Training Requirements

Training hours may be completed with any qualified Qigong teacher, school, or program, regardless of style or lineage. Your instructor does not need to be NQA-certified; what matters is that your training is authentic, well-documented, and grounded in Qigong practice.

The NQA values in-person learning, as Qigong is best transmitted through energetic exchange and direct feedback. However, we also embrace online training for accessibility and reach.

Level I Instructor Certification may be fully virtual.
Higher levels require a balance of in-person and online training to ensure depth and embodiment.

Note: While some Tai Chi training hours may count toward related studies, NQA certification focuses primarily on Qigong-based training. The number of eligible Tai Chi hours varies by level and is reviewed by the Certification Committee.

Eligibility:

Certification is available to Professional Members of the NQA. If you’re not yet a Professional Member, you can join or upgrade your membership

Overview of Certification Levels

Below is an overview of each certification level, including the training hours, experience, and documentation required. These standards ensure clarity, consistency, and professionalism across all NQA-certified instructors and practitioners. To fully understand the certification process, we advise you to review the Certification Definitions.

Qigong Instructor Level I

Requirements:

At least 200 hours of documented Qigong Training
2 years of personal Qigong practice
3 letters of reference
100% of training hours may be virtual at this level

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Qigong Instructor Level II

Requirements:

At least 350 hours of documented Qigong Training
3 years of personal Qigong practice
2 years experience teaching Qigong
3 letters of reference
25% of training hours may be virtual or related studies at this level

Apply Here

Qigong Advanced Instructor Level III

Requirements:

500 Hours of documented Qigong Training
6 years of personal Qigong practice
5 years experience teaching Qigong
3 letters of reference
25% of training hours may be virtual at this level

Apply Here

Qigong Senior Teacher Level IV

Requirements:

1000 hours of documented Qigong Training
10 years Qigong experience teaching teachers , clinical practitioners, or both
3 letters of reference
25% of training hours may be virtual at this level
The satisfactory completion of an interview with members of the Application Review Committee if required

Apply Here

Qigong Clinical Practitioner

Requirements:

At least 500 hours documented Formal Clinical Qigong Training (FCQT) which can include up to 200 hours of Formal Qigong Training (FQT)
Minimum of 100 hours of Qigong treatments using any combination of the methods described as FCQT. This can combine aspects of Qigong Clinical Training and documented Qigong Clinical treatment done on your own.
Minimum of 2 years experience working in a clinical environment primarily doing Qigong clinical work.
Must carry proof of current liability insurance policy
Must carry proof of CPR certification
3 letters of reference
The satisfactory completion of an interview with members of the Application Review Committee if required

Apply Here

Qigong Senior Clinical Practitioner

Requirements:

At least 1,500 hours documented Formal Clinical Qigong Training (FCQT) which can include up to 200 hours of Formal Qigong Training (FQT)
Minimum of 1,000 hours of Qigong treatments using any combination of the methods described as FCQT. This can combine aspects of Qigong Clinical Training and documented Qigong Clinical treatment done on your own.
Minimum of 10 years experience working in a clinical environment primarily doing Qigong clinical work.
Must carry proof of current liability insurance policy
Must carry proof of CPR certification
3 letters of reference
The satisfactory completion of an interview with members of the Application Review Committee if required

Apply Here

Qigong Advanced Instructor Level III

Requirements:

350 Hours of documented Qigong Training
3 years of personal Qigong practice
2 years of experience integrating Qigong into your professional practice
2 letters of reference

Apply Here

FAQs

Q: If I am already a professional member of the NQA, how is this different?
A: Certification is an additional credential that recognizes and highlights the achievements of our professional members. Your distinction will be highlighted in our public directory.

Q: Do I need to train under a teacher who is a certified member of the NQA?
‍A: No. You can may study from a Qigong Instructor of your choice.

‍Q: Is there a requirement for continuing education for renewal?
‍A: No. Presently, there is not a continuing education requirement to maintain your certification.

Q: What is the difference between "in-person" and "virtual" training?
A: In-person means the teacher and student are physically present in the same location. Virtual is where the teacher and student are connected online and can see and speak to each other in real time. It may be one on one, or it may be a larger group. Up to 25% of the total hours required for each certification level can be virtual, with the exception of Qigong Instructor Level I, which may be completed with up to 100% virtual training.

‍Q: What is a didactic hour of instruction?
‍A: Didactic hours include anatomy, physiology, Chinese medical theory and Qigong history, theory and philosophy (with regard to Qigong.) It is considered to be instruction received in a class setting from an instructor rather than clinical practice with patients.

‍Q: What if I receive additional training in the course of my certification?
‍A: Your NQA certification can be upgraded to higher levels as your training and expertise grows. Just enter the additional information on a new application and send it in along with the appropriate fee. The supplemental application will be added to the information already in your file.

Q: How long does it take after I send in the application?
‍A: With the exception of the Senior Qigong Teacher – which requires an in-person interview with Certification Committee members – most applicants will receive a decision within a reasonable amount of time after full completion and submission of your application.

‍Q: What if my application is denied or if I receive a lower level of Certification classification than the one that I applied for?
‍A: If the application is denied or if you receive a lower level of classification than that for which you applied, you are welcome to apply again after one year.

True mastery requires accountability. Certification builds trust.

Training Requirements

Overview of Certification Levels

Qigong Instructor

Clinical Practitioner

Integrative Practitioner

Qigong Instructor Level I

Requirements:

Qigong Instructor Level II

Requirements:

Qigong Advanced Instructor Level III

Requirements:

Qigong Senior Teacher Level IV

Requirements:

Qigong Clinical Practitioner

Requirements:

Qigong Senior Clinical Practitioner

Requirements:

Qigong Advanced Instructor Level III

Requirements:

FAQs

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