State Licensure
The Art Therapy Credentials Board Exam® (ATCBE®) for State Licensure
Individuals seeking art therapy licensure in states that use the ATCBE® must first obtain authorization from their state licensing board before applying through the MyATCB℠ portal. Because state licensure requirements closely align with ATCB’s standards for becoming a Registered Art Therapist (ATR℠), individuals who pass the ATCBE® for state licensure are granted the ATR℠ and Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC®) through reciprocity and are professionally responsible for maintaining these credentials in accordance with ATCB℠ standards.
ATCB’s Authority and Jurisdiction
The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB℠) is an independent credentialing organization that confers voluntary professional credentials in art therapy, including the ATR-P®, ATR℠, ATR-BC®, and ATCS℠.ATCB℠ does not issue, regulate, or enforce state licenses to practice art therapy. Licensure is granted and regulated by individual state licensing boards or regulatory agencies.ATCB’s authority is limited to the review, issuance, and, when appropriate, disciplinary action related to the use of ATCB℠ credentials. Questions or concerns regarding an individual’s state license, scope of practice, or legal authority to practice must be directed to the appropriate state licensing board.
ATCBE® FOR STATE LICENSURE
In some states, a passing score on the ATCBE® is a condition for licensure. State approval is required to take the exam for state licensure.
You must apply for the ATCBE® via the MYATCB℠ portal. If you don’t have an account on MYATCB, you must create one before you can apply for the exam.
Candidates receive their official score results directly from ATCB’s testing provider, Prometric, and are responsible for submitting their passing results directly to their state licensure board.
Special Examination Accommodations for State Examinees
If you plan to test for state licensure and need testing accommodations, you must contact your state licensure board for information and approvals. The ATCB℠ cannot provide accommodations without permission from your state licensure board.
Washington DC, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, and New York Exam Pathways
Do not sign up to take the ATCBE® for state licensure if you are not authorized by the state to take the exam for their licensure. All exam applications are non-transferable and non-refundable.
The Difference Between Certificates, Credentials and Licensure
Certificate
Completion of a course or program
What it Does:
Shows completion of a course or program
Issued by:
Educational institutions, companies, organizations
Standard-based exam:
Not typically
Ongoing requirements:
None to maintain
Grants legal authority to practice:
No
License
Legal authority to work in a regulated profession
What it Does:
Grants legal authority to practice in a specific state
Issued by:
State licensing boards
Exam:
Typically, yes
Ongoing requirements:
Set by each state
Grants legal authority to practice:
Yes
Credential
Verifies advanced skills in a field
What it Does:
Verifies professional qualifications
Issued by:
Credentialing bodies, including the Art Therapy Credentials Board® (ATCB℠)
Based On:
Verified education, training, and experience
Exam:
Varies
Ongoing requirements:
Varies; often periodic renewal
Grants legal authority to practice:
No
Certification
Verification of expertise and industry standards
What it Does:
Confirms competence against established standards
Issued by:
Certifying bodies, including ATCB℠
Exam:
Yes
Ongoing requirements:
Recertification, including continuing education
Grants legal authority to practice:
No