FAQs

The American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE) is a nonprofit professional association established in 1980 by Gil Boyne. ACHE supports the ethical and professional practice of hypnotherapy through certification standards, education guidelines, and member resources.

ACHE membership is available to:

• Students enrolled in ACHE-approved training programs

• Practicing hypnotherapists and clinical hypnotherapists

• Certified hypnotic coaches and advanced practitioners

• Instructors and school owners affiliated with approved programs

  (Eligibility depends on training level and certification requirements.)

ACHE members benefit from:

• Professional certification

• Access to continuing education opportunities (webinars, conferences, training content)

• A professional community for networking and support

• Commitment to a Code of Ethics, reinforcing credibility and trust

• Increased professional recognition through association membership

• Eligibility for professional liability insurance through agencies that recognize professional association membership

• Advocacy support to protect the free and open practice of hypnotherapy

Yes. ACHE offers certification for qualified practitioners, including:

• Hypnotherapist

• Clinical Hypnotherapist

• Hypnotic Coach

• Master Hypnotic Coach

  Certification requires completion of training, meeting standards, and passing required exams (depending on designation).

Regulation varies widely depending on state or country. In many regions, hypnotherapy is not regulated uniformly through government licensure. This is why professional associations like ACHE play an important role in supporting ethical standards, professional training requirements, and accountability.

Students may qualify for student membership, and some members join while completing training. Certification is required for certain membership categories and professional designations.

You can request to join our newsletter at office@hypnotistexaminers.org without being a member to be informed when we are holding webinars, courses, and our conference.

Student membership is available to individuals who are preparing to enroll in, or are currently enrolled in, an ACHE-approved school. Student membership:

• Requires signing and adhering to the ACHE Code of Ethics

• Is typically valid for up to two years

• Can include benefits such as:

  • ACHE newsletter access

  • attendance at free webinars

  • discounted conference rates

No. ACHE certification and membership do not authorize anyone to diagnose medical illnesses, treat medical conditions as a licensed provider, or prescribe medication. Hypnotherapy is a complementary modality and must be practiced within appropriate scope and in accordance with local laws.

ACHE members agree to uphold the ACHE Code of Ethics, which supports professional conduct, client safety, confidentiality, clear boundaries, and integrity in practice.

Code of Ethics

Yes. To maintain certification status and professional standing, certified members are generally required to complete:

• 30 hours of continuing education every two years

  (Documentation is required for renewal and continued certification eligibility.)

Many professional liability insurance providers recognize or prefer membership in a professional association. ACHE membership can support eligibility for professional Errors & Omissions (E&O) coverage, although ACHE does not endorse or recommend any one provider.

Yes. ACHE is a nonprofit run for the members, by the members. Qualified active members may apply to serve on:

• Committees

• The Board of Directors (application opens in April)

  This provides opportunities for leadership, professional contribution, and shaping the future of the field.

Our certification process is designed to substantiate professional credibility, protect the public, and promote excellence within the field of hypnotherapy.

To become a member, you need to have at least two hundred (200) hours of instruction from an ACHE approved hypnotism school that is licensed by their State Board of Education. The Hypnotherapist must also pass the ACHE written and practical skills exam. Exceptions are considered on a non-discriminatory basis and may be granted by the Qualifying Board.

Applying for Membership

Membership renewals generally require:

• renewal application and fee

• continued agreement with ethical standards

• for certified members: proof of required continuing education

ACHE’s bylaws, Code of Ethics, conflict of interest policy, and related documents are available in the Governance Documents section of the website.