Top 10 Behavioral Health Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for a behavioral health technician in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and skill that employers look for in potential employees. A certification shows that the technician has completed an approved program of study and has passed an examination demonstrating their competency in the field. This gives employers assurance that the technician is knowledgeable about the latest techniques and practices used in behavioral health care, as well as being able to effectively apply them to patient care scenarios. Additionally, certifications may be required for certain positions at many organizations or institutions, so having one can make a candidate more desirable when it comes to hiring decisions.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Behavioral Health Technicians and discuss how they can help advance one's career in the field.

What are Behavioral Health Technician Certifications?

Behavioral Health Technician Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of expertise and knowledge in the field of behavioral health. It is designed to provide a standardized measure of competence, proficiency, and ethical conduct for those working in the field. This certification indicates that an individual has met certain standards of education, experience, and performance in their area of practice.

The certification helps employers identify qualified applicants for positions within their organization and provides assurance that they are hiring professionals with the necessary qualifications to properly serve clients. It also provides an additional layer of credibility to those providing services as it demonstrates their commitment to professional development and continuous learning. Additionally, it can help practitioners demonstrate their qualifications to potential clients or referral sources when seeking referrals or networking opportunities. Finally, by obtaining certification, practitioners may be eligible for higher pay or other incentives from employers.

Pro Tip: When pursuing certification as a Behavioral Health Technician, it is important to research the specific requirements for your state, as each state may have different criteria for obtaining certification. Additionally, make sure to take full advantage of any available continuing education and training opportunities in order to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

Related: What does a Behavioral Health Technician do?

Top 10 Behavioral Health Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Behavioral Health Technicians today.

1. Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT)

A Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) is a mental health professional who provides direct care services to individuals with mental illness, substance use disorder, and/or developmental disabilities. CBHTs are typically supervised by a licensed mental health professional and work as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide evidence-based treatments.

The certification process for becoming a CBHT usually takes about six months or more depending on the state in which you live. To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass a criminal background check, and complete an approved training program. The cost of the training program varies from state to state but typically ranges from $500-$1000. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with the application process such as exam fees or processing fees.

2. Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT)

A Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT) is a professional who provides direct care to individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders in a variety of settings. CMHTs are trained to assess, monitor, and provide therapeutic interventions for clients in crisis or those who need assistance managing their mental health issues. CMHTs work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals to ensure that clients receive the best possible care.

In order to become a CMHT, one must complete an accredited training program. The length of the program depends on the type of certification sought; however, most programs are between 6 months and 2 years long. During this time, students will learn about mental health principles and techniques, as well as how to interact with clients in a therapeutic setting.

In addition to completing an accredited training program, individuals seeking certification must also pass a national exam administered by the National Board for Certified Mental Health Technicians (NBCMHT). The cost of the exam varies depending on the type of certification sought; however, it typically ranges from $100-$200 USD.

Once certified, CMHTs may be eligible for higher salaries than non-certified technicians due to their specialized knowledge and skillset. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire certified technicians because they have demonstrated their commitment to providing quality care for their clients.

3. Certified Psychiatric Technician (CPT)

A Certified Psychiatric Technician (CPT) is a professional who provides mental health services to individuals in need. CPTs are certified by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). The certification requires that a person has completed an accredited psychiatric technician program and passed the BVNPT certification exam.

To become a CPT, you must first complete an accredited psychiatric technician program. This typically takes two years of full-time study. After completing the program, you must then pass the BVNPT certification exam, which covers topics such as medical terminology, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, psychology, and ethics. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CPT certification.

The cost of becoming a CPT varies depending on the school you attend and any additional materials or fees associated with taking the BVNPT exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 to become certified.

4. National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) Certified Mental Health Technician

The National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT) is a credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in providing mental health services. This certification is designed to help individuals provide quality care to those with mental illness, while also increasing the confidence of employers in hiring qualified personnel.

In order to become a NAMI CMHT, an individual must complete a minimum of 120 hours of training that covers topics such as understanding mental illness, basic counseling techniques, crisis intervention, and medication management. The training must be completed within 12 months of applying for the certification. After completing the training, an individual must pass an exam administered by NAMI in order to receive the certification.

The cost for the NAMI CMHT certification varies depending on the provider offering the program and can range from $500-$1,000. In addition to this cost, there may be additional fees for materials or other related expenses.

Overall, becoming a NAMI CMHT is a great way for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to providing quality mental health services and increase their employability in the field.

5. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Certified Behavioral Health Technician

The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and experience of behavioral health technicians. It is designed to ensure that those providing services in the field of behavioral health have the necessary qualifications to do so.

In order to become certified, individuals must meet certain requirements. These include having a minimum of an associate’s degree in a behavioral health-related field, completing at least two years of supervised work experience in the field, and passing an NBCC-administered examination. The exam covers topics such as mental health assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning, crisis intervention, and ethical considerations.

It typically takes between six months and a year to complete all of the necessary requirements for certification. During this time, applicants should be actively working in their field and gaining experience under supervision. Once all of the requirements have been met and the exam has been passed, applicants will receive their CBHT certification from NBCC.

The cost for certification varies depending on where you live and how many credits you need to qualify for certification. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $100-$500 USD.

6. American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) Certified Behavioral Health Technician

The American Association of Psychiatric Technicians (AAPT) Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) credential is a professional certification that recognizes the skills and knowledge required to provide quality behavioral health services. The CBHT credential is designed to demonstrate competency in areas such as assessment, intervention, case management, and ethical practice.

To become certified as a CBHT, an individual must have completed an accredited program in behavioral health technology or related field, and have at least one year of experience providing direct care services to individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders. Additionally, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the AAPT.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as ethics, assessment and diagnosis, treatment planning and interventions, case management, documentation, and legal/regulatory issues. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for the CBHT certification exam is $250 for members of the AAPT and $300 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials and practice exams. Once certified, renewal fees are due every two years at a cost of $125 for members and $150 for non-members.

7. American Society for the Advancement of Pharmacotherapy (ASAPT) Certified Behavioral Health Technician

American Society for the Advancement of Pharmacotherapy (ASAPT) Certified Behavioral Health Technician is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the field of behavioral health. The certification program is open to all individuals who are currently employed as a behavioral health technician or those who have completed an accredited behavioral health technician program.

To become certified, individuals must complete the following steps:

1. Submit an application and fee to ASAPT.

2. Pass the written exam, which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as mental health assessment and diagnosis, treatment planning, crisis intervention, pharmacology, and ethics.

3. Complete a supervised clinical experience under the supervision of an approved supervisor in order to demonstrate competence in applying knowledge learned from the written exam.

4. Submit documentation verifying completion of all requirements for certification.

The cost for certification varies depending on whether you are already employed as a behavioral health technician or if you need to take the exam without having completed an accredited program first. If you are already employed as a behavioral health technician, the cost is $200; if you need to take the exam without having completed an accredited program first, then it will cost $225 plus any applicable fees for taking the test at an authorized testing center. It typically takes 4-6 weeks from when your application is received until you receive your results from ASAPT regarding your eligibility for certification status.

8. International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Certified Behavioral Health Technician

The International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Certified Behavioral Health Technician is a certification that recognizes individuals who have met the standards of practice in the behavioral health field. This certification is designed to ensure that individuals possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to deliver quality services to clients.

In order to become certified as an IC&RC Certified Behavioral Health Technician, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete an accredited training program in behavioral health or related field
• Pass the IC&RC examination
• Submit proof of current professional liability insurance coverage
• Maintain continuing education requirements as outlined by IC&RC

The time it takes to complete the certification process varies depending on individual circumstances. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months for an individual to complete all of the necessary steps. It is important for applicants to plan ahead and allow enough time for their application and exam registration processes.

To get started with the IC&RC Certified Behavioral Health Technician certification process, applicants should first verify that they meet all of the eligibility requirements listed above. After verifying eligibility, applicants should contact their local IC&RC office or visit the website for more information about registering for the exam and submitting their application materials. Once registered, applicants will need to study for and pass the exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of becoming an IC&RC Certified Behavioral Health Technician varies depending on several factors including location, training program fees, and exam fees. Generally speaking, applicants can expect to pay between $100 - $500 in total costs associated with obtaining this certification.

9. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Approved Clinical Supervisor

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) is a certification program that provides recognition to qualified clinical supervisors who meet the standards of excellence in providing clinical supervision to substance use disorder counselors. The ACS credential is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, experience, and commitment to providing quality clinical supervision services.

To become an ACS, applicants must possess a master’s degree or higher in a behavioral health field from an accredited college or university, have at least two years of supervised clinical experience in the field of substance abuse counseling, and have completed at least 30 hours of approved training in clinical supervision. In addition, applicants must pass the SAMHSA-approved Clinical Supervisor Examination.

It typically takes about 6 months for individuals to complete all the requirements for the ACS credential. The first step is to complete the application process which includes submitting documentation of educational qualifications and supervised work experience as well as passing the Clinical Supervisor Examination. Once all documents are submitted and verified by SAMHSA, applicants will be notified if they have been approved for certification.

The cost for obtaining an ACS credential varies depending on the type of training required for certification. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$3,000 depending on how many courses need to be taken or whether additional continuing education credits are required.

10. National Council for Behavioral Health (NCBH) Certified Behavioral Health Technician

The National Council for Behavioral Health (NCBH) Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) is a credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the field of behavioral health. The CBHT designation is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed an NCBH-approved training program, passed an examination, and met the other requirements for certification.

To become certified as a CBHT, applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an NCBH-approved training program, pass the CBHT exam with a score of 75% or higher, and meet the continuing education requirements. The training program typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on the type of program chosen.

The cost of certification varies depending on the type of program chosen. Most programs cost between $500-$1,000. Additionally, there is an application fee of $100 and an examination fee of $125 for taking the CBHT exam.

In summary, to become certified as a CBHT requires completing an NCBH-approved training program (6-12 months), passing the CBHT examination with a score of 75% or higher ($125 fee), and meeting continuing education requirements ($100 application fee). The total cost can range from $500-$1,000 depending on the type of program chosen.

Do You Really Need a Behavioral Health Technician Certificate?

The short answer to this question is, it depends. If you are looking to become a Behavioral Health Technician, then having a certificate is essential. It shows that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work in the field. A certificate also demonstrates your commitment and dedication to the profession and can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs.

On the other hand, if you are already working as a Behavioral Health Technician and want to further your career, then having a certificate may not be necessary. Depending on your experience and qualifications, employers may be willing to hire you without one. However, having a certificate could give you an edge over other applicants who don’t have one since it shows that you have specialized training in the field.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Behavioral Health Technician Certificate depends on your individual circumstances. If you are just starting out in the profession, then having one will likely benefit you significantly. But if you already have experience in the field, then it may not be as important for advancing your career.

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FAQs About Behavioral Health Technician Certifications

1. What credentials are needed to become a Behavioral Health Technician?

Answer: Generally, a high school diploma or GED is required as well as CPR certification, First Aid Certification, and specialized training in mental health. Depending on the job setting, additional certifications may be required such as medication administration or crisis intervention.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Behavioral Health Technician?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified varies depending upon the type of training program and the number of hours of education and experience you have completed. Most programs require at least 40 hours of instruction and hands-on practice with a qualified instructor.

3. Do I need to take an exam to become a Behavioral Health Technician?

Answer: Yes, most states require that you pass an exam in order to become certified as a Behavioral Health Technician. The type of exam will vary by state but typically includes written and/or practical components.

4. How much does it cost to get certified as a Behavioral Health Technician?

Answer: Costs can vary depending upon the type of program you choose, but typically range from $500-$1000 for all necessary certifications and training requirements.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for Behavioral Health Technicians?

Answer: Yes, most states require that Behavioral Health Technicians complete continuing education credits each year in order to maintain their certification status. These credits can include online courses, seminars, or workshops related to topics such as mental health, crisis intervention techniques, legal issues, etc.