--- title: Why can’t I keep my IFMCP designation? description: certification, IFMCP, designation, accreditation --- [Skip to content](https://help.ifm.org/why-cant-i-keep-my-ifmcp-designation#main-content) [![IFM-logo-RGB-RT.png\]](https://help.ifm.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IFM%20Logos/IFM-logo-RGB-RT.png?height=41&name=IFM-logo-RGB-RT.png)](https://www.ifm.org/) Open main navigation Close main navigation Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center Home](https://help.ifm.org/?hsLang=en) 2. [Certification](https://help.ifm.org/certification?hsLang=en) 3. [Transition Process for Currently Certified IFMCPs](https://help.ifm.org/certification?hsLang=en#transition-process-for-currently-certified-ifmcps) # Why can’t I keep my IFMCP designation? To better serve patients and the public, it is vital that functional medicine speaks with a single, clear voice of excellence. We are moving beyond an organization-specific certification to a competency-based certification aligned with recognized accreditation standards that defines the entire field of functional medicine. This isn’t just a name change; it’s an important and intentional step with you in mind to demonstrate that your expertise has been validated by the most rigorous standards available. Transitioning to the new designation ensures that when a patient sees your credential, they recognize it immediately as the highest mark of competence in the field, independent of any single organization.  By unifying all certified practitioners under the same Functional Medicine Certification Program™ developed according to accreditation standards for professional certification programs, we collectively elevate the authority of functional medicine certification in the broader healthcare landscape. - [Website Troubleshooting](https://help.ifm.org/website-troubleshooting?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Solutions to Common Website Troubles](https://help.ifm.org/website-troubleshooting?hsLang=en#solutions-to-common-website-troubles) - [Most common account questions](https://help.ifm.org/website-troubleshooting?hsLang=en#most-common-account-questions) - [Courses, Conferences, and Products](https://help.ifm.org/courses-conferences-and-products?hsLang=en#main-content) - [AIC In Person](https://help.ifm.org/courses-conferences-and-products?hsLang=en#aic-in-person) - 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