Credentialing process

Development Phase of CredentialingThe Credentialing Committee is currently working on the credentialing process for Certified Members or Fellows. Establishment of a credentialing system will occur in three phases, two of which are considered "grandparenting" phases. That is, the first two phases involve a streamlined credentialing process for established, well-qualified individuals who are deemed to meet the highest standards of competence in CBT practice.

Phase IOver the past several months a list of Canadian professionals known for their competence in CBT was generated by the Credentialing Committee and the Board of Directors for automatic certification. These individuals were known by at least two members of either the CACBT-ACTCC Board of Directors or the Credentialing Committee to be active, well-established CBT practitioners. Individuals were selected for Phase-I grandparenting on this basis and we are in the process of inviting these individuals for certification. The list of individuals is now finalized and has been approved by both the Credentialing Committee and the Board of Directors.

Among these individuals, CACBT-ACTCC members are automatically credentialed, provided that they are interested in pursuing this opportunity. Those who were not already CACBT members will be required to become members within 90 days of the receipt of their invitation letter from the credentialing committee, in order to benefit from this opportunity.

Phase IIAs the Board and the Credentialing Committee recognize that they are not in a position to identify all well-established, skilled CBT practitioners across Canada, a second phase of grandparenting is being implemented. This phase will include an application process for any individuals who wish to be considered for grandparenting and who were not invited to do so in Phase I. Phase II grandparenting will be based on credential review without a requirement for an examination or submission of case material. Phase II grandparenting is scheduled to commence in early 2012, and will be in place for 2 years.

Phase IIIOnce the two grandparenting phases are complete, all new applicants for certification will be required to submit full credentialing materials for review (we are currently working to develop procedures for this). Phase III is currently under development and more details will be posted on our web site as they become available. An examination will likely be required.

Activities of the Credentialing Committee As of November, 2011, Phase I invitation letters to all intended recipients were being prepared with a 90 day deadline for notification of acceptance of certification. The Phase I grandparenting process should be completed very shortly. We are in the process of developing an application process for Phase II grandparenting which we will initiate in early 2012. We anticipate that the Phase II grandparenting period will run for two years. This page will be periodically updated as new information becomes available.

Credentialing criteriaThe following are the guidelines that the credentialing committee will use in making decisions about grandparenting applications.

The credentialing committee will require a completed application form and curriculum vitae prior to considering applicants. The grandparenting process will remain in effect for two years following its formal adoption.

An applicant must meet criteria A, B, and C or criterion D and be members of the organisation to become credentialed:

A. Formal training in CBT through an established academic and/or other formal clinical training program (e.g., pre-doctoral internship program, post-doctoral specialization or a series of formal supervised clinical experiences equating to one year). At least one of the four criteria below must be met:

• Completion of a doctorate within a training program identifying itself as having a predominantly CBT orientation. The applicant must provide a brief narrative on the nature of the CBT training within the training program as well as names of clinical supervisors.

• Completion of a full-year, full time, formal pre-doctoral internship or residency within a training program identifying itself as having a predominantly CBT orientation. The applicant must provide a brief narrative on the nature of the CBT training within the training program as well as names of clinical supervisors.

• Completion of a one year (or longer) full-time post-doctoral training program identifying itself as having a predominantly CBT orientation. The applicant must provide a brief narrative on the nature of the CBT training within the training program as well as names of clinical supervisors.

• Completion of a series of formal supervised and academic training experiences in CBT deemed equivalent to at least one year of clinical training with additional formal instruction in CBT. The applicant must provide a brief narrative on the nature of the CBT training as well as names of clinical supervisors and other instructors.

B. Must be a regulated professional (e.g., registered or certified psychologist, licensed physician, registered social worker, etc.) in good standing.

C. Must have 3 years of recent experience in CBT consisting of one or more of the following: Clinical work, publication, teaching or supervision.

D. Must be credentialed in CBT from another credible organisation (e.g., Academy of Cognitive Therapy, American Board of Professional Psychology).

1 Credentialing only remains in effect for individuals who are members of the organisation in good standing.