Become Certified

Steps to Become Certified (PDF)

Academic Requirements

Eligibility Assessment

Pre-Internship Experiences

Clinical Internship

Certification Exam

Certification Candidate Manual
Overview

How to become a Certified Child Life Specialist

To practice as a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS), an individual must obtain the CCLS credential by passing the certification exam.  

View the video for a complete overview of the certification process.

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Requirements to take the Child Life Certification Exam

The following are required in order to be eligible to take the Child Life Certification Exam.

Academic Requirements

The academic requirements for the certification exam are a bachelor's degree in any field of study and child life coursework. The coursework can be obtained either from graduating from an ACLP-endorsed program or through the completion of 10 specific college courses.

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Eligibility Assessment

The ACLP Eligibility Assessment is the way ACLP verifies that an individual has completed the academic and clinical requirements needed to sit for the certification exam. The Eligibility Assessment can be started at any time and individuals can add their degree, coursework, and clinical experience information as they complete it. The final Eligibility Assessment is then submitted to ACLP for verification. 

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Clinical Internship

An individual must complete a clinical internship that is under the direct supervision of a CCLS who meets certain criteria. To apply for an internship an individual must have knowledge and skills obtained through pre-internship experiences as well as have started an Eligibility Assessment.

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Certification Exam

In order to become a Certified Child Life Specialist, individuals must sit for and pass the Child Life Certification Exam. The exam is an objective test that covers knowledge, understanding and practical application of important child life concepts. 

Those who achieve a passing score become certified for a five-year period, after which time they must recertify. 

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Certification Forms, Manuals, & Resources

View and download the certification manuals, forms, and resources.

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