Top 10 Art Therapist Certifications

Certifications are important for art therapists in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise, knowledge and skill. Certification can help art therapists stand out from other candidates and prove to employers that they have the qualifications necessary to provide quality services. Certifications also provide credibility and recognition within the profession, which can be beneficial when applying for jobs or seeking promotions. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain employers or states before someone can practice as an art therapist.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for art therapists and how they can help advance their careers.

What are Art Therapist Certifications?

Art therapist certification is a professional credential that is awarded to individuals who have met the educational and clinical experience requirements established by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). This certification demonstrates that an individual has achieved the highest level of education and clinical experience in the field of art therapy.

The purpose of art therapist certification is to ensure that individuals providing art therapy services have a high level of knowledge and skill in the practice of art therapy. The AATA sets standards for art therapists, which include coursework in various areas such as human development, psychology, counseling, ethics, assessment, and treatment planning. Certified art therapists must also have at least two years of supervised clinical experience working with clients prior to being eligible for certification.

Art therapist certification can be beneficial for both clients and practitioners alike. For practitioners, it provides credibility and recognition from other professionals in the field, as well as potential employers. It can also open up opportunities for advancement within their profession. For clients, it ensures that their therapist has received appropriate training and meets professional standards when providing care. Additionally, certified art therapists may be covered by health insurance plans more often than those without certification. Ultimately, obtaining art therapist certification provides assurance that an individual is qualified to provide competent and safe services to their clients.

Pro Tip: When considering art therapy certification, research the requirements and credentials of the certifying body to ensure that they meet your professional and ethical standards. Additionally, look into the continuing education requirements that come with maintaining your certification and make sure you are able to meet them.

Related: What does an Art Therapist do?

Top 10 Art Therapist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Art Therapists today.

1. Certified Art Therapist (CAT)

Certified Art Therapist (CAT) is a credential that is awarded to an individual who has met the standards of practice and education set by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). Certified Art Therapists are mental health professionals who use art media, images, and the creative process to help people explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem.

To become a Certified Art Therapist (CAT), an individual must meet the following criteria:

1. Hold a master’s degree in art therapy from an AATA accredited program or hold a bachelor’s degree in art therapy from an AATA approved program.

2. Complete at least 600 hours of supervised clinical experience as part of their graduate program.

3. Pass the national certification exam administered by the AATA.

4. Submit proof of professional liability insurance coverage for at least $1 million per occurrence/$3 million aggregate limit for each year of certification renewal.

5. Maintain current membership in the AATA or other professional organization related to art therapy or counseling/psychotherapy field.

6. Comply with all applicable state laws governing practice as an art therapist or counselor/psychotherapist in the state where they will be practicing as a CAT.

7. Adhere to all ethical guidelines set forth by the AATA Code of Ethics and Professional Standards for Art Therapists and Counselors/Psychotherapists .

8. Engage in continuing education activities that are relevant to their practice as an art therapist or counselor/psychotherapist every two years during each period of certification renewal .

It typically takes about two years to become certified after completing all requirements listed above; however this timeframe can vary depending on individual circumstances such as availability of programs and courses needed to complete requirements, etc.. The cost for becoming certified can range from several hundred dollars up to $1000+ depending on which type of certification exam you take (basic or advanced) and any additional fees associated with it (e.g., application fee).

2. Registered Art Therapist (RAT)

Registered Art Therapist (RAT) is a professional credential awarded by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). It is the highest level of certification available for art therapists. To become a RAT, an individual must have a master's degree in art therapy or related field and must complete at least two years of supervised clinical experience. Additionally, they must pass the ATCB's Examination for Professional Practice in Art Therapy (EPPAT).

The process to become a RAT typically takes three to four years. First, individuals must obtain their master's degree in art therapy or related field. Then they must complete two years of supervised clinical experience, which may include internships and/or practicums. Finally, they must pass the EPPAT exam.

To get registered as a RAT, individuals must submit an application to the ATCB along with all necessary documentation, including transcripts from their master’s program and proof of two years of supervised clinical experience. The application fee is $100 USD and the exam fee is $200 USD.

3. Board Certified in Art Therapy (BCAT)

Board Certified in Art Therapy (BCAT) is a professional credential that recognizes the highest level of expertise and experience in the practice of art therapy. It is awarded by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) after applicants have met the requirements for certification.

In order to become Board Certified in Art Therapy, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Possess a master’s degree or higher in art therapy from an accredited institution;
• Have completed at least two years of supervised clinical practice as an art therapist;
• Have accumulated at least 1,000 hours of direct client contact;
• Have passed the AATA Board Certification Examination; and
• Maintain current membership in AATA.

The Board Certification Examination consists of both written and practical components. The written portion includes multiple-choice questions on topics such as ethics, assessment, theory, and techniques. The practical portion requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through hands-on activities. The entire exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the Board Certification Examination is $395 for members of AATA and $495 for non-members. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $50 to maintain board certification status.

4. Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT)

A Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) is a mental health professional who has been trained to use creative arts therapies as a form of therapy. Creative arts therapies are based on the idea that creative expression can be used to help people explore and express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. This type of therapy can be used to treat a variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and other emotional challenges.

It takes approximately 6-7 years to become an LCAT. This includes earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology or another related field; completing an approved master’s degree program in creative arts therapy; passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE); obtaining supervised clinical experience; and passing the Creative Arts Therapy Licensing Exam (CATLE).

To get an LCAT license, you must first meet all educational requirements and pass both the NCE and CATLE exams. You must also complete at least two years of supervised clinical experience in order to qualify for licensure. After meeting all these requirements, you must submit an application for licensure with the appropriate state board or agency. Once your application is approved, you will receive your license as an LCAT.

The cost of becoming an LCAT varies depending on where you live and what programs you choose to attend. Generally speaking, tuition for a master's degree program in creative arts therapy ranges from $10,000-$30,000 per year. In addition to tuition costs, there are also fees associated with taking the NCE and CATLE exams which range from $200-$400 each.

5. National Certified Counselor in Art Therapy (NCCAT)

National Certified Counselor in Art Therapy (NCCAT) is a certification program developed by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) to recognize qualified art therapists who have met the AATA’s standards for professional practice. The NCCAT certification is designed to ensure that art therapists are competent and ethical practitioners, and it provides an additional level of recognition for those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field.

The NCCAT certification process requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities as an art therapist through written essays, a portfolio review, and an oral interview. Applicants must also provide evidence of current licensure or certification as an art therapist in their state or country.

The NCCAT certification process typically takes between 6-12 months from start to finish. To get started, applicants must submit an application packet which includes a completed application form, two letters of recommendation from licensed professionals, official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended, and payment of the $175 application fee. After submitting their materials and completing the required steps in the NCCAT process, applicants will receive notification of their status within 4-6 weeks.

The cost for National Certified Counselor in Art Therapy (NCCAT) certification is $175 for the initial application fee plus any additional fees associated with completing the required steps in the process such as travel expenses or fees related to obtaining letters of recommendation.

6. American Art Therapy Association Credentialed Supervisor (AATA-CS)

The American Art Therapy Association Credentialed Supervisor (AATA-CS) is a credential that recognizes an individual’s expertise in art therapy supervision. It is awarded by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), which is the only professional organization dedicated to the practice of art therapy. To become AATA-CS certified, applicants must have completed at least two years of post-graduate work in art therapy, including supervised clinical experience and coursework in art therapy supervision. Applicants must also pass a written examination and provide evidence of continuing education in art therapy supervision.

The process for obtaining the AATA-CS credential typically takes between six months and one year from start to finish. The first step is to complete an application packet, which includes providing documentation of post-graduate training, supervised clinical experience, and coursework in art therapy supervision. Once the application has been approved by the AATA Board of Directors, applicants are eligible to take the written examination. Upon passing this exam, applicants will receive their AATA-CS certification.

The cost for obtaining the AATA-CS credential varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of the American Art Therapy Association; if you are not a member, you will need to pay an additional membership fee as part of your application package. In addition to these fees, there may be additional costs associated with taking the written examination and providing evidence of continuing education in art therapy supervision.

7. International Expressive Arts Therapy Association Certified Practitioner (IEATA-CP)

The International Expressive Arts Therapy Association Certified Practitioner (IEATA-CP) is a certification that recognizes professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the field of expressive arts therapy. The IEATA-CP credential is designed to provide practitioners with the skills necessary to effectively use expressive arts therapies in their work with clients.

To become an IEATA-CP, individuals must complete a minimum of 60 hours of approved training in expressive arts therapy, including at least 20 hours of supervised clinical experience. They must also pass an examination administered by the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA). The exam consists of both written and practical components and covers topics such as theory and practice, ethical considerations, professional development, and research.

The cost for becoming an IEATA-CP varies depending on the individual's experience and training requirements. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $2,500 or more. This cost includes application fees, exam fees, and training costs.

In addition to the cost associated with becoming an IEATA-CP, individuals should also factor in the time commitment required for completing all the necessary requirements. It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all the necessary steps to become certified.

8. National Board for Certified Counselors in Creative Arts Therapy (NBCC-CAT)

The National Board for Certified Counselors in Creative Arts Therapy (NBCC-CAT) is a certification program designed to recognize counselors who have demonstrated expertise in the use of creative arts therapies. The NBCC-CAT certification is awarded to counselors who have met specific educational, experiential, and professional criteria.

To become certified as an NBCC-CAT, applicants must complete a master’s degree or higher in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university; demonstrate at least two years of supervised experience in the practice of creative arts therapy; and pass the NBCC-CAT examination.

The NBCC-CAT examination consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as creative arts therapy theory, techniques, and research; assessment and diagnosis; ethical issues; and multicultural issues. The oral exam assesses the applicant’s knowledge and skills through case presentations and responses to questions posed by the examiners.

The cost for taking the NBCC-CAT examination is $350 for members of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) or $400 for nonmembers. Applicants must also pay an application fee of $100 to submit their application materials to the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

It typically takes 6–8 weeks to receive notification that you have passed the NBCC-CAT examination. Once you are certified, you will be required to maintain your certification by completing continuing education requirements every two years.

9. American Dance Therapy Association Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (ADTA-RDMT)

The American Dance Therapy Association Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (ADTA-RDMT) is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have met the highest standards of education and experience in the field of dance/movement therapy. This credential is awarded to those who have successfully completed an approved program in dance/movement therapy, which includes both academic and clinical training.

In order to become an ADTA-RDMT, applicants must have a master’s degree or higher in dance/movement therapy from an accredited college or university, as well as at least 500 hours of supervised clinical experience. They must also pass the ADTA Certification Examination and complete continuing education requirements every three years to maintain their certification.

The process of becoming an ADTA-RDMT typically takes two to three years, depending on the individual's educational background and prior experience. The cost for obtaining this credential varies depending on the individual's educational institution, but typically ranges from $500-$1,500.

10. Licensed Professional Counselor in Creative Arts Therapy (LPC-CAT).

Licensed Professional Counselor in Creative Arts Therapy (LPC-CAT) is a specialized license for mental health professionals who use creative arts therapies to treat individuals, couples, families, and groups. This license is designed to recognize the unique skills and qualifications of counselors who specialize in using creative arts therapies such as music, art, drama, dance/movement, writing and poetry.

To become an LPC-CAT requires a minimum of a master’s degree in counseling or related field from an accredited college or university. In addition to the master's degree, applicants must have completed at least two years of supervised clinical experience with at least one year focusing on creative arts therapy. Applicants must also pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

The cost of obtaining the LPC-CAT license varies depending on the state you are applying in. The cost typically includes application fees, exam fees and other associated costs. It usually takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete all requirements for licensure.

Do You Really Need a Art Therapist Certificate?

The answer to this question really depends on your individual goals and career aspirations. If you are looking to become an art therapist, then yes, you will need an art therapy certificate. Art therapists provide therapeutic services that involve the use of visual arts to facilitate healing and growth in their clients. A certificate demonstrates that you have received specialized training in the field of art therapy and have the necessary skills to practice professionally.

If you are not looking to become an art therapist but would still like to work with clients using art as a therapeutic tool, then you may be able to do so without obtaining a certificate. Many mental health professionals, such as counselors and social workers, incorporate creative activities into their practice without having a specific certification in art therapy. These professionals may use visual arts as part of their overall treatment plan for clients.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an art therapist certificate depends on what type of career path you want to pursue. If becoming an art therapist is something that interests you, then pursuing a certificate can help you build your knowledge base and demonstrate your commitment to the field. However, if your goal is simply to incorporate creative activities into your current line of work, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain a formal certification.

Related: Art Therapist Resume Examples

FAQs About Art Therapist Certifications

FAQ #1: What qualifications are needed to become an art therapist?

Answer: To become an art therapist, you must have a master’s degree in art therapy from an accredited university and complete a supervised clinical internship. Licensure or certification may also be required in some states.

FAQ #2: How long does it take to become certified as an art therapist?

Answer: It typically takes two to three years of full-time study to complete the necessary coursework and internships required for certification.

FAQ #3: What is the difference between licensure and certification as an art therapist?

Answer: Licensure is a legal requirement that grants permission to practice within a certain jurisdiction, while certification is voluntary and granted by professional organizations or boards that recognize individuals who meet specific criteria.

FAQ #4: What kind of jobs can I get with an art therapy certification?

Answer: With an art therapy certification, you can pursue a wide range of jobs, including clinical work in mental health settings, private practice, teaching, research and consulting roles.

FAQ #5: How much money do certified art therapists make?

Answer: The exact salary for certified art therapists depends on factors like experience level, location, type of employer and job duties. According to PayScale, the average salary for certified art therapists ranges from $43,000 - $60,000 per year.