We’ve received a number of questions recently about the updated recertification standards (announced in June of 2024), and we want to take a moment to clarify a few important points to avoid any further confusion.
First, it’s important to distinguish between recertification standards and registration standards—these are two separate processes that serve different purposes.
The updated recertification standards apply only to individuals who hold the Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC) certification and are completing their 5-year recertification cycle.
The updated registration standards apply to those obtaining their Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P) and Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credentials. To learn more about the updated registration standards and when they go into effect, visit the ATCB website.
Effective Date
The new recertification requirements, including updated continuing education (CE) categories, will apply to those whose current certification period ends on or after June 30, 2026.
Example:
- If your certification period ends June 30, 2025, you’ll recertify under the current standards.
- If your certification period ends June 30, 2026 or later, you’ll follow the updated standards.
Updated CE requirements for certification periods ending June 30, 2026, and later:
- 50 CE credits in art therapy-specific content
- 6 CE credits in ethics
- 6 CE credits in supervision
Why Are 50 CE Credits Required to Be Art Therapy-Specific?
The Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC) is a professional certification in art therapy. It is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which requires that all continuing education used for recertification directly support ongoing competence in the specific field of certification. For ATR-BCs, that field is art therapy.
To meet this requirement, continuing education activities must align with the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination (ATCB Exam) content outline, developed through a national job analysis completed by practicing art therapists. This outline defines the essential knowledge and skill areas in art therapy and informs both the exam and recertification requirements.
Requiring at least 50 CE credits in art therapy-specific content helps to:
- Ensure that certified professionals remain current in core art therapy practices
- Support the integrity of the ATR-BC credential as a specialized certification
- Reflect the art therapy-specific nature of the board exam
- Meet the standards required for continued NCCA accreditation
- Provide assurance to the public and employers that board-certified art therapists are maintaining competence in their professional discipline
At the same time, we recognize the value of a broader foundation. That’s why the remaining 50 CE credits may be earned through ATCB Eligible Content Areas, including counseling, clinical theory, and other related topics that support holistic practice.
This approach balances the need for specialization with the flexibility to support diverse professional development pathways.
You can review the 2025 ATCB Exam content outline for more details.
Quick Comparison
| Category | Current Standards | Updated Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Applies to | ATR-BCs whose certification ends June 30, 2025 | ATR-BCs whose certification ends June 30, 2026 or after |
| Recertification requirements | Total CEs: 100
Art methods/techniques (non-therapeutic) capped at 10 CECs/cycle | Total CEs: 100
Art methods/techniques (non-therapeutic) capped at 10 CECs/cycle |
| Approved Areas for Continuing Education Content |
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| Accepted Courses and Events | Continuing Education Credits (CECs) will be accepted for all courses or events that fall within the ATCB Eligible Content Areas and are presented or approved by any of the following entities for continuing education credit in art therapy, mental health, or behavioral sciences:
| Continuing Education Credits (CECs) will be accepted for all courses or events that fall within the ATCB Eligible Content Areas and are presented or approved by any of the following entities for continuing education credit in art therapy, mental health, or behavioral sciences:
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If you have questions about your specific recertification period or continuing education options, please contact us.