Top 11 Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a vocational rehabilitation specialist in the job market because they demonstrate expertise and knowledge in the field. They show employers that the candidate has the necessary qualifications to carry out their duties successfully. Certifications also provide evidence of up-to-date skills, which can be beneficial when competing with other job seekers. Finally, certifications demonstrate commitment to professional development, which is highly valued by employers.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists and explain how they can help enhance a career in vocational rehabilitation.

What are Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Certifications?

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Certification is a professional certification developed by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to help professionals who provide services to individuals with disabilities transition into the workforce. This certification verifies that the individual has met certain educational, experience, and competency requirements and is qualified to work as a vocational rehabilitation specialist. The certification also serves as assurance of quality services provided to individuals with disabilities in their search for employment.

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists provide support to individuals with disabilities by helping them transition into the workforce through job placement or job training. They are knowledgeable about available resources and can help connect individuals with employers, educational programs, and other services that will assist them in achieving their goals. They also provide guidance on career planning, job searching, interviewing skills, resume writing, and other important aspects of the job search process.

This certification helps professionals demonstrate their commitment to providing high quality services to clients with disabilities. It also provides assurance that they have met all of the necessary qualifications for working in this field and are committed to providing ethical and competent service. Additionally, it may lead to increased employment opportunities since employers may be more likely to hire an individual who has achieved this level of certification than one without it. Finally, it serves as recognition of an individual’s dedication to helping those with disabilities achieve gainful employment.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for vocational rehabilitation specialist certification in your state before applying. Each state may have different requirements and some states may require additional certifications or qualifications. Be sure to check with your local licensing board and/or the Department of Labor for more information.

Related: What does a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist do?

Top 11 Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (CVR)

Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (CVR) is a credential that is awarded to individuals who have completed a specialized training program and passed an examination. This certification is designed to help individuals with disabilities achieve their vocational goals by providing them with the necessary skills and resources to become self-sufficient.

In order to become certified, applicants must complete an accredited rehabilitation counseling program, which typically takes two years of full-time study. After completing the program, applicants must pass the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam administered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. The exam covers topics such as ethics, assessment, case management, and job placement strategies.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the institution offering the program and whether or not you are eligible for financial aid. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $5,000-$20,000 for tuition and fees associated with obtaining your CVR certification.

Once you have successfully obtained your CVR certification, you will need to maintain it by completing continuing education credits every two years in order to remain certified.

2. Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist (CVE)

Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialists (CVEs) are professionals who evaluate an individual’s work-related abilities and limitations. They use a variety of assessment tools to determine the individual’s capacity for employment, including aptitude tests, medical records, and job analysis. The results of these assessments are then used to develop a vocational rehabilitation plan that can help the individual find meaningful employment.

It typically takes two years to become a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist (CVE). To qualify, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, or other related field as well as two years of full-time experience working with individuals with disabilities in a vocational setting. Additionally, applicants must complete an approved CVE training program and pass the CVE certification exam administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

To get certified as a CVE, you will need to apply for certification through the NBCC website. You will need to submit your application along with all required documents such as transcripts and proof of experience. Once your application is approved, you will be able to take the CVE certification exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $200-$400.

3. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is a professional who helps individuals with disabilities to achieve their personal, career, and independent living goals. CRCs are trained in a variety of areas including counseling, case management, job placement, and vocational evaluation. They work with individuals to create an individualized plan that will help them reach their goals.

To become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), one must first obtain a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field from an accredited university or college. After completing the degree program, the individual must pass the National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE) exam in order to become certified.

The NCRE exam consists of two parts: the written portion and the practical portion. The written portion includes multiple-choice questions that test knowledge of rehabilitation counseling theories, techniques, and ethics. The practical portion tests skills such as interviewing clients, writing reports, and developing treatment plans.

The cost of taking the NCRE exam varies depending on where it is taken and which state it is taken in. Generally speaking, it costs between $300-$500 for both portions of the exam.

Once you have passed the NCRE exam you will be eligible for certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). This certification is valid for five years before needing to be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the NCRE exam.

4. Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS)

A Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) is a professional who has been trained and certified to assist individuals with disabilities in managing their disability-related needs. The CDMS credential is awarded by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC).

To become a CDMS, an individual must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education credits in the field of disability management within the past five years, and pass the CCMC's comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as case management principles, legal and ethical issues related to disability management, assessment and planning, implementation and evaluation of services, communication skills, and more.

The process to become a CDMS typically takes several months. After completing all required prerequisites, you can apply for the certification exam online through the CCMC website. Once your application is approved, you will receive an authorization letter with instructions on how to register for the exam. The cost for taking the exam is $395 USD.

Once you have passed the exam and completed all other requirements for certification, you will be awarded your CDMS credential from CCMC. This credential must be renewed every five years in order to maintain it. To renew your certification, you must complete at least 20 hours of continuing education credits in disability management during that time period.

5. Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP)

Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who work in the field of employment services. The certification is offered by the National Association of Employment Professionals (NAEP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in providing employment services.

To become certified as an Employment Support Professional, individuals must meet certain criteria. This includes having at least two years of professional experience in the field, completing at least 40 hours of NAEP-approved training courses, and passing the CESP exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as job search strategies, interviewing techniques, resume writing, and career development.

The cost to become a Certified Employment Support Professional varies depending on the number of courses taken and whether or not you are a member of NAEP. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 to complete all requirements for certification.

In terms of time commitment, it typically takes between six months and one year to complete all requirements for certification.

6. Certified Rehabilitation Technician (CRT)

A Certified Rehabilitation Technician (CRT) is a professional who has been certified by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). The CRT certification recognizes individuals who have completed an approved training program and demonstrated their knowledge of the principles and practices of rehabilitation counseling.

To become a CRT, you must have a minimum of an associate’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field, as well as two years of supervised experience in providing direct services to persons with disabilities. You must also pass the CRCC's comprehensive examination.

The process for becoming a CRT typically takes about six months to complete. To get started, you must first apply for the exam through the CRCC website. After your application is accepted, you will be sent study materials to help prepare for the exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification from the CRCC.

The cost of becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Technician varies depending on where you take the exam and how much preparation is needed. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 for all associated fees including application fees, study materials, and exam fees.

7. Certified Job Placement Specialist (CJPS)

Certified Job Placement Specialist (CJPS) is a professional certification program designed to help job seekers and employers find the right match. It is offered by the National Association of Professional Employment Organizations (NAPEO). The CJPS certification is a comprehensive program that covers the fundamentals of job placement, including recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding.

It typically takes about two months to complete the CJPS certification program. During this time, applicants must complete an online course, pass a written exam, and submit a portfolio of their work. The cost for the CJPS program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1000 USD to become certified.

To get started with the CJPS program, applicants must first register with NAPEO and pay any applicable fees. After registering, they will receive access to an online course and materials they need to complete the certification process. Once all required materials are submitted and reviewed by NAPEO's board of directors, applicants will be notified if they have been accepted into the program or not.

8. Certified Transition Specialist (CTS)

A Certified Transition Specialist (CTS) is a professional who has been trained to help individuals and families transition from one stage of life to another. This includes transitioning from high school to college, college to career, military service to civilian life, retirement, etc. The CTS helps individuals and families make informed decisions about their future by providing resources and guidance.

It typically takes around 18 months to complete the certification program. To become a CTS, you must first complete an approved training program or coursework in the field of transition services. After completing the training program or coursework, you must then pass a certification exam administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

The cost of becoming a CTS varies depending on which training program or coursework you choose. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 for tuition and fees associated with completing the certification program.

In addition to tuition and fees, you may also need to purchase materials such as textbooks or other study aids that are required for the certification process. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the NBCC exam such as registration fees and travel expenses if necessary.

9. National Vocational Rehabilitation Association Certification

The National Vocational Rehabilitation Association (NVRA) is a professional organization that provides certification to those in the field of vocational rehabilitation. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field and are committed to providing quality services to clients.

To be eligible for this certification, applicants must have a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation or a related field, as well as at least three years of experience working in the field. They must also pass an exam administered by the NVRA. The exam covers topics such as assessment, counseling, job development, and case management.

It typically takes six months or more to complete the application process and receive certification from the NVRA. During this time, applicants must submit their transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other required documents. After submitting these materials, they will be invited to take the exam. Once they pass the exam and meet all other requirements, they will receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining NVRA certification varies depending on where you live and how much documentation you need to provide for your application. Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$800 USD for application fees and associated costs such as travel expenses for taking the exam.

10. American Board of Vocational Experts Certification

The American Board of Vocational Experts (ABVE) Certification is a professional certification program for vocational experts in the United States. It is designed to ensure that vocational experts have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective services to individuals with disabilities, employers, and other stakeholders in the disability system.

To obtain ABVE certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including a minimum of three years of experience in vocational evaluation or rehabilitation counseling and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field. They must also pass an examination administered by the American Board of Vocational Experts.

The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral portion. The written portion covers topics such as assessment techniques, job analysis, labor market research, and case management. The oral portion consists of questions about specific cases that applicants are expected to analyze and discuss with the examiner.

The entire process typically takes between six months and one year from start to finish, depending on how quickly applicants complete their application materials and take the exam. The cost for ABVE certification is $1,000 for members of the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association (NRCA) or $1,500 for non-members.

11. National Council on Rehabilitation Education Certification

The National Council on Rehabilitation Education Certification (NCRE) is a professional certification program for rehabilitation counselors, educators, and administrators. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of rehabilitation counseling and education. The NCRE certification is granted by the National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE), which is an affiliate organization of the American Counseling Association.

To obtain the NCRE certification, individuals must meet certain requirements including having a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university; having at least two years of full-time experience as a professional in the field of rehabilitation counseling; and passing the NCRE written examination with a score of 70% or higher. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as ethics, assessment, case management, job development, disability law, and other areas related to rehabilitation counseling.

The process typically takes six months to one year to complete. During this time, applicants must submit their application materials including transcripts, letters of reference, verification forms for work experience, and payment for the exam fee ($200). Once all materials are received by the NCRE office, applicants will be notified when they can take the written examination. Upon successful completion of the exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will receive their NCRE certification.

The cost for obtaining NCRE certification includes an application fee ($75) and an exam fee ($200). In addition to these fees there may also be additional costs associated with obtaining transcripts from schools attended or verifying work experience.

Do You Really Need a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Certificate?

A vocational rehabilitation specialist certificate is not necessary for all individuals in the field of vocational rehabilitation. However, it can be a valuable credential for those looking to increase their knowledge and expertise in the field. A vocational rehabilitation specialist certificate may provide individuals with enhanced job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater recognition within the profession.

For those who are already working in the field of vocational rehabilitation, obtaining a vocational rehabilitation specialist certificate can be an important step towards career advancement. The certificate may provide evidence that an individual has acquired additional knowledge and skills related to working with disabled populations in a professional setting. This could prove invaluable when applying for jobs or promotions within the field. Additionally, having this certification may demonstrate one’s commitment to continuing education and professional development, which could be beneficial in terms of networking opportunities and improved job prospects.

For those who are just starting out in the field of vocational rehabilitation, obtaining a vocational rehabilitation specialist certificate may provide them with an advantage over other applicants who do not have this certification. Having this credential could help demonstrate one’s knowledge and commitment to providing high-quality services to individuals with disabilities. It could also open doors to more specialized positions within the profession that require additional training or experience.

In conclusion, obtaining a vocational rehabilitation specialist certificate is not essential for everyone in this field but it can be an important tool for career advancement or entry into the profession. It can provide evidence of additional knowledge and skills related to working with disabled populations as well as demonstrate one’s commitment to continuing education and professional development.

Related: Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Certifications

1. What is a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Certification?

Answer: A Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist Certification is an advanced credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in providing specialized services to individuals with disabilities, such as job placement, career counseling, and other vocational support services.

2. How do I become certified as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist?

Answer: To become certified, you will need to meet the educational requirements established by the state in which you plan to practice, pass a certification exam, complete any required field experience hours, and submit an application for certification.

3. What are the benefits of being a certified Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist?

Answer: As a certified specialist, you can demonstrate your professional qualifications and expertise in helping individuals with disabilities achieve their employment goals. You may also have access to additional resources and training opportunities that can help you stay up-to-date on best practices in the field.

4. Is there an expiration date for my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications must be renewed on an annual basis in order to remain valid. The renewal process typically includes completing continuing education courses or attending professional development workshops related to the field of vocational rehabilitation.

5. Are there any special requirements for becoming a certified Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist?

Answer: Depending on the state where you plan to practice, there may be additional requirements such as passing background checks or obtaining liability insurance prior to applying for certification.