Certified Professional in Age-Friendly Health Care

The Certified Professional in Age-Friendly Health Care (CPAFH) credential sets the benchmark for excellence in the care of older adults. Developed as a part of the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, the CPAFH credential certifies health care professionals who are equipped to deliver high-quality, person-centered care rooted in the 4Ms Framework and tailored to the goals, preferences, and needs of older adults. 

Benefits of CPAFH Certification

• Grounded in the 4Ms Framework: The CPAFH is built on the 4Ms (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility), the essential elements of high-quality, age-friendly care. These principles are woven throughout the certification exam, reinforcing their application in every aspect of your practice.
• Backed by Trusted Leaders: Developed as a part of the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative by IHI, The John A. Hartford Foundation, the American Hospital Association (AHA), and the Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA), the CPAFH credential is grounded in evidence, driven by practice, and aligned with the proven Age-Friendly Health Systems framework.
• Designed to Demonstrate Real-World Skills: The CPAFH credential covers critical areas of knowledge and skills, from geriatric syndromes, medication management, and care transitions to interdisciplinary collaboration and culturally responsive communication, all aligned with the 4Ms Framework.
• Accelerate Career Growth: Stand out as a leader in age-friendly care. The CPAFH credential demonstrates your dedication to improving health outcomes and experiences for older adults, while confirming your competencies and boosting your qualifications for advancement.
• Improve Outcomes, Equity, and Experience: This credential assesses the ability of professionals across disciplines to provide personalized, age-friendly care, support caregiver needs, address social determinants of health, and improve equity for older adults in all care settings.
   

CPAFH Review Course live webinar available in September

Why Certification Is Important

This professional certification program establishes core standards for the field of age-friendly health care, benchmarks competencies necessary for professionals in age-friendly health care, and sets an expected proficiency level.

• For professionals: The CPAFH credential provides those working in age-friendly health care a means to demonstrate their proficiency and skill in the discipline.
• For organizations: Requiring the CPAFH credential provides a way for employers to validate a potential candidate’s age-friendly health care knowledge and skill base, critical competencies for today’s health care landscape. 

Requirements for Certification

Candidates for the CPAFH credential are those who include age-friendly care as an integral component of current or future professional responsibilities. Candidates must also possess academic and professional experience* at one of the following levels:

• Diploma or higher (e.g., associates, bachelors) plus three years of experience (either full- or part-time over a five-year period) in an Age-Friendly Health Care related field.

OR

• Masters or Doctorate plus one year of full-time experience or two years of part-time experience in Age-Friendly Health Care related field over five years.

*Age-Friendly Health Care experience can be both indirect and direct patient care for an older adult population, and can include education, teaching, administration, management, advocacy, mentoring, research, social work, and mental health support.

If you support older adults in any health care setting, from hospitals to home, this credential is for you.

This certification is ideal for professionals, including:

• Physicians, Nurses, and Pharmacists
• Social Workers
• Case Managers and Care Coordinators
• Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists
• Rehabilitation Professionals
• Health System Leaders

CPAFH Review Courses

To support your certification journey, IHI offers live, two-day review courses led by expert faculty. Build your confidence, connect with peers, and walk away ready for success.

Next offering: September 9–10, 2025 (12 PM – 5 PM ET​​) Enroll now