Board Certification
Becoming a Board Certified Registered Art Therapist℠
The Board Certified Registered Art Therapist℠ (ATR-BC®) is the highest-level art therapy competency. These Registered Art Therapists (ATR℠) carry board certification distinction when they pass the examination, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of the theories and clinical skills used in art therapy. All Board Certified Registered Art Therapist℠ (ATR-BC®) are required to recertify their board certification every five years through the completion of 100 continuing education credits or successful passage of the ATCBE® national examination.
BOARD CERTIFIED REGISTERED ART THERAPIST (ATR-BC)
The ATR-BC® certification is intended for Registered Art Therapists (ATR℠) who meet ATCB eligibility requirements and demonstrate the knowledge and competencies required for board-certified practice through successful completion of the ATCBE®.
Board certification demonstrates that a Registered Art Therapist has met ATCB’s requirements for certification and successfully passed the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination (ATCBE®). To maintain the ATR-BC®, board-certified art therapists must maintain their ATR℠ credential and recertify every five years by completing the continuing education requirements established by ATCB. These ongoing requirements support continued professional competence and engagement with current art therapy practice, ethical standards, and relevant legal and professional requirements.
Art Therapy Credentials Board Exam®
The Art Therapy Credentials Board Exam (ATCBE®) is a national exam taken for Board Certification and, in some cases, needed for state licensure. It is a state-of-the-art professional examination developed by subject matter experts who are board-certified credentialed art therapists and contracted psychometricians who create professional examinations for mental health professions. Exam development for the ATCBE® is a multi-faceted process with extensive infrastructure requirements and engagement by a wide group of board-certified art therapists.
Become An Art Therapy Credentialed Supervisor℠ (ATCS)
Board Certified Registered Art Therapist℠ (ATR-BC®) must provide 50% of direct client hours for Registered Art Therapists (ATRs) and complete six continuing education credits every five years. After one cycle, they meet over half the supervision education needed for the highest credential, ATCS℠. By continuing supervision and education, ATR-BC® qualify to become Art Therapy Credentialed Supervisor℠.
Self-Reporting Code Violations to ATCB
All applicants and ATCB℠ Credential Holders must report any ethical violations as outlined in the ATCB℠ Code governing Standards of Practice, Eligibility for and Regulation of Credentials, and Disciplinary Procedure within 60 days of occurrence. It is crucial to upload all relevant information regarding the violation at the time of reporting to help ensure a timely review.
Keep Your Contact Information Current
Each April, ATCB℠ Credential Holders are sent an annual renewal notice. You must complete this notice and send it, along with the annual fee, in order to maintain your status as an ATR℠. Failure to take these steps will result in the loss of the credential. Make sure to keep your information current to ensure you don't miss important notifications.