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