Top 11 Recreation Therapist Certifications

Certifications for recreation therapists are an important part of the job market as they demonstrate a therapist’s level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Certification is a way to demonstrate that the therapist has gone above and beyond their basic education and has gained additional knowledge, skills, and experience in the field. Employers value certification as it provides assurance that therapists have met certain standards and are qualified to provide quality care. Certifications also help therapists stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs, allowing them to showcase their unique qualifications. In addition, certifications can provide access to higher paying positions or promotions within organizations. Finally, certifications may be necessary in order to maintain licensure or registration in certain states or provinces.

This article reviews the top certifications for Recreation Therapists and explains how they can help to further a recreation therapist's career.

What are Recreation Therapist Certifications?

Recreation therapist certification is a professional credential for those who want to work in the field of therapeutic recreation. It is awarded by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), which sets standards for professionals in the field. The certification indicates that an individual has met certain educational and professional requirements, and is qualified to provide therapeutic recreation services.

Having this certification can help individuals become more marketable, as it demonstrates their knowledge and experience in the field. It also indicates that they have a commitment to providing quality services and adhering to ethical standards set by the NCTRC. Additionally, employers may prefer hiring certified professionals due to their assurance that they are properly trained and qualified to provide therapeutic recreation services. Finally, having this certification can open up opportunities for advancement within the field, since many organizations may require or prefer candidates with this credential when promoting or hiring staff members.

Pro Tip: When pursuing recreation therapist certification, it is important to make sure you meet all the educational requirements, such as completing a bachelor’s degree in a related field and obtaining relevant work experience. Additionally, make sure you are familiar with the specific regulations and standards of practice in your state or country.

Related: What does a Recreation Therapist do?

Top 11 Recreation Therapist Certifications

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

1. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)

A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is a professional who has earned a certification from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). The CTRS credential is awarded to individuals who have met the minimum qualifications and have successfully passed the NCTRC exam.

To become certified, an individual must complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field, such as psychology or social work. In addition, applicants must have completed at least 450 hours of supervised clinical experience in therapeutic recreation and pass the NCTRC exam.

The cost for taking the exam is $250 for members of NCTRC and $350 for non-members. The exam fee includes access to study materials and practice exams. The exam itself takes approximately three hours to complete.

Once an individual has earned their CTRS credential, they must maintain it by completing continuing education credits every two years. This helps ensure that practitioners stay up-to-date on changes in the field of therapeutic recreation and remain qualified to provide quality services to clients.

2. Certified Activity Professional (CAP)

Certified Activity Professional (CAP) is a professional certification program for individuals who work in the field of recreational therapy and activities. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the field. CAP certification is offered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

To become certified as a CAP, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience working in recreational therapy or activity programming within the last five years. Applicants must also submit an application form and fee to NCTRC.

The process of becoming certified usually takes three to four months after submitting an application and fee. During this time, applicants must complete an online examination that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as recreation therapy theory and practice, assessment techniques, therapeutic interventions, program planning and development, evaluation methods, and professional ethics.

The cost to apply for Certified Activity Professional certification is $200 USD plus applicable taxes. The fee includes the application processing fee as well as the cost of taking the exam.

3. Certified Inclusive Recreation Professional (CIRP)

Certified Inclusive Recreation Professional (CIRP) is a professional certification program for recreation professionals who work with people of all abilities. The CIRP certification is designed to recognize the specialized knowledge and skills required to provide quality inclusive recreation services to individuals with disabilities. It is intended to enhance the professional development of recreation professionals, increase their understanding of how to best serve individuals with disabilities, and improve the quality of recreational activities in which they are involved.

The CIRP certification requires completion of a two-day training workshop and passing an exam. The training covers topics such as disability awareness, inclusion strategies, and best practices in recreation programming for individuals with disabilities. Upon successful completion of the training and passing the exam, participants receive their CIRP certification.

The cost for the two-day training workshop varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD. After completing the training, there is a $50 USD fee associated with taking the exam.

In order to obtain CIRP certification, you must first register for a two-day training workshop offered by an approved provider. A list of approved providers can be found on the National Council on Inclusive Recreation website (www.inclusiverec.org). Once you have completed your training and passed your exam, your certification will be issued by NCIR and mailed directly to you within 4-6 weeks after successful completion of both components of the program.

4. Certified Leisure Professional (CLP)

Certified Leisure Professional (CLP) is a professional certification program developed by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in leisure services. The CLP credential is awarded to those who have successfully completed an approved course of study and passed an examination that assesses their knowledge of leisure service principles, practices, and trends.

It typically takes about two years to complete the requirements for the CLP credential. Those interested in obtaining the credential must first complete a minimum of 60 hours of approved education courses related to leisure services. These courses may include topics such as recreation programming, facility management, marketing and public relations, budgeting and finance, personnel management, legal issues, risk management, and more.

Once the educational requirements are met, applicants must pass a comprehensive written exam administered by NRPA. The exam covers topics such as organizational theory and behavior; program planning; resource development; evaluation techniques; risk management; customer service; human resources; budgeting; marketing and public relations; legal issues; facility design/maintenance/operations/safety; technology applications in leisure services; research methods/data analysis/statistics; grant writing/fundraising/development strategies; recreation trends/issues/advocacy initiatives.

The cost for the CLP credential varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 or more.

5. National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)

The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is a professional organization that provides certification to qualified therapeutic recreation specialists. The NCTRC was established in 1981 and is the only certifying body for therapeutic recreation professionals in the United States.

To become certified, an individual must have a Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or a related field, complete an approved internship program, and pass the NCTRC exam. The certification process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete.

In order to be eligible for the NCTRC exam, applicants must submit an application form with supporting documentation including transcripts, proof of internship completion, and a fee of $350. After submitting the application form and required documents, applicants will receive an email from NCTRC with instructions on how to register for the exam.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as therapeutic recreation philosophy and principles, assessment techniques, planning interventions, implementation strategies, evaluation methods, and professional standards. It takes approximately 3 hours to complete the exam. Once applicants pass the exam they are officially certified as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).

The cost of becoming certified through NCTRC includes a $350 application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam such as travel expenses or proctor fees.

6. American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting the profession of therapeutic recreation. ATRA provides a variety of resources for its members, including educational opportunities, advocacy initiatives, and networking events.

Membership in ATRA is open to individuals who are interested in furthering the profession of therapeutic recreation. To become a member, applicants must submit an application form and pay the appropriate fees. There is no specific timeline for becoming a member; however, applications typically take up to two weeks to process.

The cost of membership depends on the type of membership desired. Professional membership costs $100 per year and includes access to all ATRA resources such as webinars, conferences, and publications. Student membership costs $50 per year and includes access to all ATRA resources as well as discounts on conferences and other events.

In addition to providing resources for its members, ATRA also works to advance the field of therapeutic recreation through research initiatives and advocacy efforts. The organization also works with government agencies and other organizations to ensure that therapeutic recreation services are available throughout the United States.

7. National Association of Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (NATRS)

The National Association of Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (NATRS) is a professional organization that provides certification to qualified therapeutic recreation professionals. The organization was founded in 1975 and is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of practice in the field of therapeutic recreation.

In order to become certified by NATRS, individuals must meet certain criteria including having a minimum of a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or related field, passing an exam administered by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC), and completing at least 400 hours of supervised practicum experience.

To get certified, individuals must first apply to take the NCTRC exam. This application process includes submitting official transcripts and proof of practicum experience. Once approved, applicants will be sent an authorization form which they must complete and return with payment before taking the exam. The fee for the exam is currently $275 USD.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants can take the NCTRC exam which consists of two parts: a written test and a practical performance test. The written test covers topics such as assessment techniques, intervention strategies, program planning and evaluation, documentation and legal/ethical issues. The practical performance test assesses an individual's ability to apply knowledge from their educational background in a simulated clinical setting.

After successfully passing both parts of the NCTRC exam, applicants are eligible for certification from NATRS as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). This certification is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the NCTRC exam.

8. International Therapeutic Recreation Certification Board (ITRCB)

The International Therapeutic Recreation Certification Board (ITRCB) is a non-profit organization that provides certification for therapeutic recreation professionals. The ITRCB was established in 1989 to ensure that therapeutic recreation professionals have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to practice safely and effectively. The ITRCB offers two levels of certification: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and Advanced Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (ACTRS).

To become certified as a CTRS, applicants must meet the following criteria: hold a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation or related field; have at least one year of supervised experience in the field; pass an exam administered by the ITRCB; complete continuing education credits every three years; and abide by the ITRCB Code of Ethics. To become certified as an ACTRS, applicants must meet all of the above criteria plus have at least five years of supervised experience in the field.

It typically takes six months to one year to become certified as a CTRS or ACTRS depending on how quickly you can complete all required steps. To get started, you will need to fill out an application form and submit it along with your supporting documents such as transcripts, proof of experience, etc. Once your application is approved, you will be able to register for the exam which is offered twice a year. After passing the exam, you will receive your certification from ITRCB within six weeks.

The cost for certification depends on whether you are applying for CTRS or ACTRS certification and whether you are a member or non-member of ITRCB. For example, if you are applying for CTRS certification and are not a member of ITRCB then it would cost $300 USD for the application fee plus $200 USD for the exam fee ($500 total). If you are applying for ACTRS certification then it would cost $400 USD for the application fee plus $250 USD for the exam fee ($650 total).

9. Aquatic Therapy and Wellness Institute Certification Program

Aquatic Therapy and Wellness Institute (ATWI) Certification Program is an online certification program designed to help aquatic professionals develop their knowledge and skills in the field of aquatic therapy and wellness. The program consists of a series of online courses, which cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, therapeutic exercise, aquatic modalities, and client assessment. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate from ATWI.

The ATWI Certification Program takes approximately three months to complete. It consists of six modules that must be completed in order: Introduction to Aquatic Therapy & Wellness; Anatomy & Physiology; Biomechanics; Therapeutic Exercise; Aquatic Modalities; and Client Assessment & Documentation. Each module includes lectures, readings, quizzes, assignments, and case studies. Participants must complete all modules before receiving their certificate from ATWI.

To get the ATWI Certification Program, interested individuals must register for the program on the ATWI website. Once registered for the program, participants will receive access to all course materials and resources needed to complete the program.

The cost of the ATWI Certification Program is $599 USD. This fee covers all course materials and resources needed to complete the program as well as a certificate upon successful completion of the program.

10. Adventure-Based Counseling Certification Program

Adventure-Based Counseling Certification Program is a certification program designed to teach counselors how to use adventure-based activities in their counseling practice. This program is designed for counselors who are looking to expand their skills and knowledge base in order to better serve their clients.

The Adventure-Based Counseling Certification Program typically takes about one year to complete. It consists of both online and in-person coursework, as well as field experience. The online coursework includes topics such as group dynamics, adventure therapy, ethical considerations, and risk management. In-person courses cover topics such as team building, communication, problem solving, and leadership development. Field experience involves working with clients in an outdoor setting using adventure activities.

To get certified in Adventure-Based Counseling, applicants must have a master’s degree or higher in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university. They must also pass the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) examination and complete the required coursework and field experience components of the program.

The cost of the Adventure-Based Counseling Certification Program varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, however, it can range anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 USD depending on the length of the program and other factors such as travel expenses for field experiences.

11. Adapted Physical Activity Certificate Program

The Adapted Physical Activity Certificate Program (APA) is a program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with individuals with physical disabilities. The program is offered through the American Association for Adapted Sports Programs (AAASP).

The APA program consists of three levels of certification: Level I, Level II, and Level III. Each level requires the completion of a specific number of hours in coursework, field experience, and research projects. In order to receive the certificate, all three levels must be completed within two years.

Level I includes an introduction to adapted physical activity and focuses on basic concepts such as anatomy and physiology, motor development, physical education principles, and therapeutic exercise. It also covers topics such as sport psychology, nutrition, injury prevention, sport-specific skills training and coaching strategies. After completing this level of certification you will have a basic understanding of adapted physical activity and be able to safely instruct individuals with disabilities in modified activities.

Level II focuses on advanced concepts related to adapted physical activity including biomechanics, kinesiology, sport-specific skill analysis and instruction techniques. It also covers topics such as teaching strategies for various disabilities as well as developing individualized programs for athletes with special needs.

Level III is the final level of certification which focuses on advanced topics related to adapted physical activity including leadership development, program management and evaluation techniques. This level also provides an opportunity for students to develop their own research project related to adapted physical activity or disability sports programming.

In order to get the APA Certificate Program it takes approximately two years depending on how quickly you are able to complete the coursework requirements for each level. The cost varies depending on where you take your courses but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 per level.

Do You Really Need a Recreation Therapist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals and the state you live in. In some states, a recreation therapist certificate is required in order to practice as a recreation therapist. In other states, a bachelor's degree may be sufficient for practice.

If you are looking to become a recreational therapist, it is important to research the requirements of the state you wish to practice in. A certificate may provide an advantage when applying for positions and demonstrate that you have taken extra steps to become qualified in your field. It can also provide a platform for further learning and advancement within the profession.

The American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) offers several courses and certifications that allow recreational therapists to expand their knowledge and stay current with industry standards. The ATRA also offers continuing education credits which can be used towards maintaining certification or obtaining additional certifications. This can help recreational therapists stay up-to-date on new developments in the field, as well as demonstrate their commitment to professional development.

In summary, whether or not you need a recreation therapist certificate will depend on your individual needs and the state regulations where you plan to practice. If you are looking to enter or advance within the profession of recreational therapy, earning a certificate may benefit your career goals.

Related: Recreation Therapist Resume Examples

FAQs About Recreation Therapist Certifications

Q1. What is a Recreation Therapist Certification?

A1. A Recreation Therapist Certification is an official recognition of an individual’s qualifications and experience in the field of recreation therapy. It demonstrates that the individual has met the standards set by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) and is qualified to practice as a recreation therapist.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Recreation Therapist?

A2. To become certified, applicants must meet all requirements set forth by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). These requirements include: having a master’s degree in recreation therapy or its equivalent; completing at least 600 hours of supervised clinical experience; passing the NCTRC Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) Examination; and, meeting continuing education requirements every five years to maintain certification status.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Recreation Therapist?

A3. Becoming certified as a recreation therapist provides numerous benefits including increased job opportunities, higher pay, greater respect from employers and peers, and access to exclusive professional development resources offered through NCTRC membership. Additionally, it may be required by some employers in order to practice as a recreational therapist in certain locations or settings.

Q4. How much does it cost to become certified as a Recreation Therapist?

A4. The cost of obtaining CTRS certification varies depending on several factors such as whether or not you need to take any preparatory courses for the exam or if you already have a master's degree in recreation therapy or its equivalent. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 for everything associated with taking and passing the CTRS exam including study materials, exam fees, application fees etc..

Q5. Are there any other certifications I can obtain related to working as a Recreational Therapist?

A5. Yes! In addition to CTRS certification, there are several other certifications available that are related to working as a recreational therapist such as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist-Gerontology (CTRS-G), Certified Leisure Professional (CLP), Certified Inclusive Recreational Therapy Professional (CIRTP), Certified Adventure Based Counselor (ABC), among others!