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International Board of Trichology & Holistic Medicine (IBTHM)

The credentialing arm of ACIS — awarding respected designations in Trichology & Integrative Sciences.

The International Board of Trichology & Holistic Medicine (IBTHM) serves as the credentialing authority of the Accreditation Commission for Integrative Sciences (ACIS). IBTHM establishes and enforces rigorous standards for board certification among professionals in the fields of Trichology, Holistic Medicine, and Integrative Health Sciences that protect the integrity of the profession, safeguard the public, and provide practitioners with the recognition they deserve.

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Our role is to ensure that practitioners who carry the IBTHM designation have demonstrated verified education, experience, ethics, and competency in their respective disciplines — giving the public confidence in the quality and credibility of the care they provide.

 

Board Certification through IBTHM signifies not only mastery of the science of hair, scalp, and holistic wellness, but also a commitment to ethical integrity, continuing education, and lifelong learning.

 

IBTHM is responsible for:

  • Establishing professional standards for Trichologists, Holistic Health Practitioners, and Integrative Health Professionals.

  • Evaluating and setting measurable standards for board certification and continuing education.

  • Promoting accountability and issuing Board Certifications that recognize expertise, ethics, public protection, and professional excellence.

  • Elevating the credibility of the Trichology and Holistic Health professions worldwide.

  • Overseeing Continuing Education (CE) to ensure lifelong learning and competency.

 

Through IBTHM, practitioners earn recognition that elevates their professional credibility and distinguishes them as leaders in the integrative sciences.

 

IBTHM currently offers three distinguished levels of Board Certification

Each level reflects progressive achievement in education, experience, and professional practice within the disciplines of Trichology Science and Holistic Health & Integrative Medicine.

  • Practitioner Level Certification — Board Certified Trichologist (BCT) or Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner (BCHHP) Recognizes practitioners who have successfully completed an approved certification program in Trichology or Holistic Health and have demonstrated foundational competency in theory, practice, and ethical standards. This level affirms the practitioner’s ability to apply holistic and trichological principles within a professional or clinical setting.

  • Master Level Certification — Master Trichologist (MT) or Board-Certified Master Holistic Health Practitioner (BMHHP)Awarded to licensed professionals who have obtained advanced education and extensive experience in Trichology or Holistic Health. Candidates at this level exhibit a mastery of diagnostic and treatment methodologies, supported by state-issued licensure and evidence of professional leadership or clinical excellence within their field.

  • Doctoral Level Certification — Doctor of Trichology Science (DTS) or Board-Certified Doctor of Holistic Health Practitioner (BDHHP) The highest professional designation conferred by the International Board of Trichology & Holistic Medicine.
    This credential is reserved for individuals who have completed doctoral-level education or equivalent scholarly achievement, including advanced research, dissertation, and oral defense. Doctoral recipients represent the pinnacle of expertise in their discipline, contributing to the advancement of Integrative Sciences through research, education, and professional practice.

Credential Pathways 

From Certified to Master to Doctor — ACIS/IBTHM provides clear, rigorous pathways that recognize your training, competency, and leadership in Trichology.

Certification Process

1

Apply Online 

Complete the online application for your chosen credential level — Practitioner Level, Master Level, Doctoral Level.

 

Upload all required materials, including:

  • Educational transcripts or certificates of completion

  • Professional resume or CV

  • Proof of clinical or practical experience (if applicable)

  • Signed acknowledgment of the ACIS Code of Ethics

Submit the non-refundable Board Certification fee with your application to begin the review process.

2

Review & Examination 

Your application is assigned to the IBTHM Credentialing Review Committee.

 

They will:

  • Verify your education, training hours, and professional background

  • Review your portfolio, case studies, or research (as applicable)

  • Confirm eligibility for certification

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Doctoral-level candidates must also submit a professional portfolio or dissertation abstract for scholarly verification.

 

You’ll receive an update within 3–5 weeks of submission, or sooner if expedited.

3

Certification & Recognition

Upon approval, practitioners are awarded their official IBTHM Board Certification and digital seal of excellence under the governance of the Accreditation Commission for Integrative Sciences (ACIS).
Certified practitioners receive:

  • Official IBTHM Digital Certificate & Seal

  • Directory Listing as a Board-Certified Practitioner

  • Eligibility for Annual Renewal and Continuing Education Credits

This designation validates your expertise and distinguishes you as a leader in Integrative Sciences, committed to ethical practice and continuous professional growth.

Maintaining Your Credentials 

All certificants must renew annually to remain active and listed in the ACIS/IBTHM Public Registry.

 

Renewal Requirements:

  • Submission of annual renewal form and fee

  • Minimum of 10 CE hours per year in relevant subjects (Trichology, Herbal Medicine, Holistic Health, Ethics, or Professional Practice)

  • Compliance with the ACIS Code of Ethics

Grace Period: 60 days after expiration
Reinstatement Fee: $100

 

Certificants who do not renew by their anniversary date will be moved to inactive status until reinstated.

Ethics & Professional Conduct

All certificants and applicants must adhere to the ACIS Code of Ethics, which governs professional behavior in:

  • Client care and confidentiality

  • Advertising and representation of credentials

  • Educational and clinical conduct

  • Cultural humility and non-discrimination

  • Collaboration with other healthcare and wellness professionals

Violations of the Code of Ethics may result in suspension or revocation of certification.

Future Credential Pathways

In alignment with ACIS’s mission to unify global standards in integrative health, IBTHM will soon expand its credentialing portfolio to include:

  • Board Certified Herbalist (BCH)

  • Board Certified Wellness Coach (BCWC)

These forthcoming designations will ensure that professionals across all holistic disciplines can demonstrate verified competency and ethical practice through ACIS-recognized credentials.

Eligibility & Requirements

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All applicants must submit:

  • Government ID + professional headshot

  • Education/training verification (certificates, diplomas, transcripts, syllabi)

  • Resume/CV

  • Two professional references

  • Proof of state license (Master and Doctoral Level Certifications only)

  • Signed Code of Ethics agreement

  • Payment of non-refundable application and exam fees

Graduating Students

Why Choose IBTHM?

  • Globally recognized and industry-respected credentials in Trichology & Integrative Sciences.

  • Transparent standards and fair review process.

  • Rigorous exams modeled after state board licensing processes.

  • Strengthened professional credibility

  • Pathway to advanced academic and clinical recognition

  • Clear progression from Certified → Master → Doctor.

  • Public verification via ACIS directory for consumer confidence.

  • Commitment to ethics, competency, and continuing education.

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