Professional Eligibility through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) verifies that an individual has completed the educational and professional experience requirements needed to register and sit for the NCTRC Certification Exam.
Individuals wishing to become certified through 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.
NCTRC is recognized as the premier credentialing organization within the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) profession. NCTRC certification signifies that an individual has the knowledge, skill, and ability that is well recognized as being essential for the practice of recreational therapy.
To get started, review the Professional Eligibility Application process and requirements below.
Individuals seeking certification apply to NCTRC and must meet established standards. The NCTRC Certification Standards serve as the governing policies and procedures for certification services and credentialing processes within the profession.
Review the Path to Professional Certification and understand the specific educational and professional experience requirements that must be met to qualify for Professional Eligibility through NCTRC.
Review the NCTRC Certification Standards for complete details related to all requirements.
Complete the online Professional Eligibility Application: When an individual believes they have met the requirements, applicants begin the online Professional Eligibility Application process through the MY NCTRC LOGIN portal.
All materials submitted to NCTRC as part of the Professional Eligibility Application review process will become the property of NCTRC.
Review the NCTRC Certification Standards for complete details related to all requirements.
Applicants are responsible to ensure that all Educational Requirements, including coursework and degree information have been entered into the Professional Eligibility Application.
Coursework requirements: In accordance with the NCTRC Certification Standards and as outlined in NCTRC’s Path to Professional Certification, the coursework requirement for the Professional Eligibility Application process includes completion of Therapeutic Recreation Content and Supportive Coursework in accordance with NCTRC Certification Standards.
The NCTRC Professional Eligibility Application may be initiated after the required coursework is completed.
Degree requirement: In accordance with the NCTRC Certification Standards and as outlined in NCTRC’s Path to Professional Certification, the degree requirement for the Professional Eligibility Application process includes enrollment in or completion of a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited college or university verified by an official transcript.
As part of the application process, applicants must submit all required documentation to verify coursework and degree information, including:
All materials submitted to NCTRC as part of the Professional Eligibility Application review process will become the property of NCTRC.
Review the NCTRC Certification Standards for complete details related to all requirements.
Applicants are responsible to ensure that all Professional Experience Requirements including professional experience verification have been entered into their Professional Eligibility Application.
Professional Experience requirements: In accordance with the NCTRC Certification Standards and as outlined in NCTRC’s Path to Professional Certification, the professional experience requirement for the Professional Eligibility Application process includes either (1) Academic Internship or (2) Paid Professional Work Experience.
All materials submitted to NCTRC as part of the Professional Eligibility Application review process will become the property of NCTRC.
CTRS Verification Portal: Utilize the CTRS Verification Portal to access the full registry of active Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRSs).
Review the NCTRC Certification Standards for complete details related to all requirements.
As part of the application process, applicants must submit all required documentation to verify educational and professional experience information.
Access NCTRC resources and submit the necessary forms related to either (1) Academic Internship or (2) Paid Professional Work Experience. These resources are designed to assist individuals to better understand and prepare to meet specific NCTRC requirements.
Forms related to Academic Internship
Forms related to Paid Professional Work Experience
All materials submitted to NCTRC as part of the Professional Eligibility Application review process will become the property of NCTRC.
Review the NCTRC Certification Standards for complete details related to all requirements.
New Application Fees
Please review the list of fees (USD) related to the NCTRC Professional Eligibility Application review process. Total fees due are based on individual circumstances.
Professional Eligibility Application Review Fee $125.00
Other fees that may apply:
Returned Application Processing Fee $25.00
Fee for Bank Checks from Foreign Countries $25.00
Fee for Returned Check $25.00
Fee for Rejected Credit Card $20.00
Important information:
Email communication during the review process: Watch your inbox for email notifications from NCTRC regarding review and status updates, and decision notification pertaining to your Professional Eligibility Application.
Applicants may be placed in ‘Need More Information’ status allowing the opportunity to add information to your application. Please be sure to review the Application Comments section of your application to determine information requested from NCTRC.
Please keep contact information current throughout your application process. You may update your contact information by logging into your profile at MY NCTRC LOGIN or you may email your requested changes to nctrc@nctrc.org.
Application Review by NCTRC:
The Professional Eligibility Application review process takes approximately 4-6 weeks. During this time, applicants will receive emailed updates from NCTRC regarding their application status. Applicants are encouraged to review all email communication from NCTRC in a timely manner to keep the Professional Eligibility review process effective. Incomplete applications will be denied.
Decision Notification:
Individuals who are awarded Professional Eligibility by NCTRC will receive Exam Qualified status and emailed instructions on how to register for the NCTRC Certification Exam.
In the event of a denial notification, individuals may review and submit the Professional Eligibility Appeal Application. Review the NCTRC Certification Standards for complete details.
NCTRC has a Military Extension Policy to support certificants and applicants who have been ordered to active military duty. Active military personnel who fall into this category can request a suspension of their certification or eligibility requirements with respect to required deadlines and fees. For more information or if you believe you qualify, please email nctrc@nctrc.org.
Once Professional Eligibility is established, the applicant will receive Exam Qualified status and emailed instructions on how to register for the NCTRC Certification Exam.
Individuals who are awarded Professional Eligibility by NCTRC have demonstrated completion of specific educational requirements as outlined in the NCTRC Certification Standards, including:
Once Professional Eligibility is awarded, individuals receive the associated digital badge from NCTRC. Digital badges are secure, web-enabled credentials containing verified information about the earner’s professional achievements.
Applicants must obtain Professional Eligibility from NCTRC to register for the NCTRC Certification Exam.
Start the process by reviewing the NCTRC Certification Exam and scheduling information.
