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NCTRC e-News
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Protecting and Promoting Since 1981
November/December 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
NCTRC Annual Certificants Meeting
Final Reminder to Register for this Live Zoom Event!
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Annual Certificants Meeting will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 5:00pm EST.
Registration information was sent via email in early December.
We encourage you to attend this event. NCTRC will be discussing important information regarding NCTRC programs and services.
Check your email for the link to register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing details on how to join the meeting.
We hope to see you there!
NCTRC Board of Directors—Election Results
Thank You to Everyone Who Voted in this Important Election!
The 2025 NCTRC Board of Directors Election was conducted November 1st to 30th, 2025. All e-ballots are currently being tabulated anonymously by a third-party vendor selected by NCTRC. After the results have been formally approved and the candidates notified, NCTRC will release the names of the incoming Board members.
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.
NCTRC Certification Exam
Important Information Regarding Exam Registration and Scheduling
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. When registering for the NCTRC Certification Exam, find a date, time, and location that works best for you.
Exam Delivery Windows:
- 2025: January 6, 2025 through November 30, 2025 (NOW CLOSED!)
- 2026: January 5, 2026 through November 30, 2026
Blackout Dates:
December 1, 2025 through January 4, 2026. 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 5, 2026.
To learn more, visit the NCTRC® Certification Exam Registration & Scheduling information found on the NCTRC website.
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.
Valuable Tools for Professional Development
Claim and Share Your Earned Digital Badges Associated with NCTRC Approved Micro-Credentials!
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.
Browse the full collection of digital badges associated with NCTRC approved micro-credentials for opportunities to enhance your professional profile. Open to professionals across various fields, these badges highlight your commitment to excellence and professional growth.
NCTRC Pre-Approved Continuing Education
Explore Ways to Engage in Professional Training and 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:
Learn in confidence knowing that NCTRC has pre-approved continuing education session content from various conferences, workshops, online and on-demand courses offered by a multitude of organizations and continuing education providers. Check out the NCTRC Continuing Education Online Event Calendar.
Refer to the Resources for RT/TR Continuing Education Credit for additional details on how to obtain continuing education.
Featured Resources
Valuable Resources to Help You Navigate NCTRC Programs and Services
MY NCTRC LOGIN - Access to your NCTRC account and personal certification information, dates, and details. Please keep your contact information up to date.
NCTRC Digital Badges - Claim and use your earned digital badges from NCTRC to showcase skills and broadcast achievements to further enhance your professional portfolio.
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 YouTube Channel - 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!
