ATCB Exam Frequently Asked Questions
Renewal & Recertification FAQs
For questions related to credential renewal and board recertification period, please visit the Renewal & Recertification FAQs page
General FAQs
For frequently asked questions related to ATCB credentials, certifications, and other general questions, please visit the FAQs page.
ATCB Exam Development FAQs
Who determines the content of the ATCBE?
The ATCBE is built on a Job Analysis, which is a comprehensive research study that identifies the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for competent practice in art therapy. The Job Analysis is conducted with input from practicing art therapists across the country and ensures the exam reflects real-world practice.
Who writes the exam questions?
Only credentialed art therapists—subject matter experts (SMEs)—are invited to write exam items. These SMEs represent a range of practice settings, geographic regions, and professional experiences. They volunteer their expertise to ensure that the exam content is authentic, relevant, and aligned with current professional practice.
How is the exam reviewed before it is published?
- Art therapist SMEs review all items for clarity, accuracy, and alignment with the Job Analysis.
- Psychometricians (testing experts) review items and the exam structure to ensure fairness, reliability, and validity.
- Additional art therapists participate in exam assembly and final review before publication.
Why does the exam development process matter?
This process ensures that the ATCBE is developed by art therapists, for art therapists—not by outside testing agencies alone. By combining practitioner expertise with psychometric standards, the exam remains both professionally grounded and scientifically defensible.
What goes into developing one exam item?
- Subject Matter Expert input – Art therapists volunteer to draft questions based on the Job Analysis.
- Professional review – Additional credentialed art therapists review each item for accuracy, clarity, and relevance.
- Psychometric analysis – Testing experts evaluate each item for reliability, fairness, and statistical performance.
- Ongoing monitoring – Items are continuously reviewed and retired if they no longer meet practice or statistical standards.
Cost: Why is exam development so resource-intensive?
Cost: How does ATCB fund exam development?
ATCB is a non-profit organization. Fees paid by candidates are used to cover the actual costs of credentialing—including exam development, administration, technology, staff, and governance. There are no shareholders or profit margins; all revenue is reinvested into maintaining high-quality, accredited certification programs that protect the public and advance the profession.
- Professionally grounded (developed by art therapists for art therapists).
- Psychometrically sound (fair, reliable, and unbiased).
- Publicly defensible (meeting accreditation and legal standards).
ATCB Exam Procedures FAQs
How long do I have to complete the ATCB Exam, and how often can I retake it?
What are the delivery and scheduling options for the ATCB Exam?
After your ATCB Exam application is approved, you will receive a unique candidate ID needed to schedule your exam with Prometric. Candidates may choose to test either:
At a Prometric Testing Center – In person at an approved facility.
Through Remote Proctoring – Taken from a personal computer that meets Prometric’s system requirements (camera, microphone, stable internet, ProProctor™ installation, and successful system check).
How do I request special accommodations?
All accommodations must be approved by ATCB before scheduling. Some requests—such as ESL accommodations, paper-and-pencil testing, or special equipment/software—may require testing at a Prometric center and additional processing time. Candidates should submit requests as early as possible to avoid delays.
When will I receive my ATCB Exam results?
Candidates receive preliminary score results immediately after completing the exam, which can also be accessed through the Prometric portal. ATCB finalizes and processes official results within 12 business days. For candidates testing for state licensure, official results are sent directly to the licensing board within 2–3 weeks.
How can I reschedule or cancel my exam?
Rescheduling or cancellation must be done directly with Prometric, either online or by phone. Fees apply based on timing:
30+ days before exam: No fee.
5–29 days before exam: $35 fee.
Less than 5 days, no-show, or late arrival (30+ minutes late): Candidate is responsible for the full test delivery fee incurred by ATCB.
Exceptions may be granted by ATCB in cases of extenuating circumstances.
What is the ATCB doing to support ATCB Exam candidates
ATCB is committed to clear and transparent communication about the exam’s purpose and expectations. We encourage candidates—especially recent graduates—to combine academic review with practice-based learning as they prepare. While our primary role is to protect the public and uphold professional standards, we also guide candidates toward resources that build confidence and readiness for the ATCB Exam. Multiple ATCB Exam preparation tools, up to and including, practice exams and official prep guides from the ATCB have been in development and are coming soon.
How can recent graduates prepare for success when taking the ATCB Exam?
Graduate education provides the foundation, but additional steps can strengthen readiness for the ATCB Exam:
Supervised clinical experience to deepen applied practice skills.
Mentorship and consultation with experienced art therapy professionals.
Continuing education to reinforce advanced clinical concepts.
Exam preparation resources offered by ATCB and other professional organizations.
Multiple ATCB Exam preparation tools, up to and including, practice exams and official prep guides from the ATCB are coming soon.
Other ATCB Exam FAQs
I've heard the exam is challenging, specifically for recent graduates. Why is this?
When recent graduates take the exam, they may not yet have had the opportunity to fully develop these advanced practice skills through supervision and experience.
Why does the ATCB Exam need to be 'rigorous'?
The rigor of the ATCB Exam is essential to protecting clients and upholding the credibility of the art therapy profession. Board certification signifies more than academic achievement—it confirms that credentialed art therapists have demonstrated the applied clinical judgment and advanced competencies required for safe, ethical, and effective practice.
Because the ATCBE is part of an accredited program, it must meet rigorous standards for validity, fairness, and ongoing quality control.
Why has the ATCB Exam pass rate declined?
As more states adopt the ATCB Exam for licensure, the overall pass rate has shifted. This does not mean the exam has become more difficult. Rather, a larger portion of candidates are recent graduates required to take the exam before gaining extensive clinical experience. For example, in 2024 four additional states implemented the ATCB Exam as a licensure requirement. The decline in pass rates reflects this broader use of the exam—not a change in its quality or standards.
How does accreditation affect the ATCBE exam?
- Content validity: The exam is based on a Job Analysis of art therapy practice.
- Fairness and equity: Questions are written and reviewed by practicing art therapists, then evaluated by psychometricians for bias and reliability.
- Ongoing quality control: Each new exam form is statistically reviewed to ensure it performs as intended across diverse candidate groups.
Why does accreditation of the Board Certification program matter?
- The certification program is transparent, valid, and defensible.
- Decisions about who earns certification are based on objective, standardized criteria.
- The public can trust that credentialed art therapists have met consistent, high-level requirements for practice.