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Best youth counselor certifications
The best certifications for a youth counselor are First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, Pastoral Counseling Certification, and OSHA Safety Certificate .
Youth counselor certifications demonstrate your competency as a youth counselor to employers. However, not all youth counselor certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best youth counselor certifications. Obtaining a youth counselor certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for youth counselors
| Rank | Youth counselor certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
| 2 | Pastoral Counseling Certification | Mt. Vision In... |
| 3 | OSHA Safety Certificate | Delaware Tech... |
| 4 | Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI) | National Boar... |
| 5 | Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED | American Red ... |
| 6 | Certified Professional Counselor | APA, DAPA |
| 7 | Child Development Associate (CDA) | CECPR |
| 8 | Medication Aide Certification (MACE) | NCSBN |
| 9 | Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor | NAFC |
| 10 | Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP) | IPMA-HR |
| 11 | Forklift Safety and Inspector | CIC |
| 12 | Certification in Forensic Social Work (CFSW) | ACFEI, Cr.FA |
| 13 | National Certified Counselor (NCC) | NBCC |
| 14 | Certified Personal Trainer | CIAR |
| 15 | Residential Child and Youth Care Professional (RCYCP) | NRC |
| 16 | Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) | NCTRC |
| 17 | Programming in C# Certification | MS |
| 18 | Medical G.A.S. Installer (Med) | CSA Group |
| 19 | Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | NBCOT |
| 20 | Microsoft Office Specialist: Expert (Office 365 and Office 2019) | Microsoft |
20 best youth counselor certifications
1. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor
Knowing how to respond to a first aid or CPR emergency is one of the most important skills a person can possess. The Standard First Aid, CPR and AED course meets the OSHA requirements and is your tool for training employees or the general public on the latest skills, techniques and expertise in life-saving procedures. The practice and feedback of using related skills in a realistic situation is integrated into the actual teaching experience.
- 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? No
- Renewal required? No
2. Pastoral Counseling 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? No
3. 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.
- 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
4. 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.
- 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)
5. Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
Participants learn the importance of AEDs, and how to use an AED properly.The professional rescuer courses are designed for people with job-related duties in emergency preparedness and response. This includes nurses, law enforcement and EMS personnel, fire fighters, business and industry response teams, lifeguards, flight attendants, and others who must take action in emergency situations.
- 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 3 year(s)
6. Certified Professional Counselor
You entered this field in order to help people. When was the last time that an organization came along to provide any real help to you? The mission of the American Board of Professional Counselors, ABPC program is to be the nation's leading advocate for counselors. ABPC will champion counselors' right to practice. We will work with you to protect your right to practice, increase parity for your profession, and provide you with the recognition that you so richly deserve.
- 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)
7. Child Development Associate (CDA)
A Child Development Associate (CDA) is able to meet the specific needs of children and work with parents and other adults to nurture children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth in a child development framework.
- 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)
8. 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.
- 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?
9. Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor
- 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)
10. 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)
11. Forklift Safety and Inspector
Most personnel operating and working around forklifts have had little or no quality training. This training program exceeds OSHA's new training requirements.
- 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)
12. 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
13. National Certified Counselor (NCC)
The NCC certification was launched by NBCC in 1983 as a result of the efforts of members of the American Counseling Association (ACA). Since that time, NBCC has become an independent entity and more than 80,000 counselors have become NCCs. The NCC is one of two NBCC certifications that are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
- 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)
14. Certified Personal Trainer
The purpose of The Cooper Institute Personal Trainer (CI-PTr) Certification Examination is to provide assurance of mastery and application of knowledge and skills directly related to the performance of the job entitled `Personal Trainer' through a defensible, reliable, valid and rigorous process. The successful completion of the CI-PTr Certification Examination results in credentialing to ensure certificants' professional knowledge, skills and tools to provide sound fitness and health programming to their clients, provide assurance to clients and employers, protect the public, and advance the profession.
- 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 3 year(s)
15. Residential Child and Youth Care Professional (RCYCP)
A certified staff provides evidence of the value you place on the role of the direct care worker in service delivery. It means your staff will maintain a common knowledge base and residential care philosophy with consistently high values and practices. And certification means recognizable proficiency to placement organizations, licensing and accrediting agencies, funding sources, and the community at large. Certification is essential for the direct care worker's full inclusion in the multi-disciplinary teams that operate in today's residential facilities. It is necessary in their complex work with children, youth, and families.
- 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 1 year(s)
16. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
Established in 1981, the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to professional excellence for the protection of consumers through the certification of recreation therapists. Professional recognition is granted by NCTRC to individuals who apply and meet established standards for certification, including education, experience, and continuing professional development. The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential is offered to qualified individuals based on these stringent requirements. NCTRC supports quality human service and health care standards and maintains recognition by the Joint Commission and the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). NCTRC provides credential verification services to employers and health care agencies. These services are strongly encouraged by NCTRC to monitor personnel adherence to the standards of the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
- 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)
17. Programming in C# Certification
This exam is intended for developers with one or more years of experience programming the essential business/application logic for a variety of application types and hardware/software platforms using C#.
- 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?
18. Medical G.A.S. Installer (Med)
Certifies minimum performance criteria for personnel maintaining medical gas pipeline systems in hospitals and health care facilities.
- 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?
19. 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)
20. Microsoft Office Specialist: Expert (Office 365 and Office 2019)
Demonstrate that you have the advanced skills needed to get the most out of Office by earning a Microsoft Office Specialist: Expert certification in multiple Office programs.
- 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? Every 1 year(s)
What is the best certification for a youth counselor?
The best youth counselor certification is First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor. The First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor is awarded by the National Safety Council.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this youth counselor certification:
- To become a certified First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, 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 youth counselors?
The most in-demand youth counselor certification is Residential Child and Youth Care Professional based on all active job postings. Having this youth counselor certification will give you access to more youth counselor jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a youth counselor career and salary?
The National Certified Counselor certification will help you to secure a counselor internship position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A counselor internship's average salary is $40,392 whereas youth counselors make an average salary of $36,754.
The most common combination of youth counselor certifications include: First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, Pastoral Counseling Certification, and OSHA Safety Certificate .
Online courses for youth counselors to earn certifications
1. [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!...
2. Addiction & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis) Integrative 12hrs
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions: Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health - Integrative Holistic Approach...
3. Crisis Intervention Seminar
The emphasis is on the development of fundamental clinical skills in the area of crisis intervention...
4. Certified Spiritual Counselor & Psychology EmpathACCREDITED
Use a humanistic, soul care approach using strategy, positive psychology, emotional/impulse responses & natural empathy...
5. Addiction & Mental Health - Chemically Speaking Two (2hrs)
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions - Understand Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health. How to help people...
6. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The Complete Course
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...
7. Managing mental health issues in the workplace
Learn how to support your own mental health and wellbeing and that of your staff...
8. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT Life Coaching Certification
CBT: Emotional intelligence transform your life - stop self-sabotage while earning your life coaching credentials...
9. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Life Coach Specialty
CBT Life Coaching: Emotional Intelligence - Tools for Overcoming Negative Emotions like Anxiety, Fear, Undue Stress...
10. CBT Integrative Wellness Life Coach Accredited Certificate
2023 Accredited Life Coaching Practitioner Diploma: Integrative Wellness Approach Using REBT, CBT, and Wellness Techniqe...
11. Mindfulness for Mental Health, Personal Growth & Inner Peace
The essential guide to cultivating positive mental health, practicing mindfulness, and advancing your personal growth...
12. Cognitive Psychology for Positive Mental Health and Wellness
Optimise your mental health and reduce stress by mastering the key concepts of Cognitive Behavioural Psychology (CBP)...
13. Mental Health First Aid Skills -
This course is designed to provide the tools and knowledge for learners to help and support those experiencing MH issues...
14. Mental Health and Wellness Professional (MHW) Diploma Course
Discover a flexible and comprehensive way of understanding mental health as a Certified Mental Health Professional (MHP)...
15. Active Directory & Group Policy Administration for IT Techs
Active Directory & Group Policy Administration Basics for Helpdesk and Desktop / IT Support Technicians...
16. Abnormal Behavior & Clinical Psychology (Certificate)
Guiding students into the field of mental health services for either personal and/or professional development...
17. Mental Health Ambassador Certificate
Be a leader in improving society's mental health and learn to provide mental health first aid...
18. PowerShell for Active Directory Administrators
Use Power Shell to manage Active Directory users, computer, groups, security settings and more on Windows Server...
19. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Associate Life Coach
CBT: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Life Coaching Associate Coach Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Coaching...
20. Active Directory on Windows Server
Learn how to deploy and manage all aspects of Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS and many more technologies...