Curriculum Requirements

Comprehensive educational standards for all AABC practitioner levels and specializations

Curriculum Requirements — In Progress

Full curriculum requirements have been published for the following credentials:

RALC — Registered Ayurvedic Lifestyle Counselor RAST — Registered Ayurvedic Spa Therapist RABT — Registered Ayurvedic Beauty Therapist

Requirements for additional practitioner levels and specializations are being developed and will be added as they are finalized. Contact us with specific questions about educational requirements.

Curriculum & Registration Requirements

Credential standards for registration evaluation. Full curriculum requirements are published for RALC, RABT, and RAST. Requirements for additional credentials are in development.

RALC

Registered Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant (RALC)

Foundation-level practitioner focused on Ayurvedic lifestyle guidance

Educational Requirements:

  • • Minimum 500 cumulative training hours
  • • Structured foundational education in Ayurvedic theory, lifestyle principles, and professional practice
  • • Completion of theoretical instruction, applied assignments, and competency-based assessments
  • • Training sufficient to support non-diagnostic Ayurvedic lifestyle guidance within the applicable AABC scope of practice
  • • Minimum high school graduation or equivalent
  • • No prior Ayurveda training required for entry-level education

Core Curriculum Areas

Programs preparing candidates for the RALC credential should include training across the following 15 curriculum areas. Minimum instructional emphasis varies by domain.

Area 1

Foundations of Ayurveda

Introductory principles, history, and core conceptual framework | 30 hrs

Area 2

Doshas and Constitution

Basic constitutional theory and doshic patterns | 25 hrs

Area 3

Agni and Metabolism

Digestive principles and foundational metabolic concepts | 37 hrs

Area 4

Dhatus — Seven Tissues

Introduction to the tissue model and nourishment concepts | 54 hrs

Area 5

Srotas — Body Channels

Basic channel theory and functional transport pathways | 85 hrs

Area 6

Integration

Application of foundational theory in lifestyle-oriented contexts | 5 hrs

Area 7

Subtle Essences

Introduction to ojas, tejas, prana, and related concepts | 17 hrs

Area 8

Gunas

Qualitative principles and their relevance to lifestyle analysis | 19 hrs

Area 9

Mind and Psychology

Basic manas, mental qualities, and lifestyle-oriented mental wellness concepts | 50 hrs

Area 10

Western Integration

Contemporary anatomy, physiology, and comparative frameworks relevant to lifestyle education | 15 hrs

Area 11

Ahara — Diet and Nutrition

Foundational Ayurvedic nutrition and dietary principles | 55 hrs

Area 12

Vihara — Lifestyle

Daily routine, seasonal routine, and supportive lifestyle strategies | 54 hrs

Area 13

Sensory and Meditation

Sense care, mental regulation, contemplative and supportive wellbeing practices | 28 hrs

Area 14

Professional Practice

Ethics, boundaries, communication, documentation, and non-diagnostic scope awareness | 20 hrs

Area 15

Reference and Integration Review

Synthesis, review, and reference-level reinforcement of core concepts | 6 hrs

Registration Evaluation Requirements:

  • • Complete all required curriculum areas with documented passing assessments
  • • Successfully complete required assignments and examinations
  • • Demonstrate competency in foundational Ayurvedic lifestyle concepts
  • • Meet the full 500-hour cumulative training requirement
  • • Submit documentation for AABC registration evaluation

Registration Context:

  • • RALC is the entry-level registration category within the AABC professional framework
  • • Registration is subject to AABC review of education and supporting documentation
  • • Scope of practice is defined separately in the applicable AABC scope document
  • • Equivalent education from different institutions may be considered where curriculum and hours meet AABC standards

AABC curriculum requirements define minimum standards for registration evaluation. Equivalent education from different institutions may be considered where documented curriculum and assessment requirements meet or exceed these standards.

Accredited program meeting these requirements: Ayurveda College of BC — Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant (ALC)

RABT

Registered Ayurvedic Beauty Therapist (RABT)

Specialized in Ayurvedic beauty therapies and cosmetic wellness applications

1 Educational Requirements

  • • Minimum 600 total cumulative training hours
  • • Minimum 100 hours Foundations of Ayurveda prerequisite
  • • Minimum 100 hours Ayurvedic Beauty Therapy Theory
  • • Minimum 400 hours practical therapy training and assessment
  • • Structured training in Ayurvedic beauty therapies and rejuvenation treatments
  • • Completion of supervised and independent practicum / internship requirements
  • • Practical competency examinations

2 Curriculum Hour Distribution

Foundations of Ayurveda Prerequisite 100 hrs
Ayurvedic Beauty Therapy Theory 100 hrs
Practical Therapy Training & Assessment 400 hrs
Total Cumulative Hours 600 hrs

3 Core Curriculum Areas

The RABT standard requires 600 cumulative training hours consisting of a 100-hour Foundations of Ayurveda prerequisite, 100 hours of Ayurvedic Beauty Therapy Theory, and 400 hours of practical training and assessment. The 400-hour practical component must include structured training and competency development across the following core therapy domains.

Foundations of Ayurveda Prerequisite
100 hrs

Foundational Ayurvedic principles, basic dosha theory, introductory anatomy and physiology, hygiene and sanitation, professional ethics, and introductory bodywork principles.

Ayurvedic Beauty Therapy Theory
100 hrs

Ayurvedic beauty and rejuvenation principles, skin and hair care theory, cosmetic hygiene and sanitation, herbal oils and topical preparations, treatment preparation, consultation principles, contraindications, and professional practice standards.

Practical Training & Assessment
400 hrs

Structured practical training, supervised practicum, independent internship treatments, and competency-based practical examinations across the required therapy domains.

Practical Therapy Domains (included within 400 hrs practical training)

Ayurvedic Facial & Skin Rejuvenation

Training in Ayurvedic facial therapies, rejuvenation-based skin treatments, topical applications, manual facial techniques, and skin-supportive cosmetic procedures.

Ayurvedic Hand & Foot Beauty Therapies

Training in hand and foot beauty treatments, rejuvenation procedures, cosmetic care applications, and associated manual therapy techniques.

Ayurvedic Body Rejuvenation Therapies

Training in body-based Ayurvedic beauty and rejuvenation therapies, oil applications, manual bodywork techniques, and related wellness-oriented topical treatments.

Ayurvedic Hair & Scalp Therapies

Training in hair and scalp care applications, scalp massage, topical herbal preparations, and Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapies for the hair and scalp.

The practical hour distribution across these domains may vary by institution, provided the total practical training and assessment requirement is met and competency is demonstrated across all required domains.

4 Practical Training Structure

Programs must include structured demonstration, supervised hands-on practice, independent practicum experience, and competency-based practical evaluation.

  • • Instructor-led demonstration and guided instruction
  • • Supervised practicum training
  • • Independent internship / practice treatments
  • • Practical competency examinations
  • • Final comprehensive practical assessment

5 Certification Requirements

  • • Complete the 100-hour Foundations of Ayurveda prerequisite
  • • Complete 100-hour Ayurvedic Beauty Therapy Theory
  • • Complete the required practical training and assessment hours
  • • Demonstrate training across all required core therapy domains
  • • Complete supervised practicum and independent internship requirements
  • • Pass practical competency examinations
  • • Meet the full 600-hour cumulative training requirement

AABC curriculum requirements define minimum competency and training standards for registration evaluation. Equivalent training from different institutions may be considered where documented curriculum and practicum requirements meet or exceed these standards.

Accredited program meeting these requirements: Ayurveda College of BC — Ayurvedic Beauty Therapist (ABT)

RAST

Registered Ayurvedic Spa Therapist (RAST)

Specialized in Ayurvedic spa therapies and external wellness treatments

The Registered Ayurvedic Spa Therapist credential recognizes training in traditional Ayurvedic spa therapies and external body treatments delivered in wellness and spa environments. This level is intended for practitioners trained in non-diagnostic Ayurvedic spa treatments involving oils, external herbal applications, heat therapies, exfoliation methods, and structured bodywork appropriate to professional wellness settings.

1 Educational Requirements

  • • Minimum 600 total cumulative training hours
  • • Minimum 100 hours foundational Ayurvedic education
  • • Minimum 500 hours specialty spa therapist training:
    • — Minimum 100 hours Ayurvedic spa therapy theory
    • — Minimum 400 hours practical training, practicum, internship, and competency-based assessment

Foundational Ayurvedic education is a prerequisite component providing grounding in Ayurvedic principles, terminology, and core wellness concepts prior to specialty spa therapy training.

2 Curriculum Hour Distribution

Foundational Prerequisite Education Min. 100 hrs
Specialty Spa Therapy Theory Min. 100 hrs
Specialty Practical Training & Assessment Min. 400 hrs
Total Cumulative Requirement Min. 600 hrs

3 Curriculum Areas

Programs preparing candidates for the Registered Ayurvedic Spa Therapist credential should include training across the following major subject areas within the cumulative hour structure above.

These curriculum areas represent core competency domains expected within the cumulative training hours listed above.

Foundational Ayurvedic Education
  • • Basic Ayurvedic principles and terminology
  • • Concepts of dosha, dhatu, and balance
  • • Introductory anatomy and physiology concepts
  • • Foundational wellness and lifestyle principles
Ayurvedic Spa Therapy Theory
  • • Principles of Ayurvedic oil application therapies
  • • Theory of external body treatments
  • • Therapeutic use of herbal oils and media
  • • Theoretical basis of heat, steam, and topical applications
  • • Treatment preparation and sequencing logic
Applied Anatomy, Safety & Contraindications
  • • Anatomical awareness for bodywork and spa therapies
  • • Tissue sensitivity and pressure considerations
  • • Contraindications and safety precautions
  • • Treatment adaptation and postponement criteria
  • • Safe draping and positioning practices
Hygiene, Sanitation & Professional Practice
  • • Sanitation standards for spa treatment environments
  • • Safe preparation and handling of oils, powders, and herbal media
  • • Treatment room preparation and maintenance
  • • Professional communication and client boundaries
  • • Ethical and professional practice expectations
Ayurvedic Body Oil Therapies
  • • Full-body oil therapies
  • • Localized oil applications
  • • Rhythmic manual bodywork methods
  • • Treatment pacing and flow
Head, Scalp & Localized Therapies
  • • Head and scalp oil treatments
  • • Localized external treatments
  • • Relaxation-oriented manual therapies
Heat, Steam & Topical Therapy Applications
  • • Steam and heat-based spa therapies
  • • External oleation procedures
  • • Herbal paste, mud, mineral, and topical body applications
Herbal Powder, Exfoliation & Stimulation Therapies
  • • Herbal powder body treatments
  • • Exfoliation methods
  • • Dry friction and stimulation techniques
  • • Traditional spa preparation and finishing treatments

4 Practical Training Structure

Programs must include structured practical training that develops treatment competency through progressive hands-on instruction and evaluation.

  • • Instructor-led demonstration and guided instruction
  • • Supervised practicum
  • • Internship treatments with practice clients
  • • Competency-based practical examinations

Practical training should ensure graduates demonstrate safe treatment delivery, professional conduct, and consistency in the application of Ayurvedic spa therapies.

5 Registration Evaluation Requirements

To be considered for registration evaluation under the Registered Ayurvedic Spa Therapist credential, applicants must demonstrate:

  • • Completion of required cumulative training hours
  • • Completion of foundational Ayurvedic education
  • • Completion of specialty theory training in Ayurvedic spa therapies
  • • Completion of practical training and supervised practicum
  • • Completion of internship treatments or equivalent hands-on case experience
  • • Successful completion of competency-based practical assessment or equivalent institutional evaluation

Educational programs submitted for review should clearly document hours, subject areas, practical training methods, and competency assessment processes.

Accredited program meeting these requirements: Ayurveda College of BC — Ayurvedic Spa Therapist (AST)

Other Practitioner Levels

Curriculum requirements for the following levels are currently in development.

RAHC

Registered Ayurvedic Health Counselor (RAHC)

Intermediate level with expanded health counseling capabilities

Educational Requirements:

  • 1000 hours total training from accredited program (includes prerequisite hours)
  • Prerequisites: RALC certification
  • • Advanced constitution assessment
  • • Health counseling protocols

Detailed Curriculum Coming Soon

RAP

Registered Ayurvedic Practitioner (RAP)

Comprehensive practitioner level with therapeutic capabilities

Educational Requirements:

  • 2000 hours total training from accredited program (includes prerequisite hours)
  • Prerequisites: RALC + RAHC + RAN + RAH (all 4 required)
  • • Therapeutic protocols and treatments
  • • Clinical assessment skills

Detailed Curriculum Coming Soon

RAAP

Registered Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner (RAAP)

Advanced practitioner with specialized therapeutic expertise

Educational Requirements:

  • • RAP certification (prerequisite)
  • • Minimum 1000+ hours total training
  • • Advanced therapeutic interventions
  • • Specialized treatment protocols
  • • Teaching and mentoring capabilities

Detailed Curriculum Coming Soon

RMAS

Registered Master Ayurveda Specialist - Vaidya (RMAS)

Highest level of recognition reserved for proven masters of Ayurvedic medicine.

Educational Requirements:

  • • BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)
  • • MD Ayurveda or PhD in Ayurveda
  • • Or equivalent: Demonstrated mastery through education, authorship, and institutional leadership

Detailed Curriculum Coming Soon

Specialty Certifications

Specialized training programs for focused areas of Ayurvedic practice

RAH

Registered Ayurvedic Herbalist (RAH)

Specialized in medicinal plant knowledge and herbal preparations

Detailed Curriculum Coming Soon

Herbal medicine courses, plant identification, and preparation techniques

RAN

Registered Ayurvedic Nutritionist (RAN)

Specialized in Ayurvedic nutrition and dietary therapeutics

Detailed Curriculum Coming Soon

Nutritional science, dietary planning, and therapeutic cooking

RAPT

Registered Ayurvedic Panchakarma Technician (RAPT)

Specialized in detoxification and rejuvenation therapies

Detailed Curriculum Coming Soon

Panchakarma protocols, therapeutic procedures, and clinical applications

RAMT

Registered Ayurvedic Marma Therapist (RAMT)

Specialized in vital point therapy and energy healing

Detailed Curriculum Coming Soon

Marma point therapy, energy work, and therapeutic techniques