Without a Swiss federal diploma: free directory listing or ASNFD membership?

Are you a naturopath in Switzerland without a federal diploma who would like to connect with ASNFD? Start by clarifying your goal: presenting your practice in the public directory, or joining the association to use the resources available to your category. These two processes can complement each other, but neither replaces the other.

This guide helps you choose the right form and prepare consistent information. A free directory listing does not require membership. Equally, a membership application does not automatically publish a professional profile. In both cases, the secretariat reviews the application before approval.

1. Define the outcome you want

First, write a simple sentence: “I want my professional contact details to be available” or “I am looking for resources and professional exchange to support my work.” The first need corresponds to a directory listing; the second is a reason to explore membership.

If you have both goals, track them as separate steps. Record the date you sent each application and any additional information requested. You will then know which process to follow up without submitting the same form several times.

2. The public directory: present your practice

Free listings are open to naturopaths who are ASNFD members and non-members, with or without a Swiss federal diploma. You do not need a member account to submit a directory listing application. State your association membership and federal diploma status separately.

Prepare your professional name, canton, municipality, consultation languages, discipline and the contact details you want to make public. Check your telephone number and website link. A professional photograph can complement the profile if you wish to provide one and consent to its display after approval.

Pay particular attention to qualification titles: use their exact names without claiming an equivalence that has not been established. The secretariat checks the distinctions displayed. A published profile promises neither a Google ranking nor new appointments.

3. Membership: assess the resources relevant to your pathway

The “Without a federal diploma” category currently has a fee of CHF 300 per year, according to the membership fees page. Confirm the arrangements applicable to your application with the secretariat.

The membership pathways list studies, guides, a general forum, advertisements and practice support for this category, alongside a section supporting the pathway towards the federal diploma. Dossiers reserved for federal diploma holders are not included. All members currently receive a 25% discount on courses, subject to the secretariat’s terms.

To assess whether joining ASNFD would be useful, identify two concrete needs: finding resources for a professional question and discussing practice organisation, for example. Ask which access rights apply to your category before relying on a particular resource being available.

4. Prepare the right information in the right place

The directory form is used to request a public presentation. Do not attach diplomas or identity documents there: the secretariat will explain the appropriate channel for supporting documents. Separate information intended for visitors from documents needed to review the application.

For membership, read the admission instructions, the code of ethics and the requirements for supporting documents. Prepare certificates that reflect your actual training; the secretariat specifies the documents applicable to your category. Do not send patient records to explain your work.

Practical questions

Can I request a listing without becoming a member?

Yes. The public directory and membership are separate. Listing is free, but publication depends on manual review of your application. Submitting the form does not make your profile immediately visible.

Do I need to wait for the federal diploma before contacting ASNFD?

There is a membership category without a federal diploma. Describe your training and situation to the secretariat to find out which conditions apply. Membership does not award the federal diploma and does not constitute authorisation to practise.

Which step should I take next?

For a public profile, use the directory form. To join the association, prepare your membership application and indicate “Without a federal diploma”. If you still need to clarify your needs, contact the secretariat with your goal and questions: you can then assess membership in the context of your actual situation.