What a Pathway Contains
Each pathway document specifies the competencies and evidence required at each credential tier for that domain. It answers the questions: What training counts? How much practice experience is needed? What professional context is expected? A pathway is domain-specific because what constitutes "foundational competency" in herbalism is quite different from what it means in wellness coaching.
Pathways are organized around the four ICONIC Board credential tiers:
| Designation | Tier | Typical Experience Level |
|---|---|---|
| IBC-HHA™ | Associate | Foundational training complete; early-stage practice |
| IBC-HHP™ | Practitioner | Established active practice; intermediate experience |
| IBC-HHE™ | Expert | Senior practitioner; specialization depth; often mentors others |
| IBC-HHD™ | Doctoral | Doctoral-level academic training plus advanced practice |
How to Use a Pathway
When you review your domain's pathway document, you'll see the specific criteria for each tier. Compare them to your own background — training programs completed, hours of practice, client volume, professional development, and any teaching or mentorship experience. This comparison tells you which tier to apply for.
Most practitioners applying for the first time apply at the HHA™ or HHP™ tier, depending on their years in practice. The HHE™ and HHD™ tiers are intended for practitioners with substantial depth of experience and advanced training.
What Counts as Evidence
Pathways define the types of evidence that qualify for each criterion. Common accepted evidence types include:
- Certificates of completion from recognized training programs
- Documented client hours or practice logs
- Supervisory or mentorship letters
- Academic transcripts (for doctoral-level credentials)
- Professional association memberships in the relevant modality
- Published work, teaching experience, or continuing education records
Where to Find Your Pathway
All pathway documents are available on the Pathways page. Each domain has its own pathway PDF. If you're unsure which domain fits your practice, review the domain descriptions first — then access the corresponding pathway document before beginning your application.