FAQ INDEX

CRC CERTIFICATION


CRC/CCRC CERTIFICATION RENEWAL

 

CRC/CCRC CONTINUING EDUCATION

 


CRC CERTIFICATION - GENERAL


What is the purpose of the certification process?

In an effort to protect the public, the Commission has developed a credentialing process. Persons who earn the designation of Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) must demonstrate that they are of good moral character, meet acceptable standards of quality in their practice, and have the requisite education and professional background. To become certified, rehabilitation counselors must achieve a passing score on the CRC examination.

How is the certification examination developed?

The Commission ensures that its certification examination remains valid and relevant with current practices in the field through an in-depth Job Analysis Study. This scientifically conducted research is undertaken every five years to determine the roles, functions, knowledge, and skills of rehabilitation counselors. Additionally, new examination items are continuously created and added to the certification examination. Certification examination items are periodically reviewed and updated to ensure currency of the exam.

Is the CRC certification examination used by universities as their comprehensive examination in rehabilitation counseling?

The Commission believes that with computer-based testing, the CRC certification examination may be attractive to universities wishing to use it as their comprehensive examination in rehabilitation counseling. Students should check with their faculty advisor to determine whether their program will be using the CRC examination as the university comprehensive examination.

What should Program Coordinators at universities know about the new computer-based certification examination and its use as a comprehensive examination?

Computer-based testing will make the CRC certification examination attractive to universities wishing to use it as their comprehensive examination in rehabilitation counseling. Scores will now be available around mid-April, mid-August, and mid-November, generally making them available in plenty of time for graduation. CRCC will be in contact with coordinators of CORE-accredited programs prior to each exam administration to gather required information and releases from the university and students.

Where can I obtain the education to be eligible to sit for the CRC exam?

Please review the CORE (Council on Rehabilitation Education) website at http://www.core-rehab.org. Under the Programs Recognized tab you will find current Master's programs across the country that offer the coursework required to be eligible to sit for the CRC examination.

Can you review my transcripts so that I can be assured that I am eligible to sit for the exam?

While CRCC is unable to pre-review information in order to determine eligibility for certification, we do recommend that you review the information in the CRC Certification Guide in order to make a reasonable self-assessment as to your eligibility before choosing to submit an application. The Guide contains a listing of the various eligibility categories along with definitions for required coursework and employment experience.

How do I get a duplicate Certificate?

CRCC will be pleased to issue a duplicate certificate upon receipt of a written request and payment of the $25.00 fee associated with the transaction. Mail your request and check to CRCC at Department 4427, Carol Stream, IL 60122-4427. Check should be made payable to CRCC.

How do I get a receipt for fees paid?

Please forward a request to CRCC at info@crccertification.com. Upon receipt of such request CRCC will email you an Account Statement which will represent fees paid.

I was previously a CRC and let my certification lapse. How can I get recertified?

In order to become recertified you will need to meet the criteria currently in place, apply, sit for the CRC Exam, and achieve a passing score.

Why do I have a new ID number?

In December 2002, a new operating system was purchased based on the fact that the prior system was over 20 years old and was unable to be supported. The system now used by CRCC is an integrated database management system with many expanded capabilities. However, it was necessary to accept the system limitation of a new customer number, which is now what appears on all communications you receive from CRCC.

CRCC does still have record of your former identification number in case you choose to use it in a forensic setting, for example, but we do ask that you use the new customer number when corresponding with our offices.

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CRC CERTIFICATION – COMPUTER-BASED TESTING (CBT)


Why has the Commission migrated to computer-based testing?

Computer-based testing is considered to be the state-of-the-art in professional examinations. The commission believes that adopting computer-based testing is in keeping with the “gold standard” of its certification examination, which reflects the latest trends in the rehabilitation counseling field.

Has computer-based testing changed the content of the examination?

While the transition to computer-based testing has not precipitated a change in the test content, there will be a slight revision to the test blueprint in accordance with our most recent Job Analysis Study. The twelve knowledge domains remain in effect but the number of questions in each domain have been modified based on the latest trends and practices in the field as evidenced through the Study.

Will the shortened test affect reliability or validity of the certification examination?

Test developer Prometric has determined that the shortened format of the computer-based test will not impact the reliability or validity of the certification examination.

What is the timing for computer-based testing to begin?

Computer-based testing will begin with the October 2008 test cycle. See Section 3 of the CRC Certification Guide for application deadline and test cycle dates.

How will computer-based testing improve the frequency of when the certification examination is offered?

Eligible applicants may apply for one of three, eight-day testing windows a year. Previously the exam was held only two days a year.

Where will the computer-based testing be available?

Computer-based testing allows the certification examination to be available in more than 300 testing locations across the U.S. and Canada. Previously, the written examination was given at only 65 sites nationally. Because the location of test sites can change slightly from time-to-time, visit the Prometric website using the link below and follow the navigation to locate your most convenient testing center.

To find a CRC test location, visit the Prometric Website at http://www.prometric.com/crcc.
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CRC CERTIFICATION – ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Visit the Eligibility Requirements page for more information.

How do I determine if I am eligible to take the certification examination?

Eligibility criteria are outlined in detail in Section 4 of the CRC Certification Guide. Reviewing information in the Guide will allow candidates to make a reasonable self-assessment of their eligibility prior to completing an application.

If I am deemed ineligible to take the certification examination, is there an appeal process?

The Commission’s appeals process is available without cost or penalty to any candidate who feels that the eligibility criteria for certification have been inaccurately, inconsistently, or unfairly applied. For more information, see Section 9 of the CRC Certification Guide.
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CRC CERTIFICATION – APPLICATION & FEES

Visit the Application & Fees page for more information.

How and when do I apply?

The Commission has implemented a new streamlined process, allowing applicants to download the entire application packet—including fillable forms—from the Commission website. After all information and documentation has been compiled, a complete application and fees must be submitted by mail. For more information, see the CRC Certification Guide and Application Instructions.

Is the new online application packet totally electronic?

Although the application packet, including fillable forms, may be downloaded from the website, submission is not electronic at this time. A complete application, including required documentation and fees, must be submitted by mail.

When happens if I submit an incomplete application?

If an application does not include all required information or documentation, it will be considered incomplete and eligibility will not be able to be determined. Your eligibility determination will be delayed pending complete information, which will delay your ability to test in the testing cycle for which you applied.

If I am a student applying for CRC certification under Category G, when do I mail my transcript?

An official transcript indicating your degree has been awarded must be mailed to CRCC after you have graduated. CRCC will only release your examination results after the transcript reflecting the granting of your Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling and verification of the completed internship hours has been received.

How do I know if my course work is acceptable?

Course Definitions can be found in Section 5 of the CRC Certification Guide. These definitions will help you identify acceptable coursework. CRCC recommends that you review the definitions to make a reasonable self-assessment as to how well the course descriptions and course syllabi for the courses you have taken meet the definitions.

What do I do if I don’t have employment experience under the supervision of a CRC?

The purpose of the supervision requirement is to permit the certified individual to share, and to ensure that the applicant has the opportunity to access, the certified individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. For individuals who cannot meet this requirement at the time of their application, CRCC has developed a means to acquire the necessary supervision. It is called Provisional Supervision. Please review Section 7 of the CRC Certification Guide.

What is required for verification of any examination accommodations I will need?

Requests for accommodations must be made at the time of application. All requests for exam accommodations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis without penalty. The candidate must complete the Test Accommodation Request Form and submit it in conjunction with documentation as outlined in Section 11 of the CRC Certification Guide.

How much money do I need to submit with my application?

The application fee for all categories is $385. This fee covers the application and examination fees. If you are deemed ineligible to sit for the exam, $185 will be refunded to you.
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CRC CERTIFICATION – CRC EXAM PREPARATION & RESULTS

Visit the CRC Exam Preparation page for more information.

How do I prepare for the certification examination?

CRCC offers a CRC Interactive Practice Test to assist candidates as they prepare to take the CRC Exam. The practice test contains 50 items representative of content on a live CRC Exam and is taken online at any time within a 48-hour window.  The practice test provides correct answers, rationale, and related references for each of the 50 items and may be taken in both Test and Study modes.  It is available for $39.99 at http://ibt.prometric.com/CRCC.

Additionally, Section 12 of the CRC Certification Guide includes information about examination content, sample questions and a reading list.

What is the length of the exam?

The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions administered during an allotted three-and-a-half hours. Candidates should set aside four hours, which includes time for check-in, instructions, and a practice session on the computer in order for candidates to become familiar with the computer system.

How is the exam scored?

The examination is scored using a conjunctive scoring model whereby the examination is divided into two parts. One part tests knowledge with regard to counseling and the other part tests knowledge with regard to rehabilitation and disability issues. Candidates must achieve a passing score on both parts in order to pass the examination as a whole. Because of the need for security, multiple forms of examinations, each containing a different combination of questions, are used. The passing scores cannot be set as specific raw scores, or numbers of questions answered correctly, because some of these forms may be slightly easier or more difficult than others. Therefore, requiring the same raw scores to pass the different forms would not be fair to all examinees. A statistical procedure called equating is used to adjust for any differences in the level of difficulty among examination forms. Once the examination forms have been equated, a procedure called scaling is used to convert the actual number of correct answers, or raw scores, to a uniform scale. These converted scores are called scaled scores. Scaled scores ensure that all examinees demonstrate the same level of ability in order to pass the examination. Those who pass will receive a letter indicating such status. Those who do not pass will receive a report of their scaled scores along with diagnostic information that can be used for further study.

When will results be available?
Test results are expected to be available in approximately 4-5 weeks from the close of the testing window.
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CRC CERTIFICATION – CANCELLATION & RESCHEDULING

Visit the Cancellation & Rescheduling page for more information.

What if I need to reschedule my time and/or location to take the computer-based certification examination?

Applicants may change their time or location for taking the computer-based test but are subject to test site availability. Candidates who cancel or reschedule thirty days or less prior to their scheduled appointment will be subject to a re-examination fee of $200. No re-examination fee will be assessed for candidates who cancel or reschedule their scheduled appointment more than thirty days in advance. Additional charges from Prometric, the testing vendor, also apply for candidates who reschedule or cancel their appointment 30 days or less prior to their scheduled examination. These charges range from $25 - $80, depending on the length of time prior to the scheduled exam. Applicants are encouraged to schedule carefully in order to avoid additional fees.
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CRC/CCRC CERTIFICATION RENEWAL

Visit the CRC/CCRC Certification Renewal page for more information.

How often must I renew my certification?

Once certified, you must renew your certification every five years.

When will I receive my renewal packet?

Approximately three to four months prior to your scheduled renewal, a renewal packet will be mailed to your address of record.

Can I renew early?

CRCC does not provide the option for certificants to renew prior to their scheduled renewal period.

How do I renew my certification?

CRCC offers two options for renewing a certification, both of which require completion of a renewal application and appropriate fees. Refer to the Renewal/CE Guide Book for additional information.

Option 1: CRCs and CCRCs may document 100 clock hours of continuing education, of which 10 must be in ethics.

CRCs that hold the MAC adjunct designation may document 100 clock hours of continuing education, at least 50 of those hours must fall within the Additions Counseling focus area, and 10 must be in ethics.

CRCs that hold the CS adjunct designation may document 100 clock hours of continuing education of which 10 must be in ethics. While it is not required, CRCC strongly recommends that at least 20 hours fall within the Clinical Supervision focus area.

Option 2: CRCs may re-take the certification examination and achieve a passing score. The exam must be taken during the first exam testing cycle following expiration of certification. CRCs that hold adjunct designations (MAC and/or CS) must, in addition to re-taking the CRC exam to renew their CRC certification, evidence a specific amount of continuing education in their specialty in order to renew the adjunct designations. Refer to the Renewal/CE Guide Book for additional information.
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CRC/CCRC CONTINUING EDUCATION

Visit the CRC/CCRC Continuing Education page for more information.

How can I verify the number of continuing education hours I have on file?

Please forward a request to CRCC at info@crccertification.com. Upon receipt of such request CRCC will email you a Continuing Education Report which includes the continuing education currently on file with CRCC.

To which address do I send my continuing education?

Continuing education that is submitted WITH PAYMENT should be mailed to:

CRCC
Department 4427
Carol Stream, Illinois 60122-4427

Continuing education submitted WITHOUT PAYMENT should be mailed to:

CRCC
1699 East Woodfield Road, Suite 300
Schaumburg, Illinois 60173

What qualifies as continuing education in the ethics focus area?

In order to be classified in the ethics focus area, the content of the program must convey specific behavior that is related to, preferably, the CRC/CCRC Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors, or, alternatively, the ACA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Appropriate subject matter must relate to rehabilitation counseling and must include one of the following:

  • the counseling relationship
  • confidentiality, privileged communication, and privacy
  • advocacy and accessibility
  • professional responsibility
  • relationships with other professionals
  • forensic and indirect services
  • evaluation, assessment, and interpretation
  • teaching, supervision, and training
  • research and publication
  • technology and distance counseling
  • business practices

How will I know if a workshop, seminar, conference, or in-service training session I attend is considered pre-approved continuing education?

When you complete the activity, the sponsor will provide you with a verification form containing a CRC/CCRC approval number. To receive credit, the certified individual must submit this form to CRCC. No fee or application is required for pre-approved programs.

Can I get continuing education credit for activities that aren’t pre-approved by CRCC and what fees would be required?

Any continuing education activity that satisfies a focus area described in the CRC/CCRC Criteria for Certification Renewal and Continuing Education manual can be submitted for approval on a post-attendance basis. The procedures are as follows:

a) Complete a copy of the application located on the last page of the manual
b) Attach proof of attendance or completion
c) Submit the required processing fee

The processing fee is $15 per program.

If I acquire more than 100 clock hours in a five-year period, may I apply the excess to the next renewal cycle?

No, since continuing education is intended to keep certificants current with emerging trends and technologies, it may be applied ONLY to the current certification cycle.

Can I submit copies of information to document my continuing education?

Yes, with one exception. CRCC requires original transcripts to document course work taken at colleges or universities. Any copies submitted must be legible. Note that CRCC does not return continuing education or certification renewal documentation, so it is advisable to make copies of anything you send to CRCC.
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