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NCTRC e-News
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Protecting and Promoting Since 1981
September/October 2025
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) is the largest international organization dedicated to the protection of the consumer of recreational therapy services through the certification of qualified practitioners. NCTRC e-News contains announcements and other important information.
Featured News
New NCTRC Website!
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is excited to announce that we have launched a new and improved website - go to nctrc.org to explore and see what's new! Thank you to everyone who provided comments leading up to and during the development phase. The new design was based on feedback from the profession regarding how individuals use the NCTRC website, as well as guidance regarding accessibility, functionality, and content.
Pro Tip! The site is organized by the type of information you might be seeking as well as broader categories including certification information, publications & forms, FAQs, and resources.
Plus, take a moment to read this month’s newly posted CTRS® Spotlights stories. NCTRC is proud to spotlight CTRSs who work in a variety of settings and are making an impact within the therapeutic recreation profession.
New website video tutorials available on the NCTRC YouTube channel (@nctrcorg). Watch a new series of video tutorials designed by NCTRC to help you navigate the new and improved NCTRC website.
Explore now and see what's new!
NCTRC Certification Standards Update
NCTRC Certification Standards provides important information for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist® and New Applicants. The NCTRC Certification Standards are updated periodically. Candidates are responsible for making sure they have the most current information and that they meet the current standards when they apply for certification.
Please read the NCTRC Certification Standards, published July 1, 2025, thoroughly. If you have any questions about the NCTRC certification process or the information contained in the NCTRC Certification Standards, please contact NCTRC.
Upcoming Election—NCTRC Board of Directors
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of ten individuals. The Board has seven elected Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) members and three appointed members (Consumer Representative, Employer Representative, and International Representative). Members of the NCTRC Board of Directors are considered the subject matter experts and represent the voice of the profession during Board discussions related to the certification standards.
The 2025 Election for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Board of Directors will be conducted November 1st to 30th, 2025. Watch your inbox and follow the instructions in the email from Election Runner to submit your anonymous vote. It only takes a few minutes for you to vote in this election. All ballots submitted electronically will be received anonymously by Election Runner, the secure online election platform utilized by NCTRC.
Please take the time to exercise your right to vote!
Important Certification Reminders
- Certification Cycle Dates for Annual Maintenance & Recertification
Keep your CTRS credential active – check your personal certification cycle dates, information, and details online through the MY NCTRC LOGIN portal.
Review the Maintaining Your Credential information found on the NCTRC website, and contact NCTRC with any questions.
Due for Recertification? Don’t forget to check out the information on how to apply for and earn Specialization Area Designation. NCTRC awards recognition of advanced knowledge and skill in seven specialized areas of recreational therapy practice. Certificants can apply for Specialization Area Designation at the time of recertification or up to 12 months after recertifying.
- NCTRC Certification Exam: 2025 Delivery Window Closes Soon
If you are exam qualified, don't delay, schedule today! The NCTRC Certification Exam 2025 delivery window runs through November 30, 2025.
To learn more, visit the NCTRC Certification Exam Registration & Scheduling information found on the NCTRC website.
NCTRC Pre-Approved Continuing Education
NCTRC wants to support CTRSs, recreational therapists, activity professionals, and practitioners from a variety of professions in their search for continuing education opportunities that align with the current NCTRC Job Analysis.
NCTRC has been asked to share the following pre-approved continuing education session content:
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
CEUs help CTRSs and other professionals demonstrate their continuing professional knowledge and competence, comply with industry standards and regulations, enhance their professional standing and grow their careers, and improve their ability to serve patients and clients effectively. Go to the NCTRC website to learn how to use CEUs for the CTRS recertification process.
After attending in-person or virtual conferences, workshops, online, and on-demand courses, CTRSs may want to check with NCTRC prior to your recertification deadline to see if the CEUs will be accepted for recertification. Go to the NCTRC website to learn more about NCTRC’s Continuing Education Pre-Approval Review process. Log into your account through the MY NCTRC LOGIN portal. This application may be found on your dashboard profile page under Application for the CTRS; Continuing Education Pre-Approval Process (OPTIONAL).
Featured Resources
Check out a selection of available resources below that may help you navigate NCTRC programs, services, and resources.
MY NCTRC LOGIN - Access to your NCTRC account and personal certification information, dates, and details. Please keep your contact information up to date.
CTRS Verification Portal - Utilize the CTRS Verification portal to access the full registry of active Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRSs).
NCTRC Exam Preparation Tools - NCTRC is pleased to provide several resources to help candidates prepare for the exam. Note: NCTRC does not endorse or require exam preparation materials developed by third parties.
NCTRC Digital Badges - Claim and use your earned digital badges from NCTRC to showcase skills and broadcast achievements to further enhance your professional portfolio.
Have you already completed the required course/training for one or more of the NCTRC approved micro-credentials and are ready to claim your earned badge? Claim your personalized badge through NCTRC today! Review the Digital Badges information on the NCTRC website to get started.
NCTRC Financial Assistance Programs - NCTRC offers both need-based and merit-based programs to support individuals preparing to enter and within the therapeutic recreation profession.
NCTRC Research Grant Program - This program seeks to open new doors for current RT practitioners as well as those pursuing careers in the field. Click on the link above to access the list of funded research projects and read final reports from various projects.
Reminder, grants will be awarded two times per year. The current grant application submission deadline is October 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. The next submission window will close on March 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Go to the NCTRC website to download and review the NCTRC Research Grant Application.
NCTRC YouTube Channel - Access to several educational and informational videos from NCTRC. Subscribe (@nctrcorg) and stay informed.
Recertify and Reinvest in Yourself.
NCTRC knows how hard you worked to obtain the CTRS credential. Continue your professional journey by renewing your CTRS certification.
If you require additional information or have questions, please contact NCTRC at 845-639-1439 or nctrc@nctrc.org.
Thank you for your continued support of NCTRC and the CTRS® credential!
