What Is CRC Certification?
- The CRC certification is a voluntary credential that establishes your expertise as a rehabilitation counselor.
- Many employers prefer to hire counselors with CRC certification because of its rigorous requirements that ensure a high level of competency and professionalism.
- CRC certification is considered the industry standard for rehabilitation counselors, leading to increased career opportunities and higher earning potential.
Rehabilitation counselors earn an option certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) is a voluntary credential offered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). Learn about this highly recognized certification and how it can expand your career opportunities and earning potential.
Is Certification Required for Rehabilitation Counselors?
While not universally required, the CRC certification has become a highly recognized industry standard preferred by many employers. Earning this credential demonstrates your expertise, but it is not necessarily a requirement for employment. Deciding to earn the CRC credential depends on your personal and professional goals.
- Credibility and Competency: Certification shows that you have met rigorous professional standards and validates your competency to provide effective guidance to individuals with disabilities.
- Career Advancement: Employers often require or prefer candidates with CRC certification. The certification can also lead to supervisory and leadership roles.
- Earning Potential: The CRC certification can boost earning potential and provide a competitive edge in the job market by validating specialized skills that distinguish you from counselors without this credential.
- Cost and Time Commitment: Certification requires significant financial and time investment, including application and exam fees, and completing graduate studies and supervised experience requirements. Maintaining certification requires a renewal fee every five years and ongoing continuing education during each renewal period.
- Different State Licensing Requirements: A CRC certification is not the same as a state license. For certain types of practice, such as vocational rehabilitation services or job assistance, a state license might be all you need. In some states, you may need both a state license and CRC certification for full practice.
- Demanding Workload: While the CRC certification can lead to career advancement and higher earnings, these roles typically involve increased administrative responsibilities and larger caseloads. This demanding work environment can be emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausting.
CRC Certification Requirements
To obtain CRC certification, you must first earn a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field and complete a 600-hour supervised internship either during your master’s program or after graduation. The next step is to submit your application through the CRCC website, including your transcripts, internship verification, and $420 for application and examination fees.
Once the CRCC approves your application, it issues a test authorization letter with instructions for scheduling the CRC exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your official certificate, which entitles you to use the CRC designation. The initial certification is valid for five years.
Recertification Requirements
After becoming a CRC, you must renew your certification through the CRCC every five years to ensure that you remain current with best practices and new developments in the field. CRC renewal requires 100 hours of approved continuing education (CE) credits earned within the five-year renewal period, including at least 10 hours in ethics.
The CRCC recommends that you submit documentation of your earned CE credits annually to keep track of how many more hours you need for renewal. The basic renewal fee is $405, but it varies for specialized certifications.
CRC Certification Exam
Once you receive your test authorization, you can take the CRC exam in-person at a Pearson VUE test center or remotely via OnVUE Live Online Proctoring. The exam lasts three and a half hours and consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover 12 knowledge domains.
One part of the exam focuses on general counseling, and the other tests for specific rehabilitation and disability knowledge. You must earn a passing score on both parts to pass the exam. After completing the exam, you will receive a report indicating whether you passed or failed. Consult the CRCC and PearsonVUE websites for current information about testing sites, ADA accommodations, and procedures for retaking the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
CRC certification leads to broader career opportunities and significantly increased earning potential. A 2021 CRCC survey conducted found that CRCs made an average salary of $73,851. In comparison, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average salary for rehabilitation counselors overall was $48,430 in May 2024.
