Understand the next step in your EMDR journey.
EMDR Basic Training and EMDRIA Certification are different milestones. Compare the pathways and choose the next step that fits your professional goals.
EMDR Training vs. Certification
Finishing EMDR Basic Training and becoming EMDRIA Certified are two different milestones. Basic Training is what you need to start using EMDR with clients. Certification is an optional, advanced credential you can work toward later, on your own timeline.
EMDR Basic Training
The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) sets the standard for Basic Training: at least 50 hours, made up of 20 hours of instruction, 20 hours of supervised practicum and 10 hours of consultation.
When you complete an EMDRIA-approved Basic Training, EMDRIA recognizes you as an "EMDR Trained Clinician," and you can use EMDR within the scope of your licence or registration.
Our virtual training meets all EMDRIA requirements for EMDR Basic Training, and the 10 consultation hours are included in the fee.
As EMDRIA puts it, being an EMDR Trained Clinician doesn't certify you in EMDR.
EMDRIA Certification
The EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ credential recognizes clinicians who have built experience and skill with EMDR after training. EMDRIA's requirements currently include:
A licence or registration that lets you practise independently, and at least two years of experience in your field
Completion of an EMDRIA-approved EMDR Basic Training
At least 50 EMDR sessions with at least 25 clients
20 hours of consultation, completed within the five years before you apply: at least 10 individual hours, and up to 10 in small groups of no more than 8. Up to 15 hours can be with an EMDRIA Consultant-in-Training; the rest must be with an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. Consultation hours from Basic Training don't count toward these 20.
12 EMDRIA credits of continuing education in EMDR, earned after Basic Training
A recommendation from your consultant, plus two letters from colleagues or peers about your use of EMDR, ethics in practice and professional character
Renewal every two years, with 12 EMDRIA credits each renewal period
Applying and renewing
You apply online through EMDRIA. As of October 2026, the application fee is $150 USD for EMDRIA Full Members and $350 USD for non-members, and review typically takes three to five weeks. Associate Members need to upgrade to Full membership before applying. Certification is separate from membership and is renewed every two years with 12 EMDRIA credits; the renewal fee is $100 USD for members and $300 USD for non-members.
Requirements and fees are set by EMDRIA and can change, so check EMDRIA's Training vs. Certification and EMDRIA Certified Therapist pages for the current criteria. EMDR Consulting also explains the process on its Becoming Certified in EMDR page.
Which one do you need?
To start using EMDR with clients, you need Basic Training. Certification is optional, and many clinicians pursue it after using EMDR for a while. Kyle Poon is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant; if you'd like to talk about consultation toward certification, email kyle.poon@kppsychological.com.
Common questions
How long does it take to get certified?
There's no set timeline. You'll need at least two years of experience in your field, 50 EMDR sessions with at least 25 clients, and 20 consultation hours within the five years before you apply, so the pace mostly depends on how often you use EMDR.
Can I say I'm "EMDR certified" after Basic Training?
No. Basic Training makes you an EMDR Trained Clinician, not a certified therapist. "EMDRIA Certified Therapist" applies only once EMDRIA approves your certification application.
Why get certified?
Certification shows you've gone beyond Basic Training, with more consultation, experience and advanced education in EMDR. It's also required if you later want to become an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. It doesn't change your scope of practice, which your licence or registration sets.
Start with Basic Training: see the November 2026 virtual training.
