Reiki Practitioner Certification — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the solar plexus chakra associated with in Reiki and chakra work?

Communication and creativity
Love and relationships
Personal power, will, and self-esteem (Correct answer)
Spiritual connection

Correct answer: Personal power, will, and self-esteem

The solar plexus chakra (Manipura), located above the navel, governs personal power, self-esteem, confidence, and willpower, and is associated with the color yellow.

Question 2: Once a person has been attuned to Reiki, how long does the attunement last?

For life (Correct answer)
Five years
Until the next attunement
One year

Correct answer: For life

A Reiki attunement is permanent and lasts for life; the only thing that can reduce its effectiveness is lack of practice or blockages in the practitioner's own energy system.

Question 3: What is the purpose of the 21-day cleansing period following a Reiki attunement?

To avoid all human contact
To memorize all Reiki symbols
To allow the energy system to purge old patterns and integrate the new vibrational frequency (Correct answer)
To practice only on plants and animals

Correct answer: To allow the energy system to purge old patterns and integrate the new vibrational frequency

The 21-day period allows the body, mind, and spirit to release old energetic patterns and fully integrate the higher vibration opened by the attunement.

Question 4: How many days should you give yourself a break?

8
21 (Correct answer)
15
30

Correct answer: 21

Explanation: Every teacher emphasizes the significance of practicing Reiki self-healing on a daily basis for the first twenty-one days after attunement. This is due to a number of factors. To begin with, your body undergoes a lot of detoxification throughout these 21 days. Make sure you consume lots of water and get enough sleep.

Question 5: What is the recommended practice period after a Reiki Level 1 attunement to allow the energy to integrate?

1 day
21 days (Correct answer)
7 days
90 days

Correct answer: 21 days

A 21-day cleansing and integration period is traditionally recommended after receiving a Reiki attunement, during which daily self-treatment is advised.

Question 6: What belongs to: There could be more than one right answer! What is the Sacral Chakra?

Our ability to be confident and in-control of our lives
Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area.
Emotional issues: Sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure, sexuality.More on Sacral Chakra healing (Correct answer)
Location: Lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel and 2 inches in. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Emotional issues: Sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure, sexuality.More on Sacral Chakra healing

The correct answer: Location: Lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel and 2 inches in. Emotional issues: Sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure, sexuality.More on Sacral Chakra healing

Question 7: What does the technique 'Reiji Ho' refer to in Reiki?

Asking Reiki to guide the practitioner's hands to where healing is needed (Correct answer)
Chanting the names of symbols
Performing the Cho Ku Rei symbol in the air
Programing crystals with energy

Correct answer: Asking Reiki to guide the practitioner's hands to where healing is needed

Reiji Ho is the technique of setting an intention and allowing Reiki energy to guide the practitioner's hands intuitively to where healing is most needed on the recipient.

Question 8: What is 'Byosen scanning' in Reiki practice?

A breathing technique used before sessions
A technique using crystals placed on chakras
Drawing symbols on the recipient's skin
Sweeping the hands over the body to sense areas needing healing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Sweeping the hands over the body to sense areas needing healing

Byosen scanning involves slowly moving the hands a few inches above the recipient's body to detect areas of imbalance, often felt as heat, tingling, or pulsing sensations.

Question 9: How many Reiki levels are there?

4
5
3 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3

Explanation: Reiki is divided into three levels or degrees, which are attained through a series of initiations.

Question 10: What is a Reiki attunement?

A meditation practice done alone
A type of massage technique
A written exam for Reiki certification
An energetic initiation performed by a Reiki Master to open the student's healing channel (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An energetic initiation performed by a Reiki Master to open the student's healing channel

A Reiki attunement is a sacred ritual performed by a Reiki Master that energetically opens and aligns the student's system to act as a channel for Reiki energy.

Question 11: What is the meaning of Gokai Sansho?

Meditation on Reiki principles
Reiki principles chanted 3 times (Correct answer)
Healing with Reiki principles

Correct answer: Reiki principles chanted 3 times

Explanation: Gokai Sansho is made up of five daily basics that are uttered aloud and repeated three times. The basics are as follows: return your hands to your lap, palms facing down, and say, "I conclude Hatsurei Ho."

Question 12: Who is credited with formulating the Five Reiki Principles as part of the Reiki system?

Mikao Usui (Correct answer)
Chujiro Hayashi
Phyllis Furumoto
Hawayo Takata

Correct answer: Mikao Usui

Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system, formulated the Five Principles drawing inspiration from the Meiji Emperor's poetry and ethical teachings.

Question 13: In Gendai Reiki Ho, what is the term used for the attunement process?

Kotodama
Reiju (Correct answer)
Okuden
Shoden

Correct answer: Reiju

Reiju, meaning 'spiritual gift,' is the Japanese term used in Gendai Reiki Ho for the attunement ceremony, which was the term used in Usui's original school.

Question 14: What is the recommended approach for a Reiki practitioner when a client discloses trauma during a session?

Immediately stop the session and leave the room
Hold space compassionately, gently continue or pause as appropriate, and refer to a mental health professional if needed (Correct answer)
Share the information with other Reiki practitioners for guidance
Continue the session and analyze the trauma

Correct answer: Hold space compassionately, gently continue or pause as appropriate, and refer to a mental health professional if needed

When trauma surfaces, the ethical practitioner holds compassionate space, responds with sensitivity, and recommends mental health support, recognizing the limits of Reiki's scope of practice.

Question 15: What is 'Enkaku Chiryo' in Reiki practice?

A grounding technique using the feet
Teaching Reiki to groups
Distance healing using the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol (Correct answer)
Placing stones on chakra points

Correct answer: Distance healing using the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol

Enkaku Chiryo is the Japanese term for distance healing, performed using the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol to send Reiki energy across time and space.

Question 16: On which Japanese mountain did Mikao Usui reportedly receive the Reiki energy during his meditation?

Mount Fuji
Mount Kurama (Correct answer)
Mount Koya
Mount Hiei

Correct answer: Mount Kurama

Usui meditated on Mount Kurama near Kyoto for 21 days and experienced a spiritual awakening that gave him the Reiki healing ability.

Question 17: What is 'Gassho meditation' in Reiki?

A seated meditation with palms pressed together, focusing on the point of contact of the middle fingers (Correct answer)
A standing posture for distance healing
A breathing exercise to open the throat chakra
A walking meditation around the recipient

Correct answer: A seated meditation with palms pressed together, focusing on the point of contact of the middle fingers

Gassho meditation is a traditional Reiki practice where the practitioner sits with palms together in prayer position, focusing attention on the middle fingers to quiet the mind and connect with Reiki.

Question 18: According to Reiki ethics, should a practitioner diagnose medical conditions during a session?

Yes, if they feel energy imbalances
Only if the client requests a diagnosis
Only Level 3 Masters may diagnose
No, Reiki practitioners are not licensed to diagnose and should not do so (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, Reiki practitioners are not licensed to diagnose and should not do so

Reiki practitioners are not medical professionals and are ethically and legally prohibited from diagnosing medical conditions; they should refer clients to appropriate healthcare providers.

Question 19: Is it legal for you to diagnose as a Reiki practitioner? (if you aren't a medical professional)

True
False (Correct answer)

Correct answer: False

Explanation: You are not allowed to make diagnoses

Question 20: The phrase 'No past, no present, no future' is the approximate translation of which Reiki symbol?

Dai Ko Myo
Sei He Ki
Cho Ku Rei
Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen

Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen is often translated as 'No past, no present, no future,' reflecting its ability to transcend time for distance healing.

Question 21: Which Reiki technique involves rapidly moving the fingertips in a light tapping or drumming motion on the recipient?

Byosen scanning
Jacki (Correct answer)
Nentatsu Ho
Chiryo

Correct answer: Jacki

Jacki is a Reiki technique where the practitioner rapidly taps or drums with the fingertips on the recipient's body to stimulate energy flow.

Question 22: What is the purpose of 'Seiheki Chiryo Ho' (mental/emotional technique) in Reiki?

Cleansing the practitioner's energy field
Grounding after a distant healing session
Physical pain management only
Reprogramming negative thought patterns using the Sei He Ki symbol (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Reprogramming negative thought patterns using the Sei He Ki symbol

Seiheki Chiryo Ho uses the Sei He Ki symbol and positive affirmations placed at the back of the recipient's head to help reprogram negative thought patterns and emotional imbalances.

Question 23: What is a 'Reiki share' or 'Reiki circle'?

A fundraising event for Reiki schools
A Reiki attunement ceremony for groups
An online forum for Reiki practitioners
A group session where multiple practitioners give and receive Reiki simultaneously (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A group session where multiple practitioners give and receive Reiki simultaneously

A Reiki share or circle is a group gathering where practitioners take turns giving and receiving Reiki from multiple practitioners simultaneously, amplifying the healing experience.

Question 24: What is the Japanese term for the first level of Reiki training?

Okuden
Gendai
Shoden (Correct answer)
Shinpiden

Correct answer: Shoden

Shoden, meaning 'Entry Teaching' or 'First Teachings,' is the Japanese term for the first level of Reiki training where students learn the basics and receive attunements.

Question 25: In some Western Reiki schools, the Master level is split into two parts. What is Level 3A sometimes called?

Reiki Master Practitioner (Correct answer)
Reiki Teacher Trainee
Reiki Level 4
Reiki Grand Master

Correct answer: Reiki Master Practitioner

Some Western schools divide the master level into 3A (Reiki Master Practitioner), where students receive the master symbol but are not yet authorized to teach, and 3B (Reiki Master Teacher).

Question 26: What is the typical duration of a full professional Reiki session for a client?

15–20 minutes
60–90 minutes (Correct answer)
30–45 minutes
3–4 hours

Correct answer: 60–90 minutes

A full professional Reiki session typically lasts 60–90 minutes, including intake, the hands-on treatment of approximately 45–60 minutes, and a closing discussion.

Question 27: What are the Five Reiki Principles (Gokai) recited in traditional Reiki practice?

Just for today: do not anger, do not worry, be humble, be honest in your work, be compassionate to yourself and others (Correct answer)
Practice daily, use symbols correctly, honor your teacher, charge fair prices, keep secrets
Be honest, be kind, be present, be grateful, be humble
Heal yourself, heal others, teach others, spread Reiki, serve the world

Correct answer: Just for today: do not anger, do not worry, be humble, be honest in your work, be compassionate to yourself and others

The Five Reiki Principles (Gokai) attributed to Usui begin with 'Just for today' and cover not angering, not worrying, being humble, working diligently, and showing compassion.

Question 28: How many standard hand positions are typically taught for a full-body Reiki treatment in the Hayashi/Takata tradition?

16
4
8
12 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 12

Hayashi's system includes approximately 12 standard hand positions covering the head, front, and back of the body for a complete Reiki treatment.

Question 29: The Raku symbol, used in some Reiki traditions, is primarily associated with which practice?

Emotional healing
Completing attunements and grounding (Correct answer)
Physical pain relief
Distance healing

Correct answer: Completing attunements and grounding

The Raku symbol, depicted as a lightning bolt, is traditionally used at the end of the master attunement process to seal the attunement and ground the energy.

Question 30: Can a Reiki attunement be performed at a distance, or must it always be done in person?

Distance attunements are strictly forbidden in all traditions
Distance attunements are accepted by many Reiki teachers using the distance symbol (Correct answer)
Only in person for Level 1, distance is acceptable for higher levels
Always in person only

Correct answer: Distance attunements are accepted by many Reiki teachers using the distance symbol

Many Reiki teachers accept that distance attunements are valid using the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol, though some traditional practitioners prefer in-person attunements.

Question 31: What physical or energetic experience might a student have during or after receiving a Reiki attunement?

Sensations of heat, tingling, emotional release, or deep relaxation are common (Correct answer)
Nothing—attunements have no immediate effect
Immediate ability to diagnose illness
Always extreme pain

Correct answer: Sensations of heat, tingling, emotional release, or deep relaxation are common

Students may experience warmth, tingling, colors, emotional release, deep peace, or other sensations during an attunement, as the energy system opens and realigns.

Question 32: Wat belongs to? There could be more than one valid solution. Chakra of the Crown

The highest Chakra represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually (Correct answer)
Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area
Location: The very top of the head (Correct answer)
Emotional issues: Inner and outer beauty, our connection to spirituality, pure bliss. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The highest Chakra represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually

The correct answer: Location: The very top of the head Emotional issues: Inner and outer beauty, our connection to spirituality, pure bliss. The highest Chakra represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually

Question 33: In Reiki, what does it mean when a practitioner feels heat in their hands over a specific body area?

Only hot rooms cause this sensation
The area is healthy and needs no Reiki
The practitioner has a fever
It may indicate an area of imbalance, inflammation, or a need for increased energy flow (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It may indicate an area of imbalance, inflammation, or a need for increased energy flow

Heat sensed in the practitioner's hands often indicates an area where the body is drawing in more Reiki energy, which may correspond to an area of stress, imbalance, or healing need.

Question 34: In Reiki, which hand position typically begins a standard full-body treatment?

The top of the head or face/eyes (Correct answer)
The heart center
The feet
The lower back

Correct answer: The top of the head or face/eyes

Most Reiki treatments begin with positions at the head, starting at the crown or covering the eyes and face, before moving down the body.

Question 35: How should a Reiki practitioner respond if a client asks them to treat a child or a vulnerable adult?

Treat the child without informing parents or guardians
Refuse to treat anyone under 18 or with cognitive limitations
Obtain consent from the parent, guardian, or legal representative and follow appropriate safeguarding protocols (Correct answer)
Charge extra for treating vulnerable populations

Correct answer: Obtain consent from the parent, guardian, or legal representative and follow appropriate safeguarding protocols

Working with minors or vulnerable adults requires informed consent from their legal guardian and adherence to appropriate safeguarding policies to ensure ethical and legal practice.

Question 36: Which of the following best describes the role of a Reiki Master Teacher as opposed to a Reiki Master Practitioner?

Master Teachers only do self-healing
There is no difference between the two designations
Master Teachers use more symbols than Practitioners
Master Teachers can attune and train new Reiki students; Practitioners cannot (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Master Teachers can attune and train new Reiki students; Practitioners cannot

The key distinction is that a Reiki Master Teacher has the training and authorization to teach classes and perform attunements on new students, whereas a Reiki Master Practitioner does not.

Question 37: What exactly is Denju?

Healing
Meditation
Attunement (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Attunement

Explanation: Reiki Attunement is the procedure by which a Reiki Master transmits the Universal Energy to a student, allowing them to employ Reiki to heal themselves and others. A person can contact the Universal Life Force through the Attunement process in order to heal and balance a person, place, or situation.

Question 38: What is the Reiki technique known as 'Kenyoku Ho' used for?

Performing the attunement ceremony
Clearing and cleansing the practitioner's energy before and after sessions (Correct answer)
Sending distance healing
Drawing symbols on the recipient

Correct answer: Clearing and cleansing the practitioner's energy before and after sessions

Kenyoku Ho is a dry bathing technique used by practitioners to cleanse their energy field before and after a Reiki session, preventing absorption of the client's released energies.

Question 39: What is the 'sandwich technique' in Reiki practice?

Placing crystals between layers of cloth
Alternating between hot and cold compress
Using two practitioners at once
Placing one hand on the front and one on the back of the body simultaneously (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Placing one hand on the front and one on the back of the body simultaneously

The sandwich technique involves placing one hand on the front of a body area and the other on the back, allowing Reiki energy to flow through the body from both directions.

Question 40: When treating someone with Reiki, how should the practitioner position their fingers?

Together with fingers straight and thumbs tucked in (Correct answer)
The position does not matter
Spread wide apart with spaces between each finger
Only the index and middle fingers extended

Correct answer: Together with fingers straight and thumbs tucked in

Practitioners traditionally hold their fingers together with no spaces between them, directing energy through the flat of the hand as a unified channel.

Question 41: How many traditional levels or degrees are in the Usui Reiki system?

5
4
3 (Correct answer)
2

Correct answer: 3

The traditional Usui system has three levels: Level 1 (Shoden), Level 2 (Okuden), and Level 3 (Shinpiden/Master), though some Western schools split Level 3 into 3A and 3B.

Question 42: Jikiden Reiki is a Japanese branch of Reiki that was re-introduced to the West by whom?

Frank Arjava Petter
Tadao Yamaguchi (Correct answer)
Hiroshi Doi
Hyakuten Inamoto

Correct answer: Tadao Yamaguchi

Tadao Yamaguchi and his mother Chiyoko Yamaguchi are credited with re-introducing Jikiden Reiki, which preserves the original Japanese teachings, to the broader world.

Question 43: What phrase traditionally begins each of the Five Reiki Principles?

In this moment
Every day I will
Just for today (Correct answer)
With Reiki energy

Correct answer: Just for today

'Just for today' begins each principle, focusing the practitioner's intention on the present moment rather than overwhelming long-term change.

Question 44: Is it possible for Reiki to officially treat diseases?

False (Correct answer)
True

Correct answer: False

Explanation: Reiki does not cure diseases or ailments directly. Instead, it's utilized to help people control their symptoms and enhance their overall health. To bring about healing during a reiki session, the practitioner places their hands directly on you or just above you.

Question 45: Why is it recommended that Reiki practitioners receive regular Reiki sessions or engage in regular self-treatment?

Only to generate referrals from other practitioners
To keep their own energy balanced, which improves the quality of the healing they offer (Correct answer)
To maintain their license requirements
To increase the number of symbols they know

Correct answer: To keep their own energy balanced, which improves the quality of the healing they offer

Regular self-treatment and receiving Reiki helps practitioners maintain their own energetic balance and well-being, which is essential for providing effective and grounded sessions to clients.

Question 46: During a Reiki session, must the practitioner's hands physically touch the recipient's body?

Touch is only used on the feet and hands
Touch is required only for Level 2 practitioners
Yes, physical touch is required for Reiki to work
No, Reiki can be given with hands hovering a few inches above the body (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, Reiki can be given with hands hovering a few inches above the body

Reiki can be administered with light physical touch or with the hands held a few inches above the body, as the energy flows regardless of direct contact.

Question 47: At Reiki Level 1, what is the primary focus of the training?

Teaching and attuning new students
Learning all four symbols
Self-healing and hands-on healing of others (Correct answer)
Performing distance healings

Correct answer: Self-healing and hands-on healing of others

Level 1 focuses on self-healing and hands-on healing of others, with students learning hand positions and basic techniques without the use of symbols.

Question 48: How long does a Reiki attunement ceremony typically last?

Exactly 21 minutes
3–4 hours minimum
5–10 minutes for the ritual itself (Correct answer)
1–2 hours

Correct answer: 5–10 minutes for the ritual itself

The actual attunement ritual typically takes only 5–10 minutes per student, though the surrounding class context may be much longer.

Question 49: Which of the Five Reiki Principles specifically extends compassion beyond humans to include all beings?

Just for today, I will be grateful
Just for today, I will do my work honestly
Just for today, I will not be angry
Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing

The kindness principle extends compassionate action to every living being — animals, plants, and all life — reflecting Reiki's universal, non-discriminatory healing energy.

Question 50: Dr. Mikao Usui died due of

Train accident
Old age
Stroke (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stroke

Explanation: Dr. Usui was born in Yago, Japan, on August 15, 1865, and died on March 9, 1926, in Fukuyama, Japan, of a stroke.

Question 51: Which of the Five Reiki Principles (Gokai) addresses concerns about the future?

Just for today, be humble
Just for today, do not anger
Just for today, be compassionate to yourself and others
Just for today, do not worry (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Just for today, do not worry

The principle 'Just for today, do not worry' (Kyou dake wa, Shinpai suna) encourages practitioners and clients to release anxiety about future events and trust in the present moment.

Question 52: What does the Japanese word 'Rei' mean in the context of Reiki?

Life force
Universal or spiritual wisdom (Correct answer)
Healing
Energy

Correct answer: Universal or spiritual wisdom

In the context of Reiki, 'Rei' refers to universal or higher-dimensional spiritual wisdom that guides the life energy.

Question 53: Which Reiki level grants the practitioner the authority to attune new Reiki students?

Level 3B (Reiki Master Teacher) (Correct answer)
Level 3A (Advanced Practitioner)
Level 1
Level 2

Correct answer: Level 3B (Reiki Master Teacher)

Only those who have completed Reiki Master Teacher training (Level 3B or full Master level) are authorized to perform attunements on new students.

Question 54: During a Reiki attunement, the Master traditionally works with which parts of the student's body?

The crown, hands, and heart chakra areas (Correct answer)
Only the feet
Only the hands
The spine only

Correct answer: The crown, hands, and heart chakra areas

In a traditional attunement, the Reiki Master works with the student's crown chakra, hands, and heart area to open and align the student's healing channel.

Question 55: Who is credited with developing the Reiki healing system in the early 20th century?

Hawayo Takata
Hiroshi Doi
Chujiro Hayashi
Mikao Usui (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Mikao Usui

Mikao Usui developed Reiki after a 21-day meditation fast on Mount Kurama in Japan around 1922.

Question 56: In what position is a client typically placed for a standard Reiki session?

Standing upright facing the practitioner
In lotus meditation posture
Lying face-up on a treatment table, then flipped to face-down (Correct answer)
Seated in a chair only

Correct answer: Lying face-up on a treatment table, then flipped to face-down

Clients typically lie face-up while the front of the body is treated, then face-down for treatment of the back, though Reiki can be adapted to any position.

Question 57: What is the primary purpose of the Five Reiki Principles in a practitioner's daily life?

To memorize before receiving an attunement
To replace medical treatment with spiritual guidance
To identify which chakras need healing each day
To provide a moral and spiritual framework for living in alignment with Reiki (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To provide a moral and spiritual framework for living in alignment with Reiki

The Five Principles serve as a daily ethical and spiritual framework that helps practitioners embody Reiki values and support their own healing and the healing of others.

Question 58: The organization founded by Mikao Usui's students to preserve his teachings is known as what?

World Reiki Council
International Reiki Association
Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Correct answer)
Reiki Alliance

Correct answer: Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai

The Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Usui Reiki Healing Society) was founded by Usui's students after his death to preserve and continue his teachings.

Question 59: The Five Reiki Principles drawn upon by Mikao Usui were partially inspired by the poetry and teachings of which historical figure?

Shogun Tokugawa
Emperor Meiji (Correct answer)
Emperor Hirohito
Empress Suiko

Correct answer: Emperor Meiji

Mikao Usui was inspired by the waka poetry and ethical wisdom of Emperor Meiji when formulating the Five Reiki Principles.

Question 60: What is the Hara or Tanden in Reiki and Japanese energy tradition?

The central energy reservoir located about two inches below the navel (Correct answer)
The meridian channels
A type of Reiki symbol
The crown chakra

Correct answer: The central energy reservoir located about two inches below the navel

The Hara or Tanden is the central energy center located approximately two inches below the navel, considered the core reservoir of Ki energy in Japanese tradition.

Reiki Practitioner Certification

The Reiki Practitioner Certification validates knowledge of Usui Reiki healing techniques, including energy principles, attunement levels, hand positions, and professional ethics. It assesses competency in both theoretical understanding and practical application of Reiki healing.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds