Process

Below are the steps required to complete the first level and become a Beck Institute Certified Clinician:

  • Submit an application to enroll in the first level of the Beck Institute CBT Certification Program. The application form will capture basic information, professional background, clinical training, and additional prerequisite information.
  • After acceptance into the Beck Institute Certification Program, successfully complete the required coursework. Required courses include:
  • Successfully complete a term of supervision with an expert member of our faculty, with at least 3 scores of 22 or above on the Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale—Revised (CTRS-R).
  • Attest that you have treated 10 cases using CBT and completed five Case Write-ups.
  • Submit a work sample, consisting of a therapy session recording and accompanying materials (Case Write-up and Cognitive Conceptualization Diagram) for evaluation by the Beck Institute Rating Committee and Beck Institute Credentialing Committee. Each recording must score at least 22 or above on the CTRS-R.

Eligibility Requirements

Education:
  • A terminal education degree with a behavioral or mental health specialization. This degree should have prepared you to see clients and practice as a clinician.
  • Continuing Education or Graduate Training* in the following subject areas:
    • Human Development
    • Psychopathology
    • Cultural Influences
    • Ethics
    • Assessment
    • Research and Statistics

*This refers to courses and training taken after obtaining a bachelor’s degree, either during graduate school or as a continuing education course. This training does not need to have been provided in full three-credit courses and there is no minimum hourly amount or other specific requirement (e.g., format, graded, etc.).

Work/Clinical Experience:
  • 2,000 hours of supervised clinical work; does not have to be continuous
  • Clinical work may have been performed as part of an internship, fellowship, and/or after graduation from a terminal degree program.
  • Clinical hours must have been supervised by qualified supervisors (licensed where required). The primary orientation of the supervisor need not be CBT.
Professional Licensing and Documentation:
  • Professional independent license (as required in the locale(s) in which you practice; applicants in the U.S. and Canada must have this documentation).
  • Liability insurance (only as required in the locale(s) in which you practice; applicants in the U.S. and Canada must have this documentation).
  • Resume or CV
  • You will also need to attest to your history of ethical practice, reporting any license suspensions or refused credentialing. You will be asked if you have any medical problems that impede your ability to provide good quality Cognitive Therapy.
Apply to Become a Beck Institute CBT Certified Clinician

Questions?

If you can’t find what you are looking for listed above, please visit our FAQs for common questions about Beck Institute CBT Certification.