The International Governing Body for Vital Code Practice
Setting Standards.
Certifying Practitioners.
Protecting the Public.
The International Vital Code Association (IVCA) is the sole independent governing body for the Vital Code profession worldwide. We set rigorous certification standards, maintain the international practitioner register, and enforce a binding ethical code — so that clients, employers, and the profession itself can trust in the quality of Vital Code practice.
Who We Are
The International Vital Code Association
IVCA is the independent professional body responsible for setting, maintaining, and enforcing the standards of Vital Code practice across every jurisdiction in which it operates. Founded to bring clarity, accountability, and public confidence to a rapidly growing profession, IVCA exists so that practitioners, clients, and employers share a common benchmark of competence and conduct.
IVCA does not deliver training. We do not sell courses, endorse commercial products, or certify individuals based on attendance alone. Our independence from training provision is fundamental to the credibility of every credential we issue.
When you see an IVCA credential, it carries a specific guarantee: that the practitioner has met independently verified standards of competence, demonstrated supervised practice, and agreed to be held accountable under our ethical code. It is not a certificate of attendance — it is a mark of professional standing.
Our Role
What IVCA Does
Six core functions that define our mission and protect the profession.
Certification
Four Tiers of Professional Certification
Each tier represents a defined level of competence, independently assessed and publicly verifiable.
Foundation
Entry-level certification for practitioners who have completed an approved Foundation programme through an IVCA Authorised Trainer.
- Approved Foundation programme completion
- Foundation-level competency assessment
- Signed ethical declaration
- Listing on the IVCA register
Practitioner
Core professional certification demonstrating competence through supervised practice and independent assessment.
- Minimum supervised practice hours
- Competency assessment across core techniques
- Documented case studies
- Ethical declaration and CPD commitment
Master
Advanced certification for experienced practitioners with deep expertise and a commitment to the development of the profession.
- Extensive supervised and independent practice
- Advanced competency assessment
- Reflective practice portfolio
- Peer review and professional contribution
Trainer
The highest tier — authorised to deliver training programmes that prepare candidates for IVCA certification.
- Master-level certification (prerequisite)
- Approved training methodology
- Curriculum development competence
- Periodic reauthorisation review
Quality & Ethics
Governance You Can Trust
Our ethical code is not optional — it is a binding condition of certification. This is what separates a professional register from a membership list.
Published Ethical Code
A comprehensive framework covering client safeguarding, scope of practice, confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries. Publicly available, regularly reviewed, and binding on every IVCA-certified practitioner.
Formal Complaints Process
A structured, impartial procedure for investigating concerns about practitioner conduct. Complaints are assessed by an independent panel, with outcomes including further training, supervised practice, suspension, or permanent revocation.
Search & Verify
Find Practitioners, Trainers & Verify Credentials
Access the IVCA register to search for certified professionals or verify a credential instantly.
Find a Practitioner
Search our international register of certified Vital Code practitioners by name, location, or specialisation. Only active practitioners in good standing appear in the directory.
Find a Trainer
Find an IVCA Authorised Trainer delivering approved Vital Code programmes. Authorised Trainers have been independently evaluated against our educational standards.
Verify a Credential
Enter a certificate number to instantly verify a practitioner's credential status, certification tier, and whether they are in good standing. Free and available to the public.
Membership
Join the International Register
IVCA membership is your formal registration as a verified Vital Code professional. Four tiers — from Foundation to Trainer — each with distinct benefits.
Foundation
For certified Foundation-level practitioners
- Basic directory listing
- Digital credential
- CPD tracking dashboard
- Community access
Practitioner
For core Vital Code practitioners
- Everything in Foundation
- Enhanced directory listing
- Verification badge
- Voting rights
- CPD compliance reports
Master
For advanced practitioners
- Everything in Practitioner
- Priority directory listing
- Mentoring tools
- Supervisor eligibility
- IVCA committee eligibility
Trainer
For IVCA Authorised Trainers
- Everything in Master
- Trainer directory listing
- Programme management
- Candidate tracking
- Authorised Trainer badge
All fees are shown in EUR and are exclusive of applicable VAT. Memberships are billed annually.