Frequently Asked Questions

 Who is the CFA? 

The Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists (CFA) is a non-profit organization
formed in 1993 by a group of individuals concerned with the rapid growth and
popularity of Aromatherapy. These individuals, from varying backgrounds,
recognized that there was no governing body or organization for the general
public to contact for information, guidance or education on the safe use of
essential oils. The CFA was established to provide a high standard of
education, and to foster continuing growth within the practice of aromatherapy. 

Why become a CFA member? Our mission
is to educate, inspire and empower the general public in the safe use of
essential oils and to provide up to date directories of CFA approved schools
and Aromatherapists. The CFA wishes to connect with the general public in order
to build a community of informed and educated essential oil users that
understand the health benefits of incorporating these beautiful botanical gifts
in our daily lives. In becoming a member, you are supporting our efforts in
creating a strong network of professional Aromatherapists.

What is Aromatherapy? 

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils and carriers for improving and maintaining health and beauty. See our About page for more details. 

What is an Aromatherapist? 

An aromatherapist utilizes essential oils and carriers to enable the body’s natural healing process. An aromatherapist is professionally trained in the properties of application and contra-indications of essential oils. 

What are Essential Oils? 

Essential oils are aromatic compounds occurring naturally in various parts of plants, herbs, flowers, fruits, woods and spices. They form part of the life force of the plant and have many abilities including strengthening our immune system, and stimulating our body’s natural healing abilities. See our About page for more details. 

Why obtain certification through a CFA approved school? 

By obtaining your aromatherapy certification through a CFA approved school, you receive instruction from an approved instructor and an accredited school that meets the CFA’s high standards of education. You also attain membership in a world-recognized aromatherapy association and can receive an official aromatherapy designation CAHP® (Certified Aromatherapy Health Professional). 

How do I become a certified aromatherapist CAHP® through the CFA? 

You will attend a CFA approved school and complete the necessary examinations. You may be required to take the CFA exam if you completed a certification with a school that is not
recognized by the CFA. Use the Contact Us form for more information or email cfamanager@cfacanada.com. 

Where can I learn about aromatherapy? 

The CFA suggests you consider attending a school that has had their curriculum reviewed by the CFA, to ensure a quality education. See our CFA Approved Schools page for information. 

Where can I find a CFA approved school? 

Please visit our CFA Approved Schools page for information. 

What are the career options when you become an aromatherapist? 

The field of Aromatherapy offers a wide range of potential careers to explore. Here are
just a few:  

Aromatherapy consultant
Business Owner
Aromatherapy Writer
Spa Consultant/Practitioner
Retail Specialist
Aromatherapy Educator
Integrative Healthcare Practitioner
Product Designer
Hospice/Palliative care
Web Retail Stores
Therapeutic Product Line Development  

 How do I register to become a CFA Member? 

Please see our Membership options page for details on requirements and pricing. You can purchase your Membership through the website. If you have questions on the right membership for you, please email cfamanger@cfacanada.com. 

What is required to become a CFA Member? 

The requirements are different depending on which type of membership you select. Successfully writing the CFA National Exam, holding professional liability insurance are all mandatory requirements for Professional Members of the CFA. Continuing education units (CEUs) are required to maintain professional Membership Status. Please see our Membership
options page for details on requirements and pricing for specific categories of Membership. 

What is the cost for a yearly CFA membership? 

Please see our Membership options page for details on requirements and pricing for specific categories of Membership. 

What are some CFA member benefits 

As a CFA member, you have access to current and accurate information about aromatherapy, including free access to 10 webinars annually with your paid membership. Through our website directories, Facebook page and chat room you have access to Canadian Aromatherapy Professionals and CFA approved schools. You will receive a quarterly newsletter with useful research and inspiring stories about the use of essential oils and complementary health. You have the opportunity to be offered discounts for events, products and services. You will be part of a growing community of complimentary health professionals. You will have the opportunity to make a difference, by directing the future of the CFA and the aromatherapy industry in Canada. 

I’m already a member of another organization. Can I also join the CFA? 

Yes, you may be a member of several professional associations at the same time, unless the specific guidelines of an association specify otherwise due to conflict of interest. 

I am currently a student. Can I still become a CFA Member? 

As a student currently enrolled in an aromatherapy course, you can enroll as a Student Member (non-voting). See our Membership page for details. 

How can I join the CFA if I have been practising for many years and did not complete my training through a CFA approved school? 

You may be required to complete the CAHP® entrance exam. Please use the Contact Us form or email cfamanager@cfacanada.com to obtain more information. 

I have not been practicing for several years and would like to get back into the profession and become a member. What do I need to do? 

We look at each applicant on a case by case basis. Please use the Contact Us form or email cfamanager@cfacanada.com to discuss your particular situation. 

Must I have insurance to be recognized as a Professional CFA Member? 

Insurance is a requirement depending on the membership level you select. Specific coverage
requirements may differ from province to province and will vary on how many modalities you practice, whether you do body treatments, and whether you create products for individual clients or retail markets. It is best to contact an insurance advisor/broker for details. 

Do I have to pay for a full year of membership and insurance regardless of when I join during the year? 

Your year starts the day you join, and will need to be renewed within 12 months, at the end of the month. If you enroll as a member on June 5, 2021 you must renew your membership and insurance by June 30, 2022.  

 What are CEUs? 

Continuing Education Credits (CEU’s) are one hour blocks of time spent learning about aromatherapy. Semi-related learning is considered half a unit (ie: a business seminar). They are required to be reported every year. Professional members need to submit 12 units. CEU’s can be attained by; joining continuing education courses and webinars, reviewing research papers, writing articles and submitting them to the CFA for review & posting, by volunteering on one of our committees, or providing public education classes on aromatherapy. If you are unsure whether something will count towards CEUs, please email cfamanager@cfacanada.com. 

How and when do I submit my CEUs? 

You are required to submit CEUs every year (for example, if you became a member Jan 1 2020, you would be required to submit your CEUs by Jan 1 2021). CEUs must be included when renewing your membership and may be sent via email to cfamanager@cfacanada.com.  

What counts towards a CEU? 

Primary and Secondary activity hours can count towards CEUs. Primary activities are directly related to aromatherapy (1hr of activity is required to achieve 1 CEU). Secondary activities are indirectly related to aromatherapy (2hrs of activity are required to achieve 1 CEU). A minimum of 6 CEUs must come from Primary Activities for each period. 

How many CEUs do I need to keep my professional membership status? 

You are required as a CFA professional member to submit 12 CEUs every year. 

I am an existing CFA Member. How and when do I renew my membership? 

Your membership is a yearly subscription and can be renewed by phone, email or generated invoice. For further information please contact cfamanager@cfacanada.com. 

How can I add/remove/edit my Practitioner Directory profile? 

You must be a CFA Member to be added to our online Directory. If you wish to become a CFA member and wish to add/remove/edit your profile on the Practitioner Directory, please contact cfamanager@cfacanada.com. 

How can I receive a copy of the CFA Newsletter? 

The CFA newsletter is available to members and is submitted digitally to all members on a quarterly basis. If you are currently a member and have not received a copy of the newsletter, please contact cfamanager@cfacanada.com. 

How can I submit an article for publication in the CFA Newsletter? 

To submit an article for publication or to purchase advertising space in the CFA newsletter, please contact our office by email at cfamanager@cfacanada.com.  

How do I become a CFA approved school? 

To become a CFA approved school that will also be advertised on our CFA website, we require specific documentation including your education curriculum. Documents are to be submitted to our office, and will be reviewed and approved by our Board of Directors. Please contact us at cfamanager@cfacanada.com for further details on how to proceed.  

How can I become involved with the CFA as a volunteer? 

As a volunteer based organization, the CFA relies on the generous time, resources and skills donated by our volunteers to operate all aspects of the business. Whether you wish to volunteer on a specific committee, create a new one, assist with events, be part of the Board of Directors or assist with some administration duties, we can always use a
helping hand. Some of our committees include Communications, Research, Education, and more. Please use the Contact Us form or email at cfamanager@cfacanada.com for
more details. 

I wish to be a professional speaker at a CFA event 

The CFA presents both in-person and online educational events and webinars for our members. We are always looking for professional speakers that can provide advanced education on subjects such as aromatherapy itself (the science, the chemistry, new research), the use or application of essential oils with other modalities, business tools and resources for
entrepreneurs, marketing, holistic health etc. If you or someone you know would like to be a speaker at one of our events, please contact our office by email at cfamanager@cfacanada.com. 

How can I become a sponsor/donate to the CFA and support their cause? 

The CFA is always looking to build relationships with like-minded companies that believe
in the power of holistic complementary health. If you are part of a responsible and ethical company that wishes to donate or sponsor the CFA please contact our office by email at cfamanager@cfacanada.com. 

Can I advertise my business through the CFA website and/or quarterly newsletter?
Yes, you can and we would love for you to take advantage of advertising your services or
products to our aromatherapy members. Please contact our CFA office for more
details at cfamanager@cfacanada.com.  

 How can I report an incident? 

To report an incident or adverse effect using essential oils, please contact our office either by phone (please use the number provided in our website footer), or by email at cfamanager@cfacanada.com. For any emergency, please contact a physician, poison control center, or 911.