Certifications

For a complete listing and description of all CBT certification programs offered by the NACBT, please visit: http://nacbt.americommerce.com/store/c/4-Home-Study-Trainings-for-Professionals.aspx

The National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists provides four main certifications — the Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist (CCBT), the Diplomate in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (DCBT), the Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapist (CBGT) and the Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Group Facilitator (CBGF). 

The criteria established for each credential represents the NACBT’s commitment to insuring that only qualified professionals distinguish themselves as competent cognitive-behavioral therapists.

(1) Diplomate in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (<—- Click Here for an Application)
The  DCBT is the highest credential awarded by the NACBT.

Requirements For NACBT Diplomate Status

  1. Masters or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, social work, psychiatry, occupational therapy, or related field from a regionally accredited university.
  2. Ten years of post-graduate experience at providing cognitive-behavioral therapy.  This experience must be verified by a supervisor or supervisors.
  3. Three letters of recommendation from mental health professionals who are familiar with the applicant’s cognitive-behavioral skills.
  4. Successful completion of a certification program (all levels) in cognitive-behavioral therapy that is recognized by the NACBT, such as Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Rational Behavior Therapy, Rational Living Therapy, or Cognitive Therapy.  

Maintenance Of Diplomate Status

  1. Certification is effective for five (5) years. To re-certify, a member must submit at the end of the five years proof of continuing education received during the five-year certification period. The total number of contact hours for the five years is twenty-five (25). If a member fails to meet the continuing education requirements at the end of the five-year certification period, he or she may take the certification examination to re-certify.
  2. Diplomates must publish one article every year that is closely related to CBT.  This can include submitting an article for publication in the NACBT’s monthly newsletter, Rational News.
  3. Diplomates must serve as an Associate on the NACBT Advisory Board and must exercise their voting privilege with the board. Those possessing the Diplomate in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy credential may elect to include themselves (at no additional cost) in the NACBT’s Referral Database.  

(2) Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist (<—- Click Here for an Application)

To apply for the CCBT Online, Click Here —————> CCBT Online Application

The Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist (CCBT) Credential Requirements

Mental health professionals, regardless of specialization, who professionally qualify are permitted to apply for the credential of “Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist .” The following criteria are required for certification:

  1. Masters or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, social work, psychiatry, occupational therapy, or related field from a regionally accredited university.
  2. Six years of post-graduate experience at providing cognitive-behavioral therapy.  This experience must be verified by a supervisor or supervisors.
  3. Three letters of recommendation from mental health professionals who are familiar with the applicant’s cognitive-behavioral skills.
  4. Successful completion of a primary or introductory certification program in cognitive-behavioral therapy that is recognized by the NACBT, such as the Primary Certificate Program in REBT, the Level-One Certification in Rational Behavior Therapy program, or Level-One Certification in Rational Living Therapy.  

CCBT Re-Certification

Certification is effective for five (5) years. To re-certify, a member must submit at the end of the five years proof of continuing education received during the five-year certification period. The total number of contact hours for the five years is twenty-five (25). If a member fails to meet the continuing education requirements at the end of the five-year certification period, he or she may take the certification examination to re-certify.

An updated diploma will be forwarded yearly upon the NACBT’s receiving the annual re-certification fee.

The Association provides several avenues to obtain continuing education, including seminars throughout the USA and audio recorded lectures.

Those possessing the Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy credential may elect to include themselves (at no additional cost) in the NACBT’s Referral Database. 

We also offer individual self-study certification programs, such as:

(1) Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapist (CBGT).  For more information, please click here (opens new window).  Requirements: Successful completion of the home study program and Masters Degree or higher in a mental health profession.

(2) Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Group Facilitator (CBGF).  For more information, please click here (opens new window).  Requirements: Successful completion of the home study program and high school diploma or equivalent.

(3) Certified Trauma Specialist.  For more information, please click here (opens new window).  Requirements: Successful completion of the home study program and Masters Degree or higher in a mental health profession.

(4) Certified Life Coach.  For more information, please click here (opens new window).  Requirements: Successful completion of the home study program and high school diploma or equivalent.