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. Exam dates for the NCTRC Certification Exam are determined annually.

Exam Delivery Windows:

2024: January 8, 2024 through November 30, 2024.

2025: January 6, 2025 through November 30, 2025.

Blackout Dates:

Dec 1, 2024 through January 5, 2025. During this time, candidates may submit an exam registration application and fee(s), and once approved will be able to schedule an appointment to take the NCTRC Certification Exam on/after January 6, 2025.

If you intend to schedule an appointment , click the "Log in" or "Create an account" buttons at the top.

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, French-Canadian, and Spanish-Modern (Spanish for Latin Americas).

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:

• Test Center based delivery through Pearson VUE’s worldwide network of testing centers.
• OnVUE Online Proctoring where a candidate may schedule the test for a set date and time, then launches the test via computer from a secure location worldwide, that will be required to meet specific criteria. Read more about OnVUE Online Proctoring to learn about the process.

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.