One of the most common questions we receive is:
“If I complete all your modules, will I receive an accredited naturopathic diploma that I can use in my country?”
It’s completely understandable to be concerned. When you invest your time, money, and energy into a course, you want to be sure your diploma has real value. At first glance, it might seem almost too good to be true that you could study online at your own pace, set up a consultancy, and start helping clients.
So, let’s break down what accreditation actually means.
Is accreditation a legal requirement?
In most cases, no. Unless you are presenting yourself as a medical doctor or another legally protected health professional (such as a dietitian), there is no legal requirement for accreditation.
Think of accreditation simply as a form of “acceptance.” For example:
Can I legally start a natural health advisory business in my country?
Yes, usually you can. As long as you are not claiming to be a doctor or another protected title, you will typically fall under standard business regulations. These usually don’t require specific qualifications. In some regions, you may need a business licence and public liability insurance, but giving advice on nutrition, herbs, and natural products sold publicly does not legally require a diploma.
In short: accreditation is not a legal necessity for practising as a natural health advisor.
Will clients respect my diploma?
This is an important question. Clients want to feel confident that you have the knowledge and skills to help them. For most clients, your diploma itself acts as your accreditation—it shows that you’ve trained and studied. Just as important, however, is your reputation.
Sharing your knowledge through talks, workshops, or offering short free advice sessions while you build your practice can be a great way to gain credibility. Over time, your expertise and results will speak louder than whether you followed a traditional training route. Our graduates find that very few clients ask about formal accreditation—what truly matters is your ability to help.
What does it mean if a course says it offers an “accredited diploma”?
When a course claims accreditation, it usually means an external organization has reviewed the training standards and recognizes the school’s graduates as eligible for membership in their register.
Being listed in such registers can enhance your reputation and sometimes attract new clients through the register’s website. It also often provides access to professional and public liability insurance.
For example, the School of Modern Naturopathy is accredited in over 30 countries by the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT). You can find a list of these countries on the IICT website. These are countries where the IICT has partnerships with insurance companies to support practitioners.
If your country isn’t on the list, you can still open a business—again, as long as you don’t claim a protected health title.
Final Thoughts
We hope this gives you a clearer understanding of what accreditation means in the natural health field. Remember, your credibility comes not only from your diploma but also from the quality of your training and the trust you build with clients.
If you have any further questions, we’ll be more than happy to help.