Certification
Certified Leisure Professional (CLP)
Certified Therapeutic
Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
Certified Leisure Professional (CLP)
What is Certification?
Certification is the term applied to the process whereby an individual voluntarily submits his/her credentials for review based upon clearly identified competencies, criteria or standards. The primary purpose of certification is to ensure that personnel employed in recreation, park resources and leisure services meet high standards of performance.
The National Recreation and Park Association
instituted a National Certification Plan in 1981. The purpose of this plan
is: to establish national standards for certification in the recreation,
park resources and leisure service profession; to provide recognition of
individuals who have qualified; to afford a guarantee to employers that
certified
personnel have attained stated education
and experience qualifications.
Why Become Certified?
Attainment of certification assures employers that certified personnel meet prescribed education, experience and continuing education requirements and have shown dedication to their chosen profession through voluntary certification. Increasingly, employers are listing certification as a desirable element of employment.
On a larger scale, the certification of practitioners raises the quality of service nationwide and aids in public recognition of the profession.
What is the National Certification Examination?
The examination is one of the principal requirements for certification as a "Certified Leisure Professional". It is designed to assess the core knowledge of job-related tasks common to entry level professionals. The examination is administered under the auspices of the NRPA National Certification Board each year.
How is Certification Maintained?
Certification is a continuous process designed to keep the individual current with new developments, techniques and standards of practice in the field. To this end, it is necessary to earn two (2.0) approved Continuing Education Units (CEU's) or equivalent academic credit in lieu of CEU's during each 24 month certification period.
How Can I Get More Information?
The National Certification program is administered
by 43 approved State Certification Board and the Direct National Certification
Program (DNC). Only individuals who reside in states without and NRPA certification
plan or those employed by the military or federal
government may apply to the DNC.
What are the Types of Certification?
There are current three categories of certification:
Certified Leisure
Professional (CLP)
Provisional Professional
Certified Leisure
Associate (CLA)
Each Category has different education and experience requirements, making certification an attainable goal for people in the recreation, park resources and leisure services field.
How do I Become Certified?
The necessary applications and instructions will be mailed including: certification applications and guidelines and examination applications for those seeking Certified Leisure Professional (CLP) certification. Complete and return the applications which include a summary for education and experience, your school transcripts and fee(s) to OPRA's office.
Applications will be reviewed by the Ohio
Certification Board. The Applicant will receive notification of approval
or disapproval. Provisional Professional and Associate applicants will
receive written notification and certificates upon Board approval. Those
applying for CLP status will be notified of approval or disapproval to
sit for the
exam.
CLP applicants will be informed of their status upon completion of the CLP examination. Successful applicants at all three levels are awarded certification.
Certification Requirements:
Certified Leisure Professional:
- A bachelor's or higher degree in recreation,
park resources or leisure services from an NRPA/AALR accredited program
and no less than two years full-time, current experience, and pass the
CLP exam; or
A bachelor's or higher degree in recreation, park resources or leisure services from a regionally accredited education institution and no less than five years full-time, current experience (following the degree) and pass the CLP exam; or
A bachelor's or higher degree in any major from a regionally accredited educational institution, current full-time employment and no less than ten years full-time recreation, park resources or leisure services experience (following the degree) and pass the CLP exam.
In order to continue your certification
you are required to complete two (2.0) CEU credits or equivalent academic
work (not taken towards a degree) every two-year period from the date of
your initial certification.
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
A Recreational Therapist, is a qualified individual who, at minimum, is a graduate of a baccalaureate degree program in recreational therapy accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation body; is currently a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC); meets any current legal requirement of licensure, registration, or certification; or has the documented equivalent in education, training and experience and is currently competent in the field.
The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) was founded as a non-profit organization in 1981. As of this year, it has over 16,000 actively Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) professionals. NCTRC is the national credentialing organization for therapeutic recreation and recreation therapy.
NCTRC establishes evaluative standards for the certification and recertification of professionals; grants certification to individuals who voluntarily apply and meet established criteria, and monitors adherence to these standards by certified therapeutic recreation professionals.
Therapeutic Recreation majors must first meet minimum educational and experiential requirements and then pass a written examination. The examination is administered by an independent, experienced, national testing organization. CTRSs are also required to become recertified after five years. CTRSs may become recertified by accumulating a combination of work experience, continuing education, and/or retesting.
Why Become Certified As A CTRS?
To demonstrate to the public (employers and consumers) that the individual has the knowledge, skills and abilities to provide therapeutic recreation and recreation therapy services. Only those individuals who meet and maintain adherence to NCTRC certification program standards are allowed to use the title Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and the designation "CTRS".
Professional Certification is a tool that each individual can use how he or she feel appropriate. Certification can be used in different situations for various reasons. If you want to know what is going on in the field of recreation and leisure (and staying up-to-date) with the latest trends in recreation, leisure, management, marketing, and a host of other topics, certification is for you.
Why the CTRS is Important?
The CTRS has been developed and accredited by nationally accepted standards for certifying agencies. The CTRS is a valid and reliable credential because:
- NCTRC certification standards are based on the knowledge and skill necessary for competent practice in the delivery of recreational therapy services as verified by national research on the Job Analysis.
- Every CTRS has passed a national certification exam which is valid and reliable.
- Every CTRS completes recertification designed to measure continued competence to hold the credential.
- Every CTRS complies with NCTRC disciplinary code to retain the credential National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification which has been the main focal point for addressing the certification needs of the profession of recreational therapy.
NCTRC standards include education, experience, continuing professional development, and adherence to principles of appropriate professional conduct. To assure that NCTRC meets its mission of protecting the consumer, each CTRS has met and continues to maintain minimum competence for recreational therapy practice. The CTRS credential is the designation used to inform the public and consumer of health care services of the existence of this competence in recreational therapy.
How do I become Certified?
Call the IPRA office for a Professional Certification Plan and Application or write to IPRCB, 1N141 County Farm Road, Suite 100, Winfield, IL 60190.