ATCBE Policies and Procedures
The Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination (ATCB Exam) is a nationally recognized, high-stakes examination used for Board Certification and, in certain states, for professional licensure.
This page outlines eligibility requirements, how to apply, what to expect on exam day, and important policies governing scheduling, retakes, and results.
Who May Take the ATCB Exam?
The ATCB Exam is used for two primary purposes:
- Board Certification (ATR-BC)
- State Licensure (in jurisdictions where the exam is required)
Eligibility requirements differ depending on your pathway.
For Board Certification (ATR-BC)
To take the ATCB Exam for Board Certification, candidates must:
- Hold the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential in good standing.
- Apply for Board Certification through the MyATCB portal.
- Receive approval from ATCB before scheduling the exam.
Approval to sit for the examination is required prior to scheduling with the testing provider.
For State Licensure
In some states, a passing score on the ATCB Exam is a condition for licensure. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Before applying:
- Confirm exam requirements directly with your state licensing board.
- Obtain any required state authorization (some states require a formal letter of authorization before applying).
- Apply for the ATCB Exam through the MyATCB portal.
ATCB cannot approve an exam application for licensure candidates without required state authorization where applicable. Candidates are responsible for verifying state-specific requirements. State licensure candidates should review Taking the ATCB Exam for State Licensure for fees and application information.
How to Apply for the ATCB Exam
All candidates apply through the MyATCB portal.
If you do not have a MyATCB account, you must create one before submitting an exam application.
For assistance, visit the MyATCB Transition Hub for tutorials and login support.
Once your application is submitted:
- ATCB will review your materials.
- You will receive notification of approval if eligibility requirements are met.
- Approved candidates will receive a unique Candidate ID and instructions for scheduling.
You may not schedule your exam without prior approval and your Candidate ID.
Scheduling Your Exam
After approval, candidates schedule directly with Prometric, the official testing provider for the ATCB Exam.
Two delivery options are available:
- Prometric Testing Center – In-person examination at an approved testing facility.
- Remotely Proctored Examination – Taken from an internet-enabled location that meets remote proctoring requirements.
Scheduling is completed through the Prometric website or by contacting a Prometric representative.
Testing Window
Approved candidates have a 1-year testing window from the date of approval to complete the examination.
If the exam is not completed within the testing window, a new application and fee will be required.
Remote Proctoring Requirements
Candidates selecting the remotely proctored option must meet the following system requirements:
- Personal computer (not employer-owned)
- Camera and microphone
- Stable internet connection
- Installation of Prometric’s ProProctor™ application
- Successful completion of a system compatibility check
- Device plugged directly into a power source (not a docking station)
- Minimum screen resolution: 1024 × 768
- Operating System: Windows 7 or higher | macOS 10.13 or higher
- Latest version of Google Chrome
- Minimum internet speed: 0.5 Mbps (wired connection recommended)
Remote proctoring requirement:
Candidates must remain within the camera’s view for the entire examination, including the scheduled break between sections, unless explicitly authorized by the proctor. Leaving camera view without approval will result in termination of the exam session and require reapplication and payment of a new exam fee.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to review the
ProProctor™ User Guide before selecting the remote option.
What to Expect on Exam Day
The ATCB Exam consists of:
- 175 multiple-choice questions (approximately 150 questions count toward the final score; remaining items are unscored pretest questions)
- Two sections
- Optional 15-minute break between sections
- 3.5-hour time limit
Unscored items are included to evaluate future exam questions and do not affect your score.
Rescheduling or Canceling Your Exam
Changes must be made directly through Prometric.
Prometric fees:
- 30+ days before test date: No fee
- 5–29 days before test date: $35 fee
- Less than 5 days, no-show, or arrival 30+ minutes late: Candidate is responsible for the full test delivery fee incurred by ATCB
The ATCB Board may consider exceptions in documented extenuating circumstances.
Providing Feedback on Exam Items
Candidates may submit feedback on exam questions during the test; however, time spent commenting will reduce the allotted three and a half (3.5) hours.
Alternatively, feedback may be submitted via the Exam Feedback Form.
Receiving Your Results
Candidates receive an unofficial score report immediately upon completion of the examination.
Official results:
- Are processed by ATCB within 12 business days
- Are uploaded to the MyATCB portal
- Candidates are notified when results are available
For candidates testing for state licensure, official scores are transmitted to the licensing board within 2–3 weeks.
If You Pass
For Board Certification candidates:
If you successfully pass the ATCB Exam and meet all additional eligibility requirements, you will be granted the
Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) credential.
To learn more about reciprocity and recognition of the ATR-BC credential, please visit the Reciprocity page.
Retaking the ATCB Exam
Candidates may take the ATCB Exam no more than three times per calendar year.
A 90-day waiting period is required between attempts.
To retake the examination, candidates must submit a new application.
Additional state licensure restrictions may apply. Candidates are responsible for verifying requirements with their state licensing board.
Special Exam Accommodations
All accommodation requests must be approved by ATCB prior to scheduling. Some accommodations may require testing at a Prometric
Testing Center and may require additional processing time.
Examples include:
- ESL accommodations
- Paper-and-pencil testing
- Special equipment or software needs
Appeals Process
The ATCB Board of Appeals reviews exam appeals in accordance with established policy.
Exam scores themselves cannot be altered. Under specific circumstances, retesting may be permitted.
Acceptable grounds for appeal include:
- Issues related to exam administration
- Concerns regarding exam content
- Accommodation-related requests
Appeals may be submitted via the Appeal Request Form.
Exam Preparation Resources
For preparation materials, visit:
ATCB does not endorse external study guides or preparation services.
Questions or Concerns?
For non-scheduling inquiries, please contact ATCB directly.