The primary organization that has been responsible for the recognition and regulation of hypnotherapy training in the USA is the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (A.C.H.E.). This organization is a non-profit state-chartered, non-profit professional corporation that has established standards for specialized education and maintains standards of practice and a code of ethics. In addition, A.C.H.E. provides examination for hypnotherapists who have met the qualifications for specialized education, training, and experience. Successful completion of the examination leads to certification as a hypnotherapist.

For examination and certification by A.C.H.E., a Hypnotherapist must be trained in a school approved by the A.C.H.E. The A.C.H.E. only approves schools that have programs of at least 200 hours of classroom training in hypnotherapy.

Certification as a Clinical Hypnotherapist requires not less than 350 hours of classroom training and is the highest level of certification awarded