Dry Needling Certification Program CDNP

DRY NEEDLING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

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IPTA-DN-CERT-v1.0-2022 · Version 1.0 (2022) · Hybrid (Face to Face + Online Pre-Program) · 4 Days Face to Face · 42 CPD Hours

 

The IPTA Dry Needling Certification Program is an intensive four-day hybrid program designed to equip physiotherapy graduates with comprehensive theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical skills in dry needling. Through a structured blend of 20 hours of pre-program online self-study, 4 hours of face-to-face theory, and 28 hours of supervised practical lab sessions, participants gain the confidence and competency to integrate dry needling safely and effectively into their clinical practice. The program is accredited by both IPTA and the International Board of Dry Needling (IDNB), and covers the full spectrum of major body regions including the upper limb, lower limb, head and neck, chest, cervical, and back. Upon successful completion, participants receive a formally recognized program completion certificate.

 

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01. PROGRAM INFORMATION

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Program Title: Dry Needling Certification Program

Program Code: IPTA-DN-CERT-v1.0-2022

Version: 1.0 (2022)

Program Type: Certification Program

Program Mode: Hybrid — Online Pre-Program (Self-Study) + Face to Face (Theory & Practical)

Program Level: Foundation to Intermediate

Duration: 4 Face-to-Face Days + 21 Days Online Pre-Program (Self-Study)

Total Credit Hours: 42 CPD Hours (10 hrs online equivalent + 4 hrs F2F theory + 28 hrs practical)

Developed By: International Physical Therapy Academy (IPTA)

Reviewed By: IPTA Review Committee

Review Cycle: Every 3 Years

Target Discipline: Physiotherapy — Graduates Only

Effective Date: 2022

Guidelines: International Physical Therapy Academy (IPTA) · International Board of Dry Needling (IDNB)

 

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02. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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The IPTA Dry Needling Certification Program is a carefully designed, evidence-based program that provides physiotherapy graduates with a solid foundation in dry needling theory and practice. Developed by a team of experienced professionals, the program integrates relevant anatomy, neurophysiology, pain mechanisms, and hands-on dry needling technique across all major body regions. Delivered in a hybrid format — with 20 hours of structured online pre-program self-study followed by four intensive face-to-face days — the program caters to both practitioners new to dry needling and those seeking to formalize and expand existing skills. Accredited by IPTA and the International Board of Dry Needling (IDNB), successful graduates receive a recognized program completion certificate worth 42 CPD hours.

 

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03. PROGRAM INTRODUCTION & RATIONALE

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Clinical / Professional Need

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Dry needling (DN) is a widely used and evidence-informed intervention in musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice. Despite growing clinical adoption, many physiotherapy graduates lack access to structured, internationally accredited training that covers both the theoretical foundations and practical application of dry needling across all major body regions. This creates variability in technique quality, safety awareness, and clinical outcomes. The IPTA Dry Needling Certification Program addresses this gap by providing a standardized, high-quality pathway for physiotherapists to develop safe, effective, and evidence-based dry needling competencies.

 

Evidence Base & Alignment

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The program content is grounded in current evidence in neurophysiology, pain science, musculoskeletal anatomy, and trigger point theory. It incorporates understanding of the latest research in dry needling mechanisms, myofascial trigger point formation, and evidence-based safety protocols. Program guidelines are aligned with those of the International Physical Therapy Academy (IPTA) and the International Board of Dry Needling (IDNB), ensuring participants receive training that meets recognized international standards.

 

Alignment with IPTA Mission

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This program advances IPTA's mission to empower physiotherapy professionals worldwide through high-standard, evidence-based continuing education. It directly supports IPTA's strategic goal of developing and promoting international standards for physiotherapy education, training, and research — and reflects IPTA's status as an accredited Dry Needling Training Provider recognized by the International Board of Dry Needling (IDNB).

 

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04. TARGET AUDIENCE

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Primary Audience: Licensed physiotherapy graduates seeking formal dry needling certification

Secondary Audience: Physiotherapists seeking to expand their musculoskeletal intervention toolkit with internationally recognized DN training

Career Stage: All levels — from newly qualified graduates to experienced practitioners formalizing existing skills

Program Level: Foundation to Intermediate

Geographic Scope: International — open to practitioners worldwide

Group Size (Typical): As per IPTA and IDNB program delivery guidelines

 

Who Should Attend — Ideal Candidate Profile

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·       Physiotherapy graduates wishing to add dry needling to their clinical practice for the first time through a structured, internationally accredited program.

·       Experienced physiotherapists who have used dry needling informally and wish to obtain formal, recognized certification.

·       Practitioners working in musculoskeletal, sports, rehabilitation, or pain management settings with exposure to patients presenting with myofascial pain and trigger point dysfunction.

·       Clinicians seeking internationally recognized IDNB and IPTA endorsement of their dry needling competencies.

 

Who Should NOT Attend

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·       Non-physiotherapy healthcare professionals — this program is open to physiotherapy graduates only.

·       Current physiotherapy students who have not yet completed their degree qualification.

 

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05. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES & LEARNING OUTCOMES

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Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

 

General Objectives

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·       Introduce dry needling as a clinically relevant treatment option for musculoskeletal problems and related disorders.

·       Understand the types, mechanisms, physiological effects, indications, contraindications, and precautions of dry needling.

·       Reinforce and apply knowledge of body surface anatomy relevant to dry needling practice.

·       Understand and apply dry needling techniques for the major and most clinically important body muscles with full adherence to safety procedures.

·       Understand myofascial trigger point (MTrP) theory, formation mechanisms, and clinical presentation.

·       Ensure mastery of patient and therapist safety protocols throughout all dry needling procedures.

 

Knowledge (Cognitive Domain)

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·       Explain the theoretical foundations of dry needling, including relevant anatomy, neurophysiology, and pain mechanisms.

·       Describe types of dry needling, their effects, indications, contraindications, and clinical precautions.

·       Explain the mechanism by which dry needling produces its clinical effects.

·       Describe myofascial trigger point (MTrP) formation theories and their clinical relevance.

·       Identify the latest research and evidence-based practices in dry needling.

 

Skills (Psychomotor Domain)

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·       Apply dry needling techniques safely and accurately across the major muscles of the upper limb, lower limb, head and neck, chest, cervical, and back regions.

·       Perform accurate surface anatomical landmarking to guide safe needle placement.

·       Implement patient and therapist safety protocols throughout all needling procedures.

·       Apply dry needling as an integrated component of a broader musculoskeletal physiotherapy management plan.

 

Attitudes & Professional Behaviours (Affective Domain)

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·       Demonstrate ethical, patient-centered practice in all dry needling interactions, aligned with IPTA's Code of Ethics.

·       Promote patient safety, dignity, and cultural sensitivity throughout all practical sessions.

·       Engage critically with current evidence and commit to continuous professional development in dry needling practice.

 

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06. CURRICULUM & MODULES

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M0 — Pre-Program Self-Study Reading Materials

Hours: 20 hrs (equiv. 10 hrs contact)

Mode: Online (async, self-study)

Key Content / Learning Outcomes: Anatomy revision · Neurophysiology · Pain mechanisms · Trigger point theory · DN foundations · Safety principles

Assessment: Pre-Program Exam

 

M1 — Dry Needling — Theoretical Foundations

Hours: 4 hrs

Mode: Face to Face (Lecture)

Key Content / Learning Outcomes: Pre Program Exam · DN concept · Types and mechanisms · Effects · Indications · Contraindications · Precautions · Safety protocols · MTrP formation theories · Anatomy review

 

M1b — Introduction to Electro-Dry Needling (EDN)

 

M2 — Practical: Upper Limb (UL) Dry Needling

Hours: Included in 28 hrs practical

Mode: Face to Face (Lab)

Key Content / Learning Outcomes: Surface anatomy · Trigger point identification · Safe needle placement · Technique application — upper limb muscles

Assessment: Practical Exam

 

M3 — Practical: Lower Limb (LL) Dry Needling

Hours: Included in 28 hrs practical

Mode: Face to Face (Lab)

Key Content / Learning Outcomes: Surface anatomy · Trigger point identification · Safe needle placement · Technique application — lower limb muscles

Assessment: Practical Exam

 

M4 — Practical: Head, Neck & Chest Dry Needling

Hours: Included in 28 hrs practical

Mode: Face to Face (Lab)

Key Content / Learning Outcomes: Surface anatomy · Safe needle placement · Technique application — head, neck, and chest muscles · Safety considerations for sensitive regions

Assessment: Practical Exam

 

M5 — Practical: Cervical & Back Dry Needling

Hours: Included in 28 hrs practical

Mode: Face to Face (Lab)

Key Content / Learning Outcomes: Surface anatomy · Safe needle placement · Technique application — cervical and back musculature · Spinal region safety · Tendon and Bone Needling

Assessment: Practical Exam

 

MF — Final Assessment

Hours: Included in program

Mode: Theory + Practical

Key Content / Learning Outcomes: Summative competency evaluation — Pre-program exam + Theory exam + Practical exam

Assessment: Pre-Program Exam + Theory Exam + Practical Exam

 

Note: Total program: 20 hours online self-study (equivalent to 10 contact hours) + 4 hours face-to-face theory + 28 hours face-to-face practical = 42 CPD hours total. Practical sessions cover all major body regions: Upper Limb · Lower Limb · Head & Neck · Chest · Cervical · Back.

 

Curriculum Summary

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Total CPD / Credit Hours: 42 hours

Online Pre-Program (M0): 20 hours self-study (equivalent to 10 contact hours)

Face-to-Face Theory (M1): 4 hours

Face-to-Face Practical (M2–M5): 28 hours across 4 days

 

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07. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

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Minimum Qualification: Physiotherapy degree — Graduates Only. Current physiotherapy students are not eligible.

Prerequisites: None — no prior dry needling experience required

License / Registration: Active physiotherapy registration recommended; may be required per local regulations

Language Proficiency: English — translation support available where local arrangements permit

Experience Preferred: Any clinical experience in musculoskeletal or rehabilitation physiotherapy is beneficial but not required

Technical Requirements: For online pre-program (M0): stable internet connection and device with access to IPTA e-learning platform

Pre-Program Obligation: Completion of all M0 self-study reading materials and passing the Pre-Program Exam before attending Day 1 is mandatory

 

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08. PARTICIPANT PREPARATION

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Pre-Program Learning Materials (M0 — Mandatory)

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All participants must complete 20 hours of structured self-study reading materials before attending the face-to-face component of the program. These materials cover foundational anatomy, neurophysiology, pain mechanisms, trigger point theory, and dry needling safety principles. Access is provided via the IPTA e-learning platform at least two weeks before the program commencement date. A Pre-Program Examination must be completed and passed before attending Day 1 of the face-to-face sessions.

 

Required Equipment & Materials — Participants Must Bring

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·       Single-use sterile dry needling needles (varied lengths) with guide tubes — sufficient for four days of intensive practical lab work. Exact specifications and required quantities will be confirmed by the program tutor at least one week before commencement.

·       Alcohol swabs and skin preparation materials.

·       Disposable gloves (multiple pairs), hand gel, gauze/cotton balls, plasters, and sharps disposal containers.

·       Lab coat or scrubs — clinical attire is required for all practical sessions.

 

Lab / Venue-Provided Equipment

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·       Treatment plinths, pillows, and sheets for all practical sessions.

·       Program workbooks and reference materials.

·       Any additional clinical or anatomical reference tools specific to this program, as confirmed by the tutor.

 

Daily Schedule

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Daily Start Time: 09:00 (local time)

Daily End Time: 17:00 (local time) — 8 contact hours including scheduled breaks

Breaks: Multiple breaks throughout the day, including prayer and lunch break observed locally

Dress Code: Lab coat or scrubs required for all face-to-face practical sessions

 

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09. PROGRAM SCHEDULE

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Pre-Program (Online — 21 days): M0: Completion of 20 hours structured self-study reading materials via IPTA e-learning platform · Pre-Program Examination must be passed before attending Day 1

Day 1: M1: Dry Needling Theoretical Foundations (4 hrs) — DN concept, types, mechanisms, effects, indications, contraindications, precautions, MTrP theory, anatomy review, safety protocols · Introduction to Electro-Dry Needling (EDN): principles, mechanisms, and clinical applications · Theory Examination (conducted at end of Day 1 — re-examination available on the same day at end of session for those who do not pass; further re-examination with the upcoming batch at any IPTA program worldwide)

Day 2: M2: Practical — Upper Limb (UL) Dry Needling · M3: Practical — Lower Limb (LL) Dry Needling

Day 3: M4: Practical — Head, Neck & Chest Dry Needling · M4b: Tendon & Bone Dry Needling — theoretical principles and supervised practical application

Day 4: M5: Practical — Cervical & Back Dry Needling · MF: Theory Examination (summative) · Practical Examination (OSCE format)

Daily hours: 09:00 – 17:00 · 8 contact hours including scheduled breaks · Prayer and lunch break observed locally

 

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10. FACULTY & TUTORS

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All IPTA program tutors hold valid IPTA Tutor Accreditation and IDNB-endorsed specialty recognition. A minimum of one Program Tutor and one Co-Tutor are required for each delivery of this program.

 

Dr. Ahmed Habeeb Alsiddig — Program Tutor

Qualifications & Credentials: Physiotherapy Lecturer · IPTA Certified Tutor · IDNB Certified Mentor · PhD (Candidate) · PDPT · MPT · CDNP · OMTC · SMTC

IPTA Rank: Certified Tutor

Specialty: Dry Needling

 

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11. ASSESSMENT & CERTIFICATION

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Assessment Structure

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This program uses a three-stage assessment approach — Pre-Program, Theory, and Practical — to ensure competency across knowledge, safety awareness, and hands-on technique:

 

Pre-Program Examination (Stage 1)

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Completed online after finishing the M0 self-study materials and at the beginning of Day 1. Assesses foundational knowledge of anatomy, neurophysiology, pain mechanisms, trigger point theory, and dry needling safety principles.

 

Theory Examination (Stage 2 — Formative / Summative)

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Conducted on Day 4 following the theoretical lectures (M1). Assesses comprehension of dry needling concept, types, mechanisms, indications, contraindications, precautions, and MTrP theory. Pass mark: 70%.

 

Practical Examination (Stage 3 — Summative)

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Conducted on Day 4 following completion of all practical modules (M2–M5). Assesses hands-on dry needling competency across the covered body regions, including accurate anatomical landmarking, safe needle placement, technique precision, and adherence to safety protocols. Pass mark: 70%.

 

Pass Mark

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70% in each individual examination stage ( Theory, and Practical). All stages must be passed to receive the program completion certificate.

 

Re-Assessment Policy

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·       Practical re-assessment is available via in-person examination at an upcoming IPTA program batch . An administration fee may apply.

·       Further re-examination: participants who do not pass the same-day re-sit are eligible to retake the Examination with any upcoming IPTA program batch, in any country worldwide where the program is delivered.

·       All re-assessments must be completed within 6 months of the original program end date.

 

Certificate Issued

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IPTA Electronic Program Completion Certificate with QR verification code — issued within 48 hours of successful completion of all three examination stages. Certificates are verifiable by employers and institutions at www.ipta.academy/verify.

 

Certification Summary

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Certificate Type: IPTA Program Completion Certificate (digital, QR-verified)

Total CPD Hours: 42 CPD Hours — IPTA accredited

Specialty Endorsement: Dry Needling — IDNB endorsed

Accreditation Bodies: International Physical Therapy Academy (IPTA) · International Board of Dry Needling (IDNB)

 

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12. CPD & ACCREDITATION VALUE

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Note: This program is delivered by the International Physical Therapy Academy (IPTA) — a fully recognized learning provider with the UK Register of Learning Providers (UKRLP No. 10096105), an approved international CPD provider by CPDG-UK (No. #782156), accredited by the International Accreditation Council under ISO 21001:2018 (Educational Organizations Management System), and accredited as a further education organization by UK Education Quality Management (UKEQM — www.ukeqm.uk). This program is additionally accredited by the International Board of Dry Needling (IDNB — www.idnb.world), making IPTA a dual-accredited dry needling training provider with both institutional and specialty-specific international recognition.

This program is fully recognized and accredited by the Ministries of Health and relevant regulatory authorities in multiple countries, including — by way of example — the Republic of Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Recognition in additional countries continues to grow in line with IPTA's expanding global network. Participants are advised to confirm the recognition status of IPTA programs with their specific national registration body or employer prior to enrollment.

 

Attendance carries 42 IPTA-accredited CPD hours.

 

UK Register of Learning Providers (UKRLP) — Fully Recognized Learning Provider — No. 10096105

Recognition Status: Fully Recognized Learning Provider — No. 10096105

Additional details: www.ukrlp.co.uk

 

CPD Group UK (CPDG) — Approved International CPD Provider — No. #782156

Recognition Status: Approved International CPD Provider — No. #782156

Additional details: www.thecpd.group

 

International Accreditation Council (IAC) — ISO 21001: 2018 Certified — Educational Organizations Management System

Recognition Status: ISO 21001:2018 Certified — Educational Organizations Management System

Additional details: www.iacouncil.org

 

International Board of Dry Needling (IDNB) — Accredited Dry Needling Training Provider

Recognition Status: Accredited Dry Needling Training Provider

Additional details: www.idnb.world

 

UK Education Quality Management (UKEQM) — Accredited Further Education Organization

Recognition Status: Accredited Further Education Organization

Additional details: www.ukeqm.uk

 

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13. QUALITY ASSURANCE

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All IPTA programs are subject to a structured quality assurance framework to ensure consistent, high-standard delivery across all countries and delivery formats.

 

Scientific Oversight: IPTA Scientific Council reviews all program content for scientific accuracy, clinical relevance, and alignment with current evidence. IDNB guidelines are applied for all dry needling content.

Program Review Cycle: Every 3 years, or sooner if significant new evidence or guideline changes from IPTA or IDNB warrant earlier revision.

Peer Review Process: Each program is reviewed by at least two independent subject-matter experts prior to initial launch and at each revision cycle.

Delivery Monitoring: IPTA Liaison Officers and the Review Committee monitor program delivery quality through tutor evaluations, participant feedback, and assessment outcome analysis.

Participant Feedback: A structured feedback survey is administered to all participants at program conclusion. Results are analyzed and fed into the program improvement cycle.

Assessment Moderation: All summative assessments are moderated by a second IPTA-accredited assessor before results are issued and certificates are dispatched.

Tutor Qualification: All program tutors must hold current IPTA Tutor Accreditation and IDNB Mentor certification for dry needling programs, and comply with ongoing professional development requirements.

Conflict of Interest: All faculty and Scientific Council members complete conflict of interest declarations submitted to IPTA Scientific Affairs. A comprehensive review is conducted to ensure objectivity and scientific integrity of all program content.

 

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14. ETHICS & PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

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All participants, faculty, and program organizers are required to adhere to IPTA's ethical and professional conduct standards throughout the program.

 

·       All participants complete the IPTA Code of Ethics declaration prior to program commencement.

·       All faculty members submit conflict of interest disclosures to IPTA Scientific Affairs before each program delivery.

·       Formal informed consent is obtained from all participants before every practical (needling) session — without exception.

·       Patient and volunteer safety briefings are conducted and documented before each practical lab session, covering needle safety, sterile technique, and emergency response.

·       The program adheres to IPTA's Equal Opportunity Charter and is committed to diversity and inclusion in all delivery settings, including respect for local cultural norms in mixed-gender lab environments.

·       Data protection and privacy compliance is maintained in accordance with applicable regulations in the host country.

 

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15. DOCUMENT CONTROL

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Document Title: Dry Needling Certification Program — Program Description Document

Document Type: Official Program Curriculum Document

Document Owner: IPTA Programs & Scientific Affairs Department

Classification: Official — For authorized distribution

Template Version: IPTA-SPD-Template-v2.0-2025

Program Version: v1.0 — 2022 (Original) | v2.0 — 2025 (Reformatted to IPTA Standard Template)

 

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For registration and further information:

www.ipta.academy · contact@ipta.academy

 

2nd Floor, College House, 17 King Edwards Road, Ruislip, London, HA4 7AE, United Kingdom

 

Registration No. 17084556-UK

 

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