Job Analysis

ATCBE JOB ANALYSIS

Part of creating a professional exam requires a “job analysis” by surveying currently practicing professionals about the knowledge and skills they use in real-world practice. This study provides a basis for the ongoing revision of the ATCBE and ensures currency and relevance in the examination content. According to psychometric best practices, the ATCB performs a job analysis every five years, and the data is analyzed professionally to create the content outline for the ATCBE. The current exam content reflects information from the job analysis implemented in 2017. Click for an executive summary of the 2017 Job Analysis Survey.

In 2022, a new job analysis study was completed. Over 1,000 credentialed art therapists completed the survey, which provided data on art therapy’s current practice, including major work behaviors and tasks, client populations, media/materials, diagnostic categories, ethical issues, and work settings. This job analysis resulted in a new content outline for the ATCB examination, which will be implemented in 2025. 

The 2025 content outline can be accessed here.