Credentialing & Licensure
Art Therapy Credentials
“In addition to rigorous academic and clinical training art therapists pursue further credentialing, administered on the national level by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB).
The Art Therapy Credentials Board, in alignment with the American Art Therapy Association, manages the credentialing and testing processes of art therapists to ensure the professional and high-caliber practice of the profession. Their mission is to ‘protect the public by promoting the competent and ethical practice of art therapy through the credentialing of art therapy professionals’ (ATCB, 2017).
The ATCB is an independent organization from the American Art Therapy Association and the Educational Programs Approval Board”. - American Art Therapy Association
The ATCB administers the following credentials at the national level:
Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-Provisional)
Individuals who have completed their degree (or education requirements for the ATR-Provisional) and are engaged in a supervisory relationship with a qualified supervisor(s). The ATR-Provisional is not a required credential to apply for the ATR.More information on the ATR-Provisional credential can be found here
Registered Art Therapist (ATR)
Individuals who meet established standards, with successful completion of advanced specific graduate-level education in art therapy and supervised, post-graduate art therapy experience
Board Certification (ATR-BC)
Individuals who complete the highest-level art therapy credential by passing a national examination, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of the theories and clinical skills used in art therapy.
Art Therapy Certified Supervisor (ATCS)
Experienced Board Certified Art Therapists who provide clinical supervision and have acquired specific training and skills in clinical supervision.