Application Process
First, you’ll want to check for upcoming examination dates and application deadlines.
Next, you’ll want to download the ARC Candidate Handbook.
Additionally, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. You will find more detailed and up-to-date information in the Eligibility section of the Handbook, but essentially:
1. Successful completion of a minimum of a 200-hour professional aromatherapy course from a college or school OR evidence of equivalent training. Evidence of your education must be submitted with your application that is in compliance with ARC guidelines. A determination of equivalency shall be made by the ARC Board in its sole reasonable discretion. Membership in at least one professional aromatherapy organization is highly recommended.
2. Agreement to adhere to the ARC Disciplinary Policy.
3. Agree to the online Candidate Consent Form.
4. Completion and submission of the online Application for ARC Registration Examination in Aromatherapy.
5. Payment of required fees.
To complete your online application you will need:
- The Candidate Handbook. (Be sure to fully follow the instructions outlined in the newest version of the Handbook.)
- The ARC Disciplinary Policy (You must agree to this policy on your application. It is also located in the Candidate Handbook.)
- Your valid ID
- Your diploma, certificate of completion, or transcripts and syllabi from your aromatherapy program in PDF or JPG format to upload with your application.
- On the application, you can select your preferred language between English or Korean when you submit your online application. Note the proctored exam instructions and communications are in English only, and the Exam can be in Korean.
To apply you will need to:
- Create your ARC Account by clicking or tapping on LOG IN in the Main Menu on the ARC Home page. Then click or tap on the “NO ACCOUNT? REGISTER HERE” button.
- Create your User Credentials. Make sure you enter your name as it appears on your Government-issued Photo I.D. Also, use your personal email address, the best one for getting in contact with you. You will have the opportunity to add business contact information for your public RA Profile once you pass the ARC Exam.
- After creating your User Credentials, complete your ARC Profile and online exam application at: https://aromatherapycouncil.org/arc-profile-applicant/
Once you’ve submitted your application, you will receive an email confirmation with a copy of your application letting you know that it has been received and is being reviewed. Please keep that for your records. If you do not receive it within 24 hours, you can email us at gro.licnuocyparehtamora@ofni and we will forward you a copy.
Please note that your application will be “on hold” while we review it. After your application is reviewed, ARC will update you with another email letting you know if it has been Reopened, Rejected or Approved. Please allow up to ten (10) business days for review.
If it is approved, your approval email will come from QuickBooks with an invoice for the required testing fee. You will not be able to schedule your examination appointment until this fee has been paid, so please pay promptly upon receipt of our invoice.
After your invoice has been paid, you will receive a payment confirmation via email. If you do not receive it within 24 hours, you can email us at gro.licnuocyparehtamora@ofni and we will forward you a copy.
Within 11 weeks before the testing period begins, you will be emailed a Scheduling Authorization. The Scheduling Authorization will tell you how to schedule your examination appointment and remind you of the available exam dates. The ARC Examination is offered twice a year during established three-week testing periods, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays.
Remember: Exam appointment times are first-come, first-served, so schedule your appointment as soon as you receive your Scheduling Authorization. This will increase your chances of being able to take the exam at your preferred location and time.
Once you’ve scheduled your appointment, Prometric will send you a confirmation email with the date, time, and location of your exam. Be sure to review this information carefully, and contact Prometric immediately if you notice any errors.
*Please note: Due to policies regarding emails to help cut down on spam and fraud, emails going to Microsoft servers (Hotmail, Live, Outlook, MSN, businesses running email through Microsoft), and Yahoo servers, may not come through. If you do not receive an application submission confirmation or a payment confirmation email within 24 hours of expecting one or do not get a response about an application within 10 business days, please email us at gro.licnuocyparehtamora@ofni.
Grading
Your examination will be returned to PTC for grading. Once your exam is graded, PTC will then notify the Aromatherapy Registration Council of the successful candidates. This process can take 4 to 6 weeks.
Notification and Registry Listing
You will be contacted by email with instructions about how to view your exam results.
Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will be added to the Registered Aromatherapist Registry and your ARC Profile will be updated to include things like your RA Certificate and the ability to upload and keep track of your CE credits. You will also be able to see and fill out a Public Info section that will allow you to personalize your public RA Profile.
As a Registered Aromatherapist, you are responsible for ensuring your information on the Registry is accurate and up-to-date, so be sure to check it regularly. If your information changes, you will need to log into the ARC website and update the information in your ARC Profile.
Learn more by reading: 10 ESSENTIAL STEPS TO BECOME A REGISTERED AROMATHERAPIST (RA)
*PLEASE NOTE – If you are an RA that signed up to take the ARC exam prior to September 1, 2024 that has not yet signed into your online ARC account, DO NOT CREATE A NEW ONE. You are already registered. Use the email ARC has on file for you as the Username and click on “Forgot your password?” to set up your new password to access your ARC RA Profile)