Setting the Standard for Professional Excellence in Art Therapy
Our certification and credentialing programs are designed to elevate professionals, enhance careers, and uphold the highest industry standards. Join us in shaping the future of art therapy through proven excellence.
New ATCB Code Now Released
Read the updated Code governing Standards of Practice, Credentialing, and Disciplinary Procedures—now in effect and replacing the previous “Code of Ethics, Conduct, and Disciplinary Procedures.”
Why Credentials and Certifications Matter
ATCB credentials and certifications benefits not only art therapy professionals but also the consumers and the general public. When individuals seek art therapy services, an ATCB credential offers assurance that the therapist possesses the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to deliver high-quality care while adhering to ethical guidelines.
Our Certifications and Credentials
Credentialing and certification through the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) serve as a professional benchmark, affirming both competency and ethical adherence in the practice of art therapy. Our credentials are considered voluntary, although many employers and some state licensure boards require the credentials or the exam.
ATR
The ATR-Provisional (ATR-P) credential is designed for individuals working toward full Registered Art Therapist (ATR) status. The Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential ensures that an art therapist has successfully met established standards in education and supervised post-graduate clinical practice. The ATR is requires for Board Certification.
Board Certified
The Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) is the highest professional distinction in art therapy, signifying advanced competency. This credential is awarded to ATRs who successfully pass the national board certification examination, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of art therapy theories and clinical applications.
ATCS
Experienced Board Certified Art Therapists (carrying the BC for at least three years) who provide supervision may pursue the Art Therapy Certified Supervisor (ATCS) credential. This designation signifies advanced expertise in art therapy practice and clinical supervision, ensuring that early-career professionals receive high-quality mentorship from qualified supervisors.
Find An Art Therapist
Certification is an important consideration when choosing your art therapist. To find an art therapist who has met the standards of certification, or to verify a credential, search our database of ATCB credential holders: Provisional Registered Art Therapists (ATR-Provisional), Registered Art Therapists (ATR), Board Certified Art Therapists (ATR-BC), and Art Therapy Certified Supervisors (ATCS).
ATCB Announcements
Message from the President April 1, 2025
Dear Colleagues, As we progress in establishing independent operations, we are taking this opportunity to evaluate art therapy and credentialing. We are focusing on how the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) can set the standard for professional excellence in art therapy. We aim to assess how certification and...
Updates to the Registration Standards for the Provisional and Registration Credentials.
Registration Standards Updates After completing the job analysis in 2022 and commencing independent operations in 2023, the ATCB began reviewing the registration standards for both our provisional and full registration credentials and the recertification standards for board certification. In 2024, we announced changes to...
ATCB Seeks Public Members for Board of Directors
The Art Therapy Credentials Board Inc. (ATCB) is seeking nominations of highly qualified leaders to fill two (2) Public Member positions on its Board of Directors, which is comprised of art therapy clinicians and educators. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with a dedicated and dynamic group of leaders...