Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Credential: Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Credentialing Agency: National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc.
Renewal Period: 5 years
The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc., Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential is designed to recognize qualified professionals in the field of recreational therapy. Recreational therapy utilizes activity-based interventions to address the needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions to aid in recovery and improve overall well-being. Recreational therapy is a process designed to aid clients in their functioning so they may more fully participate in life. Certification of a recreational therapist quickly communicates to employers and clients that the therapist has achieved certain standards of professionalism, education, and experience. To obtain a CTRS certification, candidates must meet eligibility requirements and pass an exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
The following DOD Civilian Occupations provide training and/or experience that contributes to attaining this credential:
The following Federal Occupations provide training and/or experience that contribute to attaining this credential:
| Federal Occupation | Related As | |
|---|---|---|
| 0101 Social Science Series |  Some |
|
| 0188 Recreation Specialist Series |  Most |
|
| 0631 Occupational Therapist Series | Some |
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 560 hours
- Education: Bachelors
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 5 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, Inc.
7 Elmwood Drive
New City, NY 10956
Phone: (845) 639-1439
Fax: (845) 639-1471
Email: nctrc@nctrc.org
Education and/or Experience REQUIREMENTS
There are multiple paths towards eligibility for the CTRS exam. All paths require a minimum of a bachelor's degree to qualify.
Pathway 1:
Academic Path
Applicants may apply for professional eligibility review after completion of the following conditions:
1. Enrollment in a degree program pertaining to Therapeutic Recreation/Recreation Therapy as defined by the current NCTRC standards.
2. Completion of a minimum of 90 credit hours toward degree attainment.
3. Completion of all required coursework other than the internship requirement, as defined by the current NCTRC standards.
4. Submission of an official academic transcript denoting the completion of the above requirements.
Equivalency Path A
The eligibility requirements to take the CTRS exam are a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited college or university verified by an official transcript and the following:
1. A minimum of 18 semester or 24 quarter hours of therapeutic recreation and general recreation content coursework with no less than a minimum of 15 semester or 20 quarter hours in therapeutic recreation content. A minimum of five (5) courses in therapeutic recreation is required and each course must be a minimum of three (3) credit hours. Two (2) of the required therapeutic recreation courses may be taught by the applicant as a full-time educator.
2. Supportive courses to include a minimum of 24 semester hours or 32 quarter hours in the content areas of social sciences and humanities.
3. A minimum of five (5) years of full-time paid work experience in therapeutic recreation services that uses the therapeutic recreation process as defined by the current NCTRC Job Analysis. Applicants who possess a graduate degree in therapeutic recreation need a minimum of three (3) years of full-time paid work experience in therapeutic recreation
Equivalency Path B
The eligibility requirements to take the CTRS exam are a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited college or university verified by an official transcript and the following:
1. A minimum of 18 semester or 24 quarter hours of therapeutic recreation and general recreation content coursework with no less than a minimum of 15 semester or 20 quarter hours in therapeutic recreation content. A minimum of five (5) courses in therapeutic recreation is required and each course must be a minimum of three (3) credit hours. Two (2) of the required therapeutic recreation courses may be taught by the applicant as a full-time educator.
2. Supportive courses to include a minimum of 24 semester hours or 32 quarter hours in the content areas of social sciences and humanities.
3. A minimum of five (5) years of full-time paid work experience in therapeutic recreation services that uses the therapeutic recreation process as defined by the current NCTRC Job Analysis. Applicants who possess a graduate degree in therapeutic recreation need a minimum of three (3) years of full-time paid work experience in therapeutic recreation
For more information on the internship or work requirements, refer to the NCTRC Certification Standards: Information for New Applicants.
Written Exam
-
Foundational Knowledge (20%)
- Theories and Concepts
- Practice Guidelines
- Diagnostic Groupings
-
Assessment Process (19%)
- Selection and Implementation of Assessment
- Assessment Domains
-
Documentation (18%)
- Interpretation and documentation of assessment results
- Individualized intervention plan
- Writing measurable goals and behavioral objectives
- Progress/functional status
- Modification of intervention plan
- Discharge/transition plan of person(s) served
- Required facility documentation
-
Implementation (26%)
- Selection of programs, activities and interventions to achieve the assessed needs of the person(s) served
- Purpose and techniques of activity/task analysis
- Activity modifications
- Modalities and/or interventions
- Facilitation approaches
- Intervention techniques
- Risk management and safety concerns
- Role and function of other health and human service professions and of interdisciplinary approaches
-
Administration of TR/RT Service (10%)
- TR/RT service plan of operation
- Procedures for program evaluation and accountability
- Quality improvement guidelines and techniques
- Personnel, intern, and volunteer management
- Payment system
- Facility and equipment management
- Budgeting and fiscal management
-
Advancement of the Profession (7%)
- Professionalism
- Credential maintenance and upgrading professional competencies
- Advocacy for person(s) served
- Legislation and regulations pertaining to TR/RT
- Public relations, promotion and marketing of the TR/RT profession
- Professional associations and organizations
- Research activities
- Collaboration between higher education and direct service providers
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist examination:
RECERTIFICATION
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Renewal Period: 5 years
OTHER