About The Credentials
Credentialing and Certification offered through the Art Therapy Credential Board constitute recognition of current competence and adherence to the Code of Ethics, Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures in the practice of art therapy. All credentials conferred by the ATCB is an independent assessment of competency and a greater attestation of an individual’s ethical compliance and current skills than education or work experience alone. Earning and maintaining a credential is an indication that the individual meets the minimum professional experience, is in compliance with the ATCB’s ethical code and professional conduct standards set by ATCB.
The ultimate beneficiaries of the ATCB credentials and board certification are the consumers and the general public who can look to an ATCB credential and board certification for assurance that the individual holding these possesses the knowledge, skills, experience for quality practice in art therapy and are following the ethical code.
We confer and administer professional credentials to art therapy practitioners. The credential year runs from July 1 through June 30. Before a new credential year begins, every ATCB credential holder attests they are in compliance with the ATCB Code of Ethics, Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.
Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-Provisional)
The Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-Provisional) is the provisional credential for those working to meet the requirements for the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential. Those who carry an ATR-P meet the established educational standards-successful completion of advanced specific graduate-level education in art therapy, and is practicing art therapy under an approved supervisor(s). Individuals are eligible to apply for this credential once they have completed their degree (or education requirements for the ATR-Provisional) and are engaged in a supervisory relationship with a qualified supervisor(s). The ATR-Provisional is not a required credential to apply for the ATR.
Registered Art Therapist (ATR)
The Registered Art Therapist (ATR) is the credential that ensures an art therapist meets established standards, with successful completion of advanced specific graduate-level education in art therapy and supervised post-graduate art therapy experience.
Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC)
The Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) is the highest-level art therapy competency. These registered art therapists (ATR) carry board certification distinction when they pass the national examination, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of the theories and clinical skills used in art therapy. All board-certified art therapists (ATR-BC) are required to recertify their board certification every five years through the completion of 100 continuing education credits or successful passage of the ATCBE national examination.
Art Therapy Certified Supervisor (ATCS)
Experienced Board Certified Art Therapists who provide supervision may want to consider becoming an Art Therapy Credentialed Supervisor (ATCS). Working with an ATR-BC who also has the ATCS credential ensures that current art therapy students and early-career practitioners receive the best art therapy supervision available.
All ATCB credential holders must abide by the ATCB Code of Ethics, Conduct, and Disciplinary Procedures. Those who hold ATCB credentials are required to adhere to these parameters of ethical practice.
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