Application, Credentials, Certification and Examination Appeals
File an Appeal
Note that submission of an appeals form does not guarantee that your appeal will be granted.
Purpose of Credentialing and Certification
Credentialing and certification aim to protect the public and ensure that credential holders meet minimum professional and ethical standards. ATCB’s credentialing and Board Certification recognize current competence in art therapy practice. Holding and maintaining an ATCB credential signifies that the individual meets ATCB’s education, professional experience, and ethical conduct standards. This assurance benefits consumers and the general public, confirming that credential holders possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience for quality art therapy practice.
Appeals Process
The ATCB Board of Appeals, comprised of certified peer volunteers, conducts the appeal process. Members, who annually sign confidentiality agreements, understand the appeals and are committed to impartiality. The Board convenes in the Spring and Fall annually. Once an appeal is received, it is scheduled for the next meeting. The Board may request additional information from the candidate before making a decision.
After the appeal is placed on the docket, the ATCB Headquarters will have no further involvement unless instructed by the Board of Appeals. ATCB Headquarters will inform the appellant of the decision within five business days via the MyATCB portal. All decisions are final.
Review Official Policy Before Submitting an Appeal
Only appeals that meet ATCB policy criteria will be considered. Please review the Appeals Policy in full.
ATCB Appeals Policy Highlights
These procedures are the sole method for resolving all ATCB application, credentialing, certification, and examination challenges. The following outlines the appeal procedures:
Applications
To be awarded an ATCB credential, all candidates must meet credential standards and application requirements. Applicants may appeal a denial and request an eligibility review within 30 days of receiving the denial notification. Formal appeal requests, including reasons for the appeal, must go through the Appeal Request Form. If the appeal challenges credential standards or policies, the Board of Appeals will:
- Table a decision regarding the appeal/challenge
- Thoroughly review the appeal and policy(ies)
- Make a recommendation on the matter
The Public Member will present the recommendation to the ATCB Board of Directors, who will vote to accept or deny it. If the Board of Directors does not accept the recommendation, the appeal will not be granted.
Credential Maintenance
To protect the public, ATCB promotes competent and ethical art therapy practice through credentialing. Credential maintenance (annual renewals) involves completing and filing the annual ethics attestation for each credential holder. By June 30th each year, all credential holders must complete their annual ethics attestation and pay maintenance fees to retain their credentials.
ATCB Appeals Considerations
The following considerations are taken into account by the Board of Appeals when handling appeals:
- Timeliness of the appeal submission
- Compliance with established policies and procedures
- Provision of sufficient and relevant evidence to support the appeal
- Impact on public safety and welfare
- Adherence to ethical and professional standards
It is crucial for appellants to provide comprehensive documentation and clear explanations when submitting an appeal to ensure a thorough and fair review process.