Program Policies

Part I: Overview & Definitions

1. Organizational Structure

AANWP (American Association of Natural Wellness Practitioners) operates as a governing body responsible for establishing and overseeing program accreditation standards and professional board certification standards within the natural wellness field.

ANWPB (American Natural Wellness Practitioners Board) is a certification board operating within the AANWP structure, responsible for the administration of advanced individual board certification designations, including the administration of the ANWPB examination and credentialing processes.

While both AANWP and ANWPB engage in accreditation and board certification activities, each operates under distinct standards, eligibility pathways, and designation structures. References to “AANWP/ANWPB” throughout these policies refer collectively to both organizations except where a distinction is expressly stated.

2. Foundational Distinction: Accreditation vs. Board Certification

These policies govern two distinct but related processes, and it is essential that both organizations and individuals understand the difference:

 

Accreditation (Schools and Programs)

Accreditation is granted exclusively to educational institutions, schools, programs, and courses. It reflects AANWP/ANWPB’s evaluation and approval of a program’s curriculum, structure, and educational objectives. Accreditation is not granted to individuals.

 

Board Certification (Individuals)

Board Certification is granted exclusively to individual practitioners who meet established eligibility requirements. It reflects an individual’s verified education, training, and/or demonstrated competency as assessed by AANWP or ANWPB. Board Certification is not granted to schools or programs.

 

These two processes are complementary: graduates of AANWP/ANWPB-accredited programs may be pre-qualified for board certification, but accreditation of a program does not automatically confer board certification upon any individual. Each process follows its own application, review, and eligibility standards as set forth in these policies.

3. Definitions

AANWP Accreditation

An application-based process through which schools and programs are reviewed and approved by AANWP. Once accreditation is granted, graduates of the accredited program are pre-qualified to apply for AANWP Board Certification. AANWP-accredited programs are also approved as CEU providers.

 

ANWPB Accreditation

An elevated accreditation designation, available by invitation only, and only after AANWP Accreditation has been granted. ANWPB Accreditation allows graduates to apply for AANWP board certification titles and/or to sit for the ANWPB Board Certification examination. ANWPB-accredited programs are also approved as CEU providers.

 

AANWP Board Certification

An individual credential granted by AANWP to practitioners who meet verified education and training requirements. AANWP Board Certification is non-exam-based and does not include the use of “Doctor of” titles.

 

ANWPB Board Certification

An advanced individual credential granted by ANWPB to practitioners who meet elevated eligibility requirements and pass the ANWPB examination. Certain ANWPB Board Certifications include the use of “Doctor of” titles as professional designations reflecting the “doctor as teacher” (docere) principle.

 

Program

A course of study or combination of instructional material that may be broad in scope but follows a logical instructional sequence promoting education as defined by AANWP/ANWPB. Material that has met AANWP/ANWPB requirements is represented externally as an officially accredited program.

 

Certificant

An individual who has been granted board certification by AANWP or ANWPB and who is subject to these policies in that capacity.

 

Accredited Organization

A school, program, or educational institution that has been granted accreditation by AANWP or ANWPB and that is subject to these policies in that capacity.

4. Purpose

The purpose of these policies is to articulate the standards and procedures that govern AANWP/ANWPB program accreditation and individual board certification, ensuring that affiliated educational offerings and credentialed practitioners maintain consistency and quality within the natural wellness industry.

5. Scope

These policies apply to: (a) all organizations seeking or holding AANWP/ANWPB program accreditation; and (b) all individuals seeking or holding AANWP/ANWPB board certification. Each party is responsible for demonstrating and maintaining compliance with all applicable policies and criteria prior to, during, and after accreditation or certification has been granted.

 

Part II: Program Accreditation

6. Accreditation Eligibility

Accreditation is voluntary and may be granted to schools, programs, and courses that demonstrate a comprehensive natural or holistic educational approach with relevant high-quality subject matter and clearly defined educational objectives. Accreditation is granted to educational offerings only – not to individuals.

7. Definition of Accreditation

AANWP/ANWPB accreditation is an application-based process through which educational programs are evaluated for alignment with established internal standards related to curriculum, structure, and educational objectives. Accreditation reflects that a program met applicable review criteria at the time of evaluation.

Accreditation does not constitute endorsement of individual student outcomes, experiences, or representations made by an accredited organization, and does not extend to oversight of business practices, financial arrangements, or any matter beyond the educational program content and structure expressly reviewed.

8. Scope of Accreditation

Accreditation is limited in scope to the review of educational program content, structure, and stated objectives. It does not constitute recognition, approval, or validation of any academic degree, credential, title, or designation awarded by an affiliated organization to its graduates.

AANWP/ANWPB does not confer academic degrees of any kind, including but not limited to bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees. Some accredited programs may issue their own titles or designations – including “doctorate” or similar terminology – based on their internal educational models. Such titles are determined solely by the issuing organization and are not reviewed, validated, or endorsed by AANWP/ANWPB.

Accreditation should not be interpreted as recognition of equivalency to state-licensed, federally regulated, or regionally or nationally accredited academic degree programs. AANWP/ANWPB-accredited programs are non-state and non-federally regulated.

9. AANWP vs. ANWPB Accreditation

AANWP accreditation serves as the primary program accreditation pathway. ANWPB accreditation is available by invitation only and represents an elevated level of review and recognition. ANWPB program accreditation may only be pursued after AANWP accreditation has been granted, and is reserved for organizations meeting elevated educational and professional criteria as determined by AANWP/ANWPB.

10. Program Duration

Program duration, pace, or time to completion is not a determining factor in accreditation decisions. Accredited programs may vary significantly in length. AANWP/ANWPB does not equate program length with educational rigor. Organizations are responsible for ensuring that the scope and depth of content are appropriate regardless of duration.

11. Good Faith

AANWP/ANWPB requires each organization seeking program accreditation, or currently holding an accredited program, to engage in the process in good faith. Programs must provide accurate and truthful information prior to and throughout the accreditation process. Any program that fails to participate in good faith by falsifying information at any time may be subject to punitive measures at AANWP/ANWPB’s discretion.

For the purpose of this requirement, falsification is defined as the fabrication, in whole or in part, and through commission or omission, of any information provided by an organization to AANWP/ANWPB. This includes but is not limited to: providing false or misleading data related to accreditation status; providing false or misleading program information or outcomes data; providing false or misleading information to obtain a postponement or extension on an accreditation action; forging signatures of authorization; or engaging in any false or misleading advertising with respect to accreditation status.

12. Fraud

Misrepresentation by omission or commission found in any material submitted to AANWP/ANWPB by an accredited organization or applicant organization will result in immediate revocation of the program’s application or accreditation status at the discretion of AANWP/ANWPB.

13. Organization Responsibilities

  • It is incumbent on organizations to ensure that all accredited programs and the individuals within them are bound to the AANWP/ANWPB Code of Conduct regardless of membership or credential status. If an individual associated with an accredited program breaches the Code, it is compulsory that the organization take action to remedy the situation. If negligence is found, AANWP/ANWPB reserves the right to take corrective measures against the parties involved.
  • If AANWP/ANWPB staff discovers negligence on behalf of the organization or individual(s) involved in an AANWP/ANWPB-accredited program, AANWP/ANWPB reserves the right to revoke the program’s accreditation and to take remedial or punitive actions against the parties involved at its discretion. Outcomes will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
  • Organizations holding an AANWP/ANWPB-accredited program are obligated, by virtue of the accreditation received, to be in full compliance with the AANWP/ANWPB Code of Conduct at all times.
  • AANWP/ANWPB-accredited programs are non-state and non-federally regulated.

14. Program Delivery Standards

The following operational standards must be met by all programs when promoting to potential learners. Should any standard not be met, or if AANWP/ANWPB determines there is insufficient support to determine compliance, the application will be denied and the contact person listed in the application will be notified:

  • How the program is delivered (e.g., face-to-face, webinar, telephonic, or combination)
  • Intended participants
  • Policies on payment of tuition and fees
  • Policies on withdrawals and refunds

 

Should any of the above standards be found non-compliant after accreditation has been granted, accreditation will be revoked and the contact person will be notified. In order for an accredited program to remain in good standing, the annual subscription payment must be made on time. If payment fails, the school will be removed from the Holistic Health Link directory as an AANWP/ANWPB-accredited school.

15. Distribution of Accredited Courses

AANWP/ANWPB-accredited courses may be offered in one or multiple physical locations or online by the accredited organization. If the accredited program operates in partnership with a third party (a secondary organization physically or virtually hosting the training), the accredited organization’s headquarters must be the entity that distributes the program to affiliates and administers certificates of completion to graduates.

16. Unethical Behavior

AANWP/ANWPB has the latitude to suspend, revoke, or deny a program accreditation application based on previous behavior of the program or individuals integral to its operations. Instances of unethical or questionable behavior prior to submission can be a legitimate barrier to the application process and to subsequent accreditation.

 

Part III: Individual Board Certification

17. Board Certification Eligibility

Board Certification is available to individual practitioners who meet AANWP or ANWPB eligibility requirements. There are two pathways to eligibility:

 

Pathway 1  –  Graduates of Accredited Programs

Graduates of AANWP/ANWPB-accredited programs are pre-qualified to apply for the corresponding board certification. Pre-qualification means the individual’s educational pathway has already been reviewed and approved through the program accreditation process. Pre-qualified applicants are still required to complete the certification application and meet all applicable requirements.

 

Pathway 2  –  Independent Applicants

Individuals who did not complete an AANWP/ANWPB-accredited program may apply for board certification independently. Independent applicants are individually reviewed and assessed against AANWP or ANWPB educational, training, and professional standards. AANWP/ANWPB retains sole discretion to determine whether an independent applicant meets eligibility requirements.

18. AANWP Board Certification

AANWP Board Certification is a non-exam-based credential available to individuals who demonstrate verified education and training that aligns with AANWP standards. AANWP Board Certifications do not include the use of “Doctor of” titles.

19. ANWPB Board Certification

ANWPB Board Certification is an advanced, examination-based credential representing demonstrated competency within the field. ANWPB Board Certification is available to individuals who meet elevated eligibility requirements and successfully pass the ANWPB examination.

Certain ANWPB Board Certifications include the use of “Doctor of” titles as a professional designation. These titles reflect the “doctor as teacher” (docere) principle and signify advanced knowledge within the natural wellness field. These are professional designations only – they are not academic degrees and are not equivalent to state-licensed, federally regulated, or regionally or nationally accredited doctoral credentials. They do not confer licensure or legal authority to practice in any regulated capacity.

Certain ANWPB certifications may require the applicant to already hold an existing state-licensed or regulated credential. In such cases, ANWPB certification serves as a supplemental professional designation and does not replace or supersede the underlying licensed qualification.

20. Individual Certificant Responsibilities

All board-certified individuals are solely responsible for:

  • Ensuring that their use of any AANWP/ANWPB title or designation complies with all applicable laws and regulations in every jurisdiction in which they practice or hold themselves out.
  • Accurately representing the nature of their board certification – including that it is a professional designation, not an academic degree, and not equivalent to a state-licensed or federally regulated credential.
  • Maintaining compliance with the AANWP/ANWPB Code of Conduct at all times.
  • Notifying AANWP/ANWPB of any change in licensure status, if licensure is a requirement of their specific certification.

21. Certification and Professional Designations: Disclaimer

AANWP and ANWPB board certification designations are professional credentials issued under the authority of AANWP/ANWPB’s internal standards. They do not constitute governmental recognition, academic accreditation, or licensure of any kind. Certificants may not represent their AANWP/ANWPB board certification as an academic degree or imply equivalency to any state-licensed, federally regulated, or regionally or nationally accredited credential.

 

Part IV: Conduct & Code of Ethics

22. Code of Conduct

The following Code of Conduct applies to all AANWP/ANWPB-accredited organizations and all AANWP/ANWPB-board-certified individuals. Each party is required to:

  1. Practice respective professions following accepted industry standards and guidelines.
  2. Accurately represent credentials, training, scope of practice, and experience. Exercise caution not to misrepresent any of these.
  3. Deal responsibly in advising parties regarding potential risks related to their fields of expertise.
  4. Maintain confidentiality concerning both personal and business information gathered in the performance of their professions, except in the case of overriding legal and/or health concerns.
  5. Avoid instances where conflict of interest or compromise of professional judgment may occur.
  6. Act with integrity to uphold the standards of their profession and of AANWP/ANWPB, and avoid any conduct that could adversely reflect on AANWP/ANWPB and its accredited programs or certificants.
  7. Refrain from representing AANWP/ANWPB board certification designations as academic degrees or implying equivalency to state-licensed or federally regulated credentials.
  8. Refrain from representing a program’s AANWP/ANWPB accreditation status in a manner that is inaccurate, misleading, or broader in scope than what has been officially granted.

 

Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of board certification (for individuals) or accreditation (for programs), as applicable.

 

Part V: Intellectual Property & External Representation

23. External Reference to AANWP/ANWPB

The “AANWP/ANWPB” name and acronym may be used when accurately stating a program’s accreditation status, an individual’s board certification or affiliation, or when describing AANWP/ANWPB as an entity. All such references must clearly and factually convey AANWP/ANWPB’s role and must not overstate or misrepresent the nature of the relationship. This applies to all marketing materials in which an affiliation is stated or implied, including paid digital advertising.

 

Acceptable: “We offer an AANWP/ANWPB-accredited training program whose graduates meet the educational requirements to apply for AANWP/ANWPB Board Certification.”

Unacceptable: “We offer AANWP/ANWPB Board Certification Courses.”

 

  • Organizations and educational offerings are not permitted to use AANWP/ANWPB trademarks or any language that conveys a direct or implied affiliation with AANWP/ANWPB in a program name, course title, or organization name. This practice contributes to market confusion and is therefore prohibited. AANWP/ANWPB staff has the latitude to determine what constitutes “implied affiliation.”
  • AANWP/ANWPB’s intellectual property (IP) must be adequately cited in all material provided to the public, including but not limited to marketing materials, websites, curriculum, and course content.
  • AANWP/ANWPB accredits specific educational offerings (e.g., a course’s curriculum). Organizations are never granted an “overall” accreditation by AANWP/ANWPB. Implying such an affiliation is considered intentional misrepresentation and a Code of Conduct violation.
  • The application process is considered to begin once the full application has been submitted online. Claiming accreditation status prior to official grant is a Code of Conduct violation.
  • Board-certified individuals may accurately represent their AANWP or ANWPB certification designation in professional materials, subject to the restrictions in these policies.

24. Program Logo Usage

  • AANWP/ANWPB accredits specific courses, programs, and schools. Logo usage must accurately reflect the scope of what has been accredited.
  • If an organization is found to have deliberately misappropriated any AANWP/ANWPB logo, AANWP/ANWPB holds the right to revoke or suspend program accreditation and remove its listing from the Holistic Health Link directory.
  • Programs may only reference or display AANWP/ANWPB accreditation in marketing materials, websites, or other public-facing content after it has been officially granted. Referencing accreditation prior to official receipt is misleading and a breach of the AANWP/ANWPB Code of Ethics.
  • Accredited programs and schools in good standing as AANWP/ANWPB Members may use the AANWP/ANWPB Member logo/emblem on marketing materials as found on the respective member dashboard.
  • Accredited programs and schools will have a dedicated listing on the Holistic Health Link directory.
  • Graduates of an accredited school or program are pre-qualified to apply for AANWP and/or ANWPB Board Certification. Neither accreditation of the program nor pre-qualification status constitutes the grant of board certification itself.

 

Part VI: Complaints, Appeals & Enforcement

25. Third-Party Complaints

AANWP/ANWPB may receive communications from individuals who are not applicants, certificants, or affiliated organizations. AANWP/ANWPB does not investigate, mediate, or resolve disputes between third parties and accredited programs or between third parties and individual certificants, except where such matters directly implicate potential violations of internal standards. AANWP/ANWPB retains sole discretion to determine whether any such communication warrants review or action.

26. Complaints & Disciplinary Policy

In the event an accredited organization or board-certified individual violates the AANWP/ANWPB Code of Conduct, program rules, requirements, and/or these policies, AANWP/ANWPB may issue a formal reprimand, impose a suspension, or revoke the relevant accreditation (for organizations) or board certification (for individuals).

Within thirty (30) days from receipt of written notice of a determination by AANWP/ANWPB, the affected organization or individual may submit a written appeal to: info@aanwp.com. The Appeals Committee will conduct and complete the appeal review within ninety (90) days after receipt of the request.

27. Communications Policy

AANWP/ANWPB reserves the right to limit or discontinue communication with any individual or organization that engages in abusive, harassing, or otherwise inappropriate conduct. All such determinations are made at the sole discretion of AANWP/ANWPB.

28. Enforcement

AANWP/ANWPB reserves the right to suspend, revoke, or deny program accreditation or individual board certification based on violations of these policies or conduct deemed inconsistent with organizational standards. Enforcement actions are determined on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of AANWP/ANWPB and may apply separately or simultaneously to an organization and to individuals associated with that organization.

29. Discretion and Authority

AANWP/ANWPB retains sole and absolute discretion in all matters relating to program accreditation and individual board certification decisions, policy interpretation, and enforcement actions. All determinations made by AANWP/ANWPB are final.

 

Part VII: Legal Provisions

30. No Reliance; No Warranty

No individual or entity may rely on AANWP/ANWPB program accreditation or individual board certification as a guarantee of specific educational outcomes, quality of instruction, business practices, financial results, or individual professional success.

AANWP/ANWPB makes no warranties of any kind, express or implied, with respect to any accreditation or board certification decision, including but not limited to implied warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. Accreditation and board certification reflect compliance with internal standards at the time of review only, and may be modified, suspended, or withdrawn at any time in accordance with these policies.

Reliance on any AANWP/ANWPB accreditation or board certification determination is at the sole risk of the relying party.

31. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, AANWP/ANWPB, its officers, directors, staff, and representatives shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising out of or relating to any program accreditation or individual board certification decision, denial, suspension, revocation, or any reliance placed on any AANWP/ANWPB determination.

32. Indemnification

Each accredited organization agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless AANWP/ANWPB, its officers, directors, staff, and representatives from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising out of or related to: (a) the organization’s use or display of any AANWP/ANWPB accreditation status or logo; (b) representations made by the organization regarding its accreditation status; or (c) any dispute between the organization and any student, graduate, or third party.

Each board-certified individual agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless AANWP/ANWPB, its officers, directors, staff, and representatives from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, arising out of or related to: (a) the individual’s use of any AANWP/ANWPB board certification designation or title; (b) representations made by the individual regarding their certification status; or (c) any dispute between the individual and any client, employer, or third party.

33. Governing Law; Jurisdiction

These policies shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any dispute arising under or relating to these policies shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Sarasota County, Florida, and each party irrevocably submits to personal jurisdiction in such courts.

 

34. General Disclaimer

AANWP/ANWPB program accreditation and individual board certification are voluntary processes reflecting compliance with internal organizational standards at the time of review. Neither accreditation nor board certification constitutes governmental recognition, academic accreditation, licensure, or endorsement of any program, individual, credential, title, or representation made by any affiliated organization or certificant. Accreditation is granted to educational programs and schools only; board certification is granted to individuals only. Neither process constitutes a guarantee of educational quality, business practices, individual outcomes, or professional success. AANWP/ANWPB does not mediate or resolve disputes between students and educational institutions, between graduates and employers, or between third parties and affiliated organizations or certificants. Nothing in these policies shall be construed to create any duty of care, contractual obligation, or agency relationship between AANWP/ANWPB and any third party.