Reciprocity
Structured recognition of equivalent preparation aligned with ATCB standards.
Overview
Reciprocity provides a structured process for recognizing individuals who have already met standards equivalent to ATCB’s credentialing requirements. Reciprocity does not create new credentials and does not modify eligibility standards. It affirms that equivalent education, examination, and professional regulation meet the same expectations for competent and ethical art therapy practice.
ATCB offers two reciprocity routes:
- International Equivalent Credential → Registered Art Therapist (ATR)
- State Licensure Alignment → Board Certification (ATR-BC), where applicable
Program Routes
Route 1: International Equivalent Credential (ATR Reciprocity)
This route applies to individuals who hold a credential or are formally regulated in another country and whose preparation is equivalent to U.S. graduate-level art therapy education.
Eligibility requires:
- Graduate-level preparation in art therapy or its equivalent
- Formal credentialing or regulation in the country of practice
- Documentation and verification of education and professional standing
- Alignment with ATCB’s standards for competent and ethical practice
Applications are subject to documentation review and verification prior to determination of eligibility.
Successful applicants are granted the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential.
Board Certification requires successful completion of the ATCB Examination within the required timeframe.
Route 2: State Licensure Alignment (Board Certification Reciprocity)
Certain U.S. states have licensure requirements for art therapy that are built upon ATCB’s established standards for education, supervised clinical experience, and examination.
In states where licensure requirements align with ATCB standards and reciprocity eligibility has been established, individuals who:
- Hold active state licensure in art therapy
- Successfully passed the ATCB Examination for state licensure on or after January 2021 may qualify for Board Certification (ATR-BC) through reciprocity.
If an individual does not already hold the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential, ATR will be granted concurrently, as ATR is required to maintain Board Certification.
Eligibility by state is identified within the State Licensure Overview.
Program Details & Requirements
Examination Timing Requirement
Board Certification reciprocity is available only to individuals who passed the ATCB Examination on or after January 2021. This timeframe aligns with national accreditation standards governing examination validity and recertification cycles.
As the only National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)-accredited art therapy credentialing body in the United States, ATCB must operate within established accreditation requirements.
Ongoing Credential Maintenance
Individuals granted credentials through reciprocity are subject to the same requirements as all credential holders, including:
- Annual ATR renewal
- Continuing education requirements
- Board Certification recertification every five years, where applicable
- Adherence to the Code Governing Standards of Practice, Eligibility for and Regulation of Credentials, and Disciplinary Procedures
Application and Documentation
Reciprocity is application-based and requires submission of documentation for review and verification. Specific documentation requirements vary by route.
Detailed eligibility criteria and application instructions are provided below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility & Structure
Who is eligible for reciprocity?
ATCB recognizes two reciprocity routes:
International Equivalent Credential (ATR Reciprocity)
Individuals who hold a credential or are formally regulated in another country and whose preparation is equivalent to U.S. graduate-level art therapy education may apply for the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential through documentation review and verification.
State Licensure Alignment (Board Certification Reciprocity)
In U.S. states where licensure requirements align with ATCB standards, individuals who hold active state licensure in art therapy and passed the ATCB Examination on or after January 2021 may be eligible for Board Certification (ATR-BC) through reciprocity.
Eligibility by state is identified in the State Licensure Overview.
What credentials may be granted through reciprocity?
Reciprocity may result in:
- The Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential through the international equivalency route.
- The Board Certified Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC) credential, where state licensure alignment requirements are met.
If an individual is granted Board Certification and does not already hold the ATR credential, ATR will be granted concurrently, as ATR is required to maintain Board Certification.
Does reciprocity apply in every state?
No. Board Certification reciprocity applies only in states where licensure requirements align with ATCB standards and reciprocity eligibility has been formally established. Current state eligibility is identified within the State Licensure Overview.
Application & Process
How do I apply for Board Certification reciprocity?
If you are already licensed in an eligible state and passed the ATCB Exam on or after January 2021, you must submit a ATR reciprocity, and BC reciprocity application through your MyATCB dashboard. This application is available for a limited period consistent with the five-year examination validity cycle.
If you are eligible through a qualifying state and pass the ATCB Exam going forward, reciprocity will be incorporated into the credentialing process and a separate reciprocity application will not be required.
If you need assistance accessing your MyATCB account, support will be available.
Does reciprocity automatically grant a credential?
No. Reciprocity is application-based and eligibility must be confirmed before a credential is granted. Depending on the reciprocity route and state alignment, applicants may be required to submit documentation for review and verification. In certain states with established technical integration pathways, eligibility may be confirmed through coordinated credentialing processes.
What documentation is required for reciprocity?
Documentation requirements vary by reciprocity route and may include verification of:
- Education and degree completion
- State licensure status, where applicable
- International credentialing or regulatory standing
- Examination history
All submissions are subject to review and verification prior to determination of eligibility.
How does ATCB evaluate international credentials?
International credentials are evaluated through a structured documentation review process. ATCB assesses equivalency of graduate-level art therapy preparation, professional regulation or credentialing, and alignment with ATCB’s standards for competent and ethical practice.
Examination & Accreditation
Why is Board Certification reciprocity limited to individuals who passed the ATCB Examination on or after January 2021?
Board Certification reciprocity aligns with national accreditation standards governing examination validity and recertification cycles. As the only National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)-accredited art therapy credentialing body in the United States, ATCB operates within a five-year examination cycle to support ongoing competency and the integrity of Board Certification.
If I passed the ATCB Exam before January 2021, what are my options?
Individuals who passed the ATCB Examination prior to January 2021 may pursue Board Certification through the standard eligibility and examination pathways in accordance with current ATCB requirements.
Is Board Certification reciprocity a limited-time opportunity?
For individuals who have already passed the ATCB Exam on or after January 2021 and hold licensure in an eligible state, reciprocity application availability is limited by the five-year examination validity cycle. Individuals who pass the examination going forward through an eligible state pathway will have reciprocity incorporated into the credentialing process.
Standards & Impact
Does reciprocity lower ATCB standards?
No. Reciprocity does not modify or waive ATCB’s education, examination, or ethical requirements. It confirms that equivalent preparation meets the same established standards for competent and ethical art therapy practice.
Does reciprocity change what ATCB credentials represent?
No. ATCB credentials continue to represent verified education, examination, supervised clinical experience, and adherence to the Code Governing Standards of Practice, Eligibility for and Regulation of Credentials, and Disciplinary Procedures. Reciprocity affirms those standards — it does not alter them.
Will reciprocity affect current credential holders?
No. Reciprocity does not change renewal requirements, continuing education obligations, recertification cycles, or ethical standards for current credential holders.