It is our understanding that Canada is similar to the US in that the practice of herbalism is not regulated. There are no certification processes or guidelines set out by federal or provincial government bodies. If that is the case, then you could use the training you receive from our courses (and additional hands-on training under an experienced herbal mentor) in a private practice.

There are several provincial herbal associations in Canada, each with their own educational guidelines. These seem to be similar to American Herbalists Guild in that one can apply for professional membership by presenting a certain level of education and proficiency; this is a peer-reviewed professional registration, as opposed to a legal certification. Working toward this professional membership might be an option you would want to pursue.

• Ontario: https://ontarioherbalists.ca/
• British Columbia: https://www.bcherbalists.ca/Membership
• Alberta: https://www.albertaherbalists.com/
• Quebec: https://guildedesherboristes.org/  (en francais)
• Nova Scotia: http://herbalns.org/about-hans/become-a-member/  

Take a look at their educational requirements for professional membership - these sites use language such as "Enrolled in herbal studies of a reputable school" or specify the educational requirements, such as "At least 1100 hours of instruction/training...in core herbal subjects...a minimum of 350 hours must consist of instruction in the sciences ...At least 350 hours of practical supervised clinic." Familiarizing yourself with the requirements in your province will help you in understanding what your educational path should include.

Here in the United States for students reaching out about joining the American Herbalist Guild, we explain that just as the content within the Advanced Course and Clinical Herbalist Path will help you prepare for the hands-on clinical training that will be necessary prior to opening your own clinic as professional herbalist, these courses will also help you to meet a portion of the study hours required to fulfill the educational requirements - giving you a foundation in materia medica, therapeutics, science, and practice management. 

 

Our courses will provide a portion of the study hours you would need to apply. We typically estimate that it will take 95 hours to complete the Introductory Herbal Course, 175 hours for the Intermediate Course, and 500 hours for the Advanced Course. Completion of these courses will get you well on your way to the number of study hours needed.

Also keep in mind that Canada may be like the US where a professional membership from AHG is not REQUIRED to practice herbalism, but some herbalists want the Registered Herbalist letters behind their name to demonstrate their level of proficiency in a way that is recognized. It's the closest thing we can get to "certification" here in the US, and it sounds like Canada is similar.