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.
Attention: Changes to Inactive Status in 2025
Starting July 1, 2024, all inactive credentials will have one year to complete the reinstatement process and regain active status, with a reinstatement fee of $250. Credentials not reinstated by June 30 of the following year will be permanently inactive, requiring individuals to reapply under current ATCB standards. Learn more about the reinstatement process and deadlines in our latest update.
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
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...
Public Commentary: Art Therapy Credential Board Code governing Standards of Practice, Eligibility for and Regulation of Credentials, and Disciplinary Procedures
Dear Colleagues, ATCB is dedicated to continual improvement and elevating the professionalism of the art therapy field in the eyes of the public and state licensures to the level of other medical and mental health professionals. The ATCB is dedicated to publishing and revising the "Code" every five years to ensure it...
Final Call to be a Subject Matter Expert for ATCBE Standards 2025
Standard setting is a systematic method for determining a passing score on an exam. It is a formal process that involves establishing a performance standard, such as a passing score. The goal is to identify a score that reflects the performance standard and provides a reasonable basis for pass/fail decisions. This is a...