ABOUT CERTIFICATION

What is CACBT Certification?

CACBT certification indicates to other clinicians, referral sources, relevant stakeholders and the Canadian public that you are a clinician who has demonstrated foundational knowledge and competence in cognitive behavioural therapies. This distinction is essential to ensure that evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy is being provided to individuals across Canada.

Certification Mandate

A key mandate of the CACBT is the development of a formal  process for the certification of cognitive-behavioural therapists in Canada. The purpose of certification is to indicate to consumers that the clinician is a skilled cognitive-behavioural therapist. Certification is defined by the Board of Directors as follows.

Certified Member or Fellow: A regular Member or Fellow of the Association, who provides satisfactory evidence to the Certification Committee and they meet the following criteria:

1. They are licensed, registered, or certified to provide independent professional practice related to cognitive and behavioural therapies in the jurisdiction in which they reside or are employed;

2. They hold current legal liability insurance in the jurisdiction in which they reside or are employed OR they are exempt from this requirement under local statutory authority;

3. They meet the training and supervision eligibility criteria established by the Certification Committee; and

4. They are an active member of CACBT-ACTCC (i.e., their membership dues are up-to-date).

Why Become CACBT Certified?

For Your Professional Identity

• Demonstrate that you meet established standards of competency in CBT

• Develop greater confidence in your practice of CBT

• Know you are delivering high quality, evidence-based behavioural treatment

• Enhance your professional opportunities with clients and colleagues (e.g., training, partnerships)

• Gain access to a supportive Member Portal of like-minded CBT professionals

For Your Clients

• Reassure clients that your knowledge of and training in CBT is among the best in Canada

• Provide treatment that adheres to recognized standards - a bona fide CBT approach

For Your Practice

• Signifies to stakeholders (employers, insurers, learners, and the general public) that you have strong skills and competency in CBT

• Improve marketability and visibility of your practice

• Be nationally recognized in a public CACBT-Certified Directory

• Receive official recognition with a personalized, CACBT-sealed certificate for display, along with information for adding certification to your email signature -highlighting your commitment to evidence-based CBT
  

Maintaining Your Certification

To maintain CACBT certification, individuals must pay their annual membership fees by December 31.

Those who do not renew (including any applicable late fees) by March 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET will lose their certified status. CACBT has built in a grace period to support members in maintaining their certified status if the renewal deadline is inadvertently missed. Members have until March 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET to submit payment, including any applicable late fees. If renewal is not completed by this date, certification will lapse, and individuals will be required to reapply and complete the full certification process to regain their status.

Certification Options

There are two CACBT certification options:

• Option A – For CACBT members without prior certification from a recognized CBT organization.

• Option B – For CACBT members already certified by a recognized CBT organization.