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NCTRC e-News
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Protecting and Promoting Since 1981
September/October 2024
NCTRC Conducts Quarterly Board Meeting & Strategic Planning Meeting
In September 2024, the NCTRC Board of Directors held its Fall meeting and also participated in a planning meeting to work on the development of the 2025-2030 NCTRC Strategic Plan. Discussion topics of the meeting focused on NCTRC certification standards, credentialing operations, and the work of the standing committees (Standards Hearing, Standards Review, and Exam Management Committees), as well as the Corporate Social Responsibility programs, marketing, digital badges and micro-credentials. In addition, they discussed opportunities to further support international engagement.
Guided by a Strategic Planning Consultant, the NCTRC Board of Directors, representatives from the NCTRC standing committees, and staff worked together to establish the foundation for the 2025-2030 NCTRC Strategic Plan. Thank you to the outstanding professionals who participated in this important work.
One participant stated, “I wanted to say again how much of an honour it was to be a part of the strategic planning. Big thank you to you and every single person in attendance for making me feel so welcome. I loved the discussions, leadership, learnings and connections”.
Upcoming Election – NCTRC Board of Directors
The 2024 Election for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Board of Directors will be conducted November 1st to 30th, 2024. 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!
NCTRC Certification Exam Scheduling Process
The NCTRC Certification Exam is available to individuals who:
- Have established Professional Eligibility with NCTRC;
- Are CTRSs using Reexamination for Recertification;
- Are in the Reentry period.
Scheduling Process
Once your exam registration application has been approved by NCTRC, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule your exam.
NCTRC offers continuous testing delivered throughout a network of test centers along with live remote proctoring. Test dates for the NCTRC Certification Exam are determined annually.
Exam Delivery Windows:
- 2024: January 8, 2024 through November 30, 2024.
- 2025: January 6, 2025 through November 30, 2025
Blackout Dates:
December 1, 2024 through January 5, 2025. 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 6, 2025.
Exam Location:
Candidates may schedule the exam at a test center or through live remote proctoring. The exam is delivered throughout the Pearson VUE network of test centers along with live remote proctoring through OnVue. Available dates may vary by location. NCTRC suggests that candidates check available dates during the exam registration and scheduling process.
Take the next step on your professional journey – start the exam registration process today by logging into your account at MY NCTRC LOGIN.
Annual Maintenance Reminder
Keep your CTRS® certification active - go to MY NCTRC LOGIN to submit the annual maintenance application and fees.
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:
Chair One
Fitness
Chair One Fitness Instructor Certification Course
Jim Donovan Therapeutic Music Training
Therapeutic Drum Circle Facilitation Training
Stay informed! Watch for NCTRC’s weekly e-Blasts and check out the online NCTRC Continuing Education Event Calendar Listing to stay up-to-date on pre-approved continuing education requests received by NCTRC.
Enhance your Professional Portfolio using NCTRC Digital Badges!
It’s never too late to claim your NCTRC issued digital badge(s). Review the NCTRC Badge Earner Guide for more information.
We believe that NCTRC Digital Badges will further enhance your professional standing and achievements. So, when you earn a badge, be sure to claim the badge, and then share your badge! Share your digital badge on social media, embed it into your email signature, or add it to your resume or website to showcase your accomplishments.
Login to your Credly account, or follow the instructions on how to create an account so that you can have full access to claim and share your badge.
Check out the NCTRC-Badges-Credly page to see full details of digital badges available through NCTRC, including CTRS, Professional Eligibility, the full collection of CTRS Specialization Area Designation badges, as well as the NCTRC digital badges associated with approved micro-credentials.
NCTRC YouTube Video Tutorials
Take a moment to check out the newest YouTube video tutorials recently added to the NCTRC YouTube channel.
Annual Maintenance Application Process
Watch this video tutorial from NCTRC to learn more about the Annual Maintenance Application Process. Each Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) is required to continuously maintain competence in recreational therapy practice via the NCTRC renewal processes. To maintain certification and keep their certification status active, each CTRS is required to submit an annual maintenance application and fee for each year of the five-year certification cycle. Go to MY NCTRC LOGIN to get started.
Helpful Tips for Completing Your NCTRC Research Grant Application
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. This video tutorial will provide helpful tips when applying for an NCTRC Research Grant. This video is provided by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
NCTRC Certification Exam Registration Process
This video tutorial from National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) will provide you with details regarding the NCTRC Certification Exam registration process found on your dashboard at MY NCTRC LOGIN. Once the exam registration process is complete you will receive instructions on how to schedule your exam through the Pearson VUE network of test centers along with live remote proctoring.
Resources on the NCTRC Website
NCTRC offers publications, forms, and various resources pertaining to the NCTRC credentialing program. Please visit NCTRC.org to view the most up-to-date documents and information.
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!
