Top 10 Rehabilitation Counselor Certifications

Rehabilitation counselors are highly sought-after professionals in the job market. Employers want to hire qualified candidates who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in this field. Certification is a way for rehabilitation counselors to show employers that they possess the necessary skills and qualifications to do the job. Certifications also demonstrate a commitment to professional development, which can be an attractive quality for employers. Additionally, certifications can help increase salary potential as many employers offer higher salaries to individuals with certification credentials. Finally, certifications provide recognition within the industry, granting credibility and respect among colleagues and employers.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Rehabilitation Counselors and explain how they can enhance a Rehabilitation Counselor's career.

What are Rehabilitation Counselor Certifications?

Rehabilitation counselor certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a commitment to the field of rehabilitation counseling. It is earned by completing rigorous coursework and passing an examination administered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). This certification is designed to support practitioners in their career development, enhance their knowledge base, and demonstrate their commitment to professional standards.

Rehabilitation counselors work with individuals who have disabilities or chronic illnesses in order to help them reach their goals. They provide counseling services, assist with career planning, help develop independent living skills, and advocate for accommodations in educational and employment settings. With a certification in rehabilitation counseling, counselors can demonstrate their expertise and qualifications to employers as well as clients.

Having this credential can also open up new job opportunities. Many employers prefer to hire certified professionals because they understand the value of having a qualified professional on staff. Additionally, some states require certification in order to practice as a rehabilitation counselor. Finally, having this certification may qualify you for higher salaries or promotions within your current organization.

Overall, earning a rehabilitation counselor certification can be an important step toward advancing your career and demonstrating your commitment to the profession. It can open up new job opportunities or lead to higher salaries within your current organization.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for rehabilitation counselor certification in your area before you apply. Every state has different requirements and certifications, so it's important to make sure you understand what is required in order to obtain certification.

Related: What does a Rehabilitation Counselor do?

Top 10 Rehabilitation Counselor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Rehabilitation Counselors today.

1. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is a professional counselor who specializes in helping people with physical, mental, emotional, and developmental disabilities. They provide individual counseling services to help individuals maximize their independence and quality of life. CRCs also provide career counseling and job placement services to those with disabilities.

To become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), you must complete the following steps:

1. Earn a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from an accredited college or university. Most programs require two years of study, but some may take longer depending on the type of program you choose.

2. Pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE). This exam is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

3. Complete a supervised practicum or internship in rehabilitation counseling that meets the standards set by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).

4. Pass the CRCC's certification examination for rehabilitation counselors. The exam covers topics such as ethics, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, case management, and other areas related to rehabilitation counseling practice.

5. Apply for certification with the CRCC and pay all associated fees ($125 application fee plus $250 examination fee). Once your application is approved, you will be issued a certificate as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).

The total cost for becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) can vary depending on your educational expenses and other associated costs such as travel expenses for taking the NCE or CRCC exams. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 to become certified as a CRC.

2. Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (CVR)

Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (CVR) is a credential that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities. This certification is offered through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). To become certified, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass the CRCC’s National Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination.

The process of becoming certified typically takes about three to six months, depending on how quickly you can complete the necessary steps. The first step is to submit an application to the CRCC, which includes your educational transcripts and proof of any relevant work experience. Once your application has been approved, you will receive instructions for registering for the National Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of the CRCC. For non-members, there is a $175 application fee plus an additional $250 examination fee. For members, there is a $50 application fee plus an additional $200 examination fee.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be eligible to receive your CVR certification and use it to demonstrate your expertise in providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities.

3. Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS)

A Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) is a professional who specializes in helping individuals with disabilities and their families to manage their disability-related needs. The CDMS credential is offered by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). It is the only certification program that focuses exclusively on disability management.

In order to become a CDMS, applicants must have a minimum of three years of full-time experience working in disability management or related fields, such as rehabilitation counseling, social work, vocational evaluation or case management. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by CCMC.

The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost of the exam is $395 USD. After passing the exam, applicants must submit an application for certification and pay an additional fee of $275 USD. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their CDMS certification within two weeks.

4. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a mental health professional who provides individual, family, and group counseling services. LPCs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, and relationship issues. They also provide psychotherapy to help individuals develop coping skills and build resilience.

In order to become an LPC, you must complete a master's degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited university or college. You must then pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE), which is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). After passing the NCE exam, you must obtain licensure from your state board of licensure before practicing as an LPC.

The cost of obtaining an LPC varies depending on where you live and what type of program you choose. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $10-$30k for a master’s degree program in counseling or a related field. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the NCE exam and obtaining licensure from your state board of licensure.

5. National Certified Counselor (NCC)

National Certified Counselor (NCC) is a professional certification for counselors that is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The NCC credential verifies that a counselor has met the highest standards of counseling practice and ethics. To become an NCC, a counselor must have a master's degree or higher in counseling from an accredited university, complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE), and adhere to NBCC’s Code of Ethics.

It typically takes between two and three years to obtain the NCC credential. To get it, you must first meet all eligibility requirements as outlined by NBCC. You will then need to register with NBCC and submit all required documents such as transcripts, proof of supervised clinical experience, and the NCE score report. Once your application is approved, you will be eligible to take the NCC examination.

The cost of obtaining the NCC credential varies depending on where you live and whether or not you are already certified in another profession. Generally speaking, it costs around $300-$400 for registration fees plus any additional fees associated with taking the NCE exam.

6. Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)

Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) is an advanced certification for addiction counselors. It is designed to recognize professional achievement and expertise in the field of addiction counseling. The MAC credential is awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). To become a MAC, individuals must have completed at least two years of supervised clinical experience in the field of addiction counseling, hold a master’s degree or higher in either psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or a related mental health discipline from an accredited institution, and pass the NBCC's Master Addiction Counselor Examination.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as assessment and diagnosis of substance use disorders; treatment planning; individual, group, and family counseling; crisis intervention; case management; ethics; professional issues; pharmacology; and special populations. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To apply for the MAC credential, individuals must submit an application form to NBCC along with documentation verifying their education level and clinical experience. Applicants must also pay a fee which varies depending on whether they are applying as a first-time applicant or re-applying after failing the exam. The fee ranges from $200-$400 USD depending on the type of application submitted.

Once all requirements have been met and verified by NBCC, applicants will be notified if they have passed or failed the exam within six weeks. Those who pass will receive their official certificate within three months after passing the exam.

7. Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS)

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) is a professional certification for individuals who provide services to persons with brain injuries. This certification is offered through the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS).

To become a Certified Brain Injury Specialist, an individual must have at least two years of experience working in the field of brain injury, and must pass a comprehensive exam. The exam is composed of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, diagnosis and treatment, rehabilitation and community integration, legal issues, ethical considerations, and more.

It typically takes about three months to complete the process of becoming a CBIS. After submitting the application form and fee, applicants will receive an email containing instructions on how to access the online exam. Once they have completed the exam, their results will be reviewed by ACBIS staff members. If they pass the exam, they will then receive their certification within 30 days.

The cost of becoming a Certified Brain Injury Specialist varies depending on whether or not you are already an ACBIS member. For non-members, it costs $395 to take the CBIS Exam; for members it costs $295. There are also additional fees for things like study materials ($50), late registration ($50), and re-testing ($150).

8. Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)

A Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) is a professional who has met the highest standards of competency in the field of mental health counseling. The CCMHC credential is awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and is recognized by most states as meeting the educational, experience, and examination requirements for licensure as a mental health counselor.

It typically takes three to five years to complete all of the requirements necessary to become a CCMHC. This includes earning a master's degree in counseling or a related field, completing 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

To become certified as a CCMHC, you must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by NBCC. These include having an appropriate graduate degree from an accredited college or university; completing at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience; and passing the NCMHCE. Once these criteria have been met, you can apply for certification through NBCC.

The cost to become certified as a CCMHC varies depending on where you live and what type of program you are enrolled in. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200-$400 to apply for certification with NBCC, plus any additional fees associated with taking the NCMHCE exam.

9. American Board of Vocational Experts Certification (ABVE-C)

The American Board of Vocational Experts Certification (ABVE-C) is a certification program offered by the National Institute for Vocational Evaluation and Assessment (NIVEA). The ABVE-C is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of vocational evaluation and assessment. This certification is intended to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of vocational evaluation, assessment, and job placement.

To obtain the ABVE-C certification, applicants must complete an application process that includes passing a written examination. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as interviewing techniques, job analysis, psychometric testing, labor market information gathering, case management strategies, and other related topics. The exam typically takes about four hours to complete.

In addition to passing the written examination, applicants must also meet certain educational requirements. These include having an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with at least 18 semester hours in psychology or counseling courses; or having a master's degree in psychology or counseling with at least 12 semester hours in vocational evaluation courses; or having a doctoral degree in psychology or counseling with at least 9 semester hours in vocational evaluation courses. Applicants must also demonstrate experience working with individuals who are seeking employment services through either direct practice experience or through research activities related to employment services.

The cost for the ABVE-C certification varies depending on the applicant’s educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$600 to apply for the ABVE-C certification. Once certified, individuals may be required to pay annual fees for continuing education credits and/or recertification fees every five years.

10. National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors Certification (NAADAC-C).

The National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors Certification (NAADAC-C) is a professional certification program for individuals who provide counseling services to clients with substance abuse issues. The NAADAC-C certification demonstrates that an individual has met the highest standards of excellence in the field of alcohol and drug abuse counseling.

The process of obtaining the NAADAC-C certification typically takes between six months and one year, depending on the applicant’s experience and education level. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have a master's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field; at least two years of supervised clinical experience in alcohol and drug abuse counseling; and must pass an examination administered by NAADAC.

The cost of obtaining the NAADAC-C certification varies depending on the applicant’s experience level and educational background. Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$600 to apply for the certification, which includes an application fee, exam fee, and membership dues.

Once certified, individuals are required to maintain their certification through continuing education credits every two years. In addition to this requirement, they must also adhere to a code of ethics set forth by NAADAC.

Do You Really Need a Rehabilitation Counselor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what type of career you are pursuing. If you are looking to become a rehabilitation counselor, then yes, you will need a rehabilitation counselor certificate. A rehabilitation counselor certificate is an important credential that demonstrates your knowledge and skills in helping individuals with disabilities to live full and productive lives. It also shows employers that you have the necessary qualifications and experience to work in this field.

Rehabilitation counselors work with individuals who have physical, mental, emotional, or developmental disabilities. They provide counseling services and help their clients develop coping strategies for dealing with their disability. They also help their clients transition into independent living situations by teaching them life skills such as budgeting and job search techniques. Additionally, they provide referrals to other resources that may be beneficial for their clients.

In order to become a certified rehabilitation counselor, you must complete an accredited master's degree program in rehabilitation counseling or a related field such as psychology or social work. You must also pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The NCE is an exam that tests your knowledge of ethical principles, legal issues, research methods, assessment techniques, counseling theories and interventions, diagnosis and treatment planning, case management skills and professional development. After passing the NCE exam, you can then apply for certification from the NBCC which is valid for five years before needing renewal.

Having a rehabilitation counselor certificate is essential if you wish to pursue a career in this field since it demonstrates that you have the appropriate qualifications and experience necessary to work as a rehabilitation counselor. It also helps employers distinguish between qualified candidates when hiring new employees. Ultimately, whether or not you need a rehabilitation counselor certificate depends on your career goals but having one can certainly be beneficial for those looking to pursue this field professionally.

Related: Rehabilitation Counselor Resume Examples

FAQs About Rehabilitation Counselor Certifications

1. What are the qualifications for becoming a rehabilitation counselor?

Answer: In order to become a rehabilitation counselor, you must have at least a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field such as psychology, social work, or special education. You must also be licensed or certified by your state and/or the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).

2. How long does it take to get certified as a rehabilitation counselor?

Answer: The process of obtaining certification as a rehabilitation counselor can take anywhere from six months to two years depending on the individual's experience and educational background.

3. Is there an exam I need to pass in order to become certified?

Answer: Yes, the CRCC administers an exam that all applicants must pass in order to become certified. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as ethics, assessment, and counseling techniques.

4. What is the cost of becoming certified?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified will vary depending on your state’s certification requirements and fees associated with taking the CRCC exam. Fees typically range from $200-$400 USD.

5. Are there continuing education requirements for maintaining certification?

Answer: Yes, most states require counselors to complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification status. Generally speaking, counselors are required to complete 10-20 hours of continuing education every two years in order to remain active and in good standing with their state boards of licensure or certification.