Becoming a CBT can be a rather challenging task. Many therapists who seek certification are worried about taking the exam and having to take the time to prepare for it. For this reason, there are a few helpful tips that will help you make your application process more manageable.
One tip that can make your application process easier is if you already have experience working in your chosen field. The first step towards becoming a CBT is to choose a specific area of psychology that interests you. This should not be a career where you have always worked, but rather something that you are interested in and have experience working in. Once you have selected a specific area of interest, look for any programs that offer the coursework required to complete your Master’s degree. In most cases, these programs are recognized by most employers and will provide your with the necessary credentials to sit for your certification exam.
After you have worked in a clinical setting for five years, you will have the opportunity to apply to take a specialized Certificate in Counseling Psychology examination. You will need to complete at least one hour of counseling coursework. You must also complete either a clinical internship or a supervised clinical practice for a minimum of five hours before being allowed to take the test. If your school offers this certification program, this will be listed on your records as a graduate degree. If it is not available through your school, you can check with your counselor to find a reputable therapist who is offering the certification program.
Another step that you can take towards becoming a CBT is to get some field work. It is best to find an area of study in which you have experience, whether this is in a clinical setting or in counseling with individuals. Try to choose work that involves people, as it will make your therapist job skills more relevant. Choose a placement that has room for you to put your work in a portfolio. There are also many certificates of competence offered through local agencies that will show you the type of work that you are qualified for.
When you are finished with your work placement, you will be able to sit for your CCBT certification exam. The CCBT certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions and it is worth your time to prepare for this test. You should consider taking a class beforehand so that you have an idea of the questions you will be expected to answer and the type of format in which they are presented. Although there are no prerequisites for entering into a certificate program for therapists of cognitive behavioral therapy, you should be prepared for at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work or related fields. Having an advanced degree will make you more attractive to a hiring manager when you apply for jobs.
In order to be accepted into a certificate program, you must pass the exam administered by the National Board for Therapist Practice. Each state has its own standards for the licensing of therapists of cognitive behavioral therapy, so it is important to check the information about your state before you apply for a CCBT certification. Most states require that therapists of this type have at least a master’s degree, although some states do not have specific requirements.
The National Board for Therapist Practice (NBT) offers a practice test for those who are considering becoming certified as a CBT therapist. You can take this test online or in person at their offices. It is important to understand the materials included in this course so that you can pass the practice test. There are many different modules, you can complete once you have received your certificate as a certified cognitive-behavioral therapy therapist. These include: cognitive and behavioral therapy modules, ethics and sociology, mind and body medicine, and professional law and ethical practice.
