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NCTRC e-News
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Protecting and Promoting Since 1981
January/February 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
NCTRC to Celebrate 45th Anniversary in 2026!
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. We have some exciting plans to celebrate our 45th anniversary, so stay tuned for announcements on NCTRC’s social media, e-News, and website.
Celebrate Recreational Therapy Month in February
Share this video from NCTRC: Thank You, CTRSs!
NCTRC is proud to celebrate Recreational Therapy (RT) Month in February! This is a great time to increase awareness of the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) profession and the incredibly important role that CTRSs play in promoting health and well-being. Remember to mention NCTRC in your social media posts so we can see how you and your organization are celebrating RT month!
RT Month is a Great Time to Showcase Your CTRS® Digital Badge!
Promote the important work you do as a CTRS – use your digital badge to validate and showcase personal skills and earned credentials beyond traditional certificates.
- Claim your CTRS badge & use it to get recognized! Follow the instructions found in the NCTRC Badge Earner Guide. Display your digital badges on social media, embed it into your email signature, and add it to your digital resume.
LIMITED TIME OFFER – Apply Now for FREE to be Issued Your Earned Digital Badges associated with NCTRC Approved Micro-Credentials
In recognition of RT Month, NCTRC is offering FREE issuance of your earned digital badges associated with NCTRC approved micro-credentials.
This special offer is good for a limited time. APPLY NOW!
- It’s easy to apply for your personalized digital badge. Go to your MY NCTRC LOGIN and apply for the associated digital badge today! If you do not have an NCTRC account, use this application process.
Check the list below to see if you have completed the course/training for one or more NCTRC approved micro-credentials. NCTRC issues digital badges to earners who have completed the required continuing education from providers including:
- ATRA: Quality Internship Supervisor
- Inspired Memory Care, Inc.: Certified Dementia Engagement Specialist®
- Root in Nature: Certified Therapeutic Horticulture Facilitator (CTHF™)
- Root in Nature Inc.: Therapeutic Horticulture Ally
- Wellness Recreation 360 Inc.: Core Principles of High-Performance
- National Center for Montessori and Aging: Dementia Capable Certification
- National Center for Montessori and Aging: Voices that Matter - Ethics, Identity, Dementia
Browse the collection of badges associated with NCTRC approved micro-credentials and take steps to enhance your professional portfolio today! Check back regularly as more are added to the collection throughout the year.
During RT Month, we encourage CTRSs and others to use and showcase your earned digital badges to further enhance your professional profile and get the recognition you deserve!
NEW! Live Zoom Event: Connect with NCTRC
Are you newly certified? NCTRC is hosting an upcoming Connect with NCTRC live Zoom event for Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists® (CTRSs) in their first certification cycle.
Join NCTRC Credentialing Specialists to learn about the certification cycle, professional development topics, and key resources and tools that will support you on your professional journey.
We encourage all new CTRSs to attend!
- The upcoming Connect with NCTRC live Zoom event will take place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 1:00p.m. EST!
- Watch your email for a link to register for this event. The session will last no more than 60 minutes and will not be recorded.
We look forward to connecting with you. Remember, if you have questions about your personal profile or certification cycle, please contact NCTRC by email or phone.
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 – March 15, 2026
Click here for complete details and download the NCTRC Research Grant Application.
Election Results: NCTRC Board of Directors
As a result of the NCTRC Board of Directors election that took place online from November 1 to November 30, 2025, NCTRC is pleased to announce the addition of the following newly elected Board members:
- Karla Palacios-Reagor, MS, CTRS (Texas)
- Kendrell Ringer, Ph.D., CTRS/L, CARSS, CAMS (Georgia)
These individuals will serve a 3-year term from April 2026 – April 2029 and will each bring a unique perspective to Board deliberations. We appreciate the willingness of these certificants to share their knowledge and expertise with the organization.
Important Certification Information
NCTRC Certification Exam
NCTRC Certification Exam 2026 Delivery Window: January 5, 2026 through November 30, 2026. Learn more.
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 any of the services 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.
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.
Learn in confidence knowing that NCTRC has pre-approved continuing education session content from various conferences, workshops, online, and on-demand courses. NCTRC provides continuing education pre-approval of educational session content that meets NCTRC standards and is directly related to the NCTRC Job Analysis.
- Are you looking for focused continuing education within a specified area of practice?
- Are you looking for professional development and continuing education options that meet the requirements to maintain certification and licensure?
Stay informed! Watch for NCTRC e-Blasts and check out the NCTRC Continuing Education Online Event Calendar to stay up-to-date on pre-approved continuing education requests received by NCTRC.
NCTRC has been requested by the CE provider to share the following pre-approved continuing education session content:
Go to NCTRC.org to learn more about professional development and continuing education information.
NCTRC Resources
Valuable Resources to Help You Navigate NCTRC Programs and Services
NCTRC YouTube Channel (@nctrcorg) —find a variety of educational and informational videos.
Publications & Forms —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!
