Purodem® CPD Series
Aroma Evaluation: Sensory Skills for Aromatherapy Practice
A professional CPD course developing structured sensory assessment skills for aromatherapists and formulation practitioners.
CPD Course Overview
- CPD Hours: 3–6
- Level: Professional CPD
- Delivery: Distance learning
- Assessment: Competency-based
- Prerequisites: See below
- Structured aroma evaluation skills
- Objective sensory vocabulary
- Practical evaluation experience
- Quality and adulteration awareness
- Direct application to practice
About The CPD Course
Aroma evaluation is a core professional skill in aromatherapy, yet it is often overlooked and approached informally or without structure. This course is designed to develop methodical, repeatable sensory assessment skills that support confident professional practice.
You will learn how aroma is perceived, how sensory bias can influence interpretation, and how to evaluate aromatic materials using a tested framework. Through guided evaluation and reflective practice, you will build the ability to assess aroma quality, recognise characteristic notes, and record findings clearly and consistently.
Who This Course Is For
This CPD is suitable for aromatherapists, holistic practitioners, formulation students, and professionals working with essential oils or aromatic materials. Some experience with essential oils is helpful but not required.
CPD Course Content
Unit 1: Introduction to Olfaction & Sensory Perception
- How the olfactory system functions
- Neurosensory pathways and emotional association
- Factors influencing aroma perception (environment, mindset, adaptation)
- Health and safety considerations for aroma evaluation
Unit 2: Principles of Aroma Evaluation
- Purpose and professional relevance of sensory assessment
- Aromatic families and note categories
- Volatility and evaporation (top, middle, base notes)
- Chemical constituents and typical aroma characteristics
Unit 3: Developing Sensory Vocabulary
- Sensory vs subjective vs imaginative descriptors
- Building an objective professional lexicon
- Common descriptive errors and how to avoid them
- Consistent and accurate aroma recording
Unit 4: Evaluation Methods
- Blotter and strip testing techniques
- Bottle testing and safe inhalation
- Dilution-based evaluation at 1%, 10%, and 30%
- Blind and semi-blind evaluation protocols
- Recording intensity, complexity, and longevity
Unit 5: Guided Practical Evaluation
- Evaluation of 8 essential oils or aromatic materials
- Comparative evaluation of similar oils
- Identifying off-notes and degradation markers
- Introduction to quality indicators and basic adulteration cues
Unit 6: Linking Sensory Data to Practice
- Applying aroma findings to therapeutic decision-making
- Client acceptability and emotional resonance
- Aroma balance and harmony in formulation design
- Cultural and client-specific considerations
Unit 7: Reflective Practice
- Building an aroma journal or sensory library
- Tracking personal sensory development
- Managing aroma fatigue and maintaining objectivity
- Ethical responsibility in sensory work
Teaching, Learning & Assessment
The course is delivered through a combination of tutor-led teaching, guided practical evaluation, and structured self-study.
Assessment is competency-based, focusing on understanding, method, and reflective practice rather than “right or wrong” sensory descriptions.
Assessment methods may include:
- Aroma evaluation worksheets
- Comparative analysis of aromatic materials
- Reflective journaling
- Short-answer knowledge checks
- Practical observation during guided evaluation
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this CPD, participants will be able to:
Understand
- How olfaction and sensory perception influence aroma evaluation
- Factors that affect aroma perception, including environment, psychological state, adaptation, and bias
- Aromatic families, note structures, and the relationship between aroma and chemical composition
Apply
- Structured aroma evaluation methods using blotters, bottle testing, and dilution
- Objective sensory vocabulary to record aromas consistently
- Comparative assessment techniques to identify characteristic notes and differences
Integrate into Practice
- Use aroma evaluation findings to inform therapeutic decisions or formulation design
- Recognise basic indicators of quality, degradation, and potential adulteration
- Apply appropriate health and safety considerations during aroma evaluation sessions
Your CPD Tutor
Deana Kassim
Deana Kassim is Principal Tutor and Director at Purodem. She is a qualified educator, experienced clinical aromatherapist, and member of the International Federation of Aromatherapists (MIFA), with over 20 years’ experience across the beauty, wellness, and education sectors.
At Purodem, Deana leads professional training in clinical aromatherapy and therapeutic product formulation, alongside ongoing work in bespoke aromatherapeutic remedy development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous aromatherapy training to take this CPD?
No formal qualifications are required. This CPD is suitable for beginners as well as experienced practitioners. Some familiarity with essential oils is helpful, but the course is structured to guide you through professional aroma evaluation methods step by step.
Will I need to purchase specific essential oils or materials for this course?
You will be guided to work with a small selection of commonly available essential oils or aromatic materials. Where possible, flexibility is built in so you can work with materials you already have, while still meeting the learning objectives of the course.
Will this course help me assess essential oil quality?
Yes. While this CPD does not replace laboratory testing or GC-MS analysis, it will develop your ability to recognise key sensory indicators of quality, degradation, and potential adulteration through structured aroma evaluation.
Is this course theory-based or practical?
This course combines theoretical understanding with guided practical aroma evaluation. You will actively assess aromatic materials using structured methods rather than learning theory alone.
How is the course delivered?
The course is delivered via distance learning and includes tutor-led teaching alongside guided self-study and practical evaluation activities.
How long does the course take to complete?
The course provides approximately 3–6 CPD hours, depending on your pace and depth of engagement. You may complete the learning within a short timeframe or spread it out to suit your schedule.
How is assessment handled?
Assessment is competency-based and reflective. The focus is on understanding and method rather than “right or wrong” sensory descriptions. Assessment may include evaluation worksheets, comparative analysis, reflective journaling, or short-answer knowledge checks.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. On successful completion, you will receive a Certificate of CPD Completion for your professional records.
Is this CPD suitable for insurers and professional portfolios?
This course is designed to support ongoing professional development and aligns with common CPD expectations for aromatherapy and holistic practice.
What does registering your interest mean?
Registering your interest allows us to notify you when this CPD becomes available. It does not involve payment and does not commit you to enrolment.
Access
This CPD is being prepared for release as part of the Purodem® Professional CPD Series. You are invited to register your interest to be notified when enrolment opens and full course details, including pricing, are released. Registration does not involve payment or commitment.
Continue Your Professional Development
Explore the full Purodem® Professional CPD Series or discover related courses below.