NCTRC Certification:
Equivalency Path A and B
Susan Kaufer, CTRS Credentialing Specialist, NCTRC
Objectives Describe the NCTRC Certification Standards
for Equivalency Path A and B
Describe the application process for Professional Eligibility
Demonstrate awareness of the NCTRC Exam
NCTRC’s Mission “To protect the consumer of
Therapeutic Recreation Services by promoting the provision of quality services offered by NCTRC certificants”
What is Credentialing? Credentialing: the process by which an
agency grants recognition of compliance to recognized standards to individuals who have met stated qualifications
Credentialing programs develop when there is a need to define entry standards and assure compliance with these standards to protect the public, assist employers, and increase the credibility of the discipline
A Model for Credentialing
Introduction to NCTRC Initial TR Registration/Certification Program
established by NTRS/NRPA in 1970s NCTRC incorporated in 1981 as an independent
nonprofit organization Internationally recognized credentialing body for
therapeutic recreation Accredited in 1993 by National Commission for
Certifying Agencies (NCCA) 15,000 member CTRS Registry
CTRS: Protection of the Public
CTRS is recognized as the benchmark of safety Rigorous standards ensure qualified practitioners Provides on-line verification services of all active CTRSs NCTRC has an effective peer disciplinary process NCTRC serves as national clearing house for all
disciplinary cases NCTRC is accredited by the National Commission for
Certifying Agencies (NCCA)
CTRS: Ensures Quality Service
Extensive knowledge and skill based training Systematic and team-oriented approach to practice Multi-functional and diversified skill base Group oriented processes to enhance cost
effectiveness Trained in core therapy skills (A-P-I-E-D) Outcome-based practice
NCTRC Certification Services
Entry Level Professional Eligibility Testing Renewal, Recertification and Reentry Discipline Employer Verification Advocacy
Professional Eligibility
In order to become a CTRS, you must first be awarded professional eligibility and pass the NCTRC Exam.
Professional Eligibility
Awarded to those individuals who meet the Certification Standards
Awarded for a five-year period Each year an annual fee of $80 is
required to maintain professional eligibility
This process will allow for early confirmation of coursework to individuals who are not certain if previously completed coursework will count towards NCTRC eligibility requirements.
Pre-Application Coursework Review
Professional Eligibility
Academic Path Academic Path Prior to Degree
Equivalency Path A
Equivalency Path B
Content Coursework: TR/General Recreation
A minimum of 18 semester or 24 quarter hrs of therapeutic recreation and general recreation content coursework with no less than a minimum of 15 semester or 20 quarter hrs in TR/RT content
A minimum of 5 courses in therapeutic recreation is required
Each course must be a minimum of 3 hrs
Supportive Coursework Equivalency Path B
Must include a total of 18 semester or 24 quarter hrs with a minimum of: 3 hrs in anatomy and physiology 3 hrs in abnormal psychology 3 hrs in human growth and development
across the lifespan The remaining hours must be in social
sciences and humanities
Supportive Coursework Equivalency Path A
Supportive courses include a min. of 24 sem. hrs./32 qtr. hrs. in the content areas of social sciences and humanities
Equivalency Path A 18 sem./24 qtr. hrs. of TR/general recreation content
coursework with a minimum of 15 sem./20 qtr. hrs. in TR/RT content. Each course must be a min. of 3 hrs.
2 of the TR courses may be taught by applicant as FT educator Supportive courses include a min. of 24 sem. hrs./32
qtr. hrs. in the content areas of social sciences and humanities
Minimum 5 yrs. of FT, paid experience in TR services that uses the TR process as defined by the current NCTRC Job Analysis Study. 3 years of FT, paid experience in TR services that uses the TR process as defined by the current NCTRC Job Analysis Study IF you possess a grad degree or higher in TR
Equivalency Path B 18 sem./24 qtr. hrs. of TR/general recreation content
coursework with a minimum of 15 sem./20 qtr. hrs. in TR/RT content. Each course must be a min. of 3 hrs.
2 of the TR courses may be taught by applicant as FT educator Supportive coursework must include a total of 18 sem./ 24
qtr. hrs. including: 3 hrs. in anatomy and physiology 3 hrs. in abnormal psychology 3 hrs. in lifespan development
The remaining hours must be in social sciences and humanities
Minimum 1 yr. FT, paid experience in TR services that uses the TR process as defined by the current NCTRC Job Analysis Study; under the supervision of a CTRS
Equivalency Path B – Work Experience
Work experience in TR must occur in the past 5 years Credit will not be given for administrative or consultant
work, which does not include direct client services One-year FT experience defined as a minimum of 1500
hours worked (excludes scheduled and unscheduled leave time) within a minimum of a full calendar year (52 weeks). The 1500 hour number is determined from calculating full-time as a minimum of 32 hours per week over 46 weeks. 46 weeks is determined by subtracting potential vacation, holiday and leave time from 52 weeks in a year
Equivalency Path B – Work Experience
Min. 32 hours per week will be considered FT status. PT employment of no less than 20 hours per week will be pro-rated to full-time equivalent up to the minimum of 1500 hours of employment
Supervisor must hold an active CTRS credential throughout the period of supervision
Supervisor may be either - employed on-site with direct supervisory responsibility or a preceptor or consultant to the agency and applicant
Equivalency Path B – Work Experience
The preceptor/consultant must provide on-site supervision of the applicant for a minimum of one hour for every 10 hours of the applicant’s employment for a minimum of 150 hours within the calendar year of supervision
Supervision must include direct observation of practice as well as supervisory meetings
Job Analysis
“…delineates the important tasks and knowledge deemed necessary
for competent practice.” (ICE)
Job Tasks of the CTRS Professional Relationships and Responsibilities Assessment Plan Interventions and/or Programs Implement Interventions and/or Programs Evaluate Outcomes of the Interventions and/or
Programs Document Intervention Services Treatment Teams and/or Service Providers Develop and Maintain Programs Manage TR/RT Services Awareness and Advocacy
Work Experience & Job Analysis
An acceptable experience must be based on the TR process as defined by the knowledge and skills of the current NCTRC Job Analysis Study
The applicant should demonstrate exposure to ALL of the Job Task Areas of the NCTRC Job Analysis Study
The applicant should demonstrate exposure to opportunities to develop skills for competency in the TR process
Application Deadlines
January exam September 16 – November 15 March exam November 16 – January 15 May exam January 16 – March 15 July exam March 16 – May 15 September exam May 16 – July 15 November exam July 16 – September 15
Online Application Go to www.NCTRC.org Click on “MY NCTRC LOGIN” Click on “Sign Up” and enter your First and
Last Name If you are a previous certificant, your name
will appear and you can reset your password
If you are a new applicant, continue to “Create a new NCTRC Profile” and fill out the required information
Online Application Select Professional Eligibility
Application and fill out each page with accurate information
After you submit both your payment information and the application, make sure you mail an original, official transcript to NCTRC
If you checked Yes for special accommodations for the exam, make sure you mail the required documentation
An Acceptable Application (online AND hard copy)
Pages 1-5 of the Professional Eligibility Application
Internship Verification Forms or Employment Info. Release
Official, original transcripts from all colleges A check, money order or credit card for the
Application review fee and exam fee, total $400 (or $425 prior to degree)
The Review Process
Requires 6-8 weeks to review your application
You will receive results via written notification
If eligible and submitted exam registration, you will receive an authorization to test (ATT) letter 30 days prior to the exam
Common Errors Not reading the Certification Standards Not understanding the Job Analysis Task Areas and
the TR process Eligibility questions left unanswered Declaration on P.5 not signed or notarized All official transcripts not received DEGREE NOT POSTED on the transcript Total fees not received Internship P.3 MUST be filled out and submitted with
specific dates Coursework not easily identified
Misrepresentation
Cannot indicate you are professionally eligible (PE) until official notice from NCTRC
Cannot use the title CTRS until you receive official notice from NCTRC
Preparing for the Exam
Your education is your most important preparation Review the Exam Content Outline Review NCTRC Exam Reference List Simulation Exam
Exam Content Outline May 2015
Content Areas Percent of Exam
No. of Test Items (per
testlet) Foundational Knowledge 33.3% 5
Practice of TR/RT 46.7% 7
Organization of TR/RT 13.3% 2
Advancement of the Profession
6.7% 1
Total 100% 15
Exam Content Outline July 2015
Content Areas No. Items per Testlet
Percent of Exam
Foundational Knowledge 3 20% Assessment 3 19%
Documentation 3 18%
Implementation 4 26%
Administration of TR/RT Service
1 10%
Advancement of the Profession
1 7%
Total 15 100%
Once You Are a CTRS Certification is a sign of your
competence and commitment Get involved in your profession Be driven to continuous learning
and improvement of your skills Be PROUD of your credential!
Continued Professional Competence
Practice Continuing Education Retesting Recertification Re-entry
Thank You!
NCTRC 7 Elmwood Drive
New City, NY 10956 Phone: (845) 639-1439
Fax: (845) 639-1471 www.NCTRC.org