The Certificate course contains the Core Curriculum of ACHO / BCH, which can be externally accredited and validated by the Open College Network South West Region if required. The Certificate Course is spread over 5 weekends with the Certificate being awarded on production of evidence of study of Anatomy & Physiology and the completion of coursework and other assessment criteria.

The Certificate course is approved by the Complementary Therapists Association (linked to Embody) as a Core Therapy at 30 credits. The Certificate and Diploma have also been awarded 10 CPD points each from the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT).

During the course, students can obtain Student Insurance from Holistic Insurance, and Full Practitioner Insurance upon completion of the Certificate. Students who already have insurance cover for other therapies from other insurance providers can usually add Crystal Therapy to their existing cover. Holistic Insurance Cover also includes a wide range of different therapies.

As stated above, students also have the option of obtaining an extra Open College Network qualification for an additional fee. However, students are not required to take this qualification if they do not wish, and this additional qualification does not require any further coursework to be submitted if students do choose to obtain it.

The Level 1 course is presented in modules with workbooks and information books, and is comprised of 7 modules (Modules 5b and 5c can be taken as home study if desired):

Module 1: – Scientific Background

• Crystal systems
• Crystal structures
• Chemical make-up
• Formation of crystals
• Basic geological theory

Module 2: – Introductory Module

• Tools of crystal therapy
• Developing personal sensitivity
• Attunement
• Choosing and cleansing crystals
• Visualisations
• Charging / programming crystals
• Pendulum dowsing
• Simple crystal layouts

Module 3: – Chakras and Subtle Bodies

• Chakra theory and assessment
• Meridians
• Subtle bodies
• Specific crystal techniques for healing the above
• Basic self-testing

Module 4: – Crystal Healing

• Preparing self and client for crystal healing
• Keeping case histories
• Practice management (see also 5b and 5c)
• Listening skills
• Dealing with healing crises

Module 5a: – Protection and Support

• Maintaining personal energy integrity
• Strategies for identification when action is needed
• Environmental and geopathic stress
• Basic absent healing

In 2007, ICGT / ACHO also added the following 2 modules to the Level 1 course, due to the need for crystal practitioners to have greater knowledge and awareness in these areas. However, students have the option to either study Module 5b and Module 5c during a separate weekend, which will incur an additional cost, or complete these modules through home study, which will result in a reduced cost.

Module 5b: – Customer Care

• Customer care general rules
• Consultation and procedure for consultation
• Subsequent visits
• Keeping records
• Contraindications
• Data Protection Act
• Sale of Goods Act 1979
• Trades Description Act
• Treating Children
• Advertising
• Giving a presentation and demonstrations
• What to take with you on home visits
• Personal safety

Module 5c: – Health and Safety

• Health & Safety
• Local Authority BYLAWS
• Local Government (miscellaneous provisions)
• Health & Safety at Work act 1974
• Electricity at Work Regulation 1989
• COSHH 1988
• Consumer Protection Act 1987
• Hygiene procedures
• Reporting injuries regulations 1995
• Emergency procedures
• First Aid Box
• Fire Safety, Fire Extinguishers, and Fire Precautions Act 1971

The Level 1 Certificate Course is spread over 5 weekends (Cert. ICGT) with the Certificate being awarded on production of evidence of study of Anatomy & Physiology.

The Level 1 course does not currently contain an Anatomy & Physiology module, as many students have studied Anatomy and Physiology on previous complimentary courses, and so can claim prior learning in this area.

However, for those students who have not previously studied Anatomy and Physiology, there are two options available:

• Enrol on a recognised Anatomy and Physiology course at their local college
• Study Anatomy and Physiology at home using a CD-Rom course available from Mandala Complimentary Studies

Details of the Anatomy and Physiology Level 2 and 3 courses can be found via the website link: www.mcscourses.co.uk

For both Anatomy and Physiology Level 2 and Level 3, assessment is by single and multiple-choice questions.

Note: Only completion of the Anatomy and Physiology Level 2 is currently required for the ICGT Level 1 Certificate Course.

• A range of coffees, tea and biscuits are provided throughout the course. There is a kitchen with oven and microwave if people wish to bring food to heat up. There is a local shop opposite the Guildhall if people wish to purchase food. There is a public house next door if people would like cooked food.
• All course workbooks and associated handouts will be provided during the course, as will a free copy of Simon Lilly’s book The Complete Illustrated Guide to Crystal Healing (which is our course companion).
• In addition, students will be able to borrow books, CDs and tapes from a resource box between the monthly sessions. These books, CDs and tapes have been chosen to broaden a student’s knowledge and awareness of various therapies and self-development techniques.
• During the 5 weekends, all the crystals and stones which are required to practice the techniques will be provided, and so students are not obligated to bring any crystal kits which they may have. However, if students wish to bring and use their own crystals and stones that is fine, and Michelle will have a range of crystals and stones to purchase for those who wish to build and extend their crystal and stone collection.