[Click here to download a MS Word document that is a copy of this page and includes the log sheet for OPD submission.]

All full members of the IFA are required to provide evidence of ongoing professional development (“OPD”).  OPD is part of our constitution, listed in the Code of Ethics under clause 12, “Undertake continuing education and increase my aromatherapy skills and professional knowledge whenever possible.”

The objectives of OPD points are for IFA members to meet the increasing demands of our industry, the health funds, expectations of our consumers and to self regulate our industry.  OPD points achieve this by continuing to refresh and improve our technical and communicative skills.

OPDs can be achieved by attending events and activities that improve the individual practice, professionalism, communication and expertise as an Aromatherapist this includes courses, workshops, lectures etc relevant to your aromatherapy business. Please note lunch breaks are not included in total hours.  Topics on aromatherapy will be recognized if they fit the following categories:  other modalities; personal development and business management if it / they relate to you as a practitioner.  At least 50% of your OPD points must be aromatherapy based topics.

Please Note:

Starting from 2007 all full members will need to accrue a minimum of 20 OPD points per year.  A year is 1 January to 31 December inclusive (same as membership).  This means that you will need to accrue 20 OPD points during 2007 to enable you for full membership in 2008.  Only additional points over 20 may be carried over to the following year.  All points expire after a maximum two (2) year period.  For example, if a member accrues 25 OPD points during 2007, the first 20 points are used for membership renewal in January 2008 and the remaining 5 points can be carried over for 2009’s renewal – expiring before 2010.

Members will now have to submit their OPD log sheet with their renewal form starting January 2007. 

Documentation needs to provide the member’s name, course or lecture details, hours of duration and to be signed by a recognized member of the IFA, IFA state coordinator, council member, IFA Accredited teacher or the course / workshop facilitator. The responsibility is on the individual member to provide this. 

If no, or insufficient, documentation is forwarded with 2007’s renewal, membership requirements are deemed not meet and therefore ineligible.

If you have attended other courses not listed in Activities that Qualify for IFA OPD Points (attached) but believe that course to be relevant to your aromatherapy business please submit such to the IFA office for approval.  The course or lecture details must include the presenter, topic, hours of duration and relevance to aromatherapy.

The IFA actively supports the provision of OPD opportunities in the form of local lectures and workshops and encourages the IFA Accredited courses to run post-graduate activities.  Your regional coordinator will be a resource for events and lectures of relevance and interest to Aromatherapists.  If you know of any upcoming education events please let your regional coordinator know.

ACTIVITIES THAT QUALIFY FOR
IFA ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT POINTS (“OPD”)