2026 Board Recertification Standards
Important Notice About Who These Standards Apply To
These 2026 recertification standards apply only to Board Certified Registered Art Therapist℠ (ATR-BC®) whose current certification period ends on or after June 30, 2026.
- If your certification cycle ends June 30, 2025, you will recertify under the current (2025) standards.
- If your certification cycle ends June 30, 2026 or later, you will recertify under the updated 2026 standards.
For more details about what’s changing, why 50 CE credits must be art therapy–specific, and a comparison between current and upcoming requirements, please visit the Clarification on Recertification Standards Update:
Overview
A Board Certified Registered Art Therapist℠ (ATR-BC®) is a Registered Art Therapist® (ATR℠) who has earned additional board certification by taking and passing the Art Therapy Credentials Board Exam® ( ATCBE®). Maintaining this distinction requires two steps: completing the annual ATR℠ renewal and completing the board recertification process every five (5) years.
ATCB’s board certification and examination are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), a mark of quality and credibility in the field of professional certification. It demonstrates that a credentialing organization meets rigorous standards for developing and administering certification programs that are fair, valid, and legally defensible.
The five-year recertification cycle ensures that all ATR-BC® continue to meet high professional standards, keeping their knowledge, skills, and ethical practices current and up-to-date. This includes completing 100 continuing education (CE) credits within each five-year period. Recertification helps board-certified art therapists stay aligned with the latest developments in clinical practice, assessment, supervision, ethics, research, and legal or regulatory updates. It also ensures that they remain as competent as newly certified practitioners who have recently passed the ATCB Exam®.
ATR-BC℠ can meet the recertification requirement either by submitting proof of completed CE credits or by retaking and passing the ATCBE®. Those choosing to recertify by exam must apply separately, pay the examination fee, and ensure exam results are received before their recertification deadline.
Credential holders who do not complete the recertification process on time will lose their board certification status and can no longer use the ATR-BC® title. To regain board certification, they must reapply, pass the ATCB Exam® again, and meet all reinstatement requirements.
For ATR-BC® who also hold the Art Therapy Credentialed Supervisor℠ (ATCS℠) designation, maintaining board certification is required. If board certification is lost, the ATCS℠ will become inactive.
It’s also important to remember that board certification depends on maintaining an active ATR℠ registration. The ATR℠ must be renewed annually between April 1 and June 30. If the ATR℠ is not renewed before the start of each credential year (July 1), the board certification will become inactive until the ATR℠ is reinstated.
Recertification Process
The ATCB℠ board certification cycle spans five years, ending on the expiration date listed on your current Board Certified Registered Art Therapist℠ (ATR-BC®) certification. To maintain board certification, ATR-BC® must acquire continuing education or prepare to take the ATCBE® and complete all recertification application during the recertification period to ensure continued competence and certification in art therapy.
ATR-BC®s are expected to stay informed of current recertification standards, as they may be updated during their recertification cycle, and should plan ahead to complete recertification requirements in place at the time of recertification.
Recertifying with Continuing Education (CE Credits)
To recertify through continuing education, submit the recertification application, including the CE tracker outlining the 100 continuing education credits completed over the five-year cycle. The CE tracker located in the BC portal is not the recertification application, it is a CE management tool, however anything added to the CE tracker will populate into the official recertification application.
If the recertification application is randomly selected for an audit, documentation must be uploaded for the CE credits entered into the tracker.
All five-year recertification fees must be paid.
Recertifying by Examination
Recertification candidates choosing this option must achieve satisfactory exam results before their recertification due date.
Recertification Deadlines and Grace Period
The recertification period runs from April 1 to June 30 each year.
After June 30, a 30-day grace period is provided. Recertification applications submitted between July 1 and July 31 incur a $35 late fee.
Extensions for Incomplete CE Credits
If a recertification candidate does not have the required continuing education credits completed before the five-year board certification cycle ends, they can apply for an extension of up to three (3) months. Only two recertification extensions are allowed per recertification.
The extension fee is $55. The extension is for recertification only. Recertification extension applications are found in the MyATCB℠ portal.
Outcome of Recertification
Upon approval, a new certificate will be uploaded to the MyATCB℠ portal.
Candidates who fulfill the recertification requirements and complete the ATR℠ annual renewal are entitled to use the title Board Certified Art Therapist and the credential ATR-BC following their name.
If You Do Not Complete Recertification
Recertification candidates who do not complete the outlined recertification process will lose their board certification status and must cease using the Board-Certified title or distinction.
To regain board certification, the candidate must take and pass the ATCB Exam®.
Failure to complete the ATR-BC® recertification process does not affect registration as an Art Therapist (ATR℠). However, failure to complete the board recertification process will result in an inactive Art Therapy Credentialed Supervisor℠ (ATCS) credential for ATR-BC® who hold the ATCS℠. Board certification is a prerequisite for the ATCS℠.
Standards of Conduct Attestation
If a candidate responds positively to any questions on the standards of conduct attestation, they must upload all documents and other information related to the affirmative response.
If additional information is not included, the recertification application will be on hold until all necessary information is provided.
Recertification Requirements
Continuing competence is a lifelong learning process designed to help certified professionals maintain or enhance their ability to practice art therapy safely and competently. This involves integrating the knowledge and skills necessary for current practice, as measured by the most recent job analysis study and reflected in the ATCBE® Content Domains.
For certification cycles ending June 30, 2026, and thereafter, the updated 100 continuing education (CE) requirements include:
- 50 CE credits in art therapy-specific content
- 6 CE credits in ethics
- 6 CE credits in supervision
NOTE: Supervision activities, whether provided or received, do not qualify for continuing education (CE) credit.
CE Credit Allocation Across Categories
Each CE activity may only be counted once. For example, an art therapy-specific clinical supervision course may be applied to either the art therapy-specific CE category or the clinical supervision CE category. Alternatively, it may be split between both categories (e.g., 3 CEs applied to each from a 6-credit course).
Limitations
- Art methods/techniques (non-therapeutic) are capped at 10 CEs per cycle
- Juried art exhibition is capped at one show or 10 CEs per cycle
Continuing Education Content Areas
Whether attended, taught, or produced, each activity must fall into one of the following content areas:
Theoretical Approaches
Facilitate Treatment
Administer and Evaluate Art Therapy and Art-Based Assessments
Professional Practice and Ethical Responsibilities
Professional Development and Research
Administrative Functions and Program Management
The ATCBE® content outlines should be reviewed here:
https://atcb.org/atcbe-content-outline-2025/
Accepted CE Providers
Authorized Art Therapy Continuing Education Providers (AATCEP)
Continuing Education (CE) credits earned from an Authorized Art Therapy Continuing Education Provider (AATCEP℠) are accepted.
Other Accepted Providers and Programs
CE credits will also be accepted if the content is directly related to clinical art therapy, mental health, or art media, and the education is presented or approved by one of the following entities:
- State licensing authorities
- Professional organizations
- State art therapy associations that are chapter members of the American Art Therapy Association
- Credentialing bodies for continuing education credit in art therapy, mental health, or behavioral sciences
Colleges and Universities
Courses or training programs offered by nationally accredited colleges and universities are automatically accepted.
International Institutions
Continuing Education provided by international colleges, universities, and programs will be accepted if the program is formally recognized or approved by an appropriate authority, such as a ministry of education, professional licensing or credentialing body, or national or regional art therapy association.
Employer-Based Education and Training
The following continuing education activities will be accepted when offered by an employer, healthcare organization, or other accredited/recognized agency:
- In-service trainings
- Grand rounds
- Case presentations
- Structured professional development programs
Note: Training on workplace safety, harassment, first aid, infectious disease, etc., is not eligible.
Accepted CE Activities
Knowledge Dissemination / Presentation
| Activity | CE Credits | Max Allowed | Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presenting lectures/workshops * | 3 CEs per 1 hour | N/A | Written summary or other proof of delivery, such as signed letters on organization or institution letterhead for non-academic workshops/courses |
| Teaching undergraduate/graduate courses ** | 5 CEs/sem. hr; 3 CEs/qtr. hr | N/A | Course syllabi or webpage showing course, instructor, and semester/year taught |
| Juried art exhibition | 10 CEs | Limited to 1 show or 10 CEs/cycle | Documentation must include the credential holder’s name, juror’s name, and exhibition date |
* Each lecture/workshop may only be counted once per recertification cycle. Presentations to lay audiences are not eligible for CE credit.
** Each course title may only be counted once per recertification cycle.
NOTE: Supervision activities, whether provided or received, do not qualify for continuing education (CE) credit.
Learning & Professional Development
| Activity | CE Credits | Max Allowed | Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop/Conferences | 1 CE per 1 hour | N/A | Certificate of attendance/completion; program or catalog for conferences |
| Undergraduate/Graduate Courses | 5 CEs/sem. hr; 3 CEs/qtr. hr | N/A | Official transcript |
| Independent Learning/CE Courses | 1 CE per 1 hour | N/A | Certificate of completion |
| Read & Analyze Current Professional Publication | 1 CE per analysis | 10 CEs per cycle | Written summary narrative including reference citation |
| Art Media Classes | 1 CE per 1 hour | 10 CEs per cycle | Letter or documentation verifying completion |
NOTE: Supervision activities, whether provided or received, do not qualify for continuing education (CE) credit.
Professional Service / Service to the Art Therapy Profession
| Activity | CE Credits | Max Allowed | Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving as a member of an Art Therapy-related Board of Directors | 5 CEs per year | 25 CEs per cycle | Letter on letterhead verifying terms and duration of service |
| Serving as a Subject Matter Expert on a Special Task Force for the ATCB | 5 CEs per year | 25 CEs per cycle | See above |
| Service as a Subject Matter Expert for exam development (item writing, review, form review) | 5 CEs per campaign | 40 CEs per cycle | See above |
| Service as a Subject Matter Expert for Standard Setting Study | 20 CEs (must participate and complete study) | 20 CEs per cycle | See above |
NOTE: Supervision activities, whether provided or received, do not qualify for continuing education (CE) credit.
Publications / Writings
| Activity | CE Credits | Max Allowed | Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published abstract, book review, or video review | 5 CEs per publication | N/A | Images/scans of published material showing publication name, author, and date |
| Published peer-reviewed article or professionally produced video | 10 CEs per publication | N/A | See above |
| Published peer-reviewed/juried book chapter or monograph | 20 CEs per publication | N/A | See above |
| Published, edited, or co-authored book | 75 CEs per publication | N/A | See above |
| Published authored book | 100 CEs per publication | N/A | See above |
* Cannot be self-published
Recertification Audit
Each year, the ATCB℠ conducts an audit that randomly samples 10% of individuals due for recertification. Selected candidates must provide acceptable proof of their continuing education activities and follow all steps outlined under the recertification requirements.
What Documentation Is Accepted
Accepted forms of documentation include:
- Conference or symposium programs/catalogs and certificates showing the applicant’s name
- Official course transcripts
- Course syllabi and university catalog or webpage screenshot showing the course, instructor, and semester/year taught
- Signed letters on organization or institution letterhead for non-academic workshops or courses
- Photocopies of published material sections with publication name, author, and date
- For juried art exhibitions: a program, brochure, catalog, newspaper article, or website printout showing exhibition dates and the artist’s and juror’s identity
- See Other Accepted CE Activities for additional accepted documentation.
How to Comply with an Audit
- Follow all steps under the Recertification Requirements
- Upload documentation verifying all items listed on their CE tracker
If Deficiencies Are Found
- Clarifying the deficiency
- Providing additional information regarding the Continuing Education Credits (CECs) submitted
- Submitting documentation for any CECs earned after the audit notification
During this 90-day period, candidates will be placed in pending status. If the required documentation verifying compliance is submitted within this timeframe, the pending status will be removed, and recertification will be granted.
Continuing Education Activity Review Request
The Art Therapy Credentials Board® reviews continuing education materials for acceptability. Materials can be submitted at any time during the 5-year recertification cycle, but must be received by June 30 of the final year of the cycle. The application fee for recertification pre-review is $25 and can be found in MyATCB℠ portals.