What is the CNPA Course?
The Certified Natural Products Advisor (CNPA) course was designed by the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine exclusively for CHFA, it’s the most current and complete science-based course of its kind in Canada. This course will equip you with the essential skills to excel in the natural products industry.
By the end, you'll understand how the body and supplements work, compare nutritional properties of foods, assess the risks of natural products, and provide accurate product information, along with a solid foundation in herbology.
We’re excited to offer our CNPA course with flexibility in mind —study from home or on the go using the new mobile version.
Course Objectives
Graduates of the Certified Natural Products Advisor (CNPA) program will gain:
- A Certified Natural Products Advisor designation, enhancing their credentials in the natural health industry.
- A deeper understanding of natural health products, including applied health science principles and the effects of supplements on the body.
- An increased ability to critically assess the wide range of products available in the market and their nutritional properties.
- Confidence in effectively communicating product information to customers and evaluating the risks of using natural products.
- Knowledge of common conditions faced by customers and the herbal and nutraceutical treatments that can support these conditions.
- A strong foundation in herbology, including the study of herbs and their common uses.
Course Outline
The course consists of seven learning modules and accompanying practice quizzes.
To help ensure your success we strongly suggest taking each practice quiz and earning above 60% before attempting the next module.
Module 1: The Health Food Store Employee
The difference between prescribing and providing information, and how to effectively balance the customers’ thirst for knowledge with the legal restraints placed on you by Canadian law.
Module 2: Introduction to Nutrition
Basic and advanced nutritional concepts and the role nutrition plays in our overall health.
The Health Food Store Employee
The difference between prescribing and providing information, and how to effectively balance the customers’ thirst for knowledge with the legal restraints placed on you by Canadian law.
Introduction to Nutrition
Basic and advanced nutritional concepts and the role nutrition plays in our overall health.
Cardiovascular System
Basic physiology and anatomy of the cardiovascular system. The pathophysiology of common conditions, as well as herbal and nutraceutical treatments used for common cardiovascular conditions.
Gastrointestinal System
Basic physiology and anatomy of the nervous system. The pathophysiology of common conditions. As well as herbal and nutraceutical treatments used for common GI conditions.
Nervous System
Basic physiology and anatomy of the nervous system. The pathophysiology of common conditions as well as herbal and nutraceutical treatments used for common conditions of the nervous system and psychiatric disorders.
Immune System
Basic physiology and anatomy of the immune system. The pathophysiology of common conditions as well as common remedies for enhancing the immune system and treatments for the common cold and influenza.
Respiratory System
Basic physiology and anatomy of the lungs and chest cavity.The pathophysiology of common conditions as well as herbal and nutraceutical treatments used for common respiratory conditions.
Integumentary System
Basic physiology and function of the skin. The pathophysiology of common conditions as well as herbal and nutraceutical treatments used for common skin conditions.
Endocrinology
The physiology and function of our hormones, as well as herbal and nutraceutical treatments used for hormone conditions.
Course FAQs
Who is eligible to take the course?
Anyone with interest is permitted to take the CNPA course; there are no pre-requisites to register for the course. You can register as an individual, even if you are not affiliated with a company in the natural health products (NHP) industry. However, this course is especially beneficial for customer service representatives, sales representatives or front line retail staff in the industry who deal with customer or client inquiries about NHPs on a regular basis.
What will I learn?
Students who complete the CNPA course will learn the following topics:
- Applied health science: how the body works and how supplements affect it;
- Nutrition: how supplements work and how to compare nutritional properties of different foods;
- Communication: how to evaluate the risk of using natural products and a CNPA’s role in providing product information;
- Herbology: the study of herbs and recognizing their common uses.
What is the cost?
The CNPA course costs $399 per student for CHFA Members, and $599 per student for non-members. Bulk pricing is available exclusively for members; the bulk price is $349 per course when you purchase three or more course packages at the same time.
Can I get a refund?
CHFA offers a money-back guarantee within 30 days from the date of course registration. If after starting the course you feel it is not going to meet your needs, simply let us know and the learning module will be removed from your dashboard. CHFA will refund the course amount, minus $25 from the course fee for administration charges. No refunds will be given after the 30 day period.
Is there an exam?
In order to complete the course, all students must write a final exam and attain at least 60% on the exam to pass. Your exam will be marked and your result will be communicated to you within 30 days of writing the exam. If you successfully complete the course with a mark of 60% or more, you will receive a certificate with your name on it.
The exam will be administered through an online platform – virtually from the comfort of your home.
To request an exam date, please fill in the form available here, and our team will be in contact with you as soon as possible.
Please notify us at least 1 week in advance of your desired exam date to coordinate and book the date. Please remember, the exam must be completed within one year of your CNPA course purchase date. For example, if you purchased the course on June 1, 2024, you must write your exam by June 1, 2025.
Is there a time limit for completing the course?
The exam must be completed within one year of the purchase date (plus five business days to account for shipping time). If for some reason you have not completed the course within the allotted one year time frame, you have the opportunity to apply for a single six-month extension by sending an email to info@chfa.ca. CHFA will send you a written confirmation of the new completion date. An extension will only be granted once.
What if I have more questions?
If you have any questions regarding the course, please contact CHFA at info@chfa.ca or 1.800.661.4510
Ready to become CNPA certified? Follow these easy steps:
- Create an account.
- Verify your account through the email sent to you.
- Log in to your Account Centre and access the link to purchase the CNPA course.
Got questions? Email us at info@chfa.ca.