Steps to Become a CTRS®

1. Individuals seeking professional certification through NCTRC to obtain the CTRS credential must follow the NCTRC Certification Standards and prerequisites. Read the NCTRC Certification Standards which serve as the governing policies and procedures for certification services and credentialing processes within the profession.
2. Review the Path to Professional Certification and understand the specific requirements that must be met to qualify for Professional Eligibility through NCTRC.
3. New applicants – Create a personal account with NCTRC through the MY NCTRC LOGIN
4. Complete and submit the Professional Eligibility Application online through the MY NCTRC LOGIN The application process includes submission of additional documentation. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the required documentation has been added to the application. NCTRC’s review of the Professional Eligibility Application takes approximately 4-6 weeks.
5. Once Professional Eligibility is established, register for the NCTRC Certification Exam. Once your exam registration application has been approved by NCTRC, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule your exam.
6. Schedule your exam – NCTRC offers continuous testing delivered throughout a network of test centers along with live remote proctoring. Test dates for the NCTRC Certification Exam are determined annually.
7. To become a CTRS, an individual must meet specific educational and professional experience requirements, in addition to passing the NCTRC Certification Exam.
8. The CTRS credential, including certificate and digital badge, is issued by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
9. Once certified, an individual follows a five-year certification cycle, including annual maintenance and recertification requirements as outlined in the NCTRC Certification Standards to maintain use of the CTRS credential.

When a candidate is awarded the CTRS credential, it serves as evidence that the individual, through knowledge and experience, has met the NCTRC Certification Standards. The award of the CTRS credential is a limited license to use the titles of “Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist®” and “CTRS®” subject to NCTRC’s Certification Standards. To practice as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), an individual must obtain and maintain the CTRS credential.