Certifications can be a powerful tool to show employers you know your stuff. However, not all certifications are created equal.

We've compiled a list of the most common certifications for mental health specialists. Not only will obtaining these certifications give you a leg up for job hunting, they will also increase your overall value.

10 Best Mental Health Specialist Certifications

1. Mental Health

Occupational therapy in mental health.

Occupational therapy in mental health.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? No
  • Renewal Required? No
Certifying Website
Mental Health

2. Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI)

The mission of the National Board is to foster improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety and patient/provider communication, by elevating the standards for and quality of medical interpreting through a nationally recognized and accredited certification for medical interpreters.

The mission of the National Board is to foster improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety and patient/provider communication, by elevating the standards for and quality of medical interpreting through a nationally recognized and accredited certification for medical interpreters.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)

3. Basic Life Support (BLS)

The Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers Classroom Course is designed to provide a wide variety of healthcare professionals the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner.

The Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers Classroom Course is designed to provide a wide variety of healthcare professionals the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying Website
Basic Life Support
Certifying Organization
American Heart Association

4. Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS)

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
Certifying Organization
American Academy of Health...

5. Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW)

Forensic social work is the application of social work to questions and issues relating to the law and legal system, both criminal and civil. Forensic social workers help children and families involved in custody issues, including but not limited to separation, divorce, neglect, and the termination of parental rights. The social workers also deal with the implications of child and spouse abuse. Forensic social workers may work in a number of settings, including juvenile and adult justice services, corrections, and mandated treatment programs.

Forensic social work is the application of social work to questions and issues relating to the law and legal system, both criminal and civil. Forensic social workers help children and families involved in custody issues, including but not limited to separation, divorce, neglect, and the termination of parental rights. The social workers also deal with the implications of child and spouse abuse. Forensic social workers may work in a number of settings, including juvenile and adult justice services, corrections, and mandated treatment programs.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? No

6. Medication Aide Certification (MACE)

The Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE) is a national medication aide certification examination administered to nurse aides who choose to receive additional training to become certified medication aides. NCSBN develops the MACE examination and administers the exam with the contractual assistance of Pearson VUE. Once certified, these medication aides serve an important role in hospitals and long-term care facilities by helping distribute medications and monitoring for adverse reactions.

The Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE) is a national medication aide certification examination administered to nurse aides who choose to receive additional training to become certified medication aides. NCSBN develops the MACE examination and administers the exam with the contractual assistance of Pearson VUE. Once certified, these medication aides serve an important role in hospitals and long-term care facilities by helping distribute medications and monitoring for adverse reactions.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Organization
National Council of State...

7. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Become a Pharmacy Technician
udemy
4.6
(2,138)

8. Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW)

The Academy of Certified Social Workers was established in 1960 and remains the most widely recognized and respected social work credential. Social workers who hold the ACSW are qualified providers of social services. Social workers who hold the ACSW have: A current NASW membership; A master's degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); Documented two years of postgraduate social work employment and professional supervision by an MSW credentialed supervisor; Provided professional evaluations that validate their knowledge, understanding, and application of social work principles and values from an MSW supervisor and two social work colleagues; Verified 20 hours of relevant continuing education; and Agreed to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education, and are subject to the NASW adjudication process. NASW professional credentials and specialty certifications provide recognition to those who have met national standards for higher levels of experience and knowledge, and are not a substitute for required state licenses or certifications.

The Academy of Certified Social Workers was established in 1960 and remains the most widely recognized and respected social work credential. Social workers who hold the ACSW are qualified providers of social services. Social workers who hold the ACSW have: A current NASW membership; A master's degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); Documented two years of postgraduate social work employment and professional supervision by an MSW credentialed supervisor; Provided professional evaluations that validate their knowledge, understanding, and application of social work principles and values from an MSW supervisor and two social work colleagues; Verified 20 hours of relevant continuing education; and Agreed to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education, and are subject to the NASW adjudication process. NASW professional credentials and specialty certifications provide recognition to those who have met national standards for higher levels of experience and knowledge, and are not a substitute for required state licenses or certifications.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)

9. Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS)

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Introduction to Criminal Justice
udemy
4.8
(182)

10. OSHA Safety Certificate

This 40-hour program covers both the Construction 1926 and General Industry 1910 Standards, how to effectively interpret the Federal Register, health issues related to a work environment, recognition of physical hazards related to the violation of OSHA standards, and employer implementation of their own pro-active safety and health procedures.

This 40-hour program covers both the Construction 1926 and General Industry 1910 Standards, how to effectively interpret the Federal Register, health issues related to a work environment, recognition of physical hazards related to the violation of OSHA standards, and employer implementation of their own pro-active safety and health procedures.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? No
  • Renewal Required? No
Certifying Website
OSHA Safety Certificate
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
OSHA Safety Pro: Trenching Excavation & Soil Mechanics
udemy
4.5
(662)

Mental Health Specialist Jobs

What is the best certification for a Mental Health Specialist?

The Mental Health certification is most common among mental health specialists. This certification is awarded by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. To become a certified mental health specialist with Mental Health, you don't need to pass the exam. Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience. No renewal for certification, if you earn it once it is valid all time.

What are Some of the Most In-Demand Certifications For Mental Health Specialists?

We analyzed online job postings to determine the most commonly asked-for certifications. The most popular certification requirement is Mental Health. By holding this certification, you will gain a more-competitive resume that will look impressive to potential employers.

What Certifications Can Impact a Mental Health Specialist Career and Salary?

Mental health specialists are most often promoted to a registered nurse position. A registered nurse average salary is $63,827 whereas mental health specialists make an average salary of $47,321. The Basic Life Support certification could help you to get a registered nurse position in your career path.

Best Certifications

Mental health specialists are most likely to hold a combination of the following certifications: Mental Health, Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI), and Basic Life Support (BLS).

Best Certifications

Check Jobs That Match To Your Education

Senior And Mid Level Jobs For Mental Health Specialist

online courses for Mental Health Specialists that you may like

If you are not ready to pass the certification program but still want to improve your skills, these online courses may help.

Advertising Disclosure
advertising-disclosure

1. Mental Health and Resilience for Healthcare Workers

coursera

This course will help institutions and individuals better manage the mental health challenges of being a healthcare worker. Healthcare providers such as the University Health Network (UHN) address the mental health needs of their staff through several initiatives intended to help build resilience and to provide respite from the demands of their work. This was critical during the pandemic but, of course, healthcare workers encounter high levels of stress even without a pandemic. The primary...

See More on Coursera

2. Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health

coursera

In today’s world, mental illness and distress are common and these account for a significant burden of disability within our community. At the same time, there is a growing interest in understanding and enhancing positive mental health and wellbeing; particularly from developments in the fields of positive psychology and mental health promotion. Positive Psychiatry is a new term (Jeste et al 2016) that describes a dual approach to mental health, where we build strengths, supports and healthy...

See More on Coursera

3. The Social Context of Mental Health and Illness

coursera

Learn how social factors promote mental health, influence the onset and course of mental illness, and affect how mental illnesses are diagnosed and treated. This course explores how our understanding of mental health and illness has been influenced by social attitudes and social developments in North America and around the world. The course begins by situating our contemporary mental health practices in historical context, then looks at different aspects of mental health, mental illness and...

See More on Coursera

4. Addiction & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis) Integrative 12hrs

udemy
4.7
(1,379)

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions: Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health - Integrative Holistic Approach...

See More on Udemy

5. Addiction & Mental Health - Chemically Speaking Two (2hrs)

udemy
4.7
(287)

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions - Understand Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health. How to help people...

See More on Udemy

6. Mental Health and Wellness Professional (MHW) Diploma Course

udemy
4.6
(755)

Discover a flexible and comprehensive way of understanding mental health as a Certified Mental Health Professional (MHP)...

See More on Udemy

7. Managing mental health issues in the workplace

udemy
4.5
(884)

Learn how to support your own mental health and wellbeing and that of your staff...

See More on Udemy

8. Mental Health Ambassador Certificate

udemy
4.6
(986)

Be a leader in improving society's mental health and learn to provide mental health first aid...

See More on Udemy

9. Workplace Mental Health: A Manager's Ultimate Guide

udemy
4.5
(1,186)

How to manage mental health in the workplace to boost productivity and be the best boss!...

See More on Udemy

10. Mental Health and Neuroplasticity: Change your Brain

udemy
4.5
(1,650)

10 Alternatives to Medication to Improve Mental Health - Research backed treatments for Depression and Anxiety...

See More on Udemy

11. Mental Health First Aid Skills -

udemy
4.4
(759)

This course is designed to provide the tools and knowledge for learners to help and support those experiencing MH issues...

See More on Udemy

12. Cognitive Psychology for Positive Mental Health and Wellness

udemy
4.7
(551)

Optimise your mental health and reduce stress by mastering the key concepts of Cognitive Behavioural Psychology (CBP)...

See More on Udemy

13. Existential Therapy, Psychotherapy & Counselling

udemy
4.6
(485)

Helping Individuals to Live Meaningful, Free & Authentic Lives...

See More on Udemy

14. Mindfulness for Mental Health, Personal Growth & Inner Peace

udemy
4.2
(1,259)

The essential guide to cultivating positive mental health, practicing mindfulness, and advancing your personal growth...

See More on Udemy

15. Mental Health Theory and Practice

edX (Global)

Mental health exists for all of us, and mental health conditions, challenges and/or disorders are very common in the United States. Mental health is not just mental illness, it is our wellness. Most of us in our lifetimes will experience something that causes a challenge for our mental health - a loss of someone, birth of a child, loss of a job, witnessing a traumatic event, etc. It is important to normalize discussions and options for care around mental health and well-being, and that...

See More on edX

16. Mental Health History and Treatment

edX (Global)

As humans, we are continuously faced with challenges in our lives and in our society, depending on the severity of the challenge and the resources we have to cope with that challenge, it is essential to grow a trauma informed, and culturally grounded workforce of helpers that can provide support in navigating these challenges. This course will explore the history and treatment of individuals with mental health disorders in the United States. This course will also highlight the historical and...

See More on edX

17. Strengthening Community Health Worker Programs

edX (Global)

Despite medical and technological advances, half of the world’s population lacks access to essential health services, and over 8.9 million preventable deaths occur every year. There is an acute global shortage of health workers, a gap that will grow to 18 million by 2030. Studies show that training high-performing community health workers can help close these gaps and save more than 3 million lives annually. In the past few decades, many community health worker programs across the world have...

See More on edX

18. Mental Health and Nutrition

edX (Global)

Whether you are a health professional working with people with mental health challenges; someone who struggles daily with low mood, anxiety or stress; someone who supports others who face mental health struggles, or you are simply interested in the fascinating interface between food and brain health, this course is for you! Professor Julia Rucklidge has developed this course based on her world-leading research into the links between nutrition and mental well-being. The course will cover...

See More on edX

19. Able-Minded - Mental Health and People with Intellectual Disability

edX (Global)

This health course will focus on the mental health issues of people with intellectual disability. You will learn about the complexities of diagnosing mental health issues in people with intellectual disabilities and the types of disorders, assessments, screenings, and treatments used. There will also be a special focus on the legal and ethical complexities in health practice with patients who often require substituted consent. This course is open to anyone, but will be of particular relevance...

See More on edX

20. Applying Health Coaching in Patient Care

edX (Global)

For health practitioners, having knowledge of treatment protocols is not enough. They must be able to inspire behavior change in their patients. In order for the treatment to be effective patients must be empowered to implement therapeutic approaches in their lives. In this course, you will learn about health coaching, which is an effective method for helping patients change their behaviors. Health coaching uses a blend of evidence-based strategies, interventions and communication to actively...

See More on edX