State Licensure
The ATCB Exam for State Licensure
Individuals seeking art therapy licensure in states that use the ATCB Exam (ATCBE) must first obtain authorization from their state licensing board before applying through the MyATCB portal. Because state licensure requirements closely align with ATCB’s standards for becoming a Registered Art Therapist (ATR), individuals who pass the ATCB Exam for state licensure are granted the ATR and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) through reciprocity and are professionally responsible for maintaining these credentials in accordance with ATCB standards.
ATCB’s Authority and Jurisdiction
The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) is an independent credentialing organization that confers voluntary professional credentials in art therapy, including the ATR-P, ATR, ATR-BC, and ATCS.ATCB does not issue, regulate, or enforce state licenses to practice art therapy. Licensure is granted and regulated by individual state licensing boards or regulatory agencies.ATCB’s authority is limited to the review, issuance, and, when appropriate, disciplinary action related to the use of ATCB credentials. Questions or concerns regarding an individual’s state license, scope of practice, or legal authority to practice must be directed to the appropriate state licensing board.
ATCBE FOR STATE LICENSURE
In some states, a passing score on the ATCB Exam is a condition for licensure. State approval is required to take the exam for state licensure. You must apply for the ATCB Exam via the MYATCB portal. If you don’t have an account on MYATCB, you must create one before you can apply for the exam.
Special Examination Accommodations for State Examinees
If you plan to test for state licensure and need testing accommodations, you must contact your state licensure board for information and approvals. The ATCB cannot provide accommodations without permission from your state licensure board.
Washington DC, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, and New York Exam Pathways
Do not sign up to take the ATCB Exam for state licensure if you are not authorized by the state to take the exam for their licensure. All exam applications are non-transferable and non-refundable.
The Difference Between Certificates, Credentials and Licensure
Certificate
Completion of a course or program
Educational institutions, companies, organizations
Exam Required:
No
Continuing Education Required:
No, but may count for CE credits
Legally Required:
No
Credential
Verifies advanced skills in a field
Issued by:
Private organizations, industry associations
Exam Required:
Yes, usually
Continuing Education Required:
Varies
Legally Required:
Sometimes, depending on industry
Certification
Verification of expertise and industry standards
Issued by:
Professional associations, certifying bodies
Exam Required:
Yes
Continuing Education Required:
Yes, to maintain certification
Legally Required:
Sometimes (depends on the field)
License
Legal authority to work in a regulated profession
Issued by:
Government agencies, licensing boards
Exam Required:
Yes
Continuing Education Required:
Varies by profession and state
Legally Required:
Yes, for regulated professions