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NCTRC e-News
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Protecting and Promoting Since 1981
July/August 2026
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
Celebrating NCTRC's 45th Anniversary
2026 marks a meaningful milestone within the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) profession as National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) celebrates 45 years of service as the largest credentialing organization within the field. Read NCTRC Board Member’s remarks.
Plus, Celebrate with NCTRC at Conferences in 2026!
NCTRC will be attending the ATRA SoCal 2026 conference and have quite a few opportunities planned for attendees to connect and celebrate with us. If you are attending, please stop by the NCTRC exhibit table where Credentialing Specialists will be on hand to answer questions about certification, digital badges, financial assistance, the NCTRC research grant program, and all other NCTRC programs and services. Plus, watch for special giveaways, including limited edition CTRS® merch in honor of NCTRC’s 45th anniversary. We also have fun plans to celebrate NCTRC’s 45th anniversary with attendees. Keep your eye out for announcements on NCTRC’s social media channels. We thank you for your continued support of NCTRC and the CTRS credential and look forward to connecting with you soon.
Find NCTRC anytime at nctrc.org and remember to follow NCTRC on social media (@nctrcorg).
New NCTRC YouTube Video Tutorials!
NCTRC offers a variety of educational and informational videos on the NCTRC YouTube channel (@nctrcorg).
Check out these newly released videos:
- Managing Your NCTRC Account: New Applicants
- Managing Your NCTRC Account: CTRSs
- CTRS Annual Maintenance Application Process
- Steps to Become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
- Path to Professional Certification through NCTRC: What is Professional Eligibility
- NCTRC Certification Exam: Preparation Tools
- NCTRC Certification Exam: Fast Facts
Plus, a variety of video tutorials on various NCTRC programs and services, including:
- Digital Badge video tutorials
- NCTRC Research Grant videos
- NCTRC Scholarship and Hardship Fee Waiver tutorials
Important Certification Reminders
NCTRC Certification Exam Registration and Scheduling
2026 Exam Delivery Window: January 5, 2026, through November 30, 2026. If you are exam qualified, don't delay, schedule today!
Blackout Dates: December 1, 2026 through January 3, 2027. During this time, candidates may submit an exam registration application and fee(s) and once approved will be able to schedule an appointment to take the NCTRC Certification Exam on/after January 4, 2027.
2027 Exam Delivery Window: January 4, 2027 through November 30, 2027.
Go to nctrc.org or click here to learn more about the NCTRC Certification Exam. Plus, take a moment to view several video tutorials about the NCTRC Certification Exam on the NCTRC YouTube channel (@nctrcorg).
CTRS Certification Cycle Reminders
NCTRC knows how hard you worked to obtain the CTRS credential. Once certified, each CTRS follows a five-year certification cycle. Continue your professional journey by maintaining your CTRS certification. Go to the MY NCTRC LOGIN portal to submit your online application and fees for the services noted below.
- Annual Maintenance
- CTRS Recertification
- CTRS Specialization Area Designation
- CTRS Reentry
CTRSs who maintain certification will also retain their CTRS digital badge – allowing others to confirm the current authenticity of their certification.
Maintain your credential – go to nctrc.org to learn more about how to keep your CTRS credential active and follow your personal NCTRC certification cycle.
Additional News & Updates
NCTRC & the CTRS Credential - supporting licensure of qualified recreational therapists
NCTRC supports the efforts of states, provinces, and territories in pursuing legal regulation for the practice of recreational therapy and is proud to co-lead the Joint Task Force for Licensure with the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. The purpose of the Joint Task Force for Licensure is to promote and support licensure of qualified recreational therapists. Currently, the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist® (CTRS) credentialing process administered by NCTRC is embedded within the requirements for licensure within the therapeutic recreation profession. Learn more about the CTRS credential, go to nctrc.org.
NCTRC Research Grant Program
NCTRC offers a Research Grant Program to provide opportunities for individuals pursuing a career in or already practicing recreational therapy to establish and maintain lines of research and promote the collaboration between higher education faculty and practitioners.
Upcoming Research Grant Submission Deadline – October 15, 2026.
Click here for complete details and download the NCTRC Research Grant Application.
Get Recognized – Claim & Use Earned Digital Badges from NCTRC!
Use digital badges to showcase your skills, validate your competency, and broadcast your achievement to colleagues, employers, recruiters, and clients to further enhance your professional profile.
- NCTRC issues digital badges for micro-credentials from CE Providers!
If you have completed the course/training for one or more NCTRC approved micro-credentials, apply to NCTRC to be issued the associated digital badge. Click here to learn how to claim and use your badges.
BONUS! NCTRC just added more digital badges associated with NCTRC approved micro-credentials to the collection! Access the full list here.
- Attention CTRSs: Did you know that your CTRS digital badge is always FREE to claim from NCTRC as long as your certification is active. If you have NOT yet claimed your CTRS badge, email NCTRC (nctrc@nctrc.org) to get started.
- Need help to claim, share, and use your badges? Review the NCTRC Badge Earner Guide
Enhance your professional portfolio - claim your earned digital badges from NCTRC. Use digital badges to stand out & get recognized!
NCTRC Pre-Approved Continuing Education & Professional Development Information
NCTRC wants to support CTRSs, recreational therapists, activity professionals, and practitioners from a variety of professions in their search for continuing education opportunities that support their professional growth.
NCTRC has been asked to share the following pre-approved continuing education session content:
- Special Olympics Colorado: 2026 SOCO STATE CONFERENCE
Explore ways to engage in professional training and education to assure continuing competence in the practice of recreational therapy.
Learn how to use CEUs for:
- the CTRS recertification process,
- to apply for Specialization Area Designation during your recertification period, and
- earn digital badges associated with NCTRC approved micro-credentials.
Check out professional development and digital badge information online at nctrc.org. Click here to access this professional development information, including the NCTRC Continuing Education Online Event Calendar.
NCTRC Resources
MY NCTRC LOGIN - Access to your NCTRC account and personal certification information, dates, and details.
NCTRC Financial Assistance Programs - NCTRC offers both need-based and merit-based programs to support individuals within the therapeutic recreation profession.
NCTRC Funded Research Projects - access the list of funded research projects and read final reports from various projects.
NCTRC YouTube channel (@nctrcorg) – find a variety of educational and informational videos.
Publications & Forms – view the most up-to-date documents and information.
NCTRC YouTube Videos & Tutorials
Find a variety of educational and information videos pertaining to NCTRC programs and services.
Resources on the NCTRC Website
NCTRC provides a wide range of professional programs and services to ensure both the value of the CTRS credential and protection of the consumer. Please visit nctrc.org to view the most up-to-date documents and information.
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!
