FACTS

• IFMCP Application ($225 fee).

• Completed Coursework. Completion of Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice
(AFMCP) course and all six individual Functional Medicine Advanced Practice Modules
(APMs): GI, Biotransformation (formerly Detox), Immune, Hormone, Cardiometabolic,
and Energy.
Course tuition varies
o For Physician´s (MD, DO, DC, ND):
§ AFMCP à 2565 $
§ APM à 1620$ each (so, 9720$)
o For non physician´s (all other degrees):
§ AFMCP à 2097 $
§ APM à 1395$ each (so, 8370$)
• Case Report ($800 fee)
• Written Exam Form ($800 fee)
• IFMCP Written Exam.
• There is a review course available for those taking the exam (~500$)
• IFM Certification Award. Successful completion of all above requirements within four years
from an approved application entitles the candidate to the IFM Certified Practitioner
designation.
• Maintenance and Renewal of IFM Certification. To maintain certification, Certified
Practitioners must be a current IFM Member and hold an active healthcare license. To renew
IFM Certification, one must pass a written examination every tenth year and provide a copy
of a current healthcare practitioner license.
o Membership fee : 325$
Total:
-> for For Physician´s (MD, DO, DC, ND):
- 12285 $ for the courses
- 1825 $ to take the exam (plus ~500$ for the review course – something I highly
recommend doing)
- 325$ / year for membership
So, 14610$ for the certification (without the membership)

è for For non Physician´s (all other degrees):

- 10467 $ for the courses
- 1825 $ to take the exam (plus ~500$ for the review course – something I highly
recommend doing)
- 325$ / year for membership
So, 12792$ for the certification (without the membership)

IFM Certified Practitioner Benefits

1. IFM Certified Practitioners consistently become recognized as the most thoroughly trained
and tested Functional Medicine clinicians in their fields and the most sought-after by both
patients and employers.
2. Find A Practitioner referral network, which gets more than 100,000 unique searches per
month and is the most visited area of the IFM website.
3. Further marketing includes a promotional badge that IFM Certified Practitioners may be
used on all their marketing and promotional materials.
4. IFM continually develops content for experienced clinicians to stay up-to-date on the latest
scientific advancements in Functional Medicine and continue developing skills and
competencies to treat patients with complex, chronic disease.
5. IFM Certified Practitioners receive complimentary audio and video recordings of
lectures from new iterations of the Certification Program courses (AFMCP and APMs) to keep
their knowledge current and prepare them to re-certify. These materials are provided on an
on-going basis after the practitioner passes the written test and completes IFMCP.
6. Testing Resource Center (TRC) includes a comprehensive library of all IFMCP-related forms
and publications, a case study tool, the study guide, and archived webinars.

Pros:
- All the benefits listed above
- Access to a facebook page only for IFMCP
- Deep knowledge about the physiology / pathology, etc
- Being able to up todate with the latest courses, and upgraded materials

Cons:
- cost
- time required (depending on the schedule of the 6 APM and only 2 exam-periods:
o 1st period:
§ Clinical case till the beginning of January
§ Written exam in the beginning of April
o 2nd period:
§ Clinical case till the beginning of August
§ Written exam in the beginning of November
FMCA – Functional Medicine Coaching Academy

FACTS
• Certification / Title: Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCHC)
• 12 month online program
• Content
o core coaching techniques
o principles of Functional Medicine
o principles of Functional nutrition
o mind-body medicine
o positive psychology
o NEW for March 2020 Class: Updated and expanded Business-Building Track
o Lifelong community exchange of support, mentorship, career opportunities,
and continuing education

• Amongst teachers are Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Kristi Hughes, Dr. Tom O’Bryan, and Dr.
Deanna Minich
• one of just a few programs approved by the National Board for Health & Wellness
Coaching (NBHWC), possibility to sit for the Health & Wellness Coach Certifying
Examination to earn the credential “National Board-Certified Health & Wellness
Coach,” or NBC-HWC.
• approved by 9 organizations as a Continuing Education provider
• FMCA Alumni Association with CEUs, job-board, etc. (not included in standard
tuition)
• Standard Tuition is 7.997 USD

Pros
Association with IFM
Deep knowledge about Coaching and Positive Psychology
Knowledge about FM foundation from many acknowledged FM-leaders

Cons
Focus on Scope of Practice
Focus on Coach/MD-model, applicability for Europe?
The School of Applied Functional Medicine (SAFM) https://schoolafm.com/

Facts:
• Applied Functional Medicine Coaching (AFMC) certification -Board Reviewed
• 2 year online immersion program – self-paced (option to complete each year in 7 month period)
 Core 101: Etiology of dis-ease in the body, nutrients/supplements, labwork plus 2 deep dive clinical courses
o Dis-Ease 101
o Intro to Mapping 101
o Nutrients and Supplements 101
o Lab work 101
o The Mind-Body Connection & the Placebo Effect
o Disease Begins in the Gut 101
 Advanced 202: Etiology of dis-ease in the body, nutrients/supplements, labwork plus 2 deep dive clinical courses
o Dis-Ease 202
o Nutrients and Supplements 202
o Lab work 202
o Cellular Metabolism: How & Why we Feel Energetic - or Not
 Open-coaching calls and the opportunity to practice your skills using real client case studies
 Clinical Q&A Treasure Chest, which includes symptoms, remedies, physiology, lab work, client case studies
 Real-time support in the SAFM practitioner Forum
 Peer-aligned group meeting opportunities
 Deep Dive Clinical Courses:
o ADD & ADHD: GETTING TO THE ROOT CAUSE o HEADACHE AND MIGRAINE
o ADRENAL AND THYROID: MYTHS AND TRUTHS o HORMONES DEMYSTIFIED
o BONE HEALTH MYTHS AND TRUTHS o REVERSING METABOLIC DYSFUNCTION
o CANCER: WHAT EVERY PRACTITIONER NEEDS TO KNOW o THE POWER OF ORGANIC ACIDS TESTING
o CARDIOVASCULAR MYTHS AND TRUTHS o THE SCIENCE OF FERTILITY: GETTING PREGNANT,
o DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY SOLUTIONS STAYING PREGNANT
o DISEASE BEGINS IN THE GUT, 202 o TOXICITY, DETOXIFICATION, AND HEAVY METALS
o FIBROMYALGIA DEMYSTIFIED o UNDERSTANDING ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA

• Tuition: US$2997 per year (monthly payment plan is offered) US$5994 for full program (pricing subject to change)

Additional Information:
o Root cause resolution with rapid relief to ensure Wildly Satisfied Clients
o Deep knowledge base to uncover root cause of any illness (even tough cases)
o Continuous medical education credits for physicians (and other eligible medical professionals)
o Scientific approach going deep into the biochemistry
o Recertification is required every 3 years
 Functional Diagnostic Nutrition - www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com

FACTS
 Certification course – title “Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner” or “FDN-P”
 Self-paced online program – advised length of program is 6 months
 Core philosophy: “Stop chasing symptoms and Identify Underlying Opportunities for Healing” through
the idea of “test don’t guess”.
 Learn to work with specific Functional Tests, including Functional Adrenal Test Stress Profile (BH205),
Metabolic Assessment Profile (BH101), Genova Intestinal Permeability Test, 401H GI Screen with H. Pylori
(BH401H), MRT Food Sensitivity test. And more. Certain tests you can order by yourself, some through
their “Medical Director Program”.
 13 modules: 1. How to be an FDN detective, 2. H-P-A axis and adrenal/stress testing, 3. HPA and sex
hormone assessment, 4. Metabolic Assessment Profile, 5. Mucosal Barrier and Digestive Health, 6.
Antigens, Pathogens & Restoring a Healthy Host, 7. Food Sensitivity Testing & Case Studies, 8. Labs Wrap-
Up and What’s Next, 9. Intro to Documentation, 10. D.R.E.S.S. for Health Success (protocols based on Diet,
Rest, Exercise, Stress Reduction and Supplementation), 11. Introduction to Results & Recommendation
Sessions, 12. Onboarding and Managing Your Clients, 13. Practical Exercises and Exams
 Life-time access to updated course material
 FDN Associate program (which costs USD 99 per quarter)
 Recertification requirement every 2 years. Continuous education is required to keep the FDN-P title.
 Cost: USD 5997

PROS
 Learn to use and work with functional lab tests. I find, this can greatly improve client commitment.
 Learn practical protocols that can help many people get results. But not all!
 Practical exercises and exams involve role playing with “clients” to give you a feel for what’s involved.
 Basics on how to run a business as a health coach / FDN practitioner.

CONS
 The tools and protocols will only get you so far. For some tough cases, you need to dive deeper than what
this course teaches you. However, FDN offers many stand-alone courses to build upon this core one, like
on thyroid, oxalates, blood chemistry analysis, and more.
 The business skills that are taught are limited in my view. For me, this wasn’t enough to build a profitable
business. I had overestimated this part of the course.

CONCLUSION
Overall, I believe this is a good foundational course to become a health coach. You’ll get acquainted with
the functional philosophy and way of working. And you’ll learn practical tools and skills to start helping
people improve their health.
 Andrea Nakayama

Full Body Systems – Fx Nutrition Alliance -- https://www.fullbodysystems.com/

Facts:
• Certificate of Completion/FBS Graduate Logo
• 30 – Category 1 Continuing Education credits (upon exam completion)
• 10-month online immersion program (7 intensive modules) – self-paced
o Digestive o “Done for You” protocol packets for each intensive
o Immune
o Audio/Written Transcripts, Handouts, Graphics, etc./module
o Urinary o Herbal Bonuses/module
o Cardio o 2 - 60-min live Q&A with 2 FxNA Nutritionists/module
o Endocrine o Useful, Searchable Message Board – FxNA team replies
o Neuro
o “Power Hour Q&A” With Andrea (live – 2 hours)
o Reproductive
o Bonus sessions/Masterclasses
• 3 bonus audio courses
o Sweet Tooth, Bitter Truth – how sugar affects the body/brain
o Fat or Fiction – demystify difference between good/bad fat
o Pharm2Table: Statins – looks at damaging pathophysiology and potential alternatives
• 45 guest health & medical expert interviews
o Liz Lipinski, Jill Carnahan, Tressa Yelling, Allison Siebecker, Ben Greenfield, Isabella
Wentz, Marc David, Alan Christianson, Michael Ash, Terry Wahls, Tom O’Bryan, Nalini
Chilkov, Julie Matthews and more!
• Strong emphasis on use of FM tools (intake form, timeline, matrix) for ALL clients
• A coaching relationship is encouraged, using empathy to meet clients where they are at, while at
the same time having “non-negotiables” from which to start from.
• Tools to learn the right questions to ask, as well as the detective skills to determine “what’s going
on in there?” are a large undertone throughout the course
• Approach cases through frameworks and systems rather than protocol (“true” functional
approach)
• Tuition: $5497 (12 month payment plan is offered) – FREE seat for second year!!

Pros:
o Follows a “true” Functional Medicine approach – very bio-individuality focused!
o Deep knowledge base to uncover root cause of any illness (even tough cases)
o Lifetime access to course
o Explores in depth the relationship between food (and nutrients and lifestyle) and the physiology
of the individual rather than dietary theories.
o Students can become eligible to apply for post-graduate program – Functional Nutrition Lifestyle
Practitioner certification (FNLP)

Cons:
o Cost is a little pricey, but if you think of all the content you receive AND the fact you get to sit for
a second year it’s really quite reasonable!
 Dr. Tom O’Bryan
Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner (CGP) -- https://certifiedglutenpractitioner.com/

Facts:
• Certificate of Completion/Title: -- Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner (CGP) upon
completion of exam
• 8 Modules – video lectures with quizzes, self-paced
• Training provides comprehensive, evidence-based, research-supported
education on
o Celiac Disease
o Gluten Sensitivities
o Wheat-Related Disorders
o Autoimmunity
• Training also included for Vibrant Wellness Lab tests and Interpretation – these
tests are designed to distinguish between Celiac Disease, Non-celiac Gluten
Sensitivity (NCGS), Non-Gluten Wheat Sensitivity, and other autoimmune
diseases triggered by gluten. Also training on the lab biomarker panel to identify
intestinal permeability (Wheat Zoomer).
• Access to private Facebook group – regular free training is offered here.
• Practice Building information – marketing, legal
• Tuition: $2197 (payment plans offered)

Pros:
o Ability to order lab tests at discount pricing –
o Vibrant Wellness o Genova Diagnostics
o BioHealth Lab o Oxford Biomedical
o Cyrex Technologies
o Diagnostic Solutions o Spectracell
o Doctor’s Data
o Discount pricing on supplements (E3, and Dr. Tom’s brand)
o Listed on CGP map/directory
o Webinars with Dr. Tom O’Bryan and guests – functional lab testing, current
research, protocols, etc.
o CEUs – through National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) and
Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA)

Cons:
o Most of handouts from course are studies (this could also be pro)
o 90 days to complete the program
o Annual membership – $97 (2019)
Dr. Nirali Jacobi, ND

SIBO Mastery Program -- https://www.thesibodoctor.com/sibo-mastery-program/

Facts:
• Certificate of Completion/Title: “SIBO-Doctor-Approved Practitioner”
• 3 level courses -- total of 13 lessons
o Fundamentals of SIBO – includes breath test interpretation
o Masterclasses – Methane and Hydrogen Sulfide
o Advanced SIBO Case Management (8 week course) – proficiency in
managing complicated SIBO cases
• Bonuses:
o Dr. Jacobi’s SIBO Dispensary Guide (*this is invaluable!!)
o Patient Handouts
o Histamine bi-phasic diet
• 2 live Q&A sessions with Dr. Jacobi
• Full year of access to online course
• Tuition: $497 (if purchase entire SIBO Mastery Program – special offer)

Pros:
o Listed in “Find SIBO Practitioner” directory on www.thesibodoctor.com
o Access to private Facebook group
o Not a lot of health practitioners knowledgeable in SIBO diagnosis/treatment

Cons:
o
 Functional Diagnostic Nutrition - www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com

FACTS
 Certification course – title “Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner” or “FDN-P”
 Self-paced online program – advised length of program is 6 months
 Core philosophy: “Stop chasing symptoms and Identify Underlying Opportunities for Healing” through
the idea of “test don’t guess”.
 Learn to work with specific Functional Tests, including Functional Adrenal Test Stress Profile (BH205),
Metabolic Assessment Profile (BH101), Genova Intestinal Permeability Test, 401H GI Screen with H. Pylori
(BH401H), MRT Food Sensitivity test. And more. Certain tests you can order by yourself, some through
their “Medical Director Program”.
 13 modules: 1. How to be an FDN detective, 2. H-P-A axis and adrenal/stress testing, 3. HPA and sex
hormone assessment, 4. Metabolic Assessment Profile, 5. Mucosal Barrier and Digestive Health, 6.
Antigens, Pathogens & Restoring a Healthy Host, 7. Food Sensitivity Testing & Case Studies, 8. Labs Wrap-
Up and What’s Next, 9. Intro to Documentation, 10. D.R.E.S.S. for Health Success (protocols based on Diet,
Rest, Exercise, Stress Reduction and Supplementation), 11. Introduction to Results & Recommendation
Sessions, 12. Onboarding and Managing Your Clients, 13. Practical Exercises and Exams
 Life-time access to updated course material
 FDN Associate program (which costs USD 99 per quarter)
 Recertification requirement every 2 years. Continuous education is required to keep the FDN-P title.
 Cost: USD 5997

PROS
 Learn to use and work with functional lab tests. I find, this can greatly improve client commitment.
 Learn practical protocols that can help many people get results. But not all!
 Practical exercises and exams involve role playing with “clients” to give you a feel for what’s involved.
 Basics on how to run a business as a health coach / FDN practitioner.

CONS
 The tools and protocols will only get you so far. For some tough cases, you need to dive deeper than what
this course teaches you. However, FDN offers many stand-alone courses to build upon this core one, like
on thyroid, oxalates, blood chemistry analysis, and more.
 The business skills that are taught are limited in my view. For me, this wasn’t enough to build a profitable
business. I had overestimated this part of the course.

CONCLUSION
Overall, I believe this is a good foundational course to become a health coach. You’ll get acquainted with
the functional philosophy and way of working. And you’ll learn practical tools and skills to start helping
people improve their health.
 AS A HIGH ACHIEVING
PRACTITIONER, YOU'RE
HUNGRY FOR MORE!

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN SAFM'S UPCOMING

SEMESTER PROGRAM FOR APRIL 2020!
The School of Applied Functional Medicine (SAFM) offers online,
continuing education in the practical application of functional
medicine science to a global community of licensed or certified
healthcare practitioners from a broad spectrum of healthcare
modalities, all of whom already have active professional practices.

We can appreciate the time, effort and investment you made into
coming to this event.

SAVE $150 on the semester if you register by 3/16/20. Mention

"Cologne Conference" when you register to receive this discount. Plus
you will get a BONUS DEEP DIVE CLINICAL COURSE YOU CAN START
RIGHT AWAY!
 LAUNCH YOUR PRACTICE
TO THE NEXT LEVEL!
Unlike most advanced training programs in functional medicine science, SAFM focuses on
building practical application skills and confidence in using this knowledge on a day to
day basis in a clinical setting.  Most of our students have already experienced other
functional medicine training programs.  Our education offers the following key
differentiators: 

SAFM's Semester program (both Core 101 and Advanced 202) meet the rigorous
standards to be accredited for continuing medical education credits (accredited by
either the ACCME or an ACCME-recognized State/Territory Medical Society).

Scientific rigor. Referenced content with progressive recommendations for exploring

published research that supports a broad spectrum of students’ learning objectives.

Practical application know-how.  Beyond medical research and theoretical patterns and
solutions, all SAFM courses broadly explore the “devil in the detail” that gives students
the implementation pearls they need to use this science in immediate clinical practice.

Systems Thinking. While SAFM does teach many specific protocols, the school focuses
on cultivating rich and original systems thinking that empowers the practitioner to
derive a customized approach for each unique patient situation.  This is in contrast to
the standardized, memorized standard protocol approach of many schools.

Knowledge and tools about both Rapid Relief and Root Cause resolution. This approach
honors that true health care must go beyond symptom relief to provide sustainable
wellness by addressing case-specific root causes of disease.  However, it also honors the
need to provide symptom relief in support of patient commitment and positive beliefs
and practitioner credibility.

Real-life case exploration. SAFM does not include any theoretical or fake patient
examples in any of its curriculum but rather gives several dozen opportunities
throughout the semester for practitioners to build confidence and practical wisdom in
working with “real life” actual, complex case examples.

Repetition. We teach and role model the importance of repetitive exposure to concepts
as a tool for rich sustainable retention of knowledge.

Flexible delivery to meet the needs of active professional practitioners and the natural
diversity of learning styles.  All live events are recorded and offered right away in a
variety of formats (e.g. downloadable MP3s, streaming MP4s, transcripts, slides).  Q&A
support is offered via multiple platforms to ensure students receive the clarity they need.

Practitioner Community Family. SAFM offers many ways in which a student may engage
with colleagues in our global, diverse, multi-modality, warm, supportive, engaged and
respectful community.

LIMITED-TIME BONUS: SAVE $150 ON TUITION UNTIL 3/16/20. MENTION "COLOGNE

CONFERENCE" WHEN YOU REGISTER TO RECEIVE THIS DISCOUNT.
REGISTER AT WWW.SCHOOLAFM.COM/COLOGNESAFM