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NCTRC e-News
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Protecting and Promoting Since 1981
November/December 2024
Important Changes to the NCTRC Certification Standards: Path To Professional Certification
Individuals wishing to become certified through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC) and earn the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist® (CTRS®) credential must meet specific educational and professional experience requirements, in addition to passing the NCTRC Certification Exam.
Path to Professional Certification - read about the path to obtain professional eligibility to sit for the NCTRC Certification Exam and acquire the CTRS credential.
The requirements have been recently updated and are outlined in the NCTRC Certification Standards and listed under Path to Professional Certification. NCTRC Certification Standards serve as the governing policies and procedures for all certification services and credentialing processes. You may wish to utilize the Certification Standards as a guide toward understanding the requirements and for more information on applying.
NCTRC Certification Exam – Important Information & Test Dates
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.
NCTRC Certification Exam 2025 Delivery Window:
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.
Take the next step on your professional journey – start the exam registration process today by logging into your account at MY NCTRC LOGIN.
Recertification – NCTRC Exam Option:
Are you a CTRS due for Recertification and want to use the option to take the NCTRC Certification Exam? Go to MY NCTRC LOGIN to complete the digital version application and submit payment online. Plan to register for the exam - the above dates apply for the recertification exam option.
Video Tutorial: NCTRC Certification Exam Registration Process
For further questions on the exam scheduling process, please contact NCTRC.
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:
Blue Balloon
Building a Dementia-friendly Art Program
Jim Donovan Therapeutic Music Training
Therapeutic Drum Circle Facilitation Training
Root in Nature Inc.
Advancing Skills in Therapeutic Horticulture & Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture
The Self-Care Institute
The Intersections of Burnout, Self-Care, and Social Justice
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.
Election Results – NCTRC Board of Directors
The 2024 NCTRC Board of Directors Election was conducted November 1st to 30th, 2024. 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. Thank you to everyone who voted.
Digital Badges associated with NCTRC Approved Micro-Credentials
Recreational therapists, activity professionals, and practitioners from a variety of professions can learn in confidence knowing that NCTRC has pre-approved continuing education session content that is transformed into verifiable digital badges associated with NCTRC approved micro-credentials.
NCTRC issues digital badges to earners who have completed the required continuing education and apply to NCTRC to claim the associated digital badge. If you have earned a digital badge associated with an NCTRC approved micro-credential, simply go to your MY NCTRC LOGIN and apply for the associated digital badge today! If you do not have an NCTRC account, please email nctrc@nctrc.org.
Get recognized! Use NCTRC digital badges to broadcast your achievement to colleagues, employers, and recruiters and further enhance your professional profile! Go to the NCTRC Digital Badges page to learn more.
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.
Click here to see the full collection of digital badges available through NCTRC, including CTRS, Professional Eligibility, and the full collection of CTRS Specialization Area Designation badges, as well as NCTRC approved micro-credentials.
NCTRC YouTube Videos & Tutorials
Take a moment to check out the newest YouTube video tutorials recently added to the NCTRC YouTube channel.
- Helpful Tips to Complete Your NCTRC Hardship Fee Waiver Application
- NCTRC Tutorial: How to Print Certificates
- NCTRC Account - Name Change Process
- NCTRC Certification Exam Registration Process
- Annual Maintenance Application Process
- NCTRC Video Tutorials about Digital Badges
- Video: Organizational Roles within the Therapeutic Recreation Profession
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!
