Jul 26, 2024 | News
A major shift is underway for the ATCB as we transition from external management to self-management. Our Board of Directors and special committees are invested in building a new headquarters and enhancing ATCB’s operations. We’re undergoing an operational assessment and restructuring workflows to boost efficiencies in a way that controls costs in the face of rising operational expenses.
We have created specialized workflows and identified staff to manage the specific elements of the Art Therapy Credentials Board.
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The Provisional Registration Program manages the ATR-P credential, from applications to maintenance. The Credentialing Specialist-Provisional completes all education reviews, processes the ATR-P applications, and works directly with ATR-P credential holders on any needs, such as changing supervisors, credential verification requests, or reinstating the ATR-P.
Applicants and ATR-P credential holders in need of assistance can reach Shelby Dalton, Credentialing Specialist-Provisional, at provisional@atcb.org
All transcripts for ATR-P application and education pre-review must be sent to transcripts@atcb.org
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The Registration Program manages the ATR credential, from applications to maintenance. The Credentialing Specialist-Registration processes ATR applications and works directly with ATR credential holders on any needs, such as verifications of credentials and supervision hours, reinstatement, and assistance with board certification applications.
Applicants and ATR credential holders in need of assistance can reach Cheryce Overstreet, Credentialing Specialist-Registration, at registration@atcb.org
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The Certification Program manages the board certification BC carried on the ATR credential. The Certification Director reviews and authorizes board certification applicants to take the exam with Prometric and generates official score reporting post-exam. The Certification Directors review recertification pre-review requests, complete recertification audits, and work with Registered Art Therapists who carry board certification on any needs, such as verifications of exam scores and board certification status. The Certification Director also managed the Art Therapy Credentialed Supervisor Program.
The Certification Director also manages the Exam Program, which applies only to the state licensure exam applications. Board Certification Applicants and ATR with board certification credential (ATR-BC) holders in need of assistance can reach Kimia Hafezi, Credentialing Director, at certification@atcb.org
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The Ethics Department manages all facets of the ATCB ethics process and comprises Ethics Officers who investigate self-reported ethics violations and third-party complaints. The Head Ethics Officer works directly with the Board of Directors on updates and revisions to the Code of Ethics, Standards of Conduct, and Disciplinary Procedures. Any credential holder with an ethics inquiry should continue to email ethics@atcb.org.
With these updates, the following email addresses are ending for the ATCB.
applications@atcb.org
atcbinfo@atcb.org
Any emails sent to these addresses will not be opened. Automated messages will be sent from the atcbinfo@atcb.org email, but this mailbox will be an outbound email box and will no longer receive incoming emails.
Jul 25, 2024 | Latest News, News
Dear Colleague,
In 2023, the ATCB shifted from employing a management company for its operations and affairs to self-management. The Board of Directors and various special committees are diligently constructing new headquarters and refining operations. Simultaneously, they are undertaking the essential task of reviewing and updating the credentialing and board certification standards.
Some changes we have made:
- The initial change involved forming a partnership with Prometric for the examination program.
- Hired new staff
- Revamped workflows
- Introduce automation wherever feasible to enhance efficiency and preserve fee structures in the face of escalating operational costs.
ATCB is dedicated to continual improvement and elevating the professionalism of the art therapy field in the eyes of the public and state licensures to the level of other medical and mental health professionals. As a part of this process and the accreditation requirements, we will be implementing updates to the following:
- Art Therapy Board Examination
- Board Certification Requirements
- Continuing Education Provider Program
- Application Submissions
Transitioning from a management company to a self-sustaining organization has always been challenging. To that end, ATCB is currently conducting an organizational assessment to better prepare and focus on our mission to protect the public by endorsing art therapy’s competent and ethical practice through credentialing professionals in the field.
Feedback from credential holders is valuable as part of this assessment, and the Board of Directors will utilize this input in organizational restructuring efforts where feasible. We invite our credential holders to participate in a survey. All participants who complete the survey can win a $100 Amazon gift card through a random drawing.
Yours Sincerely,
Cheryl Doby Copeland, PhD, ATR-BC, LPC, LMFT
President
Art Therapy Credentials Board
Jul 25, 2024 | Credential Updates, Exam News, News
Board Examination Updates
Starting at 12:00am EST on January 1, 2025, an updated content outline for the examination will take effect. This new outline derives from the latest job analysis performed in 2022. The survey saw participation from over 1,000 licensed art therapists, offering a perspective on the present landscape of art therapy practice. It encompasses essential work behaviors, tasks, client demographics, utilized media/materials, diagnostic categories, ethical considerations, and work settings.
The examination will consist of 175 questions, completed in 3 hours and 30 minutes.
To preserve NCCA accreditation and guarantee a psychometrically sound examination, the ATCB will undertake a standard-setting process in February 2025. Consequently, examinations cannot be scheduled from the third week of February 2025 until the second week of March when this process is completed.
Invitation!
The ATCB invites 100 individuals to take the ATCBE examination at no cost in January 2025. If interested in this opportunity, please complete this form.
The Art Therapy Credentials Board seeks Subject Matter Experts to standardize the new examination content outline and contribute to its development. If interested in this opportunity, please complete this form.
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Board Certification Updates
The recertification Standards are updated to align with the ATCBE content outline implemented on January 1, 2025. These updates include the following continuing education requirements:
- Fifty (50) continuing education credits, which are art therapy-specific
- Six (6) continuing education credits in ethics
- Six (6) continuing education credits in supervision
The ATCB will provide a one-year transition period for implementing the updated recertification guidelines. The new continuing education requirements will become mandatory for all Registered Art Therapists (ATR-BC) with board certification periods ending on June 30, 2026, and after. The 2025 recertification standards will be released in the coming weeks.
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Authorized Art Therapy Continuing Education (AATCE) Provider program
The ATCB will officially sanction AATCE providers to offer Learning CE events to Registered Art Therapists with board certification (ATR-BC).
The AATCE program is pivotal in the ATCB’s dedication to excellence, as demonstrated by the mandate of 50 art therapy continuing education credits out of the 100 required for board certification renewal. Providers authorized by the ATCB to offer AATCE courses can issue Continuing Art Therapy Education (CATE) credits to ATR-BC holders for recertification. Ongoing education in art therapy is crucial to ensure that practices remain aligned with the latest evidence and best practices. Over the coming weeks, the ATCB will share additional information about the AATCE program. Stay tuned!
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Application Submissions
The ATCB has transitioned to digital applications in 2021. Emailed application materials are no longer accepted. Transcripts must be dispatched using the digital platforms adopted by higher education institutions.*
* The ATCB will allow mailed transcripts for a few institutions due to institutional changes in these art therapy programs.
Application materials often contain personally identifiable information; emailing them can lead to data security breaches and privacy violations. Protecting applicant and credential holder data is of the utmost importance to the ATCB. Consult the ATCB website to understand the application submission procedure. Thoroughly examining and following the requirements will avoid application review delays!
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Meet our Staff
In 2023, the ATCB shifted from employing a management company for its operations and affairs to self-management. The Board of Directors and various special committees are diligently constructing new headquarters and refining operations. We have hired new staff, and revamped workflows. Please take a moment to review these workflow changes and meet our staff.
Apr 2, 2024 | Latest News, News
MyATCB Portal Updates
The MyATCB portal for ATR credential holders who carry Board Certification has been updated.
The update:
The ATCB has split the ATR and BC into separate management portals.
The annual renewal application is located in the ATR portal.
The recertification application and CE tracker are located in the Board Certification portal.*
*Recertification applications are available only when the ATR with BC distinction five-year certification cycle is ending.
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Annual Renewal of Credentials
Notice!
The annual renewal period for the credential year from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, begins on April 1, 2024.
The following credentials must undergo the renewal process to remain active:
Notifications and reminders are sent to the email listed in credential holder portals. Take a moment to check that MyATCB portals have the correct information.
Annual renewal applications open on April 1, 2024, and close on June 30. 2024 at 11:59pm EST.
There will be a thirty-day grace period during the month of July for those who did not complete renewal. Any credential renewed in July will have a $30 USD late fee in addition to the annual maintenance fee of $100 USD.
Any credential not renewed by July 31, 2024, will become inactive and require reinstatement.
Learn more about credential maintenance.
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Board Recertification
Notice!
For all Registered Art Therapists who carry Board Certification (ATR-BC) distinction with a board certification cycle of July 1, 2019 to July 1, 2024, recertification must be completed by July 1, 2024, to receive an additional five-year board certification cycle.
Board Recertification applications open on April 1, 2024, and close on June 30, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST. They are located in the board certification portal in the MyATCB portals.
CE trackers located in the Board Certification portal are not recertification applications.
First, the annual renewal of the ATR must be completed. Once the renewal is completed, the recertification application will become available in the Board Certification portal.
There is a thirty-day grace period during the month of July for those who did not complete recertification. Any recertification completed in July will incur a $30 USD late fee in addition to the $100 USD annual recertification fee.
If a five-year certification cycle ends and a recertification application is not submitted, the BC distinction will no longer be valid.
Learn more about board certification requirements.
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Reminder: Changes to ATR, Retirement, and Reinstatement.
Effective July 1, 2024, updates will take effect to:
- Registered Art Therapist Credential (ATR)
- Retiring credentials
- Reinstating inactive credentials
Important information about these changes is outlined on the ATCB website. Take a moment to review.
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Occupational Information Network (O*NET®)
The O*NET Data Collection Program, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, is seeking the input of expert Art Therapists. As the nation’s most comprehensive source of occupational data, O*NET is a free resource for millions of job seekers, employers, veterans, educators, and students at www.onetonline.org.
Credential holders have the opportunity to participate in this important initiative, participation will help ensure that the complexities of art therapy are described accurately in the O*NET database for the American public.
O*NET Description of Art Therapists: Plan or conduct art therapy sessions or programs to improve clients’ physical, cognitive, or emotional well-being.
O*NET considers an Occupation Expert if the following criteria are met:
- Have at least one year of professional experience working as an art therapist.
- Have a minimum of five years combined professional experience practicing, training, teaching, and/or supervising others who are art therapists.
- Are currently actively involved in art therapy and based in the United States.
How to Participate
If you meet these criteria and are interested in participating, please get in touch with Jessica Fairley at RTI International, the O*NET data collection contractor, at jfairley@onet.rti.org or 877-233-7348, ext. 172.
Process and Participation Incentive:
A random sample of experts responding to this request will be invited to complete a set of questionnaires. Experts selected and agreeing to participate will receive a $40.00 VISA gift code and an oak-framed Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Department of Labor.
We encourage you to consider helping to keep information about the art therapy profession accurate and current for the benefit of the credentials and certification.
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Updating Changes to the ATCB
As outlined in the Code of Ethics, Standards, and Conduct (section 3.2. 2), an applicant, registrant, or certificant must provide written notification to the ATCB at the time of submission of an initial application and that within 60 days of the occurrence of:
Change in name, address, and telephone number.
Any other facts bearing on eligibility for credentials, including but not limited to:
- filing an indictment, charge, or complaint, not including traffic offenses, with any court, regulatory authority, professional association, credentialing body, or governmental or private payer of benefits.
- Any litigation involving allegations of professional negligence or misconduct and the final disposition of such charges, complaints, or cases, including but not limited to entry of a judgment, order of dismissal or deferred adjudication, conviction, plea of guilty, plea of nolo contendere, and imposition of disciplinary sanctions.
- Any credential holder whose contact information has changed must update this information in their MyATCB portal. All communications and reminders are sent to the email in MyATCB portals. The ATCB is not responsible for any impact on credential standing due to incorrect contact information.
Credential holders should not wait for annual renewal to report an ethics issue; this information must be submitted to ethics@atcb.org.
FAQs for ATCB portal processes can be found on the ATCB website.
Feb 20, 2024 | Credential Updates, Exam News, Latest News, News
Changes to the ATR requirements
EFFECTIVE 12:00AM EST ON JULY 1, 2024. TO QUALIFY AS A NEW ATR, ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE AN ATR-P IN GOOD STANDING AND MEET THE REGISTRATION STANDARDS.
The ATCB will allow a grace period for all ATR applications submitted before July 1, 2024, 12:00 a.m. EST. All applications submitted before this date must be completed by June 30, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EST.
A completed application meets the registration requirements and has the following items submitted and approved:
- Official Academic Transcript
- Verification of Post-Education Experience
- References (3)
After this deadline, any incomplete ATR applications will automatically be converted to ATR-P applications.
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Credential Retirement Ending
As of July 1, 2024, at 12:00am EST, the ATCB will end the retiring of credentials. Any credential holder wishing to use an ATCB credential to practice art therapy must have a credential that is not retired.
Current “Annual Retired” and “Lifetime Retired” credential holders will be affected by this change.
Any “Annual Retired” credential must be converted to “Lifetime Retired” or taken out of retirement no later than June 30, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST. This request must be made to the ATCB Executive Director, LeeAnn Mandrillo, leeann@atcb.org, by June 30, 2024.
“Lifetime Retired” credentials can be taken out of retirement no later than June 30, 2025, at 11:59pm EST.
Credential holders seeking to end the retirement status of their credentials must alert ATCB Executive Director LeeAnn Mandrillo at leeann@atcb.org.
Once taken out of retirement, the credential must be renewed following the standard renewal process. If the credential carries board certification distinction (ATR-BC) and requires recertification, this, too, will need to be completed following the standard recertification process.
Any annually retired credential not taken out of retirement by 12:00am EST on July 1, 2024, will become inactive.
Any credential (and credential number) “lifetime retired” after 7/1/2025 will remain retired. As of 12:00am EST on July 1, 2025, anyone wishing to practice art therapy with an ATCB credential that is permanently retired will need to apply for a new credential with a new credential number under current ATCB standards.
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Changes to the reinstatement of inactive credentials
Effective 12:00am EST on July 1, 2024, all inactive credentials have one year (July 1 to June 30) to use reinstatement to restore the credential to active.
Effective 12:00am EST on July 1, 2024, the reinstatement fee is $250.00.
If a credential is not reinstated within one year after becoming inactive, the credential (and assigned credential number) is permanently inactive.
Anyone wishing to practice art therapy with an ATCB credential that is permanently inactive will need to reapply following the credential standards in place at the time of application.
All reinstatement applications are valid for six months from the date of submission.
Each credential can be reinstated up to three times.
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Updates
Appeals Policy
The appeals policy of the ATCB requires all appellants to provide written narratives and supporting documentation to the Board of Appeals via the appeals@atcb.org email within 30 days of receiving notice of inactive status, denial of credential, recertification application, or status change request.
In response to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ATCB allowed the Board of Appeals to consider appeals past the 30-day submission period. With the May 11, 2023, expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the final opportunity to submit an appeal for any credential or certification impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic is March 16, 2024, by 11:59pm EST.
Appeals will be considered at the first quarterly meeting of 2024.
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Reminders
Verifications
The ATCB will send the following items to third parties, per request of a credential holder or exam candidate:
1. Exam scores;
2. Credential standing; and
3. Supervision hours.
An official verification request and a $25 fee are required. All verification requests must include the first and last name used on the original application submission or examination. Only official Verification requests completed and submitted via the MyATCB portal will be completed.
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ATCB Examination
The ATCB Examination Administration policy allows testing candidates:
- A six-month testing window in which to schedule the exam.
- Testing at an approved center or via remote proctoring.
- Up to three testing opportunities per calendar year. *
*A 90-day waiting period between exam administrations is required to maintain the exam rigor and integrity practices.
Anyone planning to take the exam for state licensure should not use the Board Certification application; use the State Licensure application in the MyATCB portal. Before applying for the exam, all state licensure candidates must have an authorization to test letter from the state board. This letter must be uploaded with the exam application.
The following states utilize the ATCBE for art therapy state licensure: Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, and New York. The state licensure application is required for candidates taking the exam for these states.
All exam applications are non-refundable and non-transferable.
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Updating Changes to the ATCB
As outlined in the Code of Ethics, Standards, and Conduct (section 3.2. 2), an applicant, registrant, or certificant must provide written notification to the ATCB at the time of submission of an initial application and that within 60 days of the occurrence of:
- Change in name, address, and telephone number.
- Any other facts bearing on eligibility for credentials, including but not limited to:
– filing of an indictment, charge, or complaint, not including traffic offenses, with any court, regulatory authority, professional association, credentialing body, or governmental or private payer of benefits.
– any litigation involving allegations of professional negligence or misconduct and the final disposition of such charges, complaints, or cases, including but not limited to entry of a judgment, order of dismissal or deferred adjudication, conviction, plea of guilty, plea of nolo contendere, and imposition of disciplinary sanctions.
- Any credential holder whose contact information has changed must update it in their MyATCB portal. Essential communications and reminders are sent to the email in MyATCB portals. The ATCB is not responsible for any impact on credential standing due to incorrect contact information.
- Credential holders should not wait for annual renewal to report an ethics issue; this information must be submitted to ethics@atcb.org.
FAQs for ATCB portal processes can be found on the ATCB website.
Jun 28, 2023 | Latest News
Have your work seen by our 10,000 + readers and art therapists from around the world!
Don’t miss this opportunity to put your work out there and connect with a new audience to elevate your incredible talent!
All artwork submitted must be original works created by the contributing art therapist who either holds an ATCB credential or is an art therapy graduate student. No client artwork should be submitted.
For formatting purposes, photographic reproduction of the artwork must be square in format.
Medium: Artist’s choice
Dimensions: Square, any size (e.g., 4″x4″, 6″x6″)
File specification: JPG or PNG with a minimum of 650x650px
*Note: images may be modified for display purposes
Artists must submit artwork via email and according to the requirements listed above. Artists may submit more than one piece. Please include your name and ATCB credential or university program (if a student), a photograph of the artwork, the title of the piece, medium, and original dimensions.
By submitting your artwork, you are granting the ATCB permission to use your artwork in electronic and print media. Entry submission denotes acceptance of these terms. The ATCB will credit each artist for their work.
Please submit your images to the ATCB National Office at atcbinfo@atcb.org
