Top 10 Activities Director Certifications

Certifications are important for an activities director in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and knowledge that employers look for. Certifications show that the activities director has taken the time to learn about their field and understand best practices. They also indicate to employers that the activities director is committed to professional development and staying up-to-date on industry trends. This can give an activities director a competitive edge over other job seekers who do not have certifications or have not taken the time to pursue them.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Activities Directors and explains how they can help to advance an activities director's career.

What are Activities Director Certifications?

Activities Director Certification is a program offered by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have met the educational and experiential requirements necessary to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the activity profession. This certification is an important credential in the field of activities as it provides assurance that those certified possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities to provide quality programming for older adults.

The NCCAP certification process requires applicants to complete a series of courses designed to educate them on the theories, principles, and practice of activities programming. These courses cover topics such as activity assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, management and leadership. In addition to coursework, candidates must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of activities programming.

Having Activities Director Certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants in the field by demonstrating their commitment to excellence in activities programming. It also serves as a valuable credential when seeking promotion or advancement within an organization or facility. Furthermore, having this certification may be beneficial for those looking for employment opportunities outside of their current job setting; employers often look favorably upon applicants who have taken the initiative to obtain this type of professional recognition.

Pro Tip: When pursuing activities director certification, be sure to research the requirements and eligibility criteria for your state or region. Many states have specific educational and experience prerequisites that must be met in order to obtain the credential. Additionally, be sure to stay up-to-date on any changes to the certification process or requirements as they can vary from state to state.

Related: What does an Activities Director do?

Top 10 Activities Director Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Activities Directors today.

1. Certified Activity Director (CAD)

Certified Activity Director (CAD) is a certification program designed for professionals in the field of recreational therapy and activities. The purpose of the CAD certification is to provide recognition and assurance that an individual has met specific standards of knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of activities programming.

The CAD certification requires applicants to have a minimum of two years experience as an activity director or equivalent position in a long-term care facility or related setting. In addition, applicants must pass both a written and practical examination administered by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP).

The NCCAP exam consists of 150 questions covering topics such as program planning, implementation, evaluation, regulations, safety, risk management, documentation/charting, communication/interpersonal relationships, and professional development. The practical portion of the exam consists of demonstrating competency in six areas: program planning; implementation; evaluation; documentation/charting; communication/interpersonal relationships; and professional development.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the requirements for CAD certification. During this time period you will need to submit your application materials along with any required supporting documents such as transcripts or proof of experience. Once your application is approved you can register for the NCCAP exam which is offered twice per year at various locations throughout the United States.

The cost for taking the NCCAP exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $350-$400 USD. Once you have successfully passed both portions of the exam you will receive your official Certified Activity Director (CAD) certificate from NCCAP.

2. Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP)

A Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) is a professional who has been trained and certified to provide care and support for individuals living with dementia. CDPs are knowledgeable about the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of dementia care. They have the skills to assess the needs of people living with dementia, create individualized plans of care, and provide education and support to caregivers.

It typically takes between six months to one year to become a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP). To become certified, individuals must complete an approved training program that includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience. The program covers topics such as understanding dementia, communication strategies, person-centered care approaches, legal issues in dementia care, end-of-life considerations, and more.

To become a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), individuals must first complete an approved training program. These programs can be found through various organizations including universities or colleges offering certificate or degree programs in gerontology or health sciences; professional organizations offering continuing education courses; or online providers offering courses specifically designed for CDP certification. After completing the training program, individuals must pass an exam administered by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive their certification as a CDP.

The cost of becoming a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) varies depending on the type of training program chosen. Tuition costs for university or college programs can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars per semester depending on the institution and length of study required. Professional organization continuing education courses may cost anywhere from $50-$300 per course depending on length and content covered. Online providers may charge anywhere from $50-$500 for their courses depending on length and content covered. In addition to tuition costs there is also an exam fee charged by NCCDP which ranges from $150-$200 depending on whether you choose to take the paper/pencil version or computer based version of the exam.

3. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)

A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is a professional who specializes in providing recreation and leisure activities to people with physical, mental, emotional, or social disabilities. CTRSs use recreational activities to help people improve their quality of life and increase their level of functioning. They also provide support for individuals and families dealing with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

To become a CTRS, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from an accredited college or university. You must also complete an internship in therapeutic recreation and pass the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) exam. The NCTRC exam consists of multiple-choice questions on topics such as medical terminology, assessment techniques, therapeutic recreation interventions, program planning, and evaluation methods.

The cost of becoming a CTRS varies depending on the individual's educational background and experience. The cost of the NCTRC exam is $200 plus any additional fees associated with the application process. In addition to the exam fee, there may be other costs associated with obtaining certification such as continuing education courses or annual renewal fees.

Once certified as a CTRS, individuals must meet certain requirements to maintain their certification status including completing continuing education credits every two years and renewing their certification every four years by submitting proof of completion of all required continuing education credits.

4. Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)

Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals gain the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to work with older adults. The CSA credential is awarded by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors (SCSA), an independent, non-profit organization that provides education and certification for professionals who serve aging adults.

The CSA program consists of a comprehensive online course that covers topics such as aging trends, health care systems, legal issues, financial planning, housing options, end-of-life planning, and more. The course takes approximately 40 hours to complete and includes a final exam. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, individuals receive their CSA designation.

To obtain the CSA credential, individuals must first register for the online course through SCSA's website. The cost of the program is $595 USD and includes access to all course materials as well as one year of membership in SCSA. After completing the course and passing the exam with a score of 80% or higher, individuals will receive their CSA credential from SCSA.

5. National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP)

The National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP) is a non-profit organization that provides certification for activity professionals working in long-term care, assisted living and adult day services. The purpose of NCCAP is to promote quality care through the development of standards and credentialing of qualified activity professionals.

To become certified by NCCAP, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and meet continuing education requirements. The process typically takes about 4-6 months from start to finish.

To begin the certification process, applicants must first submit an application to NCCAP along with the required fees. Fees vary depending on the type of certification being sought; however, most fees range from $150-$200. After submitting the application and fee, applicants must complete an approved educational program or show proof of equivalent experience in order to be eligible for testing. Once all requirements have been met, applicants can register for the exam which is administered by Prometric Testing Centers across the country.

Once applicants have passed the exam they will receive their official NCCAP certificate as well as their permanent ID number which is used when renewing their certification every 5 years. Renewal requires completion of continuing education courses provided by approved providers.

6. American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA)

The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) is a professional organization that provides certification to health care administrators. ACHCA certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to the profession and knowledge of the latest trends in health care administration.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements, including at least a bachelor’s degree in health care administration or a related field, and two years of full-time administrative experience in a health care setting. Applicants must also pass an examination administered by the ACHCA.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as management principles, legal issues, budgeting and finance, human resources management, and quality assurance. The exam fee is $225 for members of the ACHCA and $275 for non-members.

It typically takes about three months to receive results from the exam; however, this may vary depending on the number of applicants taking the test at any given time. Upon passing the exam, individuals will receive their certification within four weeks.

The cost for ACHCA certification is $225 for members and $275 for non-members. This fee covers both the application process and the cost of taking the exam.

7. National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP)

The National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP) is a professional organization for activity professionals in the United States and Canada. It was founded in 1978 to provide support, education, and networking opportunities to activity professionals working in long-term care settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult day services. NAAP provides members with access to continuing education opportunities, certification programs, and resources related to activity programming.

It takes approximately one year to become a Certified Activity Professional (CAP). To obtain the CAP credential, applicants must complete an approved program through an accredited college or university that includes at least 75 hours of coursework focusing on topics such as therapeutic recreation, activities planning and implementation, leadership skills development, and management principles. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in the field of activities programming. After completing the educational requirements, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam administered by NAAP before they can receive their certification.

The cost for becoming a Certified Activity Professional varies depending on the institution providing the coursework. Generally speaking, it will cost between $1,000-$2,000 for tuition fees plus any additional costs associated with taking the exam (such as registration fees).

8. National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)

The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of qualified therapeutic recreation professionals. The NCTRC is the only national certification program for therapeutic recreation specialists in the United States. It was established in 1981 by the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).

To become certified, candidates must meet certain educational requirements and pass an examination administered by the NCTRC. The educational requirements include a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field, as well as at least 450 hours of supervised clinical experience. Candidates must also complete an approved continuing education program every five years to maintain their certification.

The NCTRC exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, documentation, and professional standards. The practical portion tests candidates on their ability to apply therapeutic recreation principles in practice settings.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the NCTRC exam. Candidates should be familiar with ATRA Standards of Practice and have completed coursework in areas such as anatomy & physiology, psychosocial aspects of health care, leisure education & services, and therapeutic recreation interventions & techniques.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether you are an ATRA member or non-member. For ATRA members, it costs $225; for non-members it costs $300. In addition to the fee for taking the exam, there is also an annual renewal fee of $100 for both members and non-members.

9. National Certification Board for Alzheimer and Aging Care (NCBAC)

The National Certification Board for Alzheimer and Aging Care (NCBAC) is a professional organization that provides certification to professionals in the field of aging care. NCBAC certifications are designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to provide quality care to older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process. The first step is to submit an application, which includes an educational background check, work experience verification, and a criminal background check. Once approved, applicants must pass a written exam that covers topics such as dementia care management, communication strategies, legal issues related to aging care, and end-of-life planning. After passing the exam, applicants must complete an online training program before taking a final practical exam.

The cost of obtaining NCBAC certification varies depending on the type of certification sought. The fees range from $200-$500 for basic certifications up to $1,000+ for advanced certifications. Additional fees may be required for continuing education credits or recertification every two years.

Overall, obtaining NCBAC certification can be beneficial for those seeking recognition in their field and wanting to demonstrate their expertise in providing quality care for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

10. National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB)

The National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) is a professional organization that provides certification and education for long-term care administrators. NAB was established in 1984 to provide a unified voice for the regulation of long-term care administrators in the United States. It is the only national organization dedicated to the regulation and certification of long-term care administrators.

To become certified as a long-term care administrator through NAB, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having a minimum of two years’ experience working in a health services setting, completing an approved educational program, and passing an exam administered by NAB. The process typically takes three to six months to complete.

In order to become certified by NAB, applicants must submit an application along with supporting documents such as transcripts and proof of experience. The application fee is $150 for members and $200 for non-members. Applicants must also pay a separate fee for the exam which varies depending on whether they are taking it online or at a testing center. The cost of taking the exam online is $245 for members and $295 for non-members; the cost of taking it at a testing center is $295 for members and $345 for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Activities Director Certificate?

When considering the role of an activities director, it is important to consider whether or not a certificate is necessary. While the answer depends on the specific job and employer requirements, there are many benefits to obtaining an activities director certificate.

First, a certificate can demonstrate that you have acquired the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this position. This can give employers confidence in your ability to manage programs, plan events, and work with a variety of people. A certificate may also show that you understand how to supervise staff and develop successful team dynamics. Additionally, having a certificate may open up more job opportunities for you as employers often prefer those who demonstrate their qualifications through certifications or degrees.

Second, an activities director certificate can provide you with additional tools and resources that will help you succeed in your role. These resources can include online courses, workshops, mentorship programs, networking events, and more. With these resources available to you through the certification program, you’ll be better equipped to handle the responsibilities of an activities director.

Finally, having a certificate can give you peace of mind knowing that your hard work has been recognized by an accredited organization. It can also provide motivation for advancement within your current organization or when searching for new positions elsewhere.

In conclusion, while it is not always required for every employer or job position, obtaining an activities director certificate can provide numerous benefits both professionally and personally. It may help demonstrate your qualifications and provide access to additional resources that will help you excel in this role.

Related: Activities Director Resume Examples

FAQs About Activities Director Certifications

Q1. What qualifications do I need to become an activities director?

A1. The qualifications for becoming an activities director vary by state and employer, but typically require a Bachelor’s degree in recreation, physical education, or a related field, as well as a valid driver's license and certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Q2. How long does it take to get certified as an activities director?

A2. It usually takes between six months and two years to become certified as an activities director depending on your current experience and educational background.

Q3. How much does it cost to get certified as an activities director?

A3. The cost of getting certified as an activities director varies depending on the certification program you choose and any additional fees associated with it. Generally, the cost ranges from $200-$500 USD.

Q4. Are there any continuing education requirements for activities directors?

A4. Yes, most states require that activities directors complete a certain number of continuing education hours each year in order to maintain their certification status.

Q5. Is there a way to renew my certification if I let it expire?

A5: Yes, you can renew your certification by completing the required courses and submitting all necessary paperwork within one year of expiration date.