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NCTRC e-News
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Protecting and Promoting Since 1981
March/April 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
Spotlight Series:
- International CTRS® Spotlight
- CTRS Educator Spotlight
- CTRS Specialization Area Designation – Community Inclusion Services Spotlight
NCTRC Congratulates the Class of 2025
Congratulations to the class of 2025! Take the next step on your professional journey - follow the path to professional certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
Featured Resources
We want to share a few reminders and resources that may help you manage your certification cycle, your account with NCTRC, and additional services available through NCTRC.
Please click on the links below to access these online features, services, and important documents.
Access to your NCTRC account and personal certification information, dates, and details.
- New applicants – Create a personal account with NCTRC.
- Complete and submit the Professional Eligibility Application
- Update your name, email address, and other contact information
- Change your password
- Access receipts and view past transactions
- CTRSs – Check your certification cycle and annual maintenance date.
- Submit applications, documents, and payments directly to NCTRC from your personal dashboard
- Update your name, email address, and other contact information
- Change your password
- Access receipts and view past transactions
- Print your CTRS certificate
- Upload and store your continuing education documents (CEU certificates of completion) to maintain documentation during your recertification cycle.
If you are preparing to take the exam, please note the following:
- NCTRC Certification Exam 2025 Delivery Window: January 6, 2025 through November 30, 2025.
- 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.
- Scheduling Your Exam: The NCTRC Certification Exam is delivered continuously throughout the Pearson VUE network of test centers along with live remote proctoring through OnVue. Go to NCTRC.org to learn more about the exam registration process.
CTRS Verification Tools
- CTRS Verification Portal: Utilize the CTRS Verification Portal found on the NCTRC website to access the full registry of active Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRSs).
- CTRS Digital Badge: To verify CTRS certification using a digital badge, you click on the badge, which will redirect you to a verified page with details about the certification and the skills it validates. A digital badge is a web-enabled version of an individuals’ CTRS credential that provides valid verification of the achievement.
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.
NEW! NCTRC has added valuable information for CTRSs and other professionals on the CEUs page of the NCTRC website. Click here to access this updated information.
NCTRC has been asked to share the following pre-approved continuing education session content:
- Institute for Music and Neurologic Function
Best Practices from Music Therapy for Using Music in Senior Wellness and Healthcare - Root in Nature Inc.
Advancing Skills in Therapeutic Horticulture & Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture
Use NCTRC digital badges to showcase your skills and broadcast your achievement to colleagues, employers, and recruiters to further enhance your professional profile.
- Claim & share your badge: login to your Credly account
- Review the NCTRC Badge Earner Guide
- Click here to see the full collection of digital badges available through NCTRC, including digital badges associated with NCTRC approved micro-credentials.
NCTRC Financial Assistance Programs
NCTRC offers both need-based and merit-based programs to support individuals within the therapeutic recreation profession. Click on the link above to learn more.
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.
Research Funding Impact: Testimonials on NCTRC Contributions and Support
Access to several educational and informational videos from NCTRC. Subscribe (@nctrcorg) and stay informed.
Go further with an NCTRC Scholarship.
An NCTRC Scholarship recognizes the achievements of those who seek to advance their knowledge and professional competency to improve the quality of recreational therapy services.
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!
