Unlock Your Career Potential with National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Dear Kind Reader, if you are interested in pursuing a career in therapeutic recreation, you may have heard of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). The NCTRC is a non-profit organization that provides certification for recreation therapists and ensures that certified professionals maintain high standards of practice through continuing education and recertification processes. With a keyword density of 1.5%, the NCTRC plays a pivotal role in shaping the field of therapeutic recreation and improving the quality of care provided to clients.
What is the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification?
The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is the largest therapeutic recreation organization that is responsible for credentialing of recreational therapists in the United States and globally. The certification offered by NCTRC recognizes the attainment of required professional standards and competencies in the field of therapeutic recreation. To become a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS), the applicant must meet eligibility requirements and pass the certification examination offered by NCTRC. CTRSs are recognized as qualified professionals who can provide services to individuals with disabilities or illnesses to improve their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning through leisure and recreation activities.
Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements for NCTRC certification are as follows:
| No | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 1 | Graduation from a NCTRC-approved program with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field. |
| 2 | Completion of a supervised internship of at least 480 hours in therapeutic recreation or related field |
| 3 | Current certification in basic cardiac life support (BCLS) or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) |
| 4 | Completion of an online application for certification and submission of official transcripts and verification of internship experience |
The Certification Examination
The certification examination for NCTRC is a computer-based test consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions that evaluate the knowledge and competence of applicants in therapeutic recreation practice. The test is divided into two sections; Section A assesses the knowledge and skills related to professional responsibility, assessment, and documentation, while Section B evaluates the knowledge and skills required for implementing and evaluating a therapeutic recreation program. The examination is administered throughout the year, and once an applicant passes the test, they are awarded the CTRS credential.
The Benefits of NCTRC Certification
Becoming a CTRS through NCTRC certification can benefit both the professional and the clients they serve. The benefits of NCTRC certification include:
Professional Recognition
Recognition as a CTRS through NCTRC certification demonstrates that the professional has met the required standards for therapeutic recreation practice and has the necessary knowledge and skills to provide services to clients.
Career Advancement
NCTRC certification can lead to professional growth, including career advancement opportunities, higher salaries, and increased job security.
Improved Client Outcomes
CTRSs who have obtained NCTRC certification have the knowledge and skills to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning of their clients through therapeutic recreation activities, leading to increased client satisfaction and improved outcomes.
NCTRC Certification Eligibility Criteria
Therapeutic recreation professionals with degrees other than therapeutic recreation, who possess therapeutic recreation course work from accredited colleges or universities, national or regional accreditation in therapeutic recreation curricula from Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT), International Therapeutic Recreation Accreditation (ITRA), or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), an equivalent foreign program or seven years of full-time professional experience in therapeutic recreation, and education or training in the therapeutic recreation job analysis domains are eligible to take the NCTRC certification exam.
COAPRT Accreditation
COAPRT accreditation is a rigorous process that measures program strengths and weaknesses based on student outcomes. Programs that are accredited by the COAPRT curriculum have met the standards and performance criteria established by NRPA. Currently, there are five COAPRT–accredited Bachelor’s degree programs and ten COAPRT-accredited Graduate degree programs. Graduates of COAPRT-accredited programs are equipped with theoretical and practical skills necessary for effective therapeutic recreation practice, making them qualified applicants for the NCTRC certification examination.
ITRA Accreditation
ITRA is the educator’s branch of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. The ITRA accreditation process is a professional peer review process designed to enhance the quality of therapeutic recreation education for parks, recreation, leisure services and other settings. ITRA accreditation is based on demonstrated evidence of program quality and teaching effectiveness. Graduates from ITRA-accredited programs meet the educational requirements of the NCTRC certification process.
NCTRC Certification Exam Details
The certification examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, written and peer-reviewed by experienced CTRSs. The exam includes questions from all NCTRC job analysis domains, and of these, 135 are scored items, and 15 are pre-test items. However, only the 135 scored items are used to determine a candidate’s pass/fail status.
Exam Outline
| No | {{$}} Domain | No. of Items |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Data Collection and Assessment | 29 |
| 2 | Documentation and Evaluation | 25 |
| 3 | Process/Implementation, Planning and Intervention | 50 |
| 4 | Advocacy, Education, and Public Awareness | 11 |
| 5 | Professional Responsibility | 20 |
| 6 | Administration and Management | 10 |
| 7 | Recreational Therapy Services | 5 |
Exam Duration and Format
The certification exam is a computer-based test and is administered through Prometric testing centers nationwide. Candidates are allotted 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete the exam, which includes one 15-minute break. On the day of the exam, candidates must bring two forms of identification, one photo ID and one non-photo ID.
| No | Information |
|---|---|
| 1 | Name of organization |
| 2 | National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) |
| 3 | Location |
| 4 | United States |
| 5 | Founded in |
| 6 | 1981 |
| 7 | Purpose |
| 8 | To promote the importance and benefits of therapeutic recreation |
| 9 | Certification offered |
| 10 | Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) |
| 11 | Requirements for certification |
| 12 | – Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or related field – Completion of NCTRC-approved internship – Successful completion of certification exam |
| 13 | Recertification |
| 14 | Required every 5 years and involves meeting continuing education requirements or retaking the certification exam |
NCTRC Certification Eligibility
The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is a non-profit organization that provides certification for qualified individuals in the field of therapeutic recreation. Therapeutic recreation professionals seeking NCTRC certification must meet certain eligibility requirements set forth by the organization. These requirements include:
Academic Requirements
Therapeutic recreation professionals must have a degree from an accredited college or university with a Therapeutic Recreation curriculum or a related field. They must have at least a bachelor’s degree, except for those individuals who were certified before 1986.
Experience Requirements
Therapeutic recreation professionals must have at least 480 hours of professional experience in therapeutic recreation services within the past five years, or at least 720 hours of internship experience.
References
Therapeutic recreation professionals must provide two references from individuals who have knowledge of their professional abilities. These references must be submitted on official NCTRC reference forms.
NCTRC Exam
Therapeutic recreation professionals must pass the NCTRC certification exam. The exam is designed to assess the individual’s knowledge of therapeutic recreation principles, theories, and practice.
Certification Maintenance
Once an individual has obtained NCTRC certification, they must maintain the certification through continuing education and professional development activities. To maintain certification, the following requirements must be met:
Continuing Education
Certificants must participate in at least 50 clock hours of continuing education every five years. Continuing education must be relevant to the therapeutic recreation profession and must be pre-approved by NCTRC.
Professional Development
Certificants must demonstrate professional development in therapeutic recreation through participation in professional organizations such as the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), participation in research activities, publication of articles, and other activities that promote the growth and development of the therapeutic recreation profession.
| No | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1 | Once an individual has obtained their certification from NCTRC, they are required to recertify every five years to maintain their credentials. |
| 2 | Certificants must report continuing education and professional development activities to NCTRC in order to maintain their certification. |
| 3 | If a certificant fails to meet the continuing education and professional development requirements, their certification will be subject to termination. |
NCTRC Certification Renewal
Once a candidate becomes certified by the NCTRC, certification renewal is necessary every 5 years. The renewal process requires the accumulation of at least 50 hours of continuing education. Half the hours must be from a pre-approved list of education providers, and the other half must be directly related to recreational therapy practice.
Earning Continuing Education Credits
Continuing education credits (CEUs) can be earned online, in-person at conferences, or through courses at local colleges or universities. The NCTRC has a list of pre-approved education providers on their website. Certificants may also petition for CEUs from organizations that are not on the list by submitting information about the course and the organization. The NCTRC will review the information and determine if the course qualifies for CEUs.
Requirements for CEUs
In order to qualify for CEUs, courses must meet specific criteria. Courses must be relevant to recreational therapy, taught at a college level or above, and meet specific learning objectives. Certificants must also pass a quiz to demonstrate understanding of the material. The quiz is designed to ensure that educational and training activities are substantive, measurable, and offer clear competency-based learning objectives.
Penalties for Noncompliance
Certificants who do not renew their certification before the expiration date may not use the CTRS credential until their certification is renewed. If the certification remains expired for more than one year, the individual must re-take the certification exam to be certified again.
Maintaining Professional Conduct
Professional conduct by recreational therapists follows the Code of Ethics prescribed by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). The Code of Ethics provides guidelines for ethical conduct and helps ensure proper practice within the profession. All recreational therapists certified by the NCTRC must adhere to the code.
Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics includes the following principles:
- Recreational therapists will maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding their clients unless required by law to divulge information.
- Recreational therapists will always prioritize the well-being and safety of their clients. In addition, they will responsibly assess their clients’ conditions, recognizing client’s limitations and strengths.
- Recreational therapists will avoid behavior that may result in exploitation or discrimination of clients, staff, colleagues, or research subjects.
- Recreational therapists possess the skill and knowledge to provide appropriate services, and they maintain and improve these abilities throughout their careers.
- Recreational therapists will achieve and maintain high ethical and professional standards in their work, allowing for unbiased judgments and evidence-based practice.
Punishable Conduct
Violations of the Code of Ethics can result in the suspension or revocation of a certification. In addition to professional sanctions, the NCTRC may also make referrals to legal or regulatory authorities if the violation of the Code of Ethics is thought to be criminal.
Benefits of National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Obtaining the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is a confirmation that one has extensive knowledge and practical experience in therapeutic recreation. Moreover, the certification offers various advantages that benefit both the certified individuals and the industry as a whole.
Advantage of Certified Individuals
Certified therapeutic recreation specialists (CTRS) who have acquired NCTRC enjoy several benefits, including:
1. Enhanced Career Opportunities: Having NCTRC ensures that the CTRS is competent, committed, and responsible, which makes them very attractive to employers. By demonstrating an advanced professional qualification, CTRS with NCTRC stand out from the rest and make an excellent choice for leading positions in the field.
2. Higher Pay: NCTRC certified specialists have a higher earning potential than those who are not certified. This is because being certified shows that a professional has the necessary skills and knowledge about therapeutic recreation.
3. Professional Development: In addition to gaining specialized knowledge, obtaining the NCTRC, requires regular continuing education to maintain the standards of the certification, which translates to continuous opportunities for career development and growth.
Advantage to the Industry
In addition to the benefits of certified individuals, the industry stands to gain from therapists who have acquired the NCTRC in the following ways:
1. Consistency of Care: NCTRC ensures that every certified therapeutic recreation specialist has the essential knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality, meaningful, and appropriate care for clients.
2. Public Trust and Confidence: Obtainment of NCTRC certification inspires public trust because it is evidence of a commitment to excellence and the highest standards of professional conduct. It also highlights the credibility of professional therapists and builds confidence in the industry.
3. Setting Industry Standards: NCTRC helps ensure professional consistency and sets industry standards for therapeutic recreation services, which means better care for the client populace. Certified professionals offer high-quality care and are committed to ethical and professional conduct, which reflects the values of the industry.
NCTRC Exam
The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification administers the NCTRC Exam, which is a computer-based exam offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers. The NCTRC Exam is the only means for an individual to become certified as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) in the United States.
Exam Eligibility
To be eligible to sit for the NCTRC Exam, an individual must meet specific educational and experience requirements. Individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field and have completed a minimum of 640 hours of supervised internship or practicum experience in therapeutic recreation are eligible to take the exam.
Additionally, individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than therapeutic recreation must have completed a minimum of 18 credit hours in therapeutic recreation and a minimum of 640 hours of supervised internship or practicum experience in therapeutic recreation to be eligible to take the exam.
Exam Content and Scoring
The NCTRC Exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering six content areas, including assessment, documentation, treatment planning, implementation, evaluation and research, and ethics and professional conduct. The exam is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, with a passing score of 550 required to achieve certification.
The NCTRC Exam is a rigorous assessment of an individual’s knowledge and skills in therapeutic recreation. It is designed to ensure that all Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists have the competencies necessary to provide effective and high-quality services to individuals with disabilities or illnesses.
How to Get Certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification?
If you are a recreation therapist, you have to follow some necessary steps to receive certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. Here are the steps you need to follow to achieve your NCTRC certification:
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria
The first step is to meet eligibility requirements. To be eligible to sit for the NCTRC certification exam, candidates must have:
| No | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1 | A bachelor’s degree or higher from an approved therapeutic recreation program |
| 2 | 18 credit hours in therapeutic recreation coursework |
| 3 | At least 480 hours of supervised clinical experience |
| 4 | Passport-style photo, the signature of a professional, and application fee |
Step 2: Apply for the Certification Exam
After meeting the eligibility requirements, the next step is to fill out the Certification by NCTRC online. The candidates need to pay the appropriate certification fees.
Step 3: Get approval from NCTRC
After submitting the application, the candidates will get approval from NCTRC headquarters to sit for an exam.
Step 4: Pass the Certification Exam
The final step involves passing the certification exam. The examination is an objective test, which is administered at select testing sites throughout the United States. The computer-based exam is 2.5 hours long and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.
Step 5: Maintain Your Certification
Once you have earned your certification, it is essential to maintain it by completing continuing education units (CEUs) and renewing your certification every five years by submitting an application and paying the renewal fee. You must accrue 50 hours of continuing education every five years since certification or retake and pass the examination.
Getting certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification can demonstrate your advanced knowledge and skill in providing recreational therapy services. Furthermore, a national certification credential grants credibility to recreational therapists looking for job opportunities.
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) FAQ
If you have questions, concerns, anxiety, or problems regarding the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, we’ve compiled a list of answers to common questions to help you navigate the certification process.
1. What is the NCTRC?
The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification is a non-profit organization that provides certification to individuals working in therapeutic recreation and recreational therapy.
2. How do I become certified as a therapeutic recreation specialist?
You must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass the NCTRC certification examination to become certified as a therapeutic recreation specialist. Check the NCTRC website for full details on eligibility requirements and the certification examination process.
3. What are the eligibility requirements for the NCTRC certification examination?
To be eligible to take the NCTRC certification examination, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in therapeutic recreation, recreation and leisure, or a related field. You must also have completed a minimum of 480 hours of supervised clinical experience in recreational therapy.
4. How do I apply for the NCTRC certification examination?
You can apply for the NCTRC certification examination online through the NCTRC website. You will need to provide official transcripts, documentation of your clinical experience, and payment of the certification examination fee.
5. How much does the NCTRC certification examination cost?
The cost of the NCTRC certification examination varies depending on whether you are a student, an NCTRC member, or a non-member. Check the NCTRC website for current fees.
6. How often is the NCTRC certification examination offered?
The NCTRC certification examination is offered several times per year at testing centers across the United States. Check the NCTRC website for current dates and locations.
7. What is the passing score for the NCTRC certification examination?
The passing score for the NCTRC certification examination is 70%. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may retake the examination.
8. How long does the NCTRC certification last?
The NCTRC certification is valid for five years. To maintain your certification, you must complete continuing education requirements and submit a renewal application and fee every five years.
9. What are the continuing education requirements for maintaining NCTRC certification?
You must complete 50 clock hours of continuing education every five years to maintain your NCTRC certification. At least 25 of those hours must be directly related to therapeutic recreation.
10. Can I take continuing education courses online?
Yes, the NCTRC accepts online continuing education courses for maintaining certification.
11. What happens if my NCTRC certification lapses?
If your NCTRC certification lapses, you may be required to retake the NCTRC certification examination and meet current eligibility requirements.
12. Can I appeal a decision made by the NCTRC?
Yes, you may appeal a decision made by the NCTRC. Check the NCTRC website for details on the appeals process.
13. Can I transfer my certification from another organization to the NCTRC?
Yes, you may qualify for NCTRC certification if you hold certification from another organization and meet the NCTRC eligibility requirements.
14. How do I update my contact information with the NCTRC?
You can update your contact information online through the NCTRC website, or by contacting the NCTRC directly.
15. How can I get involved with the NCTRC?
The NCTRC offers various opportunities to get involved, including volunteer positions, committees, and leadership roles. Check the NCTRC website for current opportunities.
16. Is the NCTRC certification recognized internationally?
The NCTRC certification is recognized in the United States and certain other countries. Check with your employer or relevant professional organizations to determine if the NCTRC certification is recognized in your area.
17. Can I add NCTRC credentials to my signature?
Yes, you may add NCTRC credentials (such as CTRS) to your signature to indicate that you are certified as a therapeutic recreation specialist.
18. How do I report a concern or complaint about the NCTRC or a CTRS?
If you have a concern or complaint about the NCTRC or a CTRS, you can submit a complaint to the NCTRC Ethics Committee.
19. How long does it take to receive NCTRC certification?
The NCTRC certification process can take several months, depending on when you apply and when the certification examination is offered. Check the NCTRC website for estimated processing times.
20. What is the difference between NCTRC certification and licensure?
NCTRC certification indicates that an individual has met certain professional standards in therapeutic recreation and recreational therapy. Licensure is a legal requirement to practice as a therapist in certain states and may have different requirements and standards.
21. How do I find CTRS job opportunities?
You can search for CTRS job opportunities online through job search websites, professional organizations, or the NCTRC website.
22. Can I change my NCTRC certification status (such as from CTRS to RTC)?
Yes, you may change your NCTRC certification status by meeting the eligibility requirements for the new certification and submitting the appropriate application and fee.
23. What is the NCTRC code of ethics?
The NCTRC code of ethics outlines ethical principles and professional standards for CTRSs. All NCTRC-certified individuals must adhere to the code of ethics.
24. How can I find NCTRC-approved CE providers?
You can search for NCTRC-approved CE providers on the NCTRC website.
25. How do I contact the NCTRC?
You can contact the NCTRC by phone, email, or mail. Check the NCTRC website for contact information.
If you are interested in becoming a therapeutic recreation specialist, you may want to check out the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification website for information on certification and other resources.
Thank You for Exploring the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Kind Reader, we hope our article provided valuable insights into the role and significance of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. By upholding high standards of practice, this organization ensures that individuals with disabilities receive effective, evidence-based, and person-centered care. As you continue to learn and grow in your respective field, we invite you to visit us again for more updates on therapeutic recreation certification and related topics. Thank you for your time and interest.
