TRReikiExplore Reiki Questions
Skip to content
Your Path to Practice

How to Become a Reiki Practitioner: A Step-by-Step Guide

You have experienced Reiki. Maybe as a client. Maybe through self-practice. Now you want to share it. You want to become a practitioner. Where do you start?

The path is clear. Level 1 for self-healing. Level 2 for professional practice. Master level for teaching. Each level requires training and attunement.

To become a Reiki practitioner: 1) Find a qualified Reiki master teacher. 2) Take Reiki Level 1 (Shoden) training. This focuses on self-healing. Practice daily self-Reiki for several months. 3) Take Reiki Level 2 (Okuden) training. This teaches symbols and distance healing. After Level 2, you can practice professionally (charge for sessions). 4) Build your practice. Offer sessions to friends and family first. Get feedback. Develop your skills. 5) Consider additional training (Master Level) if you want to teach. Most practitioners stop at Level 2. Certification is not legally required. But clients prefer trained practitioners.

Person receiving Reiki training from a master, learning hand positions

Fast facts

Step 1Find a qualified teacher
Step 2Take Level 1 (self-healing)
Step 3Practice daily self-Reiki (months)
Step 4Take Level 2 (professional)
Timeline6-12 months typical

The Path to Certification

A Complete Guide to Becoming a Reiki Practitioner

Main takeaway
A Complete Guide to Becoming a Reiki Practitioner

Becoming a Reiki practitioner is not like becoming a doctor. There is no government licensing. No standardized exam. But there is a tradition. A path. A lineage.

INSIGHTWhy it matters

The path has three levels: Level 1 (Shoden) for self-healing, Level 2 (Okuden) for professional practice, and Level 3 (Shinpiden) for teaching.

OBSERVEWhat to notice

Most practitioners stop at Level 2. That is sufficient for professional practice. Master level is for those called to teach.

Checklist

Step-by-Step Path to Becoming a Reiki Practitioner

What you need to do at each stage.

  • Step 1

    Research and find a teacher. Look for a qualified Reiki master with good reviews. Ask about their lineage. Trust your intuition. Attend an introductory session if offered.

  • Step 2

    Take Reiki Level 1 (Shoden). Training typically takes 1-2 days. Cost: $150-$300. You will receive your first attunement. Learn self-healing hand positions. Learn the five principles.

  • Step 3

    Practice daily self-Reiki. The recommended period between Level 1 and Level 2 is 3-6 months. Practice self-Reiki every day. Heal yourself. Build your energy channel.

  • Step 4

    Take Reiki Level 2 (Okuden). Training typically takes 1-2 days. Cost: $200-$500. You will receive your second attunement. Learn the three symbols (Cho Ku Rei, Sei He Ki, Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen). Learn distance healing.

  • Step 5

    Practice on others. Start with friends and family (free or donation). Get feedback. Build confidence. Practice distance healing. Develop your intuition.

  • Step 6

    Start your professional practice. After Level 2, you can charge for sessions. Set your prices. Find a space. Market your services. Get business insurance.

  • Step 7 (optional)

    Take Reiki Master Level 3 (Shinpiden). For those called to teach and attune others. Training typically takes 1-3 days. Cost: $500-$2,000. Learn the master symbol (Dai Ko Myo). Learn to give attunements.

Keep in mind

Before you go further

  • There is no legal requirement for Reiki certification. But clients prefer trained practitioners.
  • Choose your teacher carefully. Ask about their lineage and experience.
  • Practice matters more than certificates. A practitioner with years of practice and no certificate is better than a certified practitioner who never practices.

The Path to Becoming a Reiki Practitioner

From beginner to professional.

1

Level 1 (Shoden)

Self-healing. First attunement. Hand positions. Five principles. 1-2 days.

2

Practice

Daily self-Reiki for 3-6 months. Heal yourself. Build your channel.

3

Level 2 (Okuden)

Professional practice. Three symbols. Distance healing. 1-2 days.

4

Build Practice

Practice on friends/family. Get feedback. Start professional practice.

5

Master Level (Optional)

Teaching and attunements. Master symbol. For those called to teach.

The Most Important Step

How to Find a Qualified Reiki Master Teacher

Ask for recommendations: Talk to friends who have taken Reiki training. Read online reviews.

Check lineage: A reputable teacher should be able to trace their lineage back to Mikao Usui. Ask to see their lineage certificate.

Interview potential teachers: Ask about their training, experience, and teaching style. Trust your intuition.

Attend an introductory session: Many teachers offer free or low-cost introductory sessions. Attend before committing to a full class.

Compare costs: Level 1: $150-$300. Level 2: $200-$500. Master: $500-$2,000. Be wary of very high or very low prices.

Questions to ask: How long have you been teaching? What is your lineage? Do you offer ongoing support after training?

Is Certification Required?

Do You Need a Reiki Certificate?

There is no government licensing for Reiki practitioners. Anyone can call themselves a Reiki practitioner.

However, clients prefer trained practitioners. Certification from a reputable teacher provides credibility.

Most Reiki teachers provide a certificate upon completion of each level. This certificate shows your training and lineage.

Certification is not legally required. But it is professionally expected. Get certified. It builds trust with clients.

What Reiki Teachers Advise

Do not rush. Spend time at Level 1. Practice self-Reiki daily for months. Heal yourself. Build your channel. Then move to Level 2. The best practitioners have strong self-practice.

Certification is helpful but not everything. Practice matters more. A practitioner with no certificate but years of practice is better than a certified practitioner who never practices.

Be wary of teachers who promise quick certification or guarantee results. Reiki takes time. Practice daily. Be patient.

Skim first

Key takeaways

The shortest useful version of this page.

  1. Step 1: Find a qualified Reiki master teacher.

  2. Step 2: Take Reiki Level 1 (self-healing). Practice daily for 3-6 months.

  3. Step 3: Take Reiki Level 2 (professional practice). Learn symbols and distance healing.

  4. Step 4: Build your practice. Start with friends and family. Get feedback.

  5. Step 5 (optional): Take Master Level if called to teach.

  6. Certification is not legally required but builds client trust.

  7. Practice matters more than certificates.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become a Reiki practitioner?

Typically 6-12 months from beginner to Level 2. This includes training and practice time between levels.

Do I need a license to practice Reiki?

No. Reiki is not regulated in most jurisdictions. Anyone can practice. But training and certification are recommended.

How much does Reiki training cost?

Level 1: $150-$300. Level 2: $200-$500. Master: $500-$2,000. Prices vary.

Can I learn Reiki online?

Yes. Some teachers offer online training with distance attunements. In-person is traditional. Research your teacher carefully.

Do I need to be certified to charge for Reiki?

No. There is no legal requirement. But clients prefer certified practitioners. Get certified to build trust.

People also explore

The Permanence QuestionCan a Reiki Attunement Fail?Sensitivity and PerceptionCan a Reiki Master Feel Your Energy?Self-HealingCan I Do Reiki by Myself?Certification RequirementsDo You Need Certification for Energy Healing vs Reiki?Certification Times ComparedHow Long Does It Take to Get Certified in Reiki vs Other Modalities?Origins of the SymbolsAre Reiki Symbols Japanese?

More Reiki Practice Guides

Stay in the same topic if this is the question you came to answer.

The Permanence QuestionCan a Reiki Attunement Fail?According to Reiki tradition, a Reiki attunement cannot fail. It is permanent. Once you are attuned, you are always attuned. You cannot l...Sensitivity and PerceptionCan a Reiki Master Feel Your Energy?Yes, many Reiki masters and practitioners can feel energy in their hands or body during a session. Common sensations include heat, cold,...Self-HealingCan I Do Reiki by Myself?Yes, you can do Reiki by yourself. Self-Reiki is a powerful practice. You can learn it with formal training. But you can also start with...Energy and Vibration TogetherCan Reiki and Sound Healing Be Combined?Yes, Reiki and sound healing can be combined. According to practitioners, they complement each other. Reiki works with energy. Sound heal...Virtual AttunementsCan Reiki Attunement Be Done Online?Online Reiki attunements are available. Some teachers offer distance attunements using the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol. Traditional attunem...Reiki via PhoneCan Reiki Healing Be Done Over the Phone?Yes, Reiki healing can be done over the phone or video call. According to Reiki tradition, distance is not a barrier to energy. The pract...Healing TogetherCan You Do a Group Reiki Session?Yes, group Reiki sessions are very common. They can be in-person or virtual. In a group session, multiple practitioners may send Reiki to...Distance Healing for PetsCan You Do Distance Reiki on a Pet?Yes, you can do distance Reiki on a pet. According to Reiki tradition, distance is not a barrier to energy. The practitioner uses the Hon...

Explore related Reiki topics

Next questions chosen from connected topic areas, not random recommendations.

Reiki Comparisons

Compare Reiki With Nearby Practices

View topic
Do You Need Certification for Energy Healing vs Reiki?How Long Does It Take to Get Certified in Reiki vs Other Modalities?Reiki vs Crystal Healing
Reiki Symbols

Learn the Symbols

View topic
Are Reiki Symbols Japanese?Are Reiki Symbols Sanskrit?Can Anyone Use Reiki Symbols?
Reiki Experiences

People Also Ask After This

View topic
Can Reiki Give You Energy?Can Reiki Have Negative Effects?Can Reiki See the Future?
Reiki Aftercare

After Your Session

View topic
What Is the Aftercare of Reiki?What Not to Do After ReikiWhat to Avoid After Reiki
Reiki Science

Understand the Science

View topic
Can Reiki Attunement Weaken Your Immune System Temporarily?Do You Need a License to Practice Reiki?Does Reiki Healing Work?

Sources

  1. Frank Arjava Petter, Reiki Fire, 1997.
  2. Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
  3. Traditional Reiki teaching.

Related articles

Reiki master performing attunement on a student, Dai Ko Myo symbol glowing aboveThe Teacher's PathHow to Become a Reiki MasterAdvanced path.Price tags for Reiki Level 1, Level 2, and Master levels with dollar amountsBudgeting for Your TrainingHow Much Does Reiki Training Cost?Cost breakdown.Split image: left side in-person class with teacher and students, right side person on laptop for online trainingChoosing Your PathOnline vs In-Person Reiki TrainingChoosing your training method.Three ascending gates or doors symbolizing Shoden, Okuden, and ShinpidenThe Three DoorsWhat Are the Levels of Usui Reiki Ryoho?The three levels explained.Person at a desk with laptop, calendar, and Reiki supplies, starting a business themeFrom Practitioner to EntrepreneurHow to Start a Reiki BusinessAfter certification.Person relaxing at home receiving distance Reiki, feeling heat and relaxationEvidence and ExperienceDoes Distance Reiki Really Work?Yes, distance Reiki really works for many people. Thousands of practitioners and recipients report that distance Reiki is as effective as in-person...
↑