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NCTRC e-News
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Protecting and Promoting Since 1981
September/October 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
Comments from NCTRC’s Executive Director, Anne Richard
October 1, 2026, marks a significant 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.
As the Executive Director of NCTRC, I am thrilled to celebrate NCTRC’s 45th anniversary alongside all of you. I could write pages about NCTRC programs and services, and the role that the organization plays within the profession, but I’d like to focus on something even more important in this brief message.
Through your loyalty and willingness to allow NCTRC to be a part of your professional journey, together we’ve created a community of practitioners who have embraced the mission of NCTRC in the protection of the consumer and created a credential that, as one of our certificants (Robin G.) recently shared in their CTRS® spotlight, ties us together with a collective professional identity. On behalf of myself, the NCTRC staff, and board of directors (past and present), thank you for your support of NCTRC and the CTRS® credential!
NCTRC Videos to Celebrate this Momentous Occasion
NCTRC 45th Anniversary video: Click this link to view the video which captured comments from CTRSs, NCTRC board members, educators, and others about the impact that NCTRC and the CTRS credential has made over the past 45 years within the TR profession.
Thank you, CTRSs video: Click this link or go to the NCTRC YouTube channel (@nctrcorg) to access this video. NCTRC is proud to recognize individuals who have earned the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist® (CTRS) credential and serve to protect the safety of consumers of recreational therapy services. Take a moment to watch and share this video with your community. Together, on NCTRC's 45th anniversary, let's show appreciation to the qualified professionals providing recreational therapy services around the world.
NCTRC Anniversary Celebration at ATRA SoCal 2026 Conference!
NCTRC will be attending the ATRA SoCal 2026 conference and have quite a few opportunities planned for attendees to connect and celebrate with us. We hope attendees will be able to join us for NCTRC’s 45th anniversary celebration over the lunch break on Sunday, October 18, 2026 in the Refinery Restaurant at Embassy Suites. Be sure to 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. NCTRC will also be hosting live Connect with NCTRC sessions for students & new applicants, and CTRSs. Last, we are excited to announce that NCTRC Credentialing Specialists will be presenting a session titled, 'NCTRC Funded Research Projects: Investing in the Power of Research within the Therapeutic Recreation Profession'. We look forward to connecting with you soon. Find NCTRC anytime at nctrc.org and remember to follow NCTRC on social media (@nctrcorg).
Additional News & Updates
NCTRC 2026 Job Analysis Study Task Force
NCTRC appreciates the 15 CTRS volunteers who are serving as Therapeutic Recreation Subject Matter Experts on the 2026 Job Analysis Study Task Force. Thank you for sharing your expertise by volunteering in this important work that will directly influence the scope and nature of the NCTRC Certification Exam and continuing education requirements. Additionally, NCTRC wants to recognize the team at Data Recognition Corporation (DRC), our test development partner, for their guidance with this project. To learn more about NCTRC and the CTRS credential, visit nctrc.org.
Celebrating Therapeutic Recreation in New Zealand
NCTRC is proud to recognize New Zealand Society of Diversional and Recreational Therapy (NZSDRT) who celebrated DRT Week 2026 which ran from 18–24 September. According to NZSDRT, this weekly celebration is “dedicated to recognising practitioners, promoting professional practice, connecting our community, and raising awareness of the contribution of Diversional and Recreational Therapy across Aotearoa New Zealand.” NCTRC wants to thank NZSDRT for the important work they do within the profession of Diversional and Recreational Therapy in New Zealand. For more information on NZRDT week, click this link.
NZSDRT is part of the International Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Coalition which includes representatives from Japan, Taiwan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States who each share updates on the status of the profession in their countries during scheduled International TR Coalition meetings. It is an honor for NCTRC to work with this dedicated group of professionals from around the world who represent the International TR Coalition. Go to nctrc.org to learn more about the International TR Coalition.
Upcoming Election - NCTRC Board of Directors
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.
The 2026 Election for the NCTRC Board of Directors will be conducted November 1st to 30th, 2026. 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!
Important Certification Reminders
NCTRC Certification Exam Scheduling & Registration Reminders
If you are exam qualified, don't delay, schedule today! The NCTRC Certification Exam 2026 delivery window runs through November 30, 2026. 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. The 2027 Exam Delivery Window runs January 4, 2027 through November 30, 2027. Go to nctrc.org or click here to learn more about the NCTRC Certification Exam.
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.
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. Click here to access this professional development information, including the NCTRC Continuing Education Online Event Calendar. Explore ways to engage in professional training and education to assure continuing competence in the practice of recreational therapy.
Digital Badges from NCTRC - Easy Online Application Process!
Use digital badges to showcase your skills, validate your competency, and broadcast your achievements! Check out professional development and digital badge information online at nctrc.org.
- NCTRC issues digital badges for micro-credentials from CE Providers!
Access the full list here. 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.
- 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!
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:
- 2024 NCTRC Funded Research Projects
- Managing Your NCTRC Account: Academic Programs
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!
