About the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination (ATCBE)

Changes to the ATCBE in 2025

In 2025, the ATCB introduced new examination content outline based on the most recent job analysis conducted in 2022. Over 1,000 credentialed art therapists participated in this survey, providing insights into current practices, including major work behaviors, client populations, media and materials, diagnostic categories, ethical considerations, and work settings.

Access the 2025 content outline here.

What is the ATCBE?

The Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination (ATCBE) is a rigorous professional exam developed by board-certified art therapists collaborating with psychometricians specializing in high-stakes examinations. The exam follows a structured, cyclical development process to ensure it remains comprehensive and relevant.

Key Components of ATCBE Development:

• Job Analysis & Content Outline Development – Identifies key competencies required in art therapy practice.
• Item Writing – Develops high-quality exam questions.
• Item Review – Ensures questions align with professional standards and best practices.
• Standard Setting – Establishes passing criteria based on industry benchmarks.

Throughout this process, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) provide independent oversight to maintain the exam’s integrity and relevance.

ATCBE Knowledge Areas

(These areas will be updated in 2025 to reflect the new content outline.)
The ATCBE assesses candidates across various knowledge domains, as determined by the ATCB’s National Art Therapy Job Analysis Survey.

The exam evaluates knowledge at three cognitive levels:

• Basic Understanding (Recall) – Memorization of key concepts.
• Application – Applying knowledge to specific scenarios.
• Mastery – Analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating complex cases.

Current Knowledge Areas:

• Theoretical Approaches
• Intake and Evaluation
• Assessment and Evaluation Instruments
• Diagnoses and Populations
• Art Therapy Environment
• Professional Practice and Ethics
• Clinical Skills and Application

View the full ATCBE content outline here.

Exam Format and Preparation

The ATCB provides a preparation guide to help art therapists navigate the ATCBE. This guide outlines the exam process and offers strategies for study preparation. However, the ATCB does not endorse any external study guides or preparation methods.

Exam Structure:

• 175 multiple-choice questions (approximately 150 count toward the final score).
• 3.5-hour time limit to complete the exam.
• A portion of unscored items is included to test new questions for future exams.

Retaking the Exam:

• The ATCBE is offered throughout the year. An exam candidate cannot take the ATCBE more than three times in a calendar year. For exam retakes, there is a required 90 day waiting period between exam administration.
• Candidates receive content (domain)-level feedback. However, domain scores may fluctuate due to the limited number of questions per domain.
• If retaking the exam, candidates should study all domains, not just weaker areas, as performance can vary between attempts.

ATCBE Statistics

The table below outlines the number of examinees, ATR-BC candidates, and pass rates from 2013–2022.

Contact Information

For further details about the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination, contact the ATCB through the Contact ATCB form.