I know for me although it was on the "child life council", the former name of the Association of Child Life Professionals, website it was still not totally clear to me what all it would take to become a child life specialist. So this post is for all of you that are looking for the quick and simple explanation of what the current requirements are to becoming a child life specialist. Along with a few of my very own tips and tricks to getting those accomplished.
Requirements BEFORE 2019 (y'all that's so soon):
1. Bachelor's degree in ANY field of study
2. Class taught by a CCLS (you must have your verification document signed off by the teacher who taught the class too! Specifics are found at the ACLP website which I've attached below)
3. 9 additional classes that relate to child development, psychology, sociology, etc. This must be documented by filling out an eligibility assessment on the ACLP website. There is a cost associated with applying for this so make sure you have completed all the courses you plan to include in your assessment and you must submit your transcripts to prove you've passed these classes as well. I was able to complete this the semester prior to graduation as most of these courses can be completed within that time.
4. 480 Internship! This is one you must plan ahead for. This will need to be submitted to the ACLP as well by your supervisor or you can get the document signed that states you completed your internship.
5. Apply for the certification exam! Study, study, study and pass! Check out my post about how I passed the exam.
Once you complete all the above steps you can start applying to jobs and most sites give you 6-12 months to pass your exam.
Click below for a detailed explanation about how to become a CCLS before 2019:
http://www.childlife.org/certification/students/requirements-before-2019
Requirements AFTER 2019:
1. Bachelor's degree in any field of study
2. Coursework in 10 specific content areas. Make sure to check the website and narrow down each class you plan to take to satisfy each of the content areas required! One of them still includes a course taught by a CCLS.
3. 600 hour Internship -- the change is that now there is a child life internship directory. Each site that plans to be eligible for internships had to submit a very, very long form to prove they are providing what is required to teach students how to effectively become a CCLS. This is HUGE and it's benefitting you all as students as these eligible sites will be able to give the best, well rounded internship that can be provided. This will need to be submitted to the ACLP as well by your supervisor or you can get the document signed that states you completed your internship.
4. Apply for the certification exam! Study, study, study and pass! Check out my post about how I passed the exam.
I believe you will also be eligible to begin applying for jobs once you complete your internship and be given the 6-12 months to pass your exam. If this changes I will be sure to update my information as well.
Click below for a more detailed explanation about how to become a CCLS after 2019:
http://www.childlife.org/certification/students/requirements-after-2019
If you want more information about my journey through applying for internship please read my internship blog.
Please feel free to reach out if you have specific questions regarding my journey of becoming a certified child life specialist.
Also, please check out the ACLP website regarding internship requirements for a more detailed explanation. This is where you will find the most up to date and accurate information regarding certification.