The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist® (CTRS) credential offered through National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) represents the benchmark of quality recreational therapy services and is the indicator of a qualified provider within the field of recreational therapy.
In today’s demanding employment market, NCTRC certification signifies that the CTRS is a qualified professional providing recreational therapy services, with the skills, ability and knowledge recognized as essential for recreational therapy practice. The CTRS has extensive knowledge and skill-based training in core therapy skills including assessment, planning, implementation, documentation, and evaluation. Issued by NCTRC, the CTRS credential indicates to employers and the public that the CTRS has met specific educational and professional experience requirements, in addition to passing the NCTRC Certification Exam.
Keep your credential active – understand and follow the phases of the certification cycle.
Engage in professional training and education to assure continuing competence in the practice of recreational therapy.
Since many CTRSs focus their practice within a specific population and service sector, NCTRC awards recognition of advanced knowledge and skill in seven specialized areas of recreational therapy practice. Specialization is well recognized within professional practice and has become the norm within the health and human service delivery system today.
Take a moment to review the information below.
Professional certification through NCTRC signifies that an individual has the knowledge, skill, and ability that is well recognized as being essential for the practice of recreational therapy. A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist® (CTRS®) is internationally recognized as a qualified provider of recreational therapy services.
In today’s demanding employment market, NCTRC certification indicates to employers and the public that the CTRS has met specific educational and professional experience requirements, in addition to passing the NCTRC Certification Exam.
Federal agencies, national and international regulatory and accreditation organizations recognize the CTRS as the benchmark credential for recreational therapists.
It is documented that CTRSs increase both the effectiveness and efficiency of recreational therapy services in comparison to noncertified individuals, significantly contributing to the expected outcomes of the healthcare delivery system.
Recent research suggests that nearly 70% of CTRSs are either required or encouraged by their employer to maintain their credential. Passing the CTRS® exam and/or holding the CTRS credential serves as a basic requirement for regulation of practice and is the qualifying criterion within many personnel systems.
Only individuals with active CTRS status through NCTRC may use “CTRS” and “Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist” credentials, and the associated digital badge.
Along with an official certificate, all individuals who earn the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist® (CTRS®) credential will receive a digital badge. The CTRS digital badge is a secure, web-enabled credential containing verified information about the earner’s professional achievements. The digital badge serves to validate and showcase professional skills and competencies beyond traditional certificates and are designed to be easily shareable and verifiable.
The digital badge allows CTRSs to shine a spotlight on their credential and enhances their professional visibility, making them more noticeable to employers, peers, and professional networking communities.
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, and add it to your resume or website to showcase your accomplishments. It’s never too late to claim your NCTRC issued digital badge(s). To learn more about how to claim, use, and share your badge(s), please view the NCTRC Badge Earner Guide.
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) was founded to protect the consumer of recreational therapy services and the public at large, resulting in many benefits to the public, the profession, the individual practitioner, and the organization.
Employers and healthcare agencies who hire NCTRC certificants can rely on the value of the CTRS®. Employers can also be assured that the CTRS must adhere to standards of conduct and recertification requirements for continued professional competence.
Every CTRS must comply with the NCTRC disciplinary codes to retain the credential. NCTRC serves as the clearinghouse for addressing disciplinary issues within the profession of therapeutic recreation.
NCTRC certificants can take pride in their CTRS credential as an indicator of a professional whose first priority is quality service and protection of the consumer.
