Best Online Reiki Level 1 Certification for Beginners

If you’re drawn to energy healing, self-care, or personal transformation, exploring Reiki is a powerful start. But with so many options available, how do you choose a trustworthy and effective Reiki Level I certification online?

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about online Reiki Level I courses—from how they work and what you can expect, to real user reviews, pricing, and the top-rated programs available.

Let’s break it down so you can start your Reiki journey with clarity and confidence.

What Is Reiki Level I Certification?

Reiki Level I is the foundation of Reiki practice. It’s an entry-level course designed to connect you with universal life force energy and teach you how to channel it through your hands—for healing yourself and others.

Most online courses include:

• The history and philosophy of Reiki
• Human energy systems like chakras and auras
• Basic hand positions for healing
• Ethical guidelines for practice
• A Reiki Level I attunement (often done remotely)
• Self-treatment protocols

By the end, you’ll be eligible to receive a Reiki Level I certificate—though whether that certificate is recognized by professional organizations depends heavily on your course provider.

Why More Students Choose Online Reiki Certification

With more people turning to self-guided wellness, online Reiki Level I certification has become incredibly popular in recent years—for good reason.

💡 According to Udemy’s internal trends and course satisfaction ratings, Reiki and holistic healing courses remain among their most popular categories in alternative health training.

Here are some of the key benefits of getting certified through an online Reiki course:

✅ Flexible Schedule

No need to attend a weekend seminar. Learn at your pace, anytime, anywhere.

✅ Affordable Pricing

Most courses cost between $25–$150, a fraction of in-person trainings.

✅ Lifetime Access

Revisit the material forever. Many courses include downloadable guides and videos.

✅ Beginner-Friendly

You don’t need prior energy healing experience or spiritual background.

✅ Bonus Materials

What to Look for in a Legitimate Online Reiki Course

Not all online Reiki certifications are created equal. Some offer full value with thorough instruction, live support, and valid attunements. Others can be vague, oversimplified, or even misleading.

Here’s what to check before you enroll:

• Are the instructors certified Reiki Masters?
• Do they provide a verifiable certificate of completion?
• Is attunement included, and how is it facilitated (live, recorded, remote)?
• Is the curriculum in line with Reiki principles as taught by the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT)?
• Are alumni reviews available on third-party sites (YouTube, Reddit, Trustpilot)?

Take 5–10 minutes to research instructors online. Look for transparency and active community support.

Pro Tip: One of the most respected online instructors is Lisa Powers. Her Reiki Level I course is hosted on Udemy and praised for its depth, clarity, and guided attunement process. Read hundreds of real reviews from students here.

Real Student Feedback From Across the Web

We combed through Reddit threads, Quora discussions, and student testimonials to see what learners are really saying about online Reiki Level I certification.

🟢 Positive Experiences

Many first-time Reiki students report feelings of deep calm, personal insight, and increased energy after completing the course and receiving attunement. Reddit users often mention how accessible online learning is—especially for parents, caregivers, or full-time workers.

🎯 Example from Reddit:

“I didn’t expect to feel anything since it’s online, but honestly, the distance attunement was surprisingly powerful. I felt a wave of heat and peace.”

🔴 Concerns & Skepticism

The biggest concerns raised are about:

• Whether remote attunements are as effective
• Certificates being unrecognized by major Reiki bodies
• Courses lacking depth compared to in-person study

We suggest verifying if a course aligns with organizations like the IARP (International Association of Reiki Professionals) or Reiki.org.

Top Reiki Level I Certification Courses Online

Based on quality of instruction, price, support, and reviews, here are the top-rated beginner Reiki courses online:

Course	Instructor	Platform	Attunement	Cost
Reiki Level I, II & Master	Lisa Powers	Udemy	Remote (guided)	~$95
Reiki Level I Certification	Melissa Crowhurst	Udemy	Yes	~$25–30
Reiki Level I	International Center for Reiki Training	Reiki.org	In-person (preferred)	$400+

👉 While the Lisa Powers course is pricier, it includes three full levels and is widely respected. For a quick and affordable start, Melissa Crowhurst’s course is loved by many newbies in the Reiki community.

Distance Attunements vs In-Person: Should You Be Concerned?

One point of debate in the Reiki world is whether remote (long-distance) attunements are truly effective. Traditional schools insist that in-person transmission is required to fully activate Reiki energy.

However, modern masters—including both Powers and Crowhurst—incorporate spiritual intention and visualization in distance attunements that many students report as meaningful and energetically active.

Trust your intuition here. If you’re just beginning and seeking Reiki for self-healing, distance attunements may feel completely valid. If you’re planning to become a practicing healer, seek in-person initiation later on to ground your learning.

How Much Should an Online Reiki Course Cost?

✅ Reasonable price range: $25–$150

Beware of ultra-cheap courses that promise fast-tracked certification with no live support or guidance. On the flip side, paying hundreds for an online program with no clear instructor credibility should raise a red flag.

Pro Tip: Stick to platforms like Udemy or Reiki-certified instructors with a visible background.

Final Thoughts: Is Online Reiki Certification Worth It?

If you’ve been curious about energy healing, self-care, or spiritual development, online Reiki Level I courses offer an incredibly accessible way to begin your journey.

You’ll build foundational skills, learn Reiki philosophy, and receive an attunement that aligns you to healing energy. Best of all, you can train from the comfort of your home.

• ✔️ YES—if your goal is to explore personal healing
• ✔️ YES—if you want to ease anxiety and support well-being daily
• ❌ MAYBE—not ideal if you’re seeking to open a professional Reiki practice without supplemental in-person training

As a next step, we recommend starting with a highly rated, low-cost course (like Lisa Powers or Melissa Crowhurst), before moving on to higher levels or live workshops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Reiki real?

While scientific evidence is still being studied, many people report feeling relaxed and emotionally balanced after Reiki. It’s recognized by some hospitals as a complementary therapy.

Can I learn Reiki by myself?

No. Reiki must be activated through a process called attunement by a certified Reiki Master. That’s why taking a guided course is essential.

Is a distant (online) attunement legit?

While traditionalists prefer in-person, many students feel genuine energy shifts from distance attunements. Experiences vary depending on intention and openness.

Want Personalized Help Choosing a Reiki Course?

Comment below or get in touch—we’ll help you compare top options in your budget and guide you toward the best Reiki path for your goals!

📚 Reference:
Reiki Certification Trends & User Stats
ICRT Reiki Organization Guidelines

Ready to begin your Reiki healing journey?