Western herbalism is not recognized in the US as a licensed profession. An herbalist can have affiliations with American Herbalist Guild, I can offer enrollment information for them if you decide to join as a student member. In the US you can receive certification from anyone who chooses to get it, so make sure you research your teacher and their education. Ask Questions.

To become certified as a commercial or public applicator, you must pass two written examinations (Core and Category) and be employed by a pesticide application business. Once you pass the exams, you have 12 months to apply for certification with the PA Department of Agriculture. To become certified as a private applicator, you need to pass the written private certification exam. Additional testing is required if the applicator intends to use a restricted use fumigant.

If you are a licensed C-10 contractor licensed by the Contractors' State License Board, then you do not need to be certified. However, if you have employees that work under you then they need to get certified. Please visit our website for more information about certification at http://www.dir.ca.gov/DAS/ElectricalTrade.htm. Note that if you are a licensed C-10 contractor but working under another C-10 contractor's license as an employee you must be certified.

The California Apprenticeship Council took action at its May 5, 2006 meeting concerning the deadline for certification requirements in California:

Certification is valid for three years. You must renew before the expiration or you have to retake the test. You are required to obtain 32 hours of continuing education and present proof of it to renew your certification.

I am certified by DONA. Detailed certification requirements can be found at their website www.dona.org but include practical experience, classroom instruction, required reading, and written positive evaluations from clients, nurses and doctors. DONA requires signing and adhering to a code of ethics. In addition to that ethical code I hold preeminent my clients' privacy. Each client becomes special to me.

We will see if interest in certification beyond the schools is sufficient and perhaps offer proctored exams through our affiliated schools.