IFM Announces New Certification Designations to Ensure Practitioner Competence

The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) recently unveiled two new certification designations, the Functional Medicine Certified Professional (FMCP) and Functional Medicine Certified Professional – Medical (FMCP-M). According to the announcement, these certifications aim to uphold the rigor, reputation, and relevance of functional medicine practice while providing patients with clearer expectations for care.

The FMCP designation applies to practitioners with specialized degrees, allowing them to provide focused care within their scope of practice, IFM representatives explained. These professionals are skilled in addressing specific health conditions and delivering targeted treatments. In contrast, the FMCP-M designation is tailored for healthcare providers with broader licensure, such as physicians, who are authorized to perform comprehensive medical evaluations, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe treatments, and manage complex health conditions.

Central to these certifications are the newly defined functional medicine competencies, which outline the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for effective practice. There are separate competencies for FMCP and FMCP-M. The competencies also support tailored testing for certification candidates, ensuring alignment with their professional roles and enhancing the credibility of functional medicine across disciplines, according to the announcement.

Following extensive consultation with stakeholders, the IFM confirmed that Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) fall under the FMCP designation. This alignment acknowledges the distinct scope of chiropractic licensure while maintaining the certification’s integrity and relevance.

According to the organization, both certification pathways are designed to uphold high standards while recognizing the diverse expertise of functional medicine practitioners. For patients, representatives said these designations offer clarity about the type of care they can expect, ensuring informed choices when seeking treatment.