Membership Benefits & Requirements

Join a Community Dedicated to Professional Aromatherapy

As a member of the Canadian Alliance of Aromatherapy (CAOA), you become part of a national network committed to safe, ethical, and informed aromatherapy practice. Our members adhere to recognized professional standards, work responsibly with essential oils, and contribute to the advancement of the field.

Whether you are an experienced practitioner, a student, or a business in the aromatherapy industry, there’s a membership level to match your needs.

Membership Types

Professional Aromatherapist (PA)

Requirements:

  • Minimum 200 hours of verifiable education with a CAOA-recognized program or one meeting the Core Curriculum, or successful completion of the challenge exam.

  • Must meet Continuing Education requirements.

  • Must carry professional liability insurance.

Benefits:

  • Has voting rights.

  • Association certificate.

  • Listed on the CAOA website.

  • All benefits as RA® members except occupational/trademarked titles. 

Fee: $95.00

Professional Aromatherapist (PA)

Requirements:

  • Minimum 200 hours of verifiable education with a CAOA-recognized program or one meeting the Core Curriculum, or successful completion of the challenge exam.

  • Must meet Continuing Education requirements.

  • Must carry professional liability insurance.

Benefits:

  • Has voting rights.

  • Association certificate.

  • Listed on the CAOA website.

  • All benefits as RA® members except occupational/trademarked titles. 

Fee: $95.00

Qualified Aromatherapist

Requirements:

  • Former RA® or PA whose membership has lapsed, an Associate Member who has reached the three-year limit, a retired practitioner, or a graduate of a CAOA-recognized program completed over 10 years ago.

  • May maintain membership benefits while working toward reinstating RA® or PA status.

  • Depending on time lapsed, must complete 12 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) per year for two or three years before reapplying.

  • Not required to carry professional liability insurance if no longer practising.

Benefits:

  • Has voting rights and may stand for board positions.

  • Discount on CAOA-hosted CE events.

  • Access to members-only online resources and Facebook group.

  • Access to exclusive CAOA content.

Fee: $95.00

 Business Member

Requirements:

  • Operates an aromatherapy-related business.

Benefits:

  • No voting rights.

  • Discounts on CAOA-hosted CE events.

  • Access to exclusive CAOA content.

  • Free submission of CE courses for approval.

  • Free monthly advertising on CAOA social channels.

Fee: $95.00

Registered Aromatherapist® (RA®) / Essential Oil Therapist® (EOT®)

Applicants must demonstrate competence in the CAOA Core Curriculum through one of the following pathways:

  • Graduation from a CAOA-recognized aromatherapy program;

  • Completion of a 400-hour aromatherapy certification that aligns with the CAOA Core Curriculum;

  • A combination of relevant education and training that covers the Core Curriculum;

  • Holding an equivalent professional designation in good standing with a recognized Canadian or American aromatherapy association.

Other Requirements:

  • Must meet Continuing Education requirements.

  • Must carry professional liability insurance.

Benefits:

  • Has voting rights.

  • Entitled to use the occupational title Registered Aromatherapist® (RA®) and Essential Oil Therapist® (EOT®), including registered trademarked forms.

  • Printed RA® and EOT® certificates, plus an association certificate.

  • Listed in the Find an RA® directory.

  • Discounts on CAOA-hosted CE events.

  • Monthly newsletter.

  • Access to members-only online resources and Facebook group.

  • One promotional ad per month on CAOA social channels.

  • Access to exclusive CAOA content.

Fee: $125.00

Associate Member

Requirements:

  • On leave from practice for no longer than three consecutive years and not carrying professional liability insurance.

  • Must previously qualify as RA®, EOT®, or PA.

  • Must meet Continuing Education requirements.

Benefits:

  • Has voting rights.

  • Association certificate.

  • Listed on the CAOA website.

  • Same benefits as Professional Aromatherapist members.

Fee: $125.00

Student Member

Requirements:

  • Currently enrolled in a CAOA-recognized aromatherapy program.

Benefits:

  • Voting rights and eligibility for board positions.

  • Discounts on CAOA-hosted CE events.

  • Access to members-only online resources and Facebook group.

  • Access to exclusive CAOA content.

  • First year of RA® membership at a discounted rate.

Fee: $45.00

General Member

Requirements:

  • Interest in aromatherapy or essential oils.

Benefits:

  • No voting rights.

  • Discount on CAOA-hosted CE events.

  • Access to exclusive CAOA content.

Fee: $45.00

Upholding the Highest Standards

CAOA members share a commitment to safe, ethical, and informed aromatherapy practice. By joining, you agree to follow the CAOA Code of Ethics and Professional Standards, helping protect public safety, support professional credibility, and maintain the integrity of the aromatherapy profession across Canada.

Ready to Join CAOA?

Apply online today and become part of a national community committed to safe, ethical, and professional aromatherapy. Enjoy exclusive benefits, member resources, and opportunities to grow your expertise.