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Best therapist certifications
Therapist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an therapist to employers. However, not all therapist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a therapist are Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW), Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
Below is a list of the best therapist certifications. Obtaining an therapist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for therapists
20 best therapist certifications
1. 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.
- 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
2. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst is an independent practitioner who also may work as an employee or independent contractor for an organization. The BCBA conducts descriptive and systematic (e.g., analogue) behavioral assessments, including functional analyses, and provides behavior analytic interpretations of the results. The BCBA designs and supervises behavior analytic interventions. The BCBA is able to effectively develop and implement appropriate assessment and intervention methods for use in unfamiliar situations and for a range of cases.
- 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)
3. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Is a not-for-profit credentialing agency that provides certification for the occupational therapy profession. NBCOT® serves the public interest by developing, administering and continually reviewing a certification process that reflects current standards of competent practice in occupational therapy. We also work with state regulatory authorities, providing information on credentials, disciplinary actions, and regulatory and certification renewal issues.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
4. Master Therapist (MTAPA)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
5. Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
The Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination objectively measures essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required of respiratory therapists at entry into practice. Passing the TMC Examination and wearing the CRT badge of distinction signals to employers, colleagues and patients that you are committed to excellence in respiratory care. Additionally, all 49 states that regulate the practice of respiratory care use the CRT or RRT credential as the basis for state licensure.
- 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)
6. Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS)
The Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS) works with individuals, groups and families providing case management, conflict mediation and resolution, crisis intervention, group work, community organizing, advocacy, consultation, effective educational stratifies, and documentation. They utilize theories of human behavior and development, and methods of social work practice to support students within public and private school settings. C-SSWS have core knowledge and skills in the areas of: social work ethics; program development and management skills; social work modalities and procedures; characteristics of student populations; multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary activities; and public education and federal and state laws
- 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)
7. Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
The CCMHC was launched originally in 1979 by the National Academy for Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors. In 1993, the Academy and NBCC reached an agreement for NBCC to take over administration and testing for the CCMHC certification. Over 1100 NCCs currently hold the CCMHC certification.
- 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 5 year(s)
8. Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP)
IPMA-HR strives to encourage excellence in public sector human resources, promote continuous learning and develop the next generation of leaders. To that end, IPMA-HR offers two internationally recognized certification programs to the public HR community: the IPMA-CP and the IPMA-CS.
- 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 3 year(s)
9. Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS)
The ACS credential attests to the educational background, knowledge, skills, and competencies of the approved mental health clinical supervisor.
- 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? Every 5 year(s)
10. Certified Case Manager (ACM)
Management. The purpose of the ACMA Certification process is to promote professional practice standards for hospital/health system case managers. The case manager credential will indicate successful completion of the certification examination in hospital and health system case management.
- 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 4 year(s)
11. 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.
- 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)
12. Radiation Therapy
The purpose of the ARRT Examination in Radiation Therapy is to assess the knowledge and cognitive skills underlying the intelligent performance of the tasks typically required of the staff technologist at entry into the profession. To identify the knowledge and skills covered by the examination, the ARRT periodically conducts practice analysis studies involving a nationwide sample of staff technologists.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
13. Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC)
The credential Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC) is granted by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) to identify music therapists who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to practice music therapy at the current level of the profession. The purpose of board certification in music therapy is to provide an objective national standard that can be used as a measure of professionalism by interested agencies, groups, and individuals.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
14. Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC)
This certification is designed for individuals in the benefits, human resources and/or finance departments of government agencies (federal, state, municipal) and private corporations whose responsibilities include advising employees concerning their retirement planning. Financial services professionals and employees of retirement plan sponsors and service providers who assist the American worker in making retirement planning decisions will also benefit from this certification.
- 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)
15. Art Therapy Certified Supervisor (ATCS)
The Art Therapy Certified Supervisor (ATCS) is a newly available credential offered to qualified Board Certified Art Therapists (ATR-BCs) who are interested in demonstrating substantial supervision qualifications. This credential informs employers, prospective employers, supervisees, and prospective supervisees, that the individual providing art therapy supervision has met specific criteria for competency in the theories and practices of art therapy supervision.
- 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 5 year(s)
16. Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP)
A Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) is a clinical mental health professional who meets internationally accepted criteria of education, training and experience in group psychotherapy. A CGP is an ethical practitioner who is an expert in group psychotherapy and is committed to group psychotherapy as an autonomous treatment modality. The International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists offers this certification in group therapy for practicing clinicians.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
17. Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW)
The Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) represents the highest level of expertise and excellence for clinical social workers. DCSW credentialed social workers are leaders in the area of clinical social work and hold employment positions in a range of practice settings. Globally recognized and demanded, the DCSW demonstrates that you have exceptional experience, education, competency and dedication to the social work profession.
- 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)
18. The Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)
The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) is an examination managed by NBCC. The examination consists of 10 simulated clinical mental health counseling cases that are designed to sample a broad area of competencies, not merely the recall of isolated facts. The cases assess clinical problem-solving ability, including identifying, analyzing, diagnosing and treating clinical issues
- 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 5 year(s)
19. Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC)
- 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 5 year(s)
20. Medical Massage Therapy Certification
This entry level exam is designed for massage therapists who have completed 600 hours of supervised instruction, or comparable state regulated requirement, and is intended to insure that the practitioner has the knowledge to enter the work place and handle basic procedures in a clinical setting.
- 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)
What is the best certification for a therapist?
The best therapist certification is Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW). The Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW) is awarded by the American College of Forensic Examiners. This certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this therapist certification:
- To become a certified Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires 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 therapists?
The most in-demand therapist certification is Board Certified Behavior Analyst based on all active job postings. Having this therapist certification will give you access to more therapist jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a therapist career and salary?
The Certification in Forensic Social Work certification will help you to secure a social worker position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A social worker's average salary is $51,178 whereas therapists make an average salary of $55,943.
The most common combination of therapist certifications include: Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW), Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).
Online courses for therapists to earn certifications
1. Operations and Patient Safety for Healthcare IT Staff
Now that you've been introduced to the world of Health IT and the important role played by electronic health records (EHRs), we'll focus on other technologies that play a role in maintaining ongoing operations in healthcare. Telemedicine, patient portals, barcode scanners, printers, and medical devices are just some of the technologies that impact providers and patients. As an IT support specialist, you’ll be asked to troubleshoot issues with a wide variety of tools. You'll see a scenario with...
2. Addiction Treatment: Clinical Skills for Healthcare Providers
This course is designed with a singular goal: to improve the care you provide to your patients with substance use disorders. By delving into a model case performed by actors, seven Yale instructors from various fields provide techniques to screen your patients for substance use disorder risk, diagnose patients to gauge the severity of their use, directly manage treatment plans, refer out to treatment services, and navigate the various conditions that may limit your patient’s access to treatment...
3. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The Complete Course
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...
4. [Accredited] Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Counselor
Learn DBT in depth, start conducting sessions with ready to use templates, and set up counseling practice within weeks!...
5. Advanced Training for Trauma Treatment of Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD...
6. CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Therapists & Coaches
Comprehensive CBT Therapy Training Cognitive Behavior Therapy Practitioner Level Treat Anxiety, Depression & More...
7. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) - ACCREDITED CERTIFICATE
Counselling and psychology approaches, theoretical knowledge and practice for counsellors to be, work from home / online...
8. Addiction & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis) Integrative 12hrs
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions: Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health - Integrative Holistic Approach...
9. The Complete EMDR Therapy Course - Accredited Certification
International EMDR Training for Self-Healing, Trauma Therapy, Childhood Healing, PTSD, Grief, and Counseling...
10. Crisis Intervention Seminar
The emphasis is on the development of fundamental clinical skills in the area of crisis intervention...
11. Introduction to Solution Focused Therapy
Learn Solution Focused Therapy To Empower Clients & Improve Outcomes Ideal For Social Workers, Coaches & Therapists...
12. The Comprehensive PTSD Course
**The Only Dedicated & Comprehensive PTSD Course On The (UDEMY) Platform! – Everything You Need To Know About PTSD**...
13. Managing mental health issues in the workplace
Learn how to support your own mental health and wellbeing and that of your staff...
14. Treating PTSD, Trauma & Phobias With The Rewind Technique
Learn to treat phobias, PTSD & trauma underlying many problems (depression, anxiety, addictions) often in one session...
15. Metacognitive Therapy
Learn MCT, a cognitive psychotherapy based on CBT, that helps clients tackle the root of their anxiety and depression...
16. Introduction to CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Online Counselling & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Training Course...
17. EMDR Therapy and PTSD
An Introduction to Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the Neuropsychology of PTSD...
18. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Certificate
Become a certified CBT practitioner and learn to use cognitive behavior therapy to improve people's mental health...
19. Addiction & Mental Health - Chemically Speaking Two (2hrs)
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions - Understand Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health. How to help people...
20. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Certificate
Become a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) practitioner and help people improve their mental health...