key markets throughout the world.

Learn more about in-person testing

Remotely at your home or office location with Prometric’s secure remote-assessment platform, ProProctor.

  • Candidates who choose live, remote proctoring must have a strong internet connection to avoid connectivity issues to the exam and must meet minimum system and testing environment requirements.  
  • The room in which you test must be private, well-lit, and free from clutter.
  • Prometric will provide you with detailed information in your appointment confirmation email that will explain how to download and install the ProProctor application as well as give you an in-depth overview of the process.  
  • After you launch the exam application, you will start with check-in and security procedures. Once you start your examination, your device will be locked so you only have access to the test items.
  • You will be on web-camera with the remote proctor for the duration of your exam appointment.

Learn more about remote testing.

Testing Accommodations

The Functional Medicine Certification Program™ administered by IFM is committed to providing a fair and equitable exam experience for all candidates and will provide reasonable accommodations for those candidates who have a diagnosed medical condition impacting their testing experience. Accommodations can be requested at the time of application and will require third-party documentation from a qualified provider to substantiate the need for the requested accommodation.

The Candidate Handbook with additional information is coming soon!

Score Report

Upon completion of the exam and processing of candidate response data, examinees will receive a score report indicating the result of their exam.

CANDIDATE PASSED

If you pass the certification exam — congratulations! Candidates who pass the exam earn the Functional Medicine Certified Professional — Medical™ credential and can use the designation FMCP-M after their name to indicate their certification status.

CANDIDATE DID NOT PASS

If you did not pass the certification exam — don't worry, we're here to help! Candidates who do not receive a passing score are eligible to retake the exam. These candidates will receive feedback on their score report about their performance across the key domains of the exam blueprint and can use this information to guide further study if they wish to test again. 

Exam Dates

Typically, the exam is offered twice per year, usually April/May and Oct/Nov. With the launch of the new pilot program in early 2026, and full program launch later in 2026, testing dates have not yet been determined. Stay tuned for more information!

Preparing to Test

The exam competencies should be a key resource for prospective candidates as they outline the domains of content that will be assessed on the exam. Be sure to read through the competencies and do a self-evaluation on areas where you feel confident in your knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as those where you might want additional study or practice.

IFM intends to develop a study guide to help candidates who have completed IFM’s core curriculum prepare for the exam. More details to come. 

Application

Candidates will need to submit an application once they have completed all eligibility requirements. The application will be completed online and submitted for review and approval. This page provides details on what to expect; please note the application is not yet available. More details to come.

Steps to Apply

1

Confirm Eligibility

  • Review eligibility requirements
  • Please note that the new online application is in development! 
2

Complete Requirements

You can submit your application once all eligibility requirements are complete, including the minimum 100 hours of functional medicine education/training. 

3

Submit!

Once your application fee is paid and your application is submitted, it will be reviewed for approval.

Fees

Fees for the new certification program are under review but will be comparable to current certification program fees.  

Dates for Upcoming Cohorts   

Early 2026
Pilot Program application and exam testing dates will be announced in advance.  

2026
The Functional Medicine Certification Program™ administered by IFM will officially launch later in 2026, following the pilot program. Dates will be announced in advance to allow practitioners time to prepare and apply for testing. 

Scheduling Your Exam

How to Schedule

Once your application has been approved, you will receive information about how to schedule your exam through Prometric. You will have the option to select testing at a Prometric Testing Center or via live, remote proctoring. You will receive a confirmation email from Prometric with the details of your scheduled exam appointment. 

Prometric Testing Centers 

  • We work with Prometric to seat candidates as close to home as possible. However, the availability of an appointment at a location near your home cannot be guaranteed.  
  • The sooner you schedule your exam appointment, the more choice you’ll have. Although the test center network is large, in some limited situations, you may need to travel further from your home to an available test center.
  • Candidates should familiarize themselves with the exam site location, parking instructions, and time it may take to arrive there.  
  • Candidates should arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the scheduled exam time. Candidates who arrive after the scheduled exam time may be turned away.  
  • Candidates must present a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID for access to the exam. The first and last name on your ID must match the name on file in your certification application. 

What to Expect on Exam Day

Whether you are registered at a test center or for a live, remote proctored exam, you should plan to arrive or login to your appointment at least 15 minutes early. Examinees who are late for an exam appointment may not be able to test and will forfeit exam fees paid. You will undergo standard security procedures designed to protect the exam process and content.

At a testing center, this will include:

  • Presenting a valid, government-issued photo ID
  • Agreeing to testing center policies and procedures
  • Placing your personal items, including cell phones and other items prohibited in the testing room, in a secure locker.
  • The test center administrator (TCA) may ask you to turn out pockets or roll up sleeves to confirm that you are not in possession of any prohibited items, such as a cell phone or study notes, in the testing room.
  • The TCA will take you to a station in the testing room to launch your exam on the secure Prometric system. 

For remotely proctored exams, this will include:

  • Presenting a valid, government issued photo ID to the proctor using your webcam.
  • Conducting a 360-degree scan of your testing environment using your webcam to ensure that you do not have any prohibited items in your testing area, including cell phones within reach. Your desk must be clean and free from any materials such as notepads, books, papers, or other materials.  
  • Once the security process is complete, you will launch your exam using Prometric’s ProProctor remote assessment technology on your personal computer.
  • You will be on camera with the remote proctor for the duration of your testing appointment. 

Exam Security

Security policies and procedures for the Functional Medicine Certification Program™ are designed to protect the integrity of the certification process and exam. These policies and procedures hold the program to the highest standard in alignment with certification industry accreditation standards and best practices.

Certification Benefits

Earning your FMCP-M credential demonstrates you are competent and ready to apply functional medicine practices to improve your patients’ lives. It gives patients, colleagues, employers and the public confidence that you have the knowledge and skills to evaluate each patient’s unique history and design and deliver individualized therapeutic interventions to meet each patient’s unique health needs. Holding the FMCP-M credential, which has been developed and validated with the input of functional medicine subject matter experts and in accordance with rigorous testing industry accreditation standards, will set you apart. 

Digital Badging

As part of the development of the new Functional Medicine Certification Program™ administered by IFM, certified practitioners will receive a new digital badge upon successfully passing the exam and earning the certification. The digital badge is an effective, secure, and easy way to showcase your significant achievement. With a digital badge, you can securely and easily validate your qualifications and get the recognition you deserve from patients, colleagues, and employers.  

The new digital badge can be shared on social media platforms, embedded in email signatures, and displayed on websites to showcase your achievement. Plus, they give you the option to print a certificate as well! 

Find a Practitioner Listing

Certified practitioners who meet the current Find a Practitioner eligibility requirements get priority listing in IFM’s Find a Practitioner directory. The Find a Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in functional medicine, created to help patients locate functional medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. Holders of the FMCP or FMCP-M credential are listed alphabetically first in the search results, highlighting their commitment to professional competence and ongoing professional development. 

Renew Your Credential

Earning your FMCP-M credential sets you apart and indicates the utmost credibility and commitment to your patients. Maintaining your certification demonstrates your commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.  

To continue delivering on the promise of functional medicine to improve the lives of patients, you must maintain your certification by earning professional development hours (PDH) and maintaining your active healthcare license. Practitioners will not need to take an exam to renew their credential.

The purpose of the maintenance of certification (MOC) requirements is to ensure public protection via ongoing, active licensure and for practitioners to actively demonstrate continued competence, enhance learning, and remain up to date with changes in the practice of functional medicine over time. 

Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Requirements

The FMCP-M credential is valid for six years from when certification was achieved. To maintain certification, a certified practitioner must:

  • Confirm ongoing, active licensure every two years.
  • Earn a minimum of 75 professional development hours (PDH) every six years.

After initial certification has been granted, practitioners can begin earning PDH that reflects the clinical development of the practitioner and maintenance or advancement of their functional medicine knowledge and skills. Upon successful renewal, the credential be valid for another six-year cycle.

Transition of Current IFMCPs

Those practitioners who certified under the IFMCP program will be transitioned into the new Functional Medicine Certification Program™, and a new certification renewal date will be granted. More information about the transition process and timeline is in development and will be shared as details become available! 

Eligible Professional Development Activities

The certification renewal program is still in development, so much more is to come regarding how to earn professional development hours. The goal of the program is to develop a renewal process that will be easy and convenient as we understand that many certified practitioners also have to earn CME to maintain a variety of other licenses and board certifications.

Many details are in development, and we look forward to sharing the ways in which certified practitioners will be able to earn hours to renew their credential! 

Renewal Process

1

Maintain Your License

Confirm that your license is still active once every two years during the six-year certification period. 

2

Earn Professional Development Hours (PDH)

  • Participate in professional development activities that are eligible for PDH.
  • Renewal requires earning a minimum of 75 PDH during the six-year certification lifecycle. 
3

Submit Your Renewal Application

  • Enter your PDH, pay the renewal fee, and submit your application.
  • Online renewal application coming in 2026! 

Fees

The maintenance of certification process is still in development. We will announce the fees associated with credential renewal when they become available.

General Certification

What can I do with a functional medicine certification?

Earning a functional medicine credential establishes you as a leader in the field. Current patient demand far exceeds the number of providers available. Certified practitioners are recognized as clinicians whose rigorous training and evaluation places them in the top tier of functional medicine practitioners. Certification does not expand or reduce a practitioner’s scope of practice, and all certified practitioners are expected to practice only within the scope of their healthcare license. 

Why don’t you have all of the information for the new program available yet?

  • The new Functional Medicine Certification Program™ administered by IFM has been developed after several years of a comprehensive program evaluation, including a formal job analysis, input from subject matter experts and credentialing industry consultants, and a survey to thousands of functional medicine practitioners. It’s also being developed in accordance with testing industry accreditation standards so that the program will represent best practices for developing and administering a fair and valid professional certification.
  • In addition to developing two new credentials and their respective exams, we are evaluating the technology and other systems that support candidates through the certification process to ensure that we can offer a best-in-class experience for earning and maintaining certification.  
  • The evolution of the program and the candidate experience is something we take seriously; thus, we are taking much care to be intentional in evaluating current systems, policies, and processes, conducting gap analyses, selecting and implementing the right technology, and making updates and improvements where they are needed. This work takes time, and we are committed to communicating all new updates as soon as we can. We appreciate your patience as we share more information as the program continues to develop. 

Transition Process for Currently Certified IFMCPs

Do I have to take action or take the exam again to be transitioned into the new Functional Medicine Certification Program?

No. If you are currently certified as an IFMCP, there is no action that you need to take. You will be automatically transitioned into the new program and awarded the designation that is aligned to your degree/licensure type. Transitioning into the new program will happen automatically, and you will not be required to retake the exam. TM

When will my IFMCP designation be transitioned into the new program?

The new certification program will launch in 2026, with specific dates to be announced. We anticipate that currently certified IFMCPs will transition into the new program and be awarded their new credential in early 2026. 

I certified under the previous IFMCP program. How will I maintain my certification?

Once you are transitioned into the new program and awarded your new designation, you will renew your credential under the new program’s maintenance of certification (MOC) requirements. Learn more about maintenance of certification.

My IFMCP credential was awarded for 10 years, but certification in the new program is only valid for six years? How long will my new credential be valid?

When you transition into the new program, your credential renewal date will be updated, and a new renewal date will be awarded. More information about the transition process and timeline is in development. 

Pilot Program

When is the pilot program?

We anticipate that the pilot program will launch sometime in early 2026. We will provide specific dates and details as the new program develops. 

Who is eligible for the pilot?

Any practitioners who meet the current eligibility requirements will be eligible for the pilot program. All of the eligibility requirements must be complete to submit an application. Learn more about eligibility requirements. 

Do I have to apply to join the pilot?

Yes. Anyone who is interested in testing as part of the pilot program will have to complete the eligibility requirements and submit an application to demonstrate compliance.  

What are the fees for the pilot program?

The fees are still in development; however, because the pilot is our opportunity to collect data on new test questions from actual exam candidates, we anticipate that the application and exam fees for the pilot program will be discounted from the regular program fees. 

Certification Eligibility

Are IFM’s courses required for certification?

IFM’s core curriculum (AFMCP + six APMs) are not required for certification. To be eligible for certification, candidates must complete at least 100 hours of accredited functional medicine education or training focused on the certification competencies. Currently, IFM’s core curriculum is the only education that teaches to the competencies. We expect, however, that other external providers will develop education that could be eligible toward the required 100 hours in the future. 

Will you accept a transcript in lieu of a diploma to meet the academic requirement?

Some official documentation of graduation is required; transcripts can be accepted if they show actual graduation date and the degree earned. Practitioners can also submit a letter on official letterhead attesting to the completion of their healthcare degree in lieu of the diploma. 

Why do you require a healthcare license for certification eligibility?

Functional medicine is not considered a standalone area of medicine and is reliant on conventional medical education and licensure to be able to see and treat patients. Earning the FMCP-M designation is voluntary, and certification does not expand or reduce a practitioner’s scope of licensure, nor confer any additional legal or specialty status. Practitioners can only apply their functional medicine education within the scope of their current healthcare license issued by the appropriate authority in the state, province, or country of their clinical practice. It is incumbent upon practitioners of the program to understand their scope of licensure and apply functional medicine approaches according to the permissions and limitations of their existing licensure. Learn more about eligibility requirements. 

If my healthcare license, transcript, or diploma is not in English, does it need to be translated?

For the application, we do require all documents to be translated into English. However, please note these documents do not need to be official transcripts. Please provide both the original document followed by the translated version.  

Do AFMCP and the APMs meet the 100-hour functional medicine training requirement?

Yes, IFM’s core curriculum, which includes AFMCP and the six APMs, will grant over 100 hours of functional medicine training. These courses will meet the minimum training requirement for certification eligibility. 

I am currently completing my degree but am very interested in functional medicine. Can I apply for certification?

  • To apply for certification, candidates must already meet the eligibility requirements, which include a qualified academic degree, an active healthcare license, and at least 100 hours of functional medicine education or training. Therefore, those who have not yet graduated are not eligible for certification.
  • For those who may choose to enroll in IFM’s core curriculum (AFMCP + six APMs) to meet the 100-hour requirement, those courses can be taken concurrently as they complete their degree programs and/or residencies. Once those students have completed their degree, received their license, and taken the minimum 100 hours of functional medicine education, they can apply for certification.  

I’m interested in becoming certified but am not a licensed healthcare professional. How do I get certified?

At this time, the Functional Medicine Certification ProgramTM does not have any certifications for unlicensed healthcare providers. Learn more about eligibility requirements. 

Application Process

What information will I need to complete my application?

You will need to provide information about your academic degree, your healthcare license, and your 100 hours of functional medicine education/training. Be prepared with copies of your diploma or transcript, your healthcare license, the name(s) of the provider(s) you took your functional medicine training with, and the hours earned from each provider.  

How do I complete my application?

The application will be available for candidates to complete and submit online. Learn how to apply.  

Is the application for the new program available?

Not yet! We are evaluating our current processes and technology tools to build a better online application, exam scheduling, and renewal process. While selecting and implementing the right technology takes time, we know it will help create a seamless experience for candidates. 

Taking the Exam

When is the written exam offered?

The written examination is typically offered twice a year: usually once in spring and once in the fall. See Exam Details.   

What’s on the exam?

The written exam is based on the functional medicine competencies and is comprised of multiple choice and case-based patient scenario test questions. See Exam Details.   

Will I be able to take the exam at a location near my house?

We work with Prometric to seat candidates as close as possible to their home address. However, the availability of an appointment at a location near your home cannot be guaranteed. The sooner you schedule your exam appointment, the wider your options will be. Although the test center network is worldwide, in some limited situations, you may need to travel further from your home to an available test center. 

Can I test at home?

Yes! Prometric offers the option to take the test via live, remote proctoring using their ProProctor secure remote assessment system. Candidates who choose live, remote proctoring can test from a private home or office location of their choosing. See Exam Details.   

Maintenance of Certification (MOC)

How long is my certification valid?

Once earned, certification is valid for six years. Certified practitioners must meet the maintenance and renewal requirements to maintain their credential. 

Do I need to maintain my healthcare license after I’ve earned my certification?

Yes, having an active license is an important component of maintaining your credential. During the six-year lifecycle of your credential, you will be required to confirm that your healthcare license is still active every two years.  

Do I have to earn CME to maintain my certification?

No, educational hours specifically deemed as continuing medical education (CME) are not required for renewing your credential. To renew your credential, you must earn at least 75 professional development hours (PDH) during your six-year credential lifecycle. These hours do not need to be CME. 

Do I have to retake the exam to maintain my certification?

No. Once you have earned the credential, you will have to maintain an active healthcare license and earn at least 75 professional development hours to maintain and renew your credential. There is no requirement for re-examination.  

How can I earn professional development hours (PDH)?

Additional details about the MOC program are still in development, so much more is to come regarding how to earn professional development hours. The goal is to develop a renewal process that will be easy and convenient, as we understand that many certified practitioners also have to earn CME to maintain a variety of other licenses and board certifications. We look forward to sharing more information about ways in which certified practitioners will be able to earn credit to renew their credential. Learn about MOC. 

How do I apply for renewal?

When you are approaching the end of your six-year credential lifecycle, you will submit a renewal application to demonstrate your continued licensure and to provide information about the professional development hours you earned throughout those six years.  

Why did the renewal period change from 10 years in the IFMCP program to six years in the new program?

After much evaluation and discussion, the six-year renewal cycle was selected because of the pace of change in functional medicine practice. Even in the last 10 years since the first class of IFMCPs graduated from the program, functional medicine has evolved so much that the certification program must evolve with it. Reducing the certification lifecycle from 10 to six years ensures that certified professionals are staying up to date with the pace of change in functional medicine.