A New Credentialing Year Begins
As we begin a new credentialing year, I’m reminded of the ongoing evolution of our profession—and the important role ATCB plays in maintaining the integrity and relevance of art therapy credentials. This year marks my final term as ATCB President, and I’m proud to see several key initiatives advancing that will help shape the future of credentialing for the years ahead.
Our 2025 ATCB Survey is now open. While ATCB is not a membership organization, this annual effort helps us better understand how credentialing intersects with professional realities in the field. I encourage all credential holders to complete the survey.
We’re also making meaningful progress on the modernization of our systems. An updated version of MyATCB is in development and scheduled for release in 2026. These system improvements will streamline CE tracking, supervision documentation, and the renewal and recertification processes—while reinforcing our long-standing commitment to clarity, efficiency, and security.
This credentialing year brings exciting developments—including the launch of ATCB’s Continuing Education Provider Program, enhanced exam preparation opportunities, and expanded leadership and SME service roles. I invite you to explore the updates outlined below and consider how you might engage in the work ahead.
Finally, the 30-day grace period for renewal, recertification, and reinstatement is coming to a close. If your credential was not renewed by the June 30 deadline, you have until July 30 to take action before your status becomes Inactive. Also, updated recertification and registration standards take effect this credential year—if you have not reviewed these changes already, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the new requirements.
Wishing you a successful and fulfilling credential year,
Cheryl Doby Copeland, PhD, ATR-BC, LPAT, LPC, LMFT
President
Art Therapy Credentials Board
Coming this Credential Year
Continuing Education Provider Program Launch
ATCB will soon launch a new approval program for CE providers and activities, designed to ensure continuing education aligns with credentialing standards. The program includes a two-step approval process and a two-year cycle.
More on the CE Provider Program ›
ATCB Official Exam Preparation Opportunities
The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) is committed to supporting candidates in their journey toward board certification. We are excited to share that new exam preparation opportunities will be launching in 2026!
While we aren’t ready to share all the details just yet, as we are in the final development stages—you can expect resources designed to help you feel more confident and prepared for the ATCB Examination.
Stay tuned! We will be sharing more information in the coming months, including timelines and how you can participate.
To make sure you don’t miss any updates, please ensure your contact information is current in your MyATCB account.
System Updates: MyATCB Improvements Are Underway
ATCB is in the process of modernizing systems to better serve the needs of credential holders. Guided by stakeholder insights and an external assessment, enhancements are being made to MyATCB to streamline CE tracking, supervision documentation, renewal, and more.
An updated MyATCB system is expected to launch in early 2026, and we’ll be sharing updates, tutorials, and transition tools along the way.
The 2025 ATCB Survey Is Now Open
As part of ATCB’s commitment to maintaining relevant and effective credentialing standards, the 2025 ATCB Survey is now open. This survey gathers information on professional trends related to credential advancement, supervision, access, and the role of certification in the evolving field of art therapy.
The survey is open for a limited time. Credential holders at every stage of their professional journey are encouraged to complete it.
Call for Leaders and Subject Matter Experts
ATCB is currently seeking qualified credential holders to serve in key leadership and subject matter expert (SME) roles. These volunteer opportunities support critical areas of our regulatory work and uphold the integrity of ATCB credentials.
Opportunities are available in the following areas:
- Board of Directors
- Advisory Board
- Board of Appeals
- Taskforce: Supervision and Credentialing
- Continuing Education Program Review Panel
- Subject Matter Experts for Exam Development
Some roles require Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC) status, while others are open to Registered Art Therapists (ATR) and Provisional Registered Art Therapists (ATR-P). Service with any of these roles may count toward CE requirements for board certification.
To learn more about eligibility and submit your interest, visit the links below:
Reminders
Final Days: Grace Period Ends July 30
The 30-day grace period for renewal, recertification, and reinstatement is coming to a close. If your credential was not renewed by the June 30 deadline, you have until July 30 to take action before your status becomes Inactive.
A late fee applies during the grace period. Once inactive, the use of designations such as ATR-P, ATR, ATR-BC, or ATCS is not permitted. Board certification (ATR-BC) will also be forfeited if the ATR credential becomes inactive.
Log in to MyATCB to complete any outstanding requirements before the deadline.
Questions? Contact LeeAnn Mandrillo, Executive Director at leeann@atcb.org, or submit an inquiry through the ATCB Contact Form ›
Inactive Status Reminders
Credential holders who did not complete renewal, recertification, or reinstatement by June 30 are currently within the 30-day grace period, which ends July 30. After this date, eligible credentials (ATR-P, ATR, ATCS) will move to Inactive Status.
While in Inactive or Temporary Inactive Status, use of the ATR-P, ATR, ATR-BC, or Art Therapy Credentialed Supervisor (ATCS) designation is not permitted in any professional context. This includes email signatures, social media, directories, and business communications.
Importantly, ATR-BCs whose ATR becomes inactive will lose their Board Certified distinction.
Learn more about credential status policies and options for returning to active standing:
Understanding Inactive Status ›
2026 Recertification and Registration Standards Now Available
The updated 2026 Recertification Standards are now available for ATR-BCs whose current certification period ends on or after June 30, 2026. These include a requirement of 50 CEs in art therapy-specific content, along with ethics and supervision requirements.
If you’re unsure which standards apply to your certification cycle or why the art therapy-specific requirement is in place, please review our
Clarification on Recertification Standards Update.
We’ve also published revised Registration Standards for both the
ATR-P and
ATR credentials. These updates provide important guidance for new applicants and supervisors.