A step-by-step guide to lifestyle medicine certification 

Looking to get certified in lifestyle medicine in 2025? Follow this step-by-step guide to learn about eligibility requirements, exam prep, and how certification matters for your practice and career.

In today’s healthcare climate, patients are demanding more from their clinicians. They don’t just want prescriptions—they want proactive solutions for treating, reversing and preventing chronic disease. That’s why more healthcare professionals are turning to lifestyle medicine. 

By integrating evidence-based lifestyle interventions—optimal nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, positive social connections and avoidance of risky substances—clinicians are reshaping the future of medicine. And as rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity continue to rise, the need for providers trained in lifestyle medicine has never been greater. 

“We’re at a tipping point in healthcare where the solution to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and chronic disease makes healthy lifestyle habits inevitable,” said American Board of Lifestyle Medicine (ABLM) Board Member and ACLM Director of Guidelines and Quality Richard Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, MBA, DipABLM. “That’s what lifestyle medicine is all about—sustainable, healthy living.” 

Why Certification Matters 

Lifestyle medicine certification isn’t just a credential—it’s a statement. It signals that a clinician has mastered the science of lifestyle-based interventions and is committed to addressing the root causes of disease. 

“We all know that our modern medical system is ill-equipped to deal with the chronic disease burden we face every day,” said ABLM Board Member Jonathan Bonnet, MD, MPH, FACLM, DipABLM. “Pills and procedures are incredible tools, but they won’t enable us to achieve the health we desire. Lifestyle medicine is the key to treating the root causes of chronic disease and transforming lives. If you believe we can do better as a medical system and society, becoming certified in lifestyle medicine is the right place to start.” 

Today, over 8,000 clinicians worldwide are certified, taking a leading role in reshaping patient care and driving change across the healthcare system. Beyond its immediate impact on patient outcomes, certification is also an opportunity to advance careers and enhance job satisfaction. Healthcare employers increasingly recognize the value of clinicians with lifestyle medicine certification, appreciating the role of root-cause care in reducing healthcare costs and improving long-term health outcomes. 

The Path to Certification 

Clinicians seeking certification in lifestyle medicine can follow one of two pathways: an educational pathway for medical students and residents and an experiential pathway for currently practicing physicians and healthcare professionals and health care professional students. 

The educational pathway is available to those currently in medical training, including residents and fellows participating in the Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum (LMRC), as well as medical students and residents whose programs are approved as educational equivalency pathways. These structured programs integrate lifestyle medicine education into formal training, allowing participants to become eligible to sit for the certification exam upon residency graduation. 

For currently practicing physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates, registered dietitians, and other healthcare professionals, the experiential pathway provides a structured route to certification through demonstrated clinical experience and continuing medical education (CME).  Master’s and doctoral candidates in approved academic pathway programs can qualify for certification by completing equivalent experiential training. 

The following step-by-step guide outlines the key requirements and milestones for practicing clinicians pursuing certification through the experiential pathway.  

Step 1: Understand the Experiential Pathway Eligibility Requirements 

The ABLM offers certification to licensed physicians. To certify as a Lifestyle Medicine Physician, U.S. physicians must be primary board certified for at least two years by an American Board of Medical Specialties- or American Osteopathic Association-approved board; Canadians must be licensed to practice as a physician. 

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) offers certification to healthcare professionals. To certify as a Lifestyle Medicine Professional, you must hold a masters’ or doctorate degree in a health discipline. 

Step 2: Complete Your Prerequisites 

Before sitting for the exam, candidates must complete the following continuing medical education (CME) requirements. All CME must be completed within 36 months of the exam date, allowing individuals to begin preparing up to three years in advance. This flexibility helps candidates pace their studies and manage costs in a way that fits their budget. 

Note: Consider becoming an ACLM member to take advantage of discounts on CME/CE/MOC and exam fees. Membership also provides access to a network of lifestyle medicine professionals who can offer valuable support throughout your certification journey. 

30 Hours of Online CME from an Approved Course 

The “Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine Board Review” course fulfills this requirement and provides an evidence-based foundation in lifestyle medicine. For a full list of eligible online CME options, visit ablm.org/eligibility-prerequisites/. 

20 Hours of Event CME from an Approved Event 

Earn live CME at an approved event. ACLM’s annual conference is a premier option, bringing together thousands of professionals for the latest research and practical tools. For a full list of eligible event CME options, ablm.org/eligibility-prerequisites/. 

Case Study (Physicians Only) 

Physician candidates must complete a case study outlining their personal experience with lifestyle medicine. A template is available at ablm.org/eligibility-prerequisites/. 

Step 3: Register for the Exam 

The ABLM administers the lifestyle medicine certification exams for physicians as well as for doctoral and master’s level health professionals on behalf of ACLM. 

The exam is offered annually in late November/ early December, with this year’s test window running from Nov. 22 to Dec. 7, 2025. The registration deadline is Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. PST. To register, visit ablm.org, create an account, and follow the instructions for exam registration. 

Exam Fees

The exam fees range from $1,369 to $1,798, depending on professional category and ACLM membership status.  

Test Site Selection

Once registration closes, candidates will receive an invitation to select a testing location through Prometric and reserve a seat at a preferred testing center. 

Prerequisite Submission

Prerequisites do not need to be completed before registering for the exam. However, proof of credentials and completion of required prerequisites must be submitted to ABLM no later than 30 days before the exam date. 

Important Note: LM2025 (scheduled for Nov. 16-19, 2025) may be used to fulfill the event CME prerequisite, even though it takes place after the prerequisite submission deadline. Attendees should submit their LM2025 CME certificates as soon as possible after the conference. 

Step 4: Prepare for the Exam 

Effective preparation is key to building confidence and readiness on exam day. Begin studying three to six months in advance, depending on schedule and availability. ACLM offers additional resources to help candidates prepare for the exam including the Lifestyle Medicine Question Bank and a members-only group to connect those preparing for the exam. A structured, consistent approach increases the likelihood of success. 

Prior to the exam, review key concepts, but avoid cramming. Instead, focus on reinforcing your understanding of core principles. Adequate rest the night before and a balanced meal on the day of the exam are essential for maintaining focus and mental clarity throughout the test. 

Exam Details 

• The multiple-choice exam consists of 120 questions for healthcare professionals and 150 questions for physicians. All questions are written to the National Board of Medical Examiner standards. 

• Candidates will have four hours to complete the exam. 

• Results are typically made available within 10 to 20 days following the exam. 

Step 6: Celebrate and Look to the Future 

Earning certification as an ABLM diplomate (DipABLM) or an ACLM diplomate (DipACLM) is a significant achievement. Take a moment to celebrate! This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter in a healthcare professional’s career and reflects an ongoing commitment to improving patient outcomes through lifestyle medicine. 

Shortly after receiving exam results, new diplomates will be invited to join the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) pathway to ensure their certification remains active. As a benefit of membership, ACLM supports diplomate members by providing opportunities to earn complimentary MOC credit to maintain their certification.

Take a Step Toward Meaningful Change

Certification positions clinicians to play a pivotal role in transforming healthcare through evidence-based lifestyle interventions.  

“While it is the fastest growing area of medicine, the reality is we need far more providers delivering this type of care to the people who need it most,” said Dr. Bonnet. “So come join us and let’s change the world.” 

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of healthcare. It’s time to take the next step.