HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BE REIKI CERTIFIED | REIKI MELBOURNE
- Fiona Phillips | Certified Japanese Reiki Shihan (Teacher)
- Apr 23, 2024
- 17 min read
Updated: May 14
So, you're interested in learning Reiki and based on the fact that you are reading this article, perhaps you are interested in learning Reiki with a view to practicing Reiki professionally or reaching the level of Reiki Master (Shihan/Teacher is the traditional Japanese term) and you want to know how long it takes before you can do that, how long it takes to be a certified in Reiki.
As an experienced Certified Reiki Practitioner and Reiki Shihan (Master/Teacher) who practices Reiki in Melbourne, there are different ways I might answer this question, so I'm going to firstly share with you some important considerations when looking at timelines and share my experience and wisdom about the best way to navigate your way into professional practice and Teaching Reiki in order for you to be in the best possible position, to get the most from Reiki. Secondly, I will share the minimum timelines that exist for certification, keeping in mind, they are considered the minimum timeframes.
We live in a fast paced world where we are used to getting things we want quickly, and when we are ready for a career change, often we want the solution fast so that we can get going and get on with it, or make the move swiftly. There are definitely fast options for you when it comes to Reiki, the question is, what kind of Practitioner do you want to be and are you willing to be patient when it comes to timeline?
UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS MEANT BY REIKI CERTIFICATION
It is important to note, that there is no official certification requirement for Reiki Practitioners. It is determined by each system of Reiki and even by each individual Teacher. There is no National or even State regulated certification requirement (leaving it open for anyone to 'say' they are practicing Reiki without any training whatsoever). This isn't advised and potentially could breach the National and State Health Codes of Conduct which apply to non-medical Health Practitioners.
There are also Reiki Associations where members apply voluntarily and they have a minimum requirement of training in order to become a member, including for those practicing or Teaching Reiki.
Each system of Reiki has its own timeline and there are probably two levels of certification people are generally asking about:
Firstly, to become a Certified Reiki Practitioner (to facilitate Reiki on clients professionally) and
Secondly, to become a Certified Master or Shihan (to teach Reiki to students).
Here is a quick preview and summary of the timeline:
Reiki Level I: Two days of in-person workshop training, ranging from 6 to 8 hours per day
Reiki Level II (minimum one month after Reiki Level I): Additional two-day workshop training after completing Level I (wait 6 months to practice Reiki Professionally)
TOTAL MINIMUM 7 MONTHS TO REACH LEVEL OF CERTIFIED REIKI PRACTITIONER/ CERTIFIED REIKI THERAPIST
Reiki Level III (minimum 6 months after Reiki Level II): Additional two-day workshop training after completing Level II.
Reiki Level IV (Master/Teacher) (minimum 1 year after Reiki III): The duration of Level IV training can vary significantly. Minimum requirement of 3-4 day workshop training after completing Level III. Additional time in apprenticeship may be required. Becoming a Reiki Master/Teacher is a journey that often involves ongoing self-study, practice, and refinement of skills.
TOTAL MINIMUM 17 MONTHS TO REACH LEVEL OF CERTIFIED REIKI MASTER / CERTIFIED REIKI SHIHAN (TEACHER)
MORE THAN MINIMUMS
While it's helpful to understand the minimum timeframes for Reiki certification, it's equally important to recognise that these are just that—minimums. If you’re seeking to practice Reiki with depth, integrity, and authenticity, simply ticking off each level on a timeline won’t serve you (or your future clients or students) as well as giving yourself the time to truly embody the practice. Reiki is more than a series of techniques—it’s a spiritual path that requires self-healing, consistency, and inner growth.
This article will explore why taking time between levels, building sensitivity to and an understanding of the energy, and cultivating a deep relationship with the practice ultimately shapes you into a far more authentic and effective practitioner.
GENERAL DISCUSSION ABOUT TIMEFRAMES, LEVELS OF REIKI TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
Levels of Reiki Training and Certification:
In most Reiki systems, including Japanese systems, Jikiden Reiki and Komyo ReikiDo (which are my Reiki Lineages and basis of teaching here in Melbourne), there are 4 levels of Reiki taught (some have 3 levels split into Level 3A and 3B), each one providing a certificate. So technically, after level 1, students are Reiki 'certified' (in the sense of receiving a certificate). In most systems, however, students are required to obtain at least level II before being allowed to practice Reiki professionally. To teach, they need to complete all four levels.
Cautions About Online Reiki Courses:
It's important to note that while online Reiki courses may offer convenience, they may not provide the same depth of understanding and practical experience as in-person training. More than that, in the tradition of Reiki, students aren't able to receive Reiju online (an essential handing down of energy from Teacher to student), it must be done in person. This is a view held by the major Australian Reiki Associations who don't allow membership for students who have completed online Reiki courses. With online course, you can learn the theory but may not walk away with the capacity to channel Reiki so avoid these courses at all costs. To learn more about online courses, you read this article here.
Variability in Reiki Course Duration:
There are also some in-person course that allow you to complete all levels of certification (up to Shihan/Master) within a weekend and others can take several years. I cannot stress enough how cautious to be of the 'quickie' courses. You will do yourself, your potential clients and your future students a real disservice to fast-track your journey with Reiki. This is a spiritual and energetic practice - it requires time, consistency of practice and room for depth of understanding and developing your relationship with it before you may be ready to begin practicing and certainly teaching.
The Depth of Reiki Practice Beyond Each Level of Reiki Certification: Level I
Reiki, as a practice, is much, much more than the practices you learn in a Reiki course. In fact, learning them, is just the beginning. Then you need to go an practice them, create a routine and daily practice and settle in to what that practice reveals to you about Reiki. The first step is in your own healing and spiritual path. This is the main focus of Level I and there is no way to fast-track your healing, developing your relationship and experience with Reiki and to grow spiritually. Reiki as a practice involves a slow unfolding and it necessarily takes time. As you begin to heal, open and expand, Reiki will continue to reveal itself. This necessarily takes time and a committed practice.
Building Experience and Sensitivity:
At the same time, students are encouraged to work with friends and family, facilitating hands-on Reiki for them, and start to build their experience and insights with that aspect of practice. It takes time to build a sensitivity to the energy and to familiarise and find your own relationship with the energy itself. To feel where, in a person's body, the Reiki is needed and to feel the sensations and feedback in your hands to know when to stay in a position and when to move on to another position. In Jikiden Reiki (which translates to 'direct teachings"), students are taught how to sense problem areas and what the sensations in their hands means. This alone takes time to develop a sensitivity and understanding of.
I tell students, although they can learn level II a month after Level I, consider how broadly and deeply you have experienced Reiki in just one month. Is that really enough? My recommendation is to allow enough time to establish a daily routine. Then once you are settled into that practice, you can move on to Level II which teaches more advanced techniques for treating certain problems (both mental and physical) as well as preparing students for Professional Practice.
Level II: Preparation for Working with Others
Level II, in Japanese Reiki, teaches a whole array of additional, advanced energy techniques to help heal specific problems (mental and physical). In Japanese Reiki, students are taught, in much more depth, the system of Byosen (how and where toxins accumulate, how to sense them and what they mean and how to treat them). Developing a sensitivity to and understanding of the energy takes time. Symbols are taught to help students connect to different aspects of the energy and Level II also begins to prepare students for working with others. It needs to be said here that most of these advanced techniques are not known or taught in Western Reiki. You can read more here for a deeper understanding of the difference between Japanese and Western Reiki.
Level II is an introduction to the possibility of Professional practice. Students are encouraged to take the new advanced techniques and practice as much as possible on family and friends, whilst continuing with their own self-healing practices from Level I.
The idea is that students are to take their time, after completing Level II, to develop a deep enough relationship with the Reiki both in self-healing and working with others. It's not that you need to have 'mastered' it or know all there is to know about Reiki (this is a lifelong pursuit and a never-ending unfolding). However, when you begin to work on clients (as opposed to family and friends), you want to be comfortable and competent enough with the practice and working with people. Clients will have questions and you will need to be able to rely on your own experience and relationship with Reiki to be able to provide guidance and assurances to clients. If people are paying you for your services, you have a responsibility to ensure that you are at a level of knowledge and understanding of your craft that warrants a monetary exchange. This is about practicing with the upmost integrity and authenticity. You don't need to know everything, Reiki is a never-ending journey of opening, awakening and gathering of knowledge and wisdom, but you need to have a good, solid foundation of understanding and experience (as well as your own spiritual depth and self-healing) to be able to hold space for and support clients with Reiki.
The Deeper the Spiritual Path, The More Effective the Reiki Channel
Level I focusses on self practice, self-healing and deepening your spiritual path. All of those aspects of practice develop and expand your openness as a channel of Reiki. The deeper into your spiritual path, the greater channel you will be and the more effective the Reiki you are channeling for clients will be. Take time to have a committed and deep practice, to continue opening as a channel, it will make you much better at what you do when you do start working with clients. Again, this is about integrity and authenticity when accepting fees for your services. It is important to take time to develop and open your practice and spiritual depth to be an more effective Reiki channel for your clients.
The Golden rule in Reiki is, first Reiki on self, then if you have time, Reiki on friends and family and then if you have time, and people come to you, then Reiki on others. The reason for this Golden rule of Reiki is that the effectiveness of us as Channels starts with our own healing and depth of spiritual growth.
Value of Time and Experience: Caution Against Fast-Track Approaches:
I hope from reading this, you are getting a clear understanding of why time and practice is so important both for your own personal journey and with working with others professionally. And this applies to the higher levels as well in terms of Teaching. There is no substitute for time, experience, continued self-healing and the wisdom that comes from that. We must remember that Reiki, at its core and essence is an Eastern practice and it requires the time, dedication and focus that Eastern practices require. In the West, we like to obtain things quickly and perhaps we are less used to the slow progression of Eastern wisdom, but wisdom it is. In traditional Japanese Reiki, some students never made it past Level I because their depth of experience and spiritual growth wasn't sufficient. Some were never able to really sense the energy and the troubled areas of people's bodies and until they did, they didn't progress any further. That should give us some pause for having expectation of moving through all the levels a lightening speed.
Reiki as Your Own Unique Personal Journey: The Value of Taking Time
These days, in the West, it doesn't matter how deep your practice or understanding of Reiki is (or how shallow), you can complete all levels to Master in a weekend if you really wanted. There are courses out there that offer that. My question to you is, just because you can, does that mean that's really what you want?
Who do you want to be as a Reiki Practitioner and a Teacher? I've seen people who haven't put in the time, engaged in committed practice or haven't reached a level of experience or depth of spiritual understanding but then go out to practice Reiki professionally and teach. And the results are not ideal. For anyone.
In my personal journey, I took my time between Level I and II and am grateful that I did. I then had an incredible period of apprenticeship in the first few years of my Reiki journey and probably more experience than some people have in a decade of practicing Reiki. I was deeply dedicated to my daily practice and own spiritual and physical healing and growth and I was fortunate to have had a Reiki Master (I practiced Western Reiki in the first few years of my Reiki journey), who funneled through an endless number of people to practice Reiki on. I was blessed to have received an extensive mentorship, debriefing with her before and after each client and receiving continuous guidance, support and wisdom.
After about 3 1/2 years she invited me to take the steps to become a Reiki Master and even then I said no. Most likely I had enough experience and insight at that point, but I felt strongly that I wanted to take time. I wanted to go deeper in my spiritual path and instinctively I felt like there was more for me to learn in order to be the best Teacher I could be. I ended up being 6 years before I took the steps to become a Shihan (and I had moved into practicing Japanese Reiki) and I am so glad I waited. When I speak to my elder Masters and Shihans, it is common to hear that they took 7-10 tears before reaching Master/Shihan level. This, however, is not so common today in modern Reiki and I believe there it comes at a cost.
Do I think you need to take that long for yourself? I can't possibly answer that - your journey is uniquely yours. What I will say, is that for me, in those extra years, I reached a level of experience and spiritual growth I didn't even know was possible. And I am a much greater Teacher than I ever would have been those few years earlier. Sure, I will continue to learn and grow until my last breath, but I started my Teaching journey with great depth and growth already behind me.
Treat the minimum timelines for Reiki Certification as just that, a minimum. Take your time. Go at your own pace. It pays off. I promise you.
UNDERSTANDING THE LEVELS AND MINIMUM TIMEFRAMES FOR REIKI CERTIFICATION
Hopefully you now have an understanding of what parameters you might require for yourself personally when journeying through the Reiki levels. Now lets looks at the minimum timeline of the levels.
I practice and teach the traditional Japanese spiritual and healing practices (my Reiki lineage is Jikiden Reiki & Komyo ReikiDo), and Reiki, in its original and traditional Japanese form, is both a healing and a spiritual practice. In many Western Reiki systems, over time, some of the spiritual and advanced healing practices were removed along the way, making its focus less on the spiritual aspect of Reiki and much more on a simplified version of physical healing aspect. For this reason, different aspects are taught in the various systems and there will be variation in what it taught in each level.
For that reason, I will discuss the various levels taught in Reiki based on what is taught in Japanese systems of Reiki but when it comes to reaching Reiki Practitioner Certification and Reiki Master Certification (or Shihan level), even in the Western systems of Reiki, they are very similar.
Timeline to Reiki Certification:
Each level, has a main focus, whilst also building on the depth and breadth of the previous one:
Reiki Level I (Shoden): This level focus on self-healing and the student's own spiritual practice (instilling on students the foundational principle of Reiki that first we must work on the self, before working on others). In order to be the most effective Reiki channel, the depth of healing and spiritual practice of the student is instrumental. All the foundational daily self-healing practices are taught. This level introduces students to the basic concepts and techniques of Reiki. Students learn about the history of Reiki, its principles, spiritual philosophy and how to perform self-healing and provide Reiki to friends and family. Level I certification usually requires a two-day workshop.
Reiki Level II (Chuden): This level introduces advanced healing techniques, distance Reiki as well as beginning to focus on Reiki on others and is the beginning stage of preparation for students to embark on professional practice.
Most systems require that at least one month pass between Level I and II (keeping in mind this is the minimum suggested). Longer periods between, allowing students to have a solid daily practice and develop a deeper relationship and experience of Reiki before engaging in Level II is recommended). Level II delves deeper into Reiki practice and introduces symbols that enhance the healing energy. Students learn distance healing techniques, as well as how to work with emotional and mental healing. In Japanese Reiki, some advanced, targeted traditional Reiki techniques are taught to remove toxins, move energy and stagnation, eliminate unwanted habits, balance energy and to circulate blood. As mentioned above, Level II certification typically requires additional training after completing Level I (no less than a month between the two) and may span another two-day workshop. It is suggested students wait 6 months before practicing Reiki professionally after this level.
Reiki Level III (Okuden): This is considered the spiritual level of Reiki and often requires a minimum or 6 months from completing level II, before being able to take this level. Deeper learning of spiritual concepts of Reiki (the 'Inner Teachings') are delved into, reflecting on the students experience to date. Students learn the so-called 'Master symbol' (a Western term) at this level. Certification requires additional training after completing Level II (no less than 6 months between the two) and may span another two-day workshop.
Reiki Level IV (Shinpiden or Master/Teacher): The term Master is a Western Reiki system term. In traditional Japanese Reiki, the term 'Shihan' which means 'Teacher' is used. Level IV represents the highest level of Reiki training and involves revision and reflection of the techniques and teachings of Level I, II and III having regard to the student's experience and insights and revising the the material from the perspective of the student teaching the material. Students also learn how to attune and teach Reiki to others. Becoming a Reiki Master/Teacher is a significant commitment and often requires a longer period of study and apprenticeship under an experienced Reiki Master. This level is usually a 3-4 day workshop and may be open to students based on the Teacher's own discretion and not less than a year since completing Level III.
Here is a summary of the timeline:
Reiki Level I: Two days of in-person workshop training, ranging from 6 to 8 hours per day
Reiki Level II (minimum one month after Reiki Level I): Additional two-day workshop training after completing Level I (wait 6 months to practice Reiki Professionally)
TOTAL MINIMUM 7 MONTHS TO REACH LEVEL OF CERTIFIED REIKI PRACTITIONER/ CERTIFIED REIKI THERAPIST
Reiki Level III (minimum 6 months after Reiki Level II): Additional two-day workshop training after completing Level II.
Reiki Level IV (Master/Teacher) (minimum 1 year after Reiki III): The duration of Level IV training can vary significantly. Minimum requirement of 3-4 day workshop training after completing Level III. Additional time in apprenticeship may be required. Becoming a Reiki Master/Teacher is a journey that often involves ongoing self-study, practice, and refinement of skills.
TOTAL MINIMUM 17 MONTHS TO REACH LEVEL OF CERTIFIED REIKI MASTER / CERTIFIED REIKI SHIHAN (TEACHER)
CONCLUSION: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BE CERTIFIED IN REIKI
With any deep, spiritual practice, particularly in Eastern traditions like Reiki, rushing through the training process is not advisable. Developing a meaningful relationship with Reiki takes time and dedication. It's essential to allow for personal practice, self-reflection, and integration of Reiki principles into daily life. Rushing through the certification process may result in a superficial understanding of Reiki and its transformative potential. So whilst there are minimum timelines available (and even the capacity if you really wanted to find a Reiki course that allows you to complete Level I through to Master level over one weekend), I encourage you strongly, to take each level without a fixed idea in your head of how quickly you want to move onto the next, and commit to really practicing each level with depth and consistency until you feel ready to move forward.
Becoming Reiki certified, whether as a Practitioner or Shihan/Master is a personal journey that requires dedication, commitment, and an open heart. Embrace the journey, allow time for personal growth, and nurturing a deep relationship with the practice of Reiki.
If you have any questions, or want to chat to more about Reiki please contact me and we can arrange a time to chat. If you would like to book a Reiki session in Melbourne (or distance Reiki worldwide), you can book an appointment here or if you would like to learn Reiki yourself, sign up for Melbourne Reiki courses here. I look forward to connecting with you for Reiki!
And if you found this article helpful, feel free to show it some love by clicking the heart below!
Warmest,
Fiona x
Fiona Phillips
Certified Reiki Shihan (Teacher) and Practitioner | Japanese Reiki
(Jikiden Reiki & Komyo ReikiDo Lineage)
Within The Space | Melbourne
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