Advanced Phyto Artisan™ Certification Program

Program Overview

Program Name: Advanced Phyto Artisan™ Professional Formulation Certification

Total Duration: 2 years part-time (4 semesters)

Total Hours: 1620 hours

Structure: 12 modules across 4 semesters (3 modules per semester)

Prerequisite: HerbWoman™ Herbalist & PhytoArtisan™ Certification (or equivalent comprehensive herbal formulation training of minimum 1500 hours)

Weekly Commitment: Approximately 15–20 hours per week

Program Philosophy

This program transforms skilled formulators into professional-level product developers. Students learn to think in systems: how every decision about preservation connects to stability, how stability connects to packaging, how packaging connects to labeling, and how all of these connect to the integrity of a professional product line.

The focus is not on creating more formulas, but on creating formulas that are safe, stable, reproducible, scalable, and professionally documented. Students graduate with a complete, market-ready product line supported by full documentation systems.

Detailed Curriculum

Semester 1: Advanced Formulation Science and Preservation Systems

Focus: Building scientific depth and mastering preservation as a complete system

Semester Hours: 405

Module 1: Professional Formulation Systems Thinking

Hours: 130

Module Description: Transition from intuitive formulation to systematic professional practice. Learn to see formulation as an interconnected system where every decision has downstream consequences. Develop the analytical mindset required for professional-level work.

Lesson	Title	Hours
1.1	The shift from artisan to professional formulator	8
1.2	Systems thinking in formulation: understanding interconnections	10
1.3	Risk assessment fundamentals for formulators	12
1.4	Decision trees and formulation logic	10
1.5	Understanding regulatory frameworks globally	12
1.6	Cosmetic vs wellness product classifications	10
1.7	The product development lifecycle	12
1.8	Professional workspace design and workflow	10
1.9	Equipment selection and validation	10
1.10	Supplier relationships and ingredient sourcing	10
1.11	Cost analysis and pricing foundations	10
1.12	Professional ethics and responsibility	8
1.13	Module integration: mapping your formulation system	8

Practical Project: Create a complete formulation decision map for one product category, identifying all interconnected variables and decision points.

Assessment Output: Professional Formulation System Map (documented framework)

Module 2: Advanced Ingredient Science

Hours: 140

Module Description: Deepen understanding of ingredient behavior, interactions, and selection criteria. Move beyond knowing what ingredients do to understanding why they behave as they do and how to predict their performance in complex systems.

Lesson	Title	Hours
2.1	Ingredient chemistry review: functional groups and behavior	12
2.2	Water activity and its role in formulation	12
2.3	pH systems and buffering in formulations	12
2.4	Emulsion science: advanced principles	14
2.5	Surfactant chemistry and selection	12
2.6	Rheology: viscosity and flow behavior	12
2.7	Solubility and extraction efficiency	10
2.8	Botanical extract characterization	12
2.9	Active ingredient delivery systems	10
2.10	Ingredient interactions and incompatibilities	12
2.11	Reading and interpreting technical data sheets	10
2.12	Ingredient substitution methodology	10
2.13	Module integration: ingredient selection framework	12

Practical Project: Develop an ingredient interaction matrix for a complex formulation, documenting all potential interactions and mitigation strategies.

Assessment Output: Advanced Ingredient Selection Protocol with interaction documentation

Module 3: Preservation Strategy and Microbial Safety

Hours: 135

Module Description: Master preservation as a complete risk-management system. Learn to assess microbial risk, select appropriate preservation strategies, and validate their effectiveness. This is the foundation of product safety.

Lesson	Title	Hours
3.1	Microbiology fundamentals for formulators	12
3.2	Understanding microbial contamination pathways	10
3.3	Water activity and microbial growth relationships	12
3.4	Risk assessment: identifying vulnerable formulations	12
3.5	Preservation system categories and mechanisms	12
3.6	Traditional and natural preservation approaches	12
3.7	Synthetic preservative systems	10
3.8	Hurdle technology: multi-factor preservation	14
3.9	Preservation efficacy testing (challenge testing principles)	12
3.10	Self-preserving formulation strategies	10
3.11	Anhydrous and low-water formulation approaches	10
3.12	Documentation for preservation decisions	9

Practical Project: Conduct a complete preservation risk assessment for three different formulation types and design appropriate preservation strategies for each.

Assessment Output: Preservation Strategy Documentation with risk assessment rationale

Semester 2: Stability, Packaging, and Quality Foundations

Focus: Ensuring products remain safe and effective throughout their intended shelf life

Semester Hours: 410

Module 4: Stability Science and Shelf-Life Planning

Hours: 140

Module Description: Learn to predict, test, and document product stability. Understand the factors that cause formulations to degrade and how to design products that maintain their integrity over time.

Lesson	Title	Hours
4.1	Principles of product stability	10
4.2	Chemical degradation pathways	12
4.3	Physical instability: separation, crystallization, texture changes	12
4.4	Oxidation and antioxidant strategies	12
4.5	Light sensitivity and photostability	10
4.6	Temperature effects on stability	10
4.7	Designing stability testing protocols	14
4.8	Accelerated stability testing methodology	12
4.9	Real-time stability monitoring	10
4.10	Interpreting stability data	12
4.11	Shelf-life determination and dating	10
4.12	Stability documentation and reporting	8
4.13	Module integration: stability planning framework	8

Practical Project: Design and initiate a complete stability testing program for one formulation, including accelerated and real-time protocols.

Assessment Output: Stability Testing Protocol and Initial Data Report

Module 5: Packaging Science and Compatibility

Hours: 135

Module Description: Understand packaging as an integral part of the formulation system. Learn how packaging materials interact with products, how to select appropriate packaging, and how to test compatibility.

Lesson	Title	Hours
5.1	Packaging as part of the formulation system	10
5.2	Glass packaging: types, properties, applications	10
5.3	Plastic packaging: polymer types and characteristics	12
5.4	Metal packaging and specialty materials	10
5.5	Closure systems and seal integrity	10
5.6	Packaging-product interactions and migration	12
5.7	Compatibility testing methodology	12
5.8	Light protection and barrier properties	10
5.9	Dispensing systems and dose control	10
5.10	Sustainable packaging considerations	10
5.11	Packaging specifications and sourcing	10
5.12	Cost optimization in packaging selection	9
5.13	Module integration: packaging selection framework	10

Practical Project: Conduct packaging compatibility assessments for three product-packaging combinations and document selection rationale.

Assessment Output: Packaging Compatibility Report with selection documentation

Module 6: Quality Management Foundations

Hours: 135

Module Description: Establish the foundational quality systems that support professional formulation practice. Learn the principles of quality management and how to implement them in small-scale production.

Lesson	Title	Hours
6.1	Quality management principles for formulators	10
6.2	Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) fundamentals	12
6.3	Quality control vs quality assurance	10
6.4	Incoming material inspection and acceptance	12
6.5	In-process quality checks	10
6.6	Finished product testing and release	12
6.7	Calibration and equipment maintenance	10
6.8	Cleaning and sanitation protocols	10
6.9	Environmental monitoring	10
6.10	Non-conformance handling	10
6.11	Corrective and preventive action (CAPA)	10
6.12	Internal auditing basics	9
6.13	Module integration: quality system framework	10

Practical Project: Develop a quality management system framework for a small formulation business, including all essential procedures.

Assessment Output: Quality Management System Manual (foundational version)

Semester 3: Production Systems and Documentation

Focus: Creating reproducible, scalable production with professional documentation

Semester Hours: 405

Module 7: Scale-Up Methodology and Production Planning

Hours: 135

Module Description: Learn to transition formulations from bench scale to production scale while maintaining quality and consistency. Understand the challenges of scale-up and how to address them systematically.

Lesson	Title	Hours
7.1	Scale-up principles and challenges	12
7.2	Bench to pilot scale transitions	12
7.3	Pilot to production scale transitions	12
7.4	Equipment considerations at different scales	12
7.5	Mixing and homogenization at scale	12
7.6	Heat transfer and temperature control	10
7.7	Time and process adjustments	10
7.8	Batch size optimization	10
7.9	Production scheduling and workflow	10
7.10	Yield calculations and loss accounting	10
7.11	Troubleshooting scale-up problems	10
7.12	Module integration: scale-up planning framework	15

Practical Project: Complete a scale-up study for one formulation, documenting all adjustments required and final production parameters.

Assessment Output: Scale-Up Study Report with production-ready formula

Module 8: Standard Operating Procedures and Batch Records

Hours: 140

Module Description: Master the documentation systems that ensure reproducibility and traceability. Learn to write clear, effective SOPs and maintain comprehensive batch records.

Lesson	Title	Hours
8.1	The role of documentation in professional practice	10
8.2	SOP structure and formatting standards	12
8.3	Writing clear and effective procedures	12
8.4	Manufacturing SOPs: step-by-step guidance	14
8.5	Equipment operation SOPs	10
8.6	Cleaning and sanitation SOPs	10
8.7	Quality control SOPs	10
8.8	Batch record design and structure	14
8.9	Recording data accurately and completely	10
8.10	Batch record review and approval	10
8.11	Document control principles	10
8.12	Training documentation	8
8.13	Module integration: documentation system implementation	10

Practical Project: Develop a complete SOP set for one product (minimum 5 SOPs) and create the corresponding batch record template.

Assessment Output: SOP Package and Batch Record Template (production-ready)

Module 9: Version Control and Formula Management

Hours: 130

Module Description: Learn systematic approaches to managing formula development, revisions, and documentation. Establish systems that maintain formula integrity and enable continuous improvement.

Lesson	Title	Hours
9.1	Formula management principles	10
9.2	Version numbering systems	10
9.3	Formula development documentation	12
9.4	Change control procedures	12
9.5	Impact assessment for formula changes	12
9.6	Approval workflows for revisions	10
9.7	Master formula records	12
9.8	Formula archiving and retrieval	10
9.9	Intellectual property considerations	10
9.10	Digital systems for formula management	10
9.11	Supplier change management	10
9.12	Module integration: formula management system	12

Practical Project: Establish a complete formula management system for a product line of three products, including version control and change documentation.

Assessment Output: Formula Management System with master records and change control procedures

Semester 4: Compliance, Strategy, and Professional Capstone

Focus: Bringing all systems together into a professional product line

Semester Hours: 400

Module 10: Labeling, Claims, and Regulatory Compliance

Hours: 140

Module Description: Navigate the complex landscape of product labeling and claims. Learn to create compliant labels and make truthful, substantiated claims that respect regulatory boundaries globally.

Lesson	Title	Hours
10.1	Regulatory frameworks: global overview	12
10.2	Cosmetic labeling requirements	14
10.3	Wellness product labeling considerations	12
10.4	INCI nomenclature and ingredient listing	12
10.5	Allergen declarations and warnings	10
10.6	Claims categories: structure and function vs therapeutic	14
10.7	Substantiating claims with evidence	12
10.8	Claims language: what you can and cannot say	12
10.9	Marketing language vs label claims	10
10.10	International labeling variations	10
10.11	Label design and review process	10
10.12	Module integration: labeling compliance system	12

Practical Project: Create complete, compliant labels for three products intended for international markets, with full claims substantiation documentation.

Assessment Output: Label Package with Claims Substantiation Files

Module 11: Product Line Strategy and Development

Hours: 130

Module Description: Learn to think strategically about product lines rather than individual products. Develop cohesive product collections that share systems, ingredients, and brand identity while meeting diverse customer needs.

Lesson	Title	Hours
11.1	Product line thinking vs single product development	10
11.2	Market research and need identification	12
11.3	Product line architecture and planning	12
11.4	Ingredient rationalization across product lines	12
11.5	Packaging consistency and brand identity	10
11.6	Production efficiency through line planning	10
11.7	Pricing strategy across product lines	10
11.8	Launch planning and sequencing	10
11.9	Product line expansion and lifecycle	10
11.10	Discontinuation decisions and processes	8
11.11	Customer feedback integration	8
11.12	Module integration: product line strategy development	18

Practical Project: Develop a complete product line strategy for a 5-product collection, including architecture, ingredient rationalization, and launch plan.

Assessment Output: Product Line Strategy Document

Module 12: Professional Product Line Capstone

Hours: 130

Module Description: Bring together all learning into a comprehensive capstone project. Develop a complete, market-ready product line with full professional documentation, demonstrating mastery of all program competencies.

Lesson	Title	Hours
12.1	Capstone project overview and planning	8
12.2	Product line concept development	10
12.3	Formula finalization and optimization	12
12.4	Preservation strategy implementation	10
12.5	Stability testing execution	12
12.6	Packaging selection and compatibility verification	10
12.7	Scale-up documentation completion	10
12.8	SOP and batch record finalization	12
12.9	Quality system documentation	10
12.10	Label and claims package completion	10
12.11	Portfolio assembly and review	10
12.12	Professional presentation preparation	8
12.13	Capstone presentation and evaluation	8

Practical Project: Complete a professional product line of minimum 3 products with full documentation package.

Assessment Output: Professional Product Line Portfolio (see detailed requirements below)

Capstone Portfolio Requirements

The capstone portfolio must include:

For each product (minimum 3 products):

• Final formula with complete specifications
• Preservation strategy documentation with risk assessment
• Stability testing protocol and data
• Packaging specification with compatibility documentation
• Manufacturing SOP
• Batch record template
• Quality control specifications
• Compliant label artwork
• Claims substantiation file

For the product line:

• Product line strategy document
• Ingredient master list with supplier information
• Formula management system with version control
• Quality manual adapted for the product line
• Cost analysis and pricing structure
• Launch plan outline

Program Summary

Semester	Focus	Modules	Hours
Semester 1	Advanced Formulation Science and Preservation	CH 1, CH 2, CH 3	405
Semester 2	Stability, Packaging, and Quality	CH 4, CH 5, CH 6	410
Semester 3	Production Systems and Documentation	CH 7, CH 8, CH 9	405
Semester 4	Compliance, Strategy, and Capstone	CH 10, CH 11, CH 12	400
Total		12 modules	1620 hours

Module and Lesson Count Summary

Module	Title	Lessons	Hours
CH 1	Professional Formulation Systems Thinking	13	130
CH 2	Advanced Ingredient Science	13	140
CH 3	Preservation Strategy and Microbial Safety	12	135
CH 4	Stability Science and Shelf-Life Planning	13	140
CH 5	Packaging Science and Compatibility	13	135
CH 6	Quality Management Foundations	13	135
CH 7	Scale-Up Methodology and Production Planning	12	135
CH 8	Standard Operating Procedures and Batch Records	13	140
CH 9	Version Control and Formula Management	12	130
CH 10	Labeling, Claims, and Regulatory Compliance	12	140
CH 11	Product Line Strategy and Development	12	130
CH 12	Professional Product Line Capstone	13	130
Total		151 lessons	1620 hours

Assessment Structure

Module Assessments:

• Each module includes one major practical project
• Each module produces one professional assessment output
• Progressive building toward capstone

Cumulative Documentation:

• Students maintain a growing documentation portfolio throughout the program
• Each semester builds on previous documentation
• Final capstone integrates all documentation systems

Capstone Evaluation Criteria:

• Technical accuracy and scientific rigor
• Documentation completeness and professionalism
• Systems integration and consistency
• Practical applicability and market readiness
• Professional presentation quality

Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

1. Assess and manage microbial risk in formulations systematically
2. Design and execute stability testing programs
3. Select and validate appropriate packaging systems
4. Scale formulations from bench to production while maintaining quality
5. Write professional SOPs and maintain comprehensive batch records
6. Implement version control and formula management systems
7. Create compliant labels with substantiated claims
8. Develop cohesive product lines with integrated documentation
9. Maintain quality management systems appropriate for small-scale production
10. Present professional product portfolios to stakeholders

Positioning in HerbWoman™ Educational Pathway

Level	Program	Hours	Focus
Foundation	Herbalist & PhytoArtisan™	1600	Herbal knowledge and basic formulation
Clinical	Clinical Nutritional Herbalism™	1500	Client work and therapeutic application
Advanced	Advanced Phyto Artisan™	1620	Professional product development
Combined Total		4720	Complete professional herbalist education

Shall I create the WP All Import files for this program as well?