Art Therapy Exam for Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) Latest Update

Art Therapy Exam for Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) Latest Update

The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) has announced significant updates to the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination (ATCBE) and related credentialing processes, effective January 1, 2025. These changes aim to align the examination and certification standards with the evolving practices in the field of art therapy.

Updated Examination Content Outline

Starting January 1, 2025, the ATCBE will implement a revised content outline. This update stems from a comprehensive job analysis conducted in 2022, which included input from over 1,000 licensed art therapists. The analysis identified key areas pertinent to current art therapy practice, encompassing essential work behaviors, tasks, client demographics, utilized media and materials, diagnostic categories, ethical considerations, and work settings. The updated examination will consist of 175 questions to be completed within 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Standard-Setting Process and Examination Scheduling

To maintain the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accreditation and ensure the examination's psychometric validity, the ATCB will conduct a standard-setting process in February 2025. As a result, examinations will be temporarily unavailable from the third week of February 2025 until the second week of March 2025. Candidates planning to take the ATCBE during this period should adjust their schedules accordingly.

Invitation for Complimentary Examination Participation

In preparation for the standard-setting process, the ATCB invites 100 individuals to take the ATCBE at no cost in January 2025. Participants in this initiative will assist in establishing the examination's cut score. Interested candidates are encouraged to complete the form provided by the ATCB to express their interest.

Board Certification and Recertification Updates

The ATCB has updated the recertification standards to align with the new ATCBE content outline effective January 1, 2025. The revised continuing education requirements for Board-Certified Art Therapists (ATR-BC) include:

• Fifty (50) continuing education credits specific to art therapy.
• Six (6) continuing education credits in ethics.
• Six (6) continuing education credits in supervision.

A one-year transition period will be provided for implementing these updated recertification guidelines. The new continuing education requirements will become mandatory for all ATR-BCs with certification periods ending on or after June 30, 2026. The detailed 2025 recertification standards will be released in the coming weeks.

Authorized Art Therapy Continuing Education (AATCE) Provider Program

To support the updated continuing education requirements, the ATCB will officially sanction AATCE providers to offer learning events to ATR-BCs. This initiative underscores the ATCB's commitment to excellence, as evidenced by the mandate that 50 of the 100 required continuing education credits for board certification renewal be specific to art therapy. Providers authorized by the ATCB to offer AATCE courses can issue Continuing Art Therapy Education (CATE) credits to ATR-BC holders for recertification. Further information about the AATCE program will be shared in the coming weeks.

Application Submission Process

As of 2021, the ATCB has transitioned to digital applications. Emailed application materials are no longer accepted. Transcripts must be dispatched using the digital platforms adopted by higher education institutions. This shift aims to enhance data security and protect applicant and credential holder information. Applicants are advised to consult the ATCB website to understand the application submission procedures thoroughly, as adherence to these requirements will prevent delays in application review.

Organizational Restructuring and Contact Information

In 2023, the ATCB transitioned from employing a management company for its operations to self-management. The Board of Directors and various special committees are diligently constructing new headquarters and refining operations. As part of this restructuring, the ATCB has moved to a new address:

Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. 2941 Battleground Ave PO Box 38726 Greensboro, NC 27438

To best serve stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality and documentation, the ATCB utilizes Zoom and Teams for all inquiries requiring hands-on assistance. For specific inquiries, please use the following email addresses:

• Appeal submissions: [email protected]
• Provisional application inquiries: [email protected]
• Registration application inquiries: [email protected]
• Certification inquiries: [email protected]
• Board inquiries: [email protected]
• Ethics inquiries: [email protected]
• Examination inquiries: [email protected]

All emails are answered in the order received, with responses provided within five business days.

Conclusion

The forthcoming changes by the ATCB reflect a commitment to maintaining high standards in the field of art therapy. By updating the examination content, recertification requirements, and continuing education provider programs, the ATCB ensures that credentialed art therapists are well-equipped to meet contemporary professional demands. Staying informed about these updates is crucial for current and prospective art therapy professionals to navigate the evolving landscape of credentialing and certification successfully.