National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
Coordinated through Data Recognition Corporation.
Established in 1981, NCTRC is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to professional excellence for the protection of consumers through the certification of recreational therapists. Professional recognition is granted by NCTRC to individuals who apply and meet established standards for certification including education, experience, and continuing professional development. The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist® (CTRS®) credential is offered to qualified individuals based on these stringent requirements.
The intended use of the NCTRC Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification exam is to ensure that applicants demonstrate the necessary level of competence for entry into the profession as a qualified provider of recreational therapy services.
For more information on the NCTRC exam, visit our website.
Apply for the NCTRC Exam
You will not be able to schedule an exam appointment if you have not applied for professional eligibility with NCTRC. If you have not applied, please visit MY NCTRC LOGIN.
Exam Information
Learn more about eligibility requirements in the NCTRC Certification Standards.
Testing Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and equivalent Canadian provincial acts, NCTRC makes reasonable testing arrangements for candidates with documented professionally diagnosed disabilities. Please visit the NCTRC Testing Accommodations Application for more information.
Scheduling Your Exam
Once your exam registration application has been approved by NCTRC, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule your exam.
If you intend to schedule an appointment in 2024, click the "Sign in" or "Create account" buttons on the right.
About the Exam
The exam time includes all components of the exam, including the introduction, tutorial, and answering and reviewing exam questions.
The NCTRC examination is a 3-hour examination available in English.
Upon completion of the test, you will receive a score report indicating pass or fail.
Exam Delivery Methods
NCTRC currently offers exam delivery through two options:
Rescheduling or Canceling Your Exam
- Exams can be rescheduled or canceled by clicking the "Sign in" or "Create account" buttons on the right. Rescheduling or canceling must be made at least ten days (10 days) before the exam is scheduled to be taken. No refunds will be given when a cancellation occurs less than 48 hours before exam day. Review full scheduling policies in the NCTRC Certification Standards.