Top 10 Activity Director Certifications

Certifications are important for an activity director in the job market because they demonstrate that an individual has met the necessary qualifications to be employed in the field. They also provide a way to prove one’s understanding and knowledge of the responsibilities associated with being an activity director, as well as show employers that someone is capable of meeting the requirements of the job. Furthermore, certifications can help an individual stand out from other applicants and give them a competitive edge when applying for positions. Finally, certifications can provide recognition and respect from colleagues, employers, and clients alike.

This article reviews the most beneficial certifications for Activity Directors and outlines how they can help advance an Activity Director's career.

What are Activity Director Certifications?

Activity Director Certification is a professional certification that is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of individuals who work in the field of activity programming for those living in long-term care settings. This certification is offered by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP). It provides recognition of competency in the field of activity programming and demonstrates a commitment to quality service and best practices.

Having Activity Director Certification can be beneficial to individuals working in this field as it can provide them with greater job opportunities, higher salaries, and more respect from employers. It also serves as an assurance to employers that their activities professionals have achieved a certain level of education and skill. Additionally, having this certification may give activity professionals access to additional continuing education opportunities that are not available to those without it. In addition, having this certification allows activity professionals to network with other certified professionals around the country. Finally, having this certification may open up new career paths within the industry such as consulting or teaching positions.

Pro Tip: When pursuing activity director certification, be sure to research and understand the different certifications available and choose the one that best fits your educational background and career goals. Also, make sure to take advantage of any available online resources, such as webinars or tutorials, to help you prepare for the certification exam.

Related: What does an Activity Director do?

Top 10 Activity Director Certifications

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

1. Certified Activity Director (CAD)

Certified Activity Director (CAD) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills to plan, coordinate, and implement activities for older adults in long-term care settings. The certification is offered through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP).

To become certified as a CAD, individuals must meet education requirements, have at least two years of experience in activity programming for older adults, and pass an exam. Education requirements include either a high school diploma or GED plus nine college credits in activity-related courses or an associate’s degree in activity-related studies.

The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. It covers topics such as understanding aging, physical and mental health issues of older adults, planning activities, leading groups, evaluating outcomes, and developing policies and procedures.

The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken but typically costs between $200-$300. After passing the exam, individuals must renew their certification every two years by completing 30 continuing education units (CEUs).

2. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)

A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is a professional who specializes in providing therapeutic recreation services to individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and other special needs. CTRSs are trained to assess the recreational needs of their clients, develop individualized treatment plans, and implement interventions that promote health, wellness, and independence. The CTRS credential is awarded by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

In order to become a CTRS, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements set forth by the NCTRC. These include having a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited college or university in therapeutic recreation or a related field; completing at least 450 hours of supervised experience in therapeutic recreation; passing the NCTRC exam; and submitting all required documentation to the NCTRC.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether you are a first-time applicant or a re-applicant. The fee for first-time applicants is $350 USD and for re-applicants it is $250 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with application processing fees and/or background checks.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete all of the requirements necessary to become certified as a CTRS.

3. Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP)

A Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) is a professional who has completed a specialized training program and earned certification in the field of dementia care. The CDP credential is offered by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). The CDP program provides practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and resources to provide quality care for those living with dementia.

The CDP program consists of an online course that takes approximately 18 hours to complete. After completion of the course, applicants must pass an exam in order to become certified. The exam covers topics such as dementia diagnosis and management, communication strategies, and ethical considerations.

To become certified as a CDP, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or equivalent, and having at least one year of experience providing direct care to individuals with dementia or related disorders.

The cost for the CDP program varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$400 USD for the online course and exam fee combined.

4. Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA)

A Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA) is a professional credential that is awarded to individuals who have met the educational, experience and examination requirements of the National Association of Boards of Examiners of Long Term Care Administrators (NAB). The CNHA certification recognizes an individual’s ability to manage a nursing home or other long-term care facility.

To become certified as a CNHA, individuals must have at least a bachelor’s degree in health administration, business administration or related field. They must also complete at least one year of supervised administrative experience in an approved long-term care setting. Finally, they must pass the NAB’s comprehensive examination for nursing home administrators.

The process typically takes about two years to complete and can cost up to $1,500 for exam fees and application costs. Additionally, applicants may need to pay for additional coursework or training if required by their state board.

5. Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)

Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) is a professional certification program designed to help those working with seniors gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively meet the needs of their clients. The CSA designation is awarded by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors (SCSA), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting better care for older adults.

The CSA program consists of two parts: a comprehensive online course and an in-person examination. The online course provides a comprehensive overview of aging issues, including physical and mental health, nutrition, financial security, housing options, and legal issues. It takes approximately 20 hours to complete the course.

To earn the CSA designation, applicants must pass a proctored exam administered by SCSA at one of its testing centers or through a remote proctoring service. The exam covers topics from the online course as well as real-world scenarios that test problem solving skills.

The cost of the CSA program varies depending on whether you take the online course or opt for self-study materials only. The full program costs $595 USD; however, discounts are available for students and members of certain organizations such as AARP or SHRM.

6. National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP)

The National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP) is a professional organization that offers certification in the field of activity professionals. It is dedicated to promoting quality standards, providing continuing education and training, and recognizing excellence in the practice of activity professionals.

To become certified by NCCAP, an individual must meet certain criteria, including: having a minimum of two years of full-time experience as an activity professional; completion of a minimum of 30 hours of approved continuing education; and passing a written examination.

The process to become certified typically takes between six months to one year. During this time, applicants must complete the application process, which includes submitting transcripts, references, and other required documentation; taking the written examination; and completing any additional requirements as dictated by NCCAP.

The cost to become certified varies depending on the type of certification being sought. The fee for initial certification is $175 for members or $225 for non-members. There are also annual renewal fees associated with maintaining certification status.

7. Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA)

A Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) is a professional who is responsible for the overall management of a nursing home or long-term care facility. They are responsible for ensuring that the facility meets all state and federal regulations, providing quality care to residents, and managing staff and financial resources.

To become an LNHA, individuals must have at least a bachelor’s degree in health administration or a related field, as well as two years of experience in healthcare administration. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam administered by their state board of nursing home administrators in order to receive their license.

The amount of time it takes to become an LNHA varies depending on the individual’s educational background and experience. Generally, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all requirements for licensure.

The cost of becoming an LNHA varies by state but typically includes fees for application, examination, and licensure. In addition to these fees, individuals may also need to pay for continuing education courses which are required to maintain their license.

8. Certified Recreational Therapist (CRT)

A Certified Recreational Therapist (CRT) is a professional who works with individuals of all ages to improve their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being through the use of leisure activities. The CRT assesses the needs of each individual and develops a plan to help them reach their goals. This plan may include activities such as sports, music, art, dance, outdoor recreation, and more.

It takes approximately two years to become a Certified Recreational Therapist (CRT). To qualify for certification, you must have an associate’s degree in recreational therapy or a related field from an accredited college or university. You must also have completed at least 450 hours of supervised clinical experience in recreational therapy. In addition to these requirements, you must pass the examination administered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

To get certified as a CRT, you must first complete the necessary education and training requirements. Once you have met these requirements and passed the NCTRC exam, you can submit your application for certification. The application fee is $100 USD and includes an initial three-year certification period. After that time period has expired, you will need to renew your certification every three years by submitting additional documentation demonstrating continuing education credits earned during that time period.

The cost associated with becoming a Certified Recreational Therapist (CRT) varies depending on your educational institution and any additional costs associated with taking the NCTRC exam. Generally speaking though, it is estimated that it will cost around $2,000-$3,000 USD to become certified as a CRT.

9. Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Caregiver Trainer (CADDCT)

Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Caregiver Trainer (CADDCT) is a specialized certification program designed to help caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders gain the knowledge and skills needed to provide quality care. The CADDCT certification is offered by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP).

The CADDCT certification program consists of a two-day training course that covers topics such as understanding dementia, communication strategies, safety issues, and providing quality care. The course also includes hands-on activities and case studies to help participants apply their new knowledge in real-life situations.

To get certified as a CADDCT, applicants must first complete the two-day training course. After completing the course, applicants must pass an exam administered by NCCDP to become certified.

The cost of the CADDCT certification program varies depending on the provider offering it. Generally, the cost of the two-day training course ranges from $400-$600 USD. The exam fee is an additional $150 USD.

10. National Association of Activity Professionals Certification Program (NAAPCP)

The National Association of Activity Professionals Certification Program (NAAPCP) is a professional certification program for activity professionals in the United States. It is designed to recognize those who demonstrate a high level of competence and knowledge in the field of activities and recreation.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria including having at least two years of experience in the field, completing an approved NAAPCP training program, and passing a written exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as activity planning, assessment techniques, therapeutic recreation, and more.

The certification process typically takes between six months to one year to complete depending on the individual's progress through the training program and their ability to pass the exam. The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the training provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Activity Director Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. An Activity Director Certificate can be helpful for anyone who is looking to pursue a career in activity coordination or activity planning, as it provides an opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of the field and acquire important skills related to running activities. It may also be beneficial for those looking to advance their current career in recreational therapy, as the certificate can help demonstrate a level of expertise in the area.

For those who are already employed in the role of an Activity Director or similar position, having a certificate can help them stand out from other job applicants and may even open up new opportunities with better pay or more responsibility. It also provides evidence of professional development which can be useful when seeking promotions or other advancements within an organization.

Ultimately, whether someone needs an Activity Director Certificate will depend on their individual circumstances and goals. If they are looking to start a new career or advance their current one, then taking courses and earning a certificate could be very beneficial. However, if they are already established in their role and do not have any plans for further advancement then there may not be a need for it at this time.

Related: Activity Director Resume Examples

FAQs About Activity Director Certifications

1. What is an Activity Director Certification?

Answer: An Activity Director Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skill in planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating activities to meet the physical, mental, social, spiritual, and emotional needs of older adults in long-term care settings.

2. How do I become certified as an Activity Director?

Answer: To become certified as an Activity Director you must complete a nationally accredited activity director certification program that is approved by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP). Upon completion of the program you will be eligible to take the NCCAP certification exam.

3. What type of training is required for Activity Director Certification?

Answer: The training required for Activity Director Certification typically consists of courses in areas such as health and safety regulations, therapeutic recreation principles, assessment techniques, leisure education strategies, dementia care practices, and volunteer management.

4. How often does my certification need to be renewed?

Answer: Your certification must be renewed every two years in order to remain valid. Renewal requirements include completing continuing education units (CEUs) or attending NCCAP approved workshops/seminars.

5. Is there financial assistance available for obtaining my certification?

Answer: Yes! Financial assistance may be available through your employer or through various grants offered by organizations such as the National Council on Aging or the American Occupational Therapy Foundation.