Maintaining and Renewing Registered Art Therapist (ATR)
Important Dates for 2025
- April 1, 2025: Renewal and recertification windows open.
- June 30, 2025: Deadline to complete credential renewal and board certification recertification.
- July 1–31, 2025: A 30-day grace period is available, but a $30 late fee applies.
- August 1, 2025: Any credentials not renewed by this date will become inactive.
Once you’ve earned your ATR designation, keeping it current allows you to maintain this professional credential, thus enhancing your value to clients or employers. It also puts you on track to become a Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC).
As an ATR, you are able to provide supervision of direct client contact hours for prospective ATR candidates.
When providing supervision as an ATR, please note the following:
- No more than 50% of all ATR applicant supervision hours may be completed by an ATR.
- Use only the current forms provided by the ATCB when completing application materials. Application materials on outdated forms will not be accepted.
Maintaining the ATR
The ATCB credential year is July 1 – June 30. To maintain your ATR credential:
- Adhere to the Code governing Standards of Practice, Eligibility for and Regulation of Credentials, and Disciplinary Procedure.
- Complete the renewal process each year, which includes the attestation of compliance to the ATCB ethical code and the $100 annual fee.
Once awarded, the ATR credential is valid for the remainder of the credential year in which it was approved. - Update your email address and other personal information in your MyATCB portal. ATCB Headquarters cannot access or update your portal.
Renewing the ATR
An annual renewal notice will be sent in April and is due by June 30. Renewals require submitting a completed ethics and credential attestation through the MyATCB portal.
Manual renewals require board authorization.
Please do not mail checks to ATCB Headquarters — all checks received will be returned.By June 30 of each year, credential holders must complete the annual ethics attestation and pay the maintenance fee. A 30-day grace period is allowed from July 1–31, with a $30 late fee.
After July 31, credentials not renewed become inactive.If you don’t plan on renewing, you may:
- Apply for Temporary Inactive Status ($25 fee).
More information on Temporary Inactive Status - Choose to relinquish your Art Therapist Registration (ATR) by completing an Inactive Request.
- Apply for Temporary Inactive Status ($25 fee).
Next Step: Become Board Certified (ATR-BC)
An ATR-P is the first step for art therapists, allowing them to practice while earning required client hours and supervision to become a Registered Art Therapist (ATR). ATRs can then pursue board certification by passing the ATCB Exam, demonstrating expertise, enhancing career prospects, building trust, and supporting continued professional growth in art therapy.
Self-Reporting Code Violations to ATCB
All applicants and ATCB Credential Holders must report any ethical violations as outlined in the ATCB Code governing Standards of Practice, Eligibility for and Regulation of Credentials, and Disciplinary Procedure within 60 days of occurrence. It is crucial to upload all relevant information regarding the violation at the time of reporting to help ensure a timely review.
Keep Your Contact Information Current
Each April, ATCB Credential Holders are sent an annual renewal notice. You must complete this notice and send it, along with the annual fee, in order to maintain your status as an ATR. Failure to take these steps will result in the loss of the credential. Make sure to keep your information current to ensure you don't miss important notifications.