{"id":24794,"date":"2025-03-04T19:35:22","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T19:35:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lifestylemedicine.org\/?p=24794"},"modified":"2025-09-23T19:53:42","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T19:53:42","slug":"a-step-by-step-guide-to-lifestyle-medicine-certification","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lifestylemedicine.org\/a-step-by-step-guide-to-lifestyle-medicine-certification\/","title":{"rendered":"A step-by-step guide to lifestyle medicine certification"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A step-by-step guide to lifestyle medicine certification <\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Looking to get certified in lifestyle medicine in 2025? Follow this step-by-step guide to learn about eligibility requirements, exam prep, and how certification matters for your practice and career.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

By Laura Cox<\/strong>
ACLM Director of Product Marketing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 6, 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Doctor<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In today\u2019s healthcare climate, patients are demanding more from their clinicians. They don\u2019t just want prescriptions\u2014they want proactive solutions for treating, reversing and preventing chronic disease. That\u2019s why more healthcare professionals are turning to lifestyle medicine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By integrating evidence-based lifestyle interventions\u2014optimal nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, positive social connections and avoidance of risky substances\u2014clinicians are reshaping the future of medicine. And as rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity continue to rise, the need for providers trained in lifestyle medicine has never been greater. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re at a tipping point in healthcare where the solution to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and chronic disease makes healthy lifestyle habits inevitable,\u201d said American Board of Lifestyle Medicine (ABLM) Board Member and ACLM Director of Guidelines and Quality Richard Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, MBA, DipABLM. \u201cThat\u2019s what lifestyle medicine is all about\u2014sustainable, healthy living.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why certification matters <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lifestyle medicine certification<\/a> isn\u2019t just a credential\u2014it\u2019s a statement. It signals that a clinician has mastered the science of lifestyle-based interventions and is committed to addressing the root causes of disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We all know that our modern medical system is ill-equipped to deal with the chronic disease burden we face every day,” said ABLM Board Member Jonathan Bonnet, MD, MPH, FACLM, DipABLM. “Pills and procedures are incredible tools, but they won\u2019t enable us to achieve the health we desire. Lifestyle medicine is the key to treating the root causes of chronic disease and transforming lives. If you believe we can do better as a medical system and society, becoming certified in lifestyle medicine is the right place to start.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, over 8,000 clinicians worldwide are certified, taking a leading role in reshaping patient care and driving change across the healthcare system. Beyond its immediate impact on patient outcomes, certification is also an opportunity to advance careers and enhance job satisfaction. Healthcare employers increasingly recognize the value of clinicians with lifestyle medicine certification, appreciating the role of root-cause care in reducing healthcare costs and improving long-term health outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The path to certification <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Clinicians seeking certification in lifestyle medicine can follow one of two pathways: an educational pathway<\/strong> for medical students and residents and an experiential pathway<\/strong> for currently practicing physicians and healthcare professionals and health care professional students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The educational pathway<\/strong> is available to those currently in medical training, including residents and fellows participating in the Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum (LMRC)<\/a>, as well as medical students and residents whose programs are approved as educational equivalency pathways. These structured programs integrate lifestyle medicine education into formal training, allowing participants to become eligible to sit for the certification exam upon residency graduation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For currently practicing physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates, registered dietitians, and other healthcare professionals, the experiential pathway<\/strong> provides a structured route to certification through demonstrated clinical experience and continuing medical education (CME).  Master\u2019s and doctoral candidates in approved academic pathway programs<\/a> can qualify for certification by completing equivalent experiential training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following step-by-step guide outlines the key requirements and milestones for practicing clinicians pursuing certification through the experiential pathway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Understand the experiential pathway eligibility requirements <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The ABLM<\/strong> offers certification to licensed physicians. To certify as a Lifestyle Medicine Physician<\/strong>,<\/strong> U.S. physicians must be primary board certified for at least two years by an American Board of Medical Specialties- or American Osteopathic Association-approved board; Canadians must be licensed to practice as a physician. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM)<\/strong> offers certification to healthcare professionals. To certify as a Lifestyle Medicine Professional<\/strong>, you must hold a masters\u2019 or doctorate degree in a health discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Complete your prerequisites <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before sitting for the exam, candidates must complete the following continuing medical education (CME) requirements. All CME must be completed within 36 months of the exam date<\/strong>, allowing individuals to begin preparing up to three years in advance. This flexibility helps candidates pace their studies and manage costs<\/strong> in a way that fits their budget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note:<\/strong> Consider becoming an ACLM member<\/a> to take advantage of discounts on CME\/CE\/MOC and exam fees. Membership also provides access to a network of lifestyle medicine professionals who can offer valuable support throughout your certification journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

30 hours of online CME from an approved course<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cFoundations of Lifestyle Medicine Board Review<\/a>\u201d course fulfills this requirement and provides an evidence-based foundation in lifestyle medicine. For a full list of eligible online CME options, visit ablm.org\/eligibility-prerequisites\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20 hours of event CME from an approved event<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Earn live CME at an approved event. ACLM\u2019s annual conference<\/a> is a premier option, bringing together thousands of professionals for the latest research and practical tools. For a full list of eligible event CME options, ablm.org\/eligibility-prerequisites\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Case study (physicians only)<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Physician candidates must complete a case study outlining their personal experience with lifestyle medicine. A template is available at ablm.org\/eligibility-prerequisites\/<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Register for the exam <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The ABLM administers the lifestyle medicine certification exams for physicians as well as for doctoral and master’s level health professionals on behalf of ACLM. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The exam is offered annually in late November\/ early December, with this year\u2019s test window running from Nov. 22 to Dec. 7, 2025. The registration deadline is Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. PST. To register, visit ablm.org<\/a>, create an account, and follow the instructions for exam registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exam fees<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The exam fees range from $1,369 to $1,798, depending on professional category and ACLM membership status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Test site selection<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Once registration closes, candidates will receive an invitation to select a testing location through Prometric<\/a> and reserve a seat at a preferred testing center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prerequisite submission<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Prerequisites do not<\/strong> need to be completed before registering for the exam. However, proof of credentials and completion of required prerequisites must be submitted to ABLM no later than 30 days before the exam date. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important <\/strong>Note<\/strong>: LM2025 (scheduled for Nov. 16-19, 2025) may be used to fulfill the event CME prerequisite, even though it takes place after the prerequisite submission deadline. Attendees should submit their LM2025 CME certificates as soon as possible after the conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Prepare for the exam <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Effective preparation is key to building confidence and readiness on exam day. Begin studying three to six months in advance, depending on schedule and availability. ACLM offers additional resources to help candidates prepare for the exam including the Lifestyle Medicine Question Bank<\/a> and a members-only group to connect those preparing for the exam. A structured, consistent approach increases the likelihood of success.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prior to the exam, review key concepts, but avoid cramming. Instead, focus on reinforcing your understanding of core principles<\/a>. Adequate rest the night before and a balanced meal on the day of the exam are essential for maintaining focus and mental clarity throughout the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exam details <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n