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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 official board-certifying division of the Accreditation Commission for Integrative Sciences (ACIS).

 

IBTHM establishes, administers, and enforces professional standards for board certification in Trichology Science, Holistic Health, and related integrative disciplines.

 

Its primary purpose is to protect public trust, uphold professional integrity, and ensure that individuals who hold IBTHM credentials have demonstrated verified education, applied competency, and ethical compliance within their respective fields.

 

Board certification through IBTHM is granted through formal review and is maintained through ongoing compliance with defined standards.

 

Purpose & Authority

IBTHM operates under the authority of ACIS and is responsible for:

• Establishing structured competency standards for professional certification
• Evaluating eligibility and documentation for board certification applicants
• Defining scope-of-practice boundaries aligned with credential level
• Overseeing continuing education compliance
• Investigating ethical complaints and enforcing disciplinary action when necessary
• Maintaining credential status records and renewal procedures

Board certification is a professional designation and does not confer medical licensure or governmental authority unless separately obtained.

 

What Board Certification Represents

IBTHM certification reflects:

• Verified completion of defined educational standards
• Demonstrated competency appropriate to credential level
• Agreement to and compliance with the ACIS Code of Ethics
• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Accountability to oversight and renewal requirements

Certification is not honorary and is not automatically granted based on title alone.

 

Board Certification Levels

IBTHM offers progressive levels of professional board certification. Advancement requires documented eligibility and formal review.

 

Practitioner-Level Certification

Board Certified Trichologist (BCT)
Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner (BCHHP)

 

Practitioner-level certification is awarded to individuals who have completed an approved educational program and demonstrated foundational competency in applied trichology or holistic health.

 

This level affirms the practitioner’s ability to deliver services within a clearly defined and lawful scope of practice.

Certification at this level does not authorize medical diagnosis, prescription, or treatment unless the practitioner holds separate governmental licensure.

 

Advanced / Clinical-Level Certification

Board Certified Clinical Trichologist (BCCT)
Board Certified Master Holistic Health Practitioner (BMHHP)

 

Advanced-level certification recognizes professionals who have completed additional training and demonstrated expanded applied competency and professional experience.

 

Eligibility may require:

• Advanced educational coursework
• Documented applied experience
• Evidence of ethical compliance
• Professional contribution or leadership

This credential reflects expanded expertise within scope but does not exceed lawful professional authority.

 

Doctoral-Level Board Certification

Board Certified Doctor of Trichology Science (BCDTS)
Board Certified Doctor of Holistic Health (BCDHH)

 

Doctoral-level board certification represents the highest professional designation conferred by IBTHM.

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This credential is reserved for individuals who have completed doctoral-level academic preparation or equivalent scholarly achievement within their discipline. Applicants must demonstrate advanced education, research engagement, and documented professional contribution.

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Doctoral board certification reflects academic distinction and professional leadership. It does not constitute medical licensure unless separately granted by governmental authority.

 

Continuing Education & Renewal

All IBTHM credentials:

• Are valid for a defined term
• Require annual renewal
• Require continuing education compliance
• Require affirmation of adherence to the ACIS Code of Ethics

 

Failure to renew or maintain compliance may result in inactive, suspended, or revoked status.

 

Oversight & Enforcement

IBTHM maintains the authority to:

• Issue advisory notices
• Place credential holders on probation
• Suspend certification
• Revoke certification

 

Disciplinary action may occur in cases of:

• Ethical violations
• Misrepresentation of credentials
• Scope-of-practice breaches
• Failure to maintain continuing education requirements

Credential status may be reflected in public verification records.

Board certification is a privilege maintained through continued compliance with established standards.

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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